PhD in Life Science Admission

PhD in Life Science is basically a 3 to 5-year duration full-time doctorate course that is focused on the study of living organisms including Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Neuroscience. This course is an advanced level Master’s degree course and thus requires a pre-understanding of the workings of the organisms on a more general level. 

This course is a combination of Biology at the microorganism level as well as at the level of human beings, thus making the scope of the course very vast. Students who have completed their master’s degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent MSc degree in Science stream from any recognized university will be considered eligible to apply to this course.

Admission to this program will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted by the college or university. However, there are some institutes that offer admission to this program based on merit in the Master’s degree exam.

PhD Life Science degree holders are hired in a wide range of fields as Product Managers, Analysts & consultants, Business Intelligence Solution architects etc. They are recruited in areas such as the Agriculture Sector, Animal Care Centres, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Beverage Industry, Environmental Protection Agencies, Farm Houses, Food Processing Industry etc.

The average annual tuition fee charged for this course in India ranges between INR 15,000 and INR 4,00,000. In India, the average annual salary that a PhD Life Science degree holder can get ranges between INR 2,00,000 and INR 12,00,000. If students wish to opt for further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. They can also earn a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in a related domain in the future.

PhD Life Science Course Highlights

Course Level

Doctorate Degree

Duration of the Course

3-5 Years

Examination Type

Semester-Type

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s degree in a related subject from a recognized university

Admission Process

Entrance Exam followed by Personal Interview

PhD Life Science What is it about? 

The detailed information about the PhD in Life Science Course is mentioned below: 

PhD Life Science course is about the study of organisms at all possible levels. The candidates of Life Science are required to study organisms and microorganisms at the molecular and physiological levels. 

This course is an advanced level master’s degree course and thus requires a pre-understanding of the workings of the organisms on a more general level. 

This program is a combination of biology at the microorganism level as well as at the level of human beings, thus making the scope of the course very broad.

The doctoral degree course in Life Science field is an unparalleled research experience to candidates with a fortifying interdisciplinary course.

The focus areas of this program are currently at the cutting edge of nano-bio interfaces. Specializations include nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, nanotoxicology, stem cell biology, environmental biotechnology, bioinformatics, and bioengineering. 

The goal of this course is to create knowledge that will enrich human as well as environmental life.

Why study PhD Life Science? 

The goal to attain a PhD in Life Science degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the reasons to pursue this course are as follows.

Prestigious Job Prospects: According to the research, it has been proved that the demand of Life Science graduates in the medical and research field is increasing day by day. 

Lucrative Pay Packages: There are many different positions available for the PhD degree holders in Life Science, like Product Manager - Life Sciences, Analyst and consultant - Pharmaceuticals product life sciences, Business Intelligence Solution Architect - Life Sciences, Research Analyst - Life Sciences, Manager - Medical Affairs, Research Scientist - Metabolic Identification etc.

Depending upon their position in the field, they can easily earn INR 2,00,000 to 12,00,000 per year. 

After completing this course successfully, the graduates can work in the field of Agriculture Sector, Animal Care Centres, Bio-Informatics, Biotechnology, Beverage Industry, Environmental Protection Agencies, Farm Houses, Food Processing Industry etc.

Types of PhD in Life Sciences Courses

Aspirants can pursue the course in full-time or part-time mode. Below are the types of PhD in Life Sciences courses in detail:

Full-Time PhD in Life Sciences

The full-time PhD in Life Sciences duration is 3-5 years. This course requires more practical knowledge than theoretical understanding. The advantage of a full-time course is that students can gain a lot more exposure, experience, and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.

Part-Time PhD in Life Sciences

The part-time PhD in Life Sciences course is designed for students who cannot attend regular classes. The duration of the course is  1.5 - 3 years. The advantage of the part-time course is that students can pursue this course while simultaneously being engaged in employment, etc.

Distance PhD in Life Sciences

The distance PhD in Life Sciences program lasts 3-6  years and is divided into six to eight semesters of six months each. For those who wish to pursue a PhD in Life Sciences after a Master’s degree but don't have the time to attend normal classes, distance learning is the ideal option.

