PhD in Biology: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
PhD in Biology stands for Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, and it is a three-year doctorate program that deals with the study of microorganisms and their surroundings. PhD in Biology jobs after the program include Sr. Research Associate, Research Biologist, Environmental Staff Scientist, Clinical Lab Scientist, Sr. Microbiologist, Product Manager, Natural Science Manager, etc.
Table of Contents
- About PhD in Biology
- Who Should Pursue a PhD in Biology Course?
- When To Do PhD in Biology Course?
- How To Get Admission for PhD in Biology?
- Types of PhD in Biology Courses
- Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Biology
- Top PhD in Biology Colleges in India
- Study PhD in Biology Abroad
- Fee Structure for PhD in Biology
- Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Biology
- Why Choose PhD in Biology Course?
- PhD in Biology Course Comparison
- Preparation Tips for PhD in Biology Course
- Salary of a PhD in Biology Graduate
- Career Options After PhD in Biology Graduation
- Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Biology Graduate
PhD in Biology Course Details
| Degree | Doctorate |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Biology |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | No age limit |
| Subjects Required | M.Sc in Biology and previous research work on the field of Bio Science |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% |
| Average Fees | ₹1 - 5 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 4-12 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Sr. Research Associate, Research Biologist, Environmental Staff Scientist, Clinical Lab Scientist, Sr. Microbiologist, Product Manager, Natural Science Manager, etc. |
About PhD in Biology
PhD in Biology courses are composed of many artistic disciplines and offer various subject combinations to candidates. The PhD in Biology syllabus covers all the related field topics and gives students rigorous training. Doctor of Philosophy in Biology is the holder of a doctoral degree awarded for a doctorate in biology. A PhD in Biology duration is a minimum of three years, depending on the country and institution.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Biology
For PhD in Biology admission, the students need to know the eligibility criteria and all the PhD in Biology course details. PhD in Biology eligibility includes Candidates who should have a master’s degree in Biology or a relevant field from a recognized institute with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
In addition, many colleges and universities conduct entrance exams for students to be eligible for the course. There is no age limit to applying for this course.
Who Should Pursue a PhD in Biology Course?
The PhD in Biology course is for those aspirants that want to set up a career in microorganisms and their surroundings. Depending on the nature and type of PhD in Biology course, aspirants can set up their careers in the domain of their preferences.
When To Do PhD in Biology Course?
Typically, it makes sense for PhD in Biology aspirants to apply for their respective courses immediately after completing post-graduation. However, students need to ace entrance exams and meet eligibility requirements for a PhD in Biology course.
How To Get Admission for PhD in Biology?
PhD in Biology admission is possible through entrance examination selection. Candidates applying for the PhD in Biology degree should have their results from the respective entrance exams boards required by the selected/opted universities.
Though the admission process varies from college to college, below are the steps one should generally go through to get admission.
How to Apply?
The PhD in Biology degree course applications are available either online from the university website or offline by visiting the university's admissions office. In addition, some colleges may conduct interviews before admissions to check if students have good communication skills. Candidates applying for the PhD in Biology program should have all the necessary documents before the entrance test, such as master’s results and ID verification.
Selection Process
The selection process for the courses under PhD in Biology in India is usually the same irrespective of the specialization. Generally, once the application for the course is received, colleges decide on the final selection of the candidates based on the marks obtained by them in the entrance exams.
Types of PhD in Biology Courses
Aspirants can pursue the PhD in Biology course in the full-time, distance or part-time mode. Below are the types of PhD in Biology courses in detail:
Full-Time PhD in Biology
The full-time PhD in Biology program is typically for a minimum of 3 years, where students will have to attend classes in person, submit assignments, and write their exams on-campus. The advantage of a full-time PhD in Biology course is that students will gain a lot more exposure, experience, and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.
Part-Time PhD in Biology
The part-time PhD in Biology course is designed for students who cannot attend regular classes. Part-time courses either entail weekend or night classes or online classes, depending on the type of course. The advantage of the part-time PhD in Biology course is that students can pursue this course while simultaneously being engaged in employment, research, etc.
Distance PhD in Biology
Many universities and colleges in India offer Distance PhD in Biology courses. The course is designed keeping the Distance Education methodology in mind. This course is designed for students who cannot afford to attend classes on-campus or those engaged in some form of employment and cannot take time out to pursue a full-time course.
Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Biology
Entrance exams are a common and popular means for some colleges to have a screening to decide which student must be admitted to the course. Many popular colleges around the country have made a name for themselves by conducting internationally acclaimed research projects.
These colleges often conduct entrance exams, as the demand to enter these colleges is higher than the number of seats available. Listed below are some of the popular exams:
A Quick Glance at the PhD in Biology Entrance Exams
Students can access the PhD in Biology course details by going to the college's official website to which they are interested in applying. The specialization plays a vital role in the college's approach to the entrance exam. Below listed are some of the general guidelines for the PhD in Biology entrance examinations:
- The exam pattern includes English, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Thinking, and subject-specific questions according to the specialization.
- The papers are objective and MCQ-based.
- The syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change according to a university/conducting body.
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in India
India is home to some of the PhD in Biology colleges in the world. Aspirants have many options to choose from in terms of the best PhD in Biology course as per their preferences. Depending on the type of PhD in Biology programs offered, candidates will have to make the appropriate choice.
Below is the list of the 10 best PhD in Biology Colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Name of the College | Average Fees |
| 1 | IISc, Bengaluru | INR 1 Lakhs |
| 2 | JNU, New Delhi | INR 50,000 |
| 3 | University of Hyderabad | INR 1 Lakhs |
| 4 | Calcutta University | INR 1 Lakhs |
| 5 | Manipal University | INR 1 Lakhs |
| 6 | Bharathiar University, Coimbatore | INR 50,000 |
| 7 | BITS, Pilani | INR 1 Lakhs |
| 8 | Hamdard University, New Delhi | INR 1 Lakhs |
| 9 | University of Madras | INR 50,000 |
| 10 | Panjab University, Chandigarh | INR 50,000 |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in New Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for PhD in Biology in India. Check the table below for the top PhD in Biology colleges in New Delhi:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Lady Shri Ram College |
| 2 | Miranda House |
| 3 | Hindu College |
| 4 | Hansraj College |
| 5 | Ramjas College |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in Pune
Pune also has some of the best institutions for PhD in Biology in India. Check the table below for the top PhD in Biology colleges in Pune:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Allana Institute of Management Sciences |
| 2 | Chandrashekhar Agashe College of Physical Education |
| 3 | Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute |
| 5 | Fergusson College |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s capital city is home to some of the premier institutions for PhD in Biology in India. Check the table below for the best PhD in Biology colleges in Chennai:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Loyola College |
| 2 | Presidency College |
| 3 | Madras Christian College |
| 4 | SRM University |
| 5 | Sathyabama University |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top PhD in Biology programs. Check the table below for the best PhD in Biology colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Christ University |
| 2 | REVA University |
| 3 | DSU |
| 4 | Jain University |
| 5 | Garden City University |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in Kolkata
West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for PhD in Biology courses in India. Check the table below for the best PhD in Biology colleges in Kolkata:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Presidency College |
| 2 | St. Xavier’s College |
| 3 | Adamas University |
| 4 | Lady Brabourne College |
| 5 | Jadavpur University |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in Hyderabad
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for PhD in Biology courses in India. Check the table below for the top PhD in Biology colleges in Hyderabad:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Nizam College |
| 2 | AV College of Arts, Science and Commerce |
| 3 | University of Hyderabad |
| 4 | St. Ann’s College for Women |
| 5 | St. Francis College for Women |
Top PhD in Biology Government Colleges
There are several top Government Colleges offering quality PhD in Biology programs across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD in Biology government colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | BHU, Varanasi |
| 2 | Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai |
| 3 | IISc, Bengaluru |
| 4 | JNU, New Delhi |
| 5 | University of Hyderabad |
Top PhD in Biology Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD in Biology private colleges that offer some of the best programs in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD in Biology private colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Bharathiar University, Coimbatore |
| 2 | BITS, Pilani |
| 3 | Hamdard University, New Delhi |
| 4 | University of Madras, Chennai |
| 5 | Panjab University, Chandigarh |
Study PhD in Biology Abroad
Students can opt to study a PhD in Biology course abroad if they can afford it. The PhD in Biology course abroad is for a minimum of 3 years, depending on the college and country.
