PhD Bioinformatics is a research-based doctoral program of 3 - 4 years duration that is a combination of biology and computer science. It is an analysis of biological data, applying different algorithms and creating computational tools for biological studies.
Applicants with an MSc in Bioinformatics or a comparable subject are qualified to join the course. Admissions are done through entrance tests, and some of them are CSIR NET, SET, GATE, etc.
The fees for the course differ between government and private colleges. Private colleges charge up to INR 3 to 5 Lakhs for the whole course, while government colleges charge up to INR 40,000 to 50,000, including central facility charges and registration fees. Government agencies also provide fellowships and other grants to PhD candidates.
After gaining a PhD in Bioinformatics, an individual can obtain a job as a scientist, research associate, assistant professor, or project associate in any research institute. The initial salary for the holder of a PhD may be between INR 4 to 7 LPA.
PhD Bioinformatics Highlights
A PhD in Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary research program that combines biology, computer science, and statistics to analyse biological data, such as DNA sequences, protein structures, and gene expression. The course provides a platform to develop new tools, techniques, databases, or protocols for biological research.
During the course, aspirants have to undertake coursework, in silico experiments, data analysis, and paper writing. Publication of research papers is not mandatory as per the recent UGC guidelines. However, many universities ask for publications to complete the course. Here are some of the basic details about the course:
Program Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics |
Duration | 3 to 4 years, depending on the institute, learning ability of the aspirant, research topic, and the committee’s review. |
Eligibility | 55% in MSc Bioinformatics/Computer science/ Maths or other life science background.
State/National level entrance exam Qualification |
Admission | Based on the entrance exam and PI
Commonly accepted exams: SET, CSIR NET, & GATE |
Course Fee | Private colleges: INR 3 to 5 Lakhs
Government Colleges: INR 40,000 to 50,000 |
Average Starting Salary | INR 4 to 7 LPA |
Fellowship Schemes | SHODH, INSPIRE, Lady Tata, DST, GSBTM, PMFDR, etc. |
Top Recruiting Sectors | Universities, Research Centers, Drug Industries, Diagnostic Centers, etc. |
Top Job Positions | JRF, SRF, Assistant Professor, Bioinformatician, Sequence Analyst, etc. |
Why Pursue PhD Bioinformatics?
Pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics provides in-depth research opportunities that allow for contributing to cutting-edge advancements in biological research. It opens the door to leadership positions in academia and industry.
- PhD Aspirants get networking opportunities by attending various national & international conferences
- It provides a platform for publications that builds a strong index for scholars.
- One may avail a prestigious fellowship from government schemes.
- Aspirants pursuing a PhD always add significant knowledge to the existing literature.
- With a PhD in Bioinformatics, one can establish a career as a bioinformatician, bioinformatics software developer, research scientist, biostatistician, and genomic data analyst.
PhD Bioinformatics Eligibility
The eligibility to register for a PhD in Bioinformatics is a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in MSc from a UGC recognized university.
- Candidates with backgrounds like Maths, Computer Science, Biostatistics, or any Life Science majors can apply.
- Selection is strictly based on performance in the entrance exam and GD/PI.
- To be eligible for PhD registration, one must have to present the research proposal to the Doctoral Advisory Committee.
PhD Bioinformatics Admission Process
PhD in Bioinformatics admission is based on cut-off marks scored in the entrance exam. Some common entrance exams are UGC NET, SET, CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, and DBT.
Some universities also conduct their own entrance test and subsequent interview rounds.
The basic admission process is as follows.
- Fill out the application form given on the official admission portal of the chosen institute.
- Appear in the entrance exam (those who have not qualified for state or national level exams).
- If qualified, appear in a personal interview or project proposal meeting.
- 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 Bioinformatics Colleges in India
A PhD in Bioinformatics is offered by several universities in India. It is important to note that the Registration Policy, Completion Policy, Duration, and Fee Waivers schemes differ among all these institutes. Therefore, applicants are advised to visit the institute personally and check all the guidelines thoroughly before finalising the registration.
Some of the top institutes for a PhD in Bioinformatics are tabulated below.
