PhD Immunology: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Fees, Colleges, Careers

PhD Immunology is a 3-5 year research degree for students looking to pursue deep study of immune system mechanisms, disease pathogenesis, and therapy development in fields such as infectious diseases, cancer immunotherapy, autoimmunity, and vaccine research. This course produces hands-on immunological scientists and scientists trained in research methods, critical reasoning, and scientific innovation. It’s great if you want to enter research institutes, become a professor, pharma or biotech companies or clinical immunologist and public health professional.

The eligiblity criteria for a PhD in Immunology is that the candidate must hold a Master’s degree in Life Sciences/Medicine or related areas with a minimum of 55-60% aggregate marks from a reputed university. Admission is typically competitive, based on CSIR-NET, GATE, or institute-level tests and interviews.

The average course fees for a PhD in Immunology in India are INR 2,000 – INR 3,00,000, depending upon the university and infrastructure. Top institutes offering this course are National Institute of Immunology, Delhi, AIIMS, Delhi, JIPMER, Puducherry, and others as well.

PhD grads can become Research Scientists, Clinical Immunologists, Professors, Industry Scientists or Medical Science Liaisons. Starting average salary INR 4 LPA – INR 20 LPA with high packages for students joining premier research institutes or MNC pharmaceutical companies.

PhD in Immunology Key Highlights

Here are some of the basic key highlights for PhD in Immunology:

What is PhD in Immunology?

PhD in Immunology is a specialized doctoral degree in India that combines advanced study of immune system biology, immunopathology, and immunotherapy with intensive research training in areas such as vaccine development, cancer immunology, autoimmune diseases, and infectious disease mechanisms. It's perfect for students who wish to explore cutting-edge immunological research, develop novel therapeutic approaches, or contribute to India's growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

This program usually includes coursework on advanced immunology concepts, research methodology, and specialized laboratory training in techniques like flow cytometry, cell culture, molecular biology, and animal models.

Also, read about PhD in Microbiology

Why Study PhD in Immunology?

PhD in Immunology course lets you gain concentrated knowledge in immune response studies and medicine creation, equipping you for varied careers within India’s growing biomedical research and pharma industries. Some of the reasons to study PhD in Immunology are as follows:

• You get comprehensive training in both fundamental immunology and translational research that distinguishes you from other life science graduates.
• It establishes an excellent base for those seeking academic or pharmaceutical, biotech or clinical research careers.
• You’ll gain critical thinking, experimental design, and data analysis skills that are valued by employers throughout the biomedical industry.
• Ideal for research careers - eligible for research scientist, principal investigator, clinical immunologist and industry research director positions.
• Provides the door to government research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and global research partnerships.
• It also makes you better at immunotherapy, vaccine development, and diagnostic technologies—crucial competences in our current health innovation economy.

Who Should Study PhD in Immunology?

PhD in Immunology perfect for students wishing to pair advanced immunological expertise with hands-on research experience and specialize in vaccine development, cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases or infectious disease research. This program suits:

• Students aiming for careers in academic research, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, or government research institutes.
• Students interested in immunotherapy development, vaccine research, diagnostic development, or translational medicine in both academic and industrial settings.
• Individuals seeking to enhance their research skills, publication record, and scientific leadership abilities for senior positions in biomedical research.
• Those with a strong foundation in life sciences who want to specialize in immunology and contribute to cutting-edge research.
• Candidates aspiring to work in research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or start their own research ventures.

PhD in Immunology Eligibility Criteria

Below is the detailed eligibility criteria for the PhD in Immunology. Candidates must fulfill all the conditions mentioned below:

• The applicant must have completed a Master's degree MSc in Life Sciences/Immunology/Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Medicine (MBBS), Veterinary Sciences (MVSc), or Pharmacy (M.Pharm) from a recognized university.
• A minimum aggregate of 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA) is required in the qualifying exam for general category candidates. For SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates, there is typically a 5% relaxation (50% minimum).
• Most institutes require candidates to have a valid fellowship from UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT, DST-INSPIRE, or other government-recognized agencies.
• Admission is usually based on entrance test scores (CSIR-NET, GATE, DBT-JRF), followed by an interview and research proposal presentation.
• Final-year Master's students can also apply, provided they submit proof of completion before admission.

PhD in Immunology Entrance Exams

Most universities and research institutes in India admit PhD in Immunology students through national-level entrance tests, institute-level exams or both. Here is a list of standard entrance exams:

PhD in Immunology Colleges in India

Here are some of the most reputed colleges and universities offering a PhD in Immunology in India:

PhD in Immunology Admission Process

PhD in Immunology admission in premier universities is a methodical process. The admission process is based on the entrance exam scores of the candidate. For your reference, given below is the step-by-step admission process for the JIPMER.

Step 1: Apply online at the official JIPMER website when applications are open (dates are announced every year). Set up your profile with a correct email ID and mobile number.

Step 2: Fill out the online application with personal information, educational background, and department/field of study (Clinical Immunology).

Step 3: Scan and upload all necessary documents - mark sheets, degree certificates, entrance exam scores (if any), and passport-size photos. Also, submit a non-refundable application fee online.

Step 4: Attend the JIPMER entrance exam (CBT at centers). The exam includes research methodology, subject knowledge, and general aptitude. (NET-qualified candidates can be waived from the test and called directly to interview.)

Step 5: Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview and/or viva, which may involve discussion of the proposed research area and a test on subject knowledge.

Step 6: You’re finally selected based on the entrance exam and interview, academic record, and fit with the department’s current research. Shortlisted candidates are informed through the JIPMER portal and email.

Step 7: Document verification & admission fee payment as per instructions. Enter the program on the scheduled date, participate in orientation, and initiate coursework and research under designated guides/supervisors.

Documents Required:

• Master's degree certificates and mark sheets
• Bachelor's degree certificates and mark sheets
• Entrance exam scorecards (CSIR-NET/GATE/DBT-JRF)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Fellowship award letter (UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT)
• Research Proposal/Statement of Purpose
• Passport-size photographs
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)

PhD in Immunology Syllabus

PhD in Immunology is a 3-5 year research-intensive program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and research skills in immunological sciences. The syllabus varies across institutions, but here's the syllabus of JIPMER for your reference:

PhD in Immunology Career Opportunities in India

A PhD in Immunology opens doors to diverse career opportunities across academia, industry, healthcare, and government sectors in India. Here's a look at common career paths:

PhD in Immunology FAQs