PhD Biochemistry: Course Detail, Colleges, Eligibility, Admission, Fellowships, & Career Options

PhD Biochemistry is a research-oriented Doctorate course that can be pursued after MSc Biochemistry, Microbiology, or another equivalent branch. The course deals with research and development in areas like biochemical processes in living organisms, the effect of chemicals on various body organs, genetic, cellular metabolism, etc.

A PhD in Biochemistry is a first step to dive into research or an academic career. It generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the type of research, the learning ability of the candidate, and the research facility at the institute. PhD Biochemistry admission requires qualifying entrance exams such as GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC-NET, DBT, ICMR, etc. The average salary offered to a PhD Biochemistry graduate is INR 4 to 10 LPA, which further increases with enriched experience.

PhD in Biochemistry Course Highlights

A PhD in Biochemistry helps develop research skills through extensive experimentation with biological samples. It includes coursework for 1 or 2 years, depending on the institute’s policy.

The PhD aspirants are required to participate in academic duties such as teaching and monitoring UG or PG students in the department, assessing their performance, assisting the supervisor in conducting exams, etc.

UGC has removed the mandatory publication rule for completion of PhD, however, many private universities encourage aspirants to publish their research in Scopus or WoS-indexed journals.

Why pursue a PhD in Biochemistry

Pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry improves problem-solving, decision-making, and observational skills. It offers a promising career in Drug manufacturing industries, universities, and research centers. One can obtain government fellowships amounting up to INR 60,000.

• Creating New Knowledge: As a PhD student, one works on novel research problems for human/animal/environment welfare. This contributes to the existing knowledge in these fields. It helps further the development of the field and benefits society.
• Professional Development: The rigorous training and research experience gained during a PhD program fosters professional growth and development.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking:  A PhD program emphasizes the development of analytical and critical thinking skills that prepare the learner for industrial and research careers.

PhD in Biochemistry Eligibility Criteria

To get registered in PhD Biochemistry, one needs to qualify MSc or MPhil with at least 55%, Entrance exam cut-off marks, Personal Interview/Project Proposal, and Group Discussion rounds.

• Students who completed MSc Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or other biological streams are eligible for a PhD in Biochemistry.
• Candidates with an MPhil degree can also apply. However, it is not mandatory to have such a degree for a PhD.

PhD in Biochemistry Admission Process

PhD Biochemistry admission is based on cut-off marks scored in the entrance exam. Some common entrance exams are UGC NET, SET, CSIR_UGC NET, ICMR, DBT, etc.

Some universities also conduct their own entrance test and subsequent interview rounds.

The basic admission process is as follows.

1. Fill out the application form from the official admission portal.
2. Appear in the entrance exam.
3. If qualified, appear in a personal interview or project proposal meeting.
4. Wait for the Committee Decision.

Post selection, candidates will be asked to choose the research supervisor based on their interest area, vacancy, funding, and research facilities.

PhD in Biochemistry Top Colleges in India

There are several colleges, research centers, diagnostic centers, and universities that offer PhD Biochemistry courses. Some of the best institutes are tabulated below.

PhD in Biochemistry Syllabus

PhD Biochemistry is a research-based degree programme focused on experimental working model and thesis writing. Therefore, there is no defined syllabus for it. The coursework includes learning some theoretical aspects of research, depending on the individual’s research requirement, university policies, and UGC recommendations.

Also, students have to present their progress yearly in front of the Research Advisory Committee. They also have to face a viva as a final assessment.

Here are some essential coursework subjects

• Research Methodology
• Qualitative and quantitative Techniques
• Research Specific Course
• Research Writing and Publication
• Research ethics
• Good Laboratory Practice
• Academic Writing
• Literature review & Seminar/conference/workshops

The duration of coursework varies among institutes. It generally lasts for 1 or 2 years.

The flow of PhD Biochemistry is as follows.

Coursework>Assessment>Literature review>Experimentation & data collection>Presentations>Viva Defense>Thesis Submission

PhD in Biochemistry Fellowships in India

PhD Biochemistry students can obtain fellowships by applying to various categories such as;

• Single Girl Child Fellowship
• Lady Tata Memorial
• ICMR JRF
• SHODH
• DST JRF
• PMFDR
• CSIR NET/JRF
• University-level fellowship

The amount of fellowship varies among these various schemes. It generally ranges between INR 15,000 to 70,000 per month. Some government funding agencies also provide fellowships to the project fellows working on funded projects. For instance, GSBTM, DST-SERB, ICMR, CSIR, etc.

Career Options after a PhD in Biochemistry

A person with a PhD in biochemistry can either work in the research industry or academia. Also, there is a great opportunity to work with diagnostic research centres as well as Disease research centers.

• Assistant Professor: One can work in universities/colleges as an assistant professor. They are responsible for teaching graduate students and PhD scholars. The average salary of an assistant professor is INR 4 to 6 LPA.
• Professor: With years of experience and research expertise, an assistant professor is promoted to associate professor and then to professor. They conduct novel research, write research projects, and bring funding from the government for the institute where they work. Professors generally earn around INR 10 to 20 LPA. A professor can be further promoted to Dean or Scientific Advisor.
• Research Associate: PhD holders can work on government-funded projects as research associates. They do experimentation work, analysis, publications, documentation, procurement, etc., for the research project they are working on. The average salary of a research associate is INR 4 to 5 LPA.
• Research Scientist: They are responsible for developing new products/methods/diagnostic tools/techniques/therapeutic solutions, etc. By extensive research. Research Scientists generally work in the Pharma, Biotech, and Chemical industry and can earn up to INR 10-20 LPA

PhD in Biochemistry FAQs