Name | NIRF Ranking | Average Course Fee (INR) |
Institutes of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology | 3rd (research category) | 2.2 lakhs |
IIT Hyderabad | 12th (overall category) | 3.5 lakhs |
PDPIAS, CHARUSAT | 22nd (institute category) | 2.5 lakhs |
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology | 72nd (Engineering category) | 4.5 lakhs |
Gujarat University | 94th (university category) | 25,000 |
Nirma University | 151-200 (university category) | 3 lakhs |
Pondicherry University | 151-200 (university category) | 2.5 Lakhs |
PhD Bioinformatics Syllabus
A PhD in Bioinformatics is a research-based program focused on in-silico analysis and thesis writing. Therefore, there is no defined syllabus for it. The coursework includes some theoretical aspects of research, depending on the individual’s research requirement, university policies, and UGC recommendations.
Also, students must present their progress yearly in front of the Research/Doctoral Advisory Committee. They also have to face a viva as the final assessment.
Here are some essential coursework subjects
Research Methodology |
Recent Trends in Bioinformatics |
Structural Bioinformatics |
Qualitative and quantitative Techniques |
Research Writing and Publication |
Research ethics |
Literature review & Seminar/conference/workshops |
PhD Bioinformatics Fellowship Details
Aspirants for a PhD in Bioinformatics can avail themselves of fellowships by applying to various categories. The amount of fellowship ranges between INR 15,000 to 70,000 per month.
Some government agencies also provide fellowships to the project fellows working on funded projects. For instance, GSBTM and DST-SERB, etc. The categories for fellowships are as follows:
- Single Girl Child Fellowship (for female candidates)
- Lady Tata Memorial
- ICMR JRF
- SHODH
- DST JRF
- PMFDR
- CSIR NET/JRF
- University-level fellowship
- INSPIRE (for gold medalists)
PhD Bioinformatics Jobs & Salary
A PhD in Bioinformatics opens up various job opportunities:
- One can find employment in Research, Academia, or the Drug development industry.
- One can join JRF or SRF and research associate positions in government-funded projects.
- Those looking for an academic career can apply for positions in government and private universities.
- In drug manufacturing/developing companies, positions like R&D Scientist, Bioinformatics Scientist, Analyst, etc, can be pursued.
The table below shows some of the high-paying job profiles with an estimated average salary as per the Indeed, Glassdoor, and UGC pay scale policies for research and academia.
Position | Description | Average Salary (INR) |
Bioinformatics Scientist | To use technology to study and scrutinise biological datasets to solve issues in Biology research problems. They also develop software, communicate results, collaborate, maintain records, etc. | 9.6 LPA |
Bioinformatics Analyst | To analyze and interpret biological data using statistical and computational practices. They also identify patterns and trends, research the pathology of diseases, and develop algorithms and experiments. | 5.3 LPA |
Research Assistant/JRF/SRF | Their responsibilities include helping others in conducting research studies by implementing existing algorithms and computer software to analyse omics-based data sets. | 4 LPA |
Assistant Professor | To teach the UG and PG students in college/university, and to run research projects | 5 to 10 LPA |
Associate Professor | To teach students at the university and bring funding to the university by availing project grants from the government agencies. | 10 to 15 LPA |
PhD Bioinformatics FAQs
Is it compulsory to do M.Phil before PhD in Bioinformatics?
No, M.Phil is not required for admission to a PhD in Bioinformatics. One can qualify for state or national-level entrance exams with a valid score and can register for the course. Candidates with an M.Phil qualification may be exempted from the entrance exam conducted by the university.
How many paper publications are required to complete a PhD?
As per the latest UGC guidelines, paper publication is not a compulsion. Some universities are still following the previous guidelines where a minimum of 2 research papers were required to complete the PhD. Also, it does not count review papers, book chapters, or conference proceedings.
Are academic duties compulsory for PhD in Bioinformatics aspirants?
Yes, UGC guidelines for PhD programs have marked it as a compulsion for every PhD aspirant, irrespective of their funding agencies and university policies. This includes teaching the UG or PG students, monitoring their progress and assessments, assisting the supervisor in conducting exams/viva/training, etc.