The benefits of studying a PhD in Biology course abroad are access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculties, apart from worldwide exposure in terms of subject matter and other cultures. In addition, a PhD in Biology is one of the best courses to study abroad because of its diversity.
Below are some of the top PhD in Biology colleges abroad and the relevant fees structure:
Top PhD in Biology Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of some of the best colleges abroad for PhD in Biology:
| Institution | Fees (USD) |
| University of Oxford | ​​33220 |
| Harvard University | 46690 |
| University of Cambridge | 25670 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 41722 |
| Stanford University | 17501 |
| Yale University | 54650 |
| New York University | 52538 |
| Princeton University | 53346 |
| Columbia University | 59105 |
| California Institute of Technology | 32160 |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in the USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD in Biology programs in the world. The table below contains the list of top PhD in Biology colleges in the USA:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Harvard University |
| 2 | Yale University |
| 3 | Stanford University |
| 4 | Princeton University |
| 5 | California Institute of Technology |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in the UK
The UK has institutions that date back to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a PhD in Biology. The table below shows the top colleges in the UK for PhD in Biology:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | University of Cambridge |
| 3 | University of Edinburgh |
| 4 | University College London |
| 5 | London School of Economics |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in Canada
Known as the ‘Great White North, Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for PhD in Biology programs in the world:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | University of British Columbia |
| 3 | Brock University |
| 4 | University of Lethbridge |
| 5 | University of Guelph |
Top PhD in Biology Colleges in Australia
Known as the ‘Land Down Under, Australia has emerged as one of the top destinations for higher studies for many students. The list of top PhD in Biology colleges in Australia is as follows:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Melbourne |
| 2 | Australian National University |
| 3 | University of Sydney |
| 4 | Monash University |
| 5 | University of New South Wales |
Fee Structure for PhD in Biology
The PhD in Biology course fee is not fixed and depends on many factors. Some of the factors which affect the PhD in Biology fees include location, faculty, demand, infrastructure, and the facilities available to the students. The average PhD in Biology course fee in India is around INR 10,000 - 1.5 LPA.
| Sl.No. | Name of the College | Total Fee Structure (INR) |
| 1. | IISc, Bengaluru | 75,600 PA |
| 2. | JNU, New Delhi | 2,000 PA |
| 3. | University of Hyderabad | 7,900 PA |
| 4. | Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi | 1.28 LPA |
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Biology
The course syllabus included in the curriculum of some of the most popular PhD in Biology courses is tabulated below. The crux of the syllabus is maintained throughout most colleges across the nation, although minor deviations may be observed for a few colleges. Listed below are some subjects that the students get a chance to study:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Read More: PhD in Biology Syllabus and Subjects
Why Choose PhD in Biology Course?
When students decide to pursue the PhD in Biology qualification, they should research PhD in Biology course details to ensure that they know the course they are enrolled in. Some of the common queries that students encounter are, "What is PhD in Biology" and "Why PhD in Biology?". To understand the answer to these questions, we can make it simpler by breaking it down into the following three short questions:
What is PhD in Biology All About?
A PhD in Biology course is a doctoral degree awarded to students, in a branch of Microorganisms. The PhD in Biology degree is one of the oldest and most popular programs globally. PhD in Biology degree is a mix of many subjects that allows candidates to adapt to the changing demands of the employer and meet their needs. The PhD in Biology course enhances the candidates’ communication, research, and analytical skills.
What Does a PhD in Biology Graduate Do?
Students can select the subjects of their choice depending on their interest in job prospects available in the specific field. Since graduates with a PhD in Biology degree possess skills in various subjects, there are career opportunities available in multiple fields for them. In addition, there are many responsibilities that graduates of this role have to undertake, which makes the role very dynamic and diverse.
Microbiologists: One of the popular roles undertaken by graduates of the PhD in Biology course is Microbiologists. A microbiologist studies bacteria, algae and fungi to understand how they cause diseases and how the environment is affected. Since students gain a deeper understanding of a specific subject when studying PhD in Biology, it helps them pursue Microbiologists as a career.
Reasons Why PhD in Biology Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
PhD in Biology courses are a very reflective and exciting stream of education. Students can gauge the intrinsic worth of a PhD in Biology course because it offers more avenues of employment opportunities than any other stream. Thus, the PhD in Biology job scope is forever widening and appealing.
Diversity in Job roles: There is a diverse range of job roles available for the graduates of this course. Since the specializations available to the students are very flexible, it enables the students to pursue a wide range of roles in their careers.
Read More: PhD in Biology Jobs & Scope
PhD in Biology Course Comparison
PhD in Biology stands for Doctor of Philosophy in Biology and is typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards microbiology. Below is a comparison of the PhD in Biology course with other courses:
PhD in Biology vs M.Phil Biotechnology
The table below showcases the differences between PhD in Biology and M.Phil in Biotechnology:
| Course | PhD in Biology | M.Phil Biotechnology |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Biology | Master of Philosophy in Biotechnology |
| Stream | Science | Science |
| Course Duration | Minimum 3 years | 1 years |
| Eligibility | Master degree in biology with at least 50% aggregate score | Master degree in the same field of education with at least 50% aggregate score |
| Entrance Exams | JAM, JEST, UGC NET | UGC NET, UGC CSIR NET, DUET, UoH EE, JRF, SLET |
| Top Colleges | University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Calcutta University, Kolkata, Manipal, Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore | Hindustan college of arts and science Coimbatore, IIMT Uttar Pradesh, Jain university Bangalore, Lovely professional university Jalandhar |
| Fees | INR 1-5LPA | INR 1-2 LPA |
Read More: M.Phil Biotechnology
Preparation Tips for PhD in Biology Course
There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a PhD in Biology degree. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles.
Improve Vocabulary: Improving vocabulary is very necessary as the PhD in Biology course deals with many writing and reading activities. So having excellent communication and writing skills are a plus for the student studying the PhD in Biology course.
Read and Practice More: Being up to date with the syllabus every day is very important. Practising and reading more will help the student be thorough with the syllabus and do well in the exams.
Have Intrinsic Knowledge and Interest in Subjects: Having intrinsic knowledge about the subject and having the same interest will keep the student motivated to learn more than what's in the syllabus.
Revise Methodically: Revising from time to time can be a key to scoring well in the final exam. Keep revising regularly and understand the subject properly. Revision is the key to scoring good marks.
Salary of a PhD in Biology Graduate
The PhD in Biology salary for the graduates can differ according to the specialization that the aspirants decide to pursue. Other factors that can affect PhD in Biology salary in India include experience, geography, and the industry they are working in.
Graduates can increase their salary by doing internships and work placements as it would add to their experiences. The average PhD in Biology job salary for graduates is around INR 4-12 LPA [Source: PayScale].
Read More: PhD in Biology Salary
Career Options After PhD in Biology Graduation
There are plenty of jobs available for students looking for a career in Microbiology. The job roles will differ based on the specialization that one has opted for. PhD in Biology graduates have abundant job opportunities with good salary packages that include the following fields:
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
- Computational Biology
Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Biology Graduate
There are many complex and soft skills that PhD in Biology graduates need to possess to succeed in their careers. These are not necessarily skills that students can get in a classroom setting. Instead, these are skills that are learned through experience.
Therefore, students should always put in the effort to go out of their comfort zone and gain as much experience as possible. Some of these skills include:
- Quantitative Analysis Skills
- Research Skills
- Analytical Skills
- The Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Interpersonal Skills
- Practical Skills