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
- What is Ph D Bioinformatics?
- Why Pursue PhD Bioinformatics?
- Who Should Study a Ph D in Bioinformatics?
- PhD Bioinformatics Eligibility
- PhD Bioinformatics Entrance Exams
- PhD Bioinformatics Colleges in India
- PhD Bioinformatics Admission Process
- PhD Bioinformatics Syllabus
- PhD Bioinformatics Vs Phd in Computational Biology Course Comparison
- PhD Bioinformatics Jobs & Salary
- PhD Bioinformatics FAQs
PhD Bioinformatics Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the Ph.D in Bioinformatics course:
What is Ph D Bioinformatics?
A PhD in Bioinformatics is a research program where students learn how to use computers to study biology. It mainly focuses on collecting and analyzing data about genes, proteins, and other parts of living things. The course brings together biology and computer science, helping students understand life processes in a smarter and faster way.
During the course, students explore how computers can help in finding new medicines, studying diseases, and understanding how living things work at a deeper level. They learn skills like handling big sets of biological data, using software tools, and solving health-related problems. In the end, it prepares them for careers in research, medicine, and biotechnology.
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.
Who Should Study a Ph D in Bioinformatics?
Mentioned below are some points on who should pursue a Ph D in Bioinformatics:
- Students who enjoy biology but also have an interest in computers and technology.
- Those who want to analyze genes, proteins, or diseases using data and software tools.
- Learners interested in discovering new medicines or improving healthcare through research.
- People who like solving problems with both science and programming skills.
- Students who wish to build a career in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or medical research.
- Anyone passionate about using data to understand how living things work at a deeper level.
PhD Bioinformatics Eligibility
Given below is the detailed eligibility criteria for the Ph.D Bioinformatics course. Student must meet a certain criteria in order to pursue the course:
- Candidates must hold a master’s degree in the relevant field such as MSc/MTech in Bioinformatics with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university.
- Candidates with backgrounds like Maths, Computer Science, Biostatistics, or any Life Science majors can apply.
- The admission is strictly based on the entrance exam scores of the candidates. Students need to have a valid score in entrances such as UGC NET/UGC CSIR NET/GATE etc.
PhD Bioinformatics Entrance Exams
Given below are some of the entrance exams for the Ph.D Bioinformatics:
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.
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.
Given below is the step by step admission process for the IIT Hyderabad for your reference:
Step 1: Go to the IIT Hyderabad PhD admissions page and the Dept. of Biotechnology site to check the current call (IITH usually admits in Jan/Jul cycles).
Step 2: Check eligibility + valid exam scores: You should have one of these:
- MTech in Life/Biotech/Physical Sciences
OR
- MSc in Allied Life/Physical/Chemical Sciences with a valid GATE or a National-level JRF; OR
- BTech/BE/MBBS with GATE or a valid National-level JRF.
- Accepted JRFs include CSIR-NET-JRF, UGC-NET-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF (Cat-I), DST-INSPIRE. Also note the department’s minimum marks cut-offs.
Step 3: Fill the application form on the IITH PhD admissions portal, upload transcripts, CV, scorecards (GATE/JRF), category certificate (if any), and a brief research statement aligned to