About PhD in Bioinformatics Admission

The Bioinformatics PhD is a three to five-year doctorate program. The PhD in Bioinformatics syllabus and subjects aims to provide in-depth knowledge in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. PhD in Bioinformatics job scopes include a wide range of employment opportunities in public and private sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Bioinformatics

There are specific Bioinformatics PhD requirements for enrolling in a PhD in Bioinformatics in India. The following are PhD in Bioinformatics eligibility requirements:

The applicant must hold a Master's degree in Science, Mathematics, Biotechnology, or Bioinformatics from an accredited institution.

The candidates must have achieved a minimum of 50% marks in both their postgraduate and undergraduate studies.

There are no age restrictions for enrolling in this course. 

Students are required to meet the cut-off marks in the entrance exam.

PhD in Bioinformatics Syllabus

Basic Concepts of Computer

• Concept of Computer Hardware, Software, and Computer Languages

Biostatistics

• Probability distribution, Measure of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Binomial Distribution, Poisson Distribution, and Normal Distribution.

Quantitative Techniques

• Regression and Correlation, Level of Significance, Use of Computers in Quantitative analysis

Scientific Writing

• Definition and Kind of scientific documents, submission of manuscripts, oral and poster presentation of a research paper, ordering reprints

Techniques in Molecular Biology

• Identification of DNA, RNA, and Plasmids

Research Techniques

• Cell extraction techniques, Ultrafiltration, Paper Chromatography, etc

Genomics

• Genes, Human Genome Project, Polymerase, Enzymes, Nuclease, etc.

Protein Databases

• Protein sequence databases, different formats of databases, composite databases, etc.

Types of PhD in Bioinformatics Courses

The Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, a research-based program, can be completed in one of three ways: full-time, part-time, or through distance learning. Several prestigious universities offer PhD in Bioinformatics in India for aspirants. The various types of Ph.D. in Bioinformatics course details are given below.

Full-Time PhD in Bioinformatics

Numerous prestigious institutions and universities offer three-year PhD in bioinformatics courses. This full-time course primarily consists of assignments, projects, and classroom learning. An integrated PhD in bioinformatics course is also offered by several universities as well.

Part-Time PhD in Bioinformatics

There is a part-time PhD in Bioinformatics in India that lasts between three to five years. This course format is primarily designed for working students and professionals. Working professionals and students who are unable to enroll full-time can enroll in this course. However, there are online PhD Bioinformatics courses available for students as well. 

Distance PhD in Bioinformatics

A distance learning course facilitates knowledge acquisition anytime and from any location. However, the distance learning facility for this course are few for the complexity of the course which requires students to be present on the campus and learn through practical training.

Why Study a PhD in Bioinformatics?

A PhD in Bioinformatics course provides numerous options to students to build their career and become successful in life. Here we have brought before you a few reasons regarding why you should pursue a PhD in Bioinformatics course:

After completing the course, the candidates will be able to pursue research in various fields. The course gives the students a strong understanding of the functions of various other departments like Marketing and Business Development.

The PhD in Bioinformatics students will be exposed to various career opportunities. They may work at various government and private sector health organizations, educational institutes, cancer research centers, etc.

The students may work as research scientists at various research labs. They may discover new techniques for managing and retrieving data.

The students, after successfully completing their PhD in Bioinformatics may earn a salary of 3 LPA -15 LPA. Your salary depends on your expertise and also your job position. Your salary will increase gradually.

PhD in Bioinformatics Admission Process

The admission is done either based on the marks acquired by the candidates in the entrance exam or on their performance in their master degree course.

In some cases, a personal interview may also take place.

Some of the most common entrance tests for the PhD in Bioinformatics students are GATE, BINC (Bioinformatics National Certification Examination) and NET UGC.

The application forms for entrance to the PhD courses are released in the month of May or June.

The shortlisted candidates are either called for admission or they have to sit for the entrance test.

All details related to the admission process can be found on the official website of the respective universities.

Merit-Based Admission

Step 1: Fill the application form: Once you have finalized the colleges, you will have to fill up the application form. The application forms will have to be submitted before the deadline.

Step 2: Admission to the college: The candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in their master's degree course. The marks requirement may vary from college to college.

Entrance-Based Admission

Step 1: Fill the application form: The first step of the admission process is filling up the application form. Once you have successfully submitted the application form, you may proceed with the further steps of the admission process.

Step 2: Appear for the entrance test: Most of universities accept students based on the marks scored by them in the entrance test. The cut-off for the entrance test is determined by the college authorities.

Step 3: Appear for an interview (optional): Some colleges also conduct a personal interview. The candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in the interview.

Step 4: Admission to the college: The final stage of the admission process is getting admitted to the college. For that, they need to submit all the required documents and pay the admission charges.

PhD in Bioinformatics Entrance Exams

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• ICAR AICE JRF/SRF
• IIT JAM
• VITMEE
• NIPER PhD Entrance Exam

How to Prepare for the PhD in Bioinformatics entrance exam?

In order to secure a really good score in your PhD in Bioinformatics entrance test, you need to be really well-prepared. So, here are a few preparation tips for you which will help you to ace your examination:

Get to know everything you can about the format of the examination and the question paper. If it is a subjective test, then you need to read through the chapters properly. However, if the exam is MCQ-based, concentrate on the minute details.

Study the syllabus properly. Make sure that you do not leave out any important chapters. Try to complete the entire syllabus at least one month before the date of the examination.

Give more importance to the sections from where questions are frequently asked in the examination. Revise those sections properly before the day of the examination.

Prepare a definite strategy and abide by it. Planning and scheduling are extremely important for securing a good rank in the examination.

Practice different types of questions from sample papers and previous years’ question papers. Here are a few links to the previous year’s question papers and the sample papers that might help you out in your preparations.

Always take notes while you study. This will ensure that you do not forget any important point. You can just go through your notes before your examination and you will feel confident about yourself.

Also, always try to maintain a positive attitude. Be enthusiastic and don’t overstress yourself. This will increase your confidence and will also boost up your concentration level.

PhD in Bioinformatics Job Prospects and Career Options

The career prospects for the PhD in Bioinformatics course has gradually been increasing because of the latest use of technology in the management of biological data.

The candidates may work in various sectors like educational institutes, hospitals, biomedical organizations, research institutions, etc.

They may also conduct research activities in Bioinformatics.

The candidates can work in both government as well as private hospitals.

They can also teach at government and private schools.

Bioinformatics Software Developers

Associate Research Scientists

Professors

Medical Coders

Bioinformatics Trainees

Clinical Bioinformaticians

Future Scope After Completing PhD in Bioinformatics 

The PhD in Bioinformatics students have a very prosperous future. The students have a lot of career options to choose from.

PhD in Bioinformatics students may teach in private or government schools and colleges. They may also become a part of the government and private hospitals.

The candidates pursue research in various fields related to bioinformatics. They may work at research labs in India or abroad.

Some of the most common job profiles for PhD in Bioinformatics students are research scientists, professors, Bioinformatics Trainees, Clinical Bioinformaticians, Medical Coders, etc.

If the candidates wish to go for further study, then they can go for a DSc degree in relevant disciplines. But, to be eligible for DSc, the candidates will have to do further research even after completing their PhD.