Syllabus of PhD Life Science?

The syllabus for PhD in Life Science discipline may differ for different colleges/universities, but the subjects usually remain the same during the course period. The following table consists of the common topics covered during the course: 

Subjects of Study

• Research Methodology in Life Sciences
• Research Trends in Life Science
• Molecular Biology
• Phytochemistry and Toxicology
• Neurobiology
• Biochemistry, Metabolism and Nutrition

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Life Sciences

PhD in Life Sciences candidates must pass the entrance exams to be admitted to the academic course. The required cut-off marks for the entrance exam are set at the discretion of the institute that administers the test. Those who pass the PhD in Life Sciences entrance exam will be invited to the final selection procedure i.e a personal interview. The following are some of the most popular entrance exams for PhD in Life Sciences:

1. UGC NET
2. CSIR NET
3. ICMR JRF
4. GATE
5. JGEEBILS
6. DBT JRF Biotech
7. TIFR
8. BINC
9. BITP
10. NBHM Entrance Exam

How to Prepare for a PhD Life Science Entrance Exam? 

The syllabus for PhD Life Science entrance exams will vary from college to college. Candidates can follow the tips given below to prepare for PhD entrance exams: 

Go through the detailed syllabus of the written test, start studying them, and revise your concepts.

One important hack to crack entrance exams is to develop a reading habit, be it a newspaper, novel, books, biographies and case studies.

Time management is one of the most important aspects to crack entrance exams, this is not only applying to the study schedule but attempting the most exam as well. 

Practicing sample papers and mock test papers will assure you of your time management skills by the time your entrance exam starts.

Practice is the main rule to crack any entrance exam. Make sure that your concepts are clear and you are aware of all the right ways to solve questions within the time frame.

Start learning from the basics and thereafter move to higher and more difficult levels of concepts.

PhD Life Science Admission Process? 

Most colleges and institutes offering PhD Life Science courses admit students based on their performance in the Master’s degree examination. However, there are some colleges which do conduct entrance examinations to judge a candidate’s abilities and skill sets. The following are the two major pathways through which a PhD Life Science admissions take place:

Merit-Based Admission Process:-

In merit-based admission, the aspiring candidates for admission in this program, need to obtain the minimum required marks in PG course and qualify the counselling session arranged by the university authority. 

Entrance-Based Admission Process:-

The entrance-based admission process for getting admission in PhD Life Science program followed by the universities is mentioned below: 

Visit the official website and register there for the entrance exam by providing your email ID/ phone number and password. It will create a login ID. 

Through this login ID, all you need to fill up the application form by providing the necessary details and upload all required documents. 

After that, pay the application fee through debit card/credit card/ net banking options and save and print out the application form for further references. 

Based on the details the admission authority issued an admit card for the entrance exam, if the candidate fulfills the eligibility criteria. 

Once the exam dates are released, the interested candidates need to attend the exam and have to qualify for getting admission. 

The admission authority published the entrance exam result and the qualified candidates need to go through the personal interview round for final selection. 

Job Prospects and Career Options after PhD in Life Science? 

There is a wide range of employment opportunities in the fields of Biomedical, Biology and Life Science for PhD Life Science degree holders. 

Professional candidates in this career may also opt for teaching occupations in colleges and universities. Biomedical candidates in this field can seek career opportunities in healthcare industries for example pharmaceutical industries, genetic engineering, medical research, lab technology as well as pharmaceutical sales. 

The table given below shows some of the most common PhD Life Science job profiles and career prospects after completing the course: 

• Food Scientist
• Food Technologist
• Immunologist
• Analyst and Consultant in Pharmaceuticals
• Product Manager- Life Science

What are the Future Scope of PhD Life Science?

PhD degree is a doctorate-level degree and is known to be the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue higher education on completion of a PhD Life Science course. Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this knowledge, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.

• After completing this course, students can opt for teaching jobs in colleges/universities and then clear the UGC-NET exam required to become a permanent lecturer.
• Students can also opt for jobs as a Scientist and indulge in research activities. 
• Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field. 
• Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Life Science and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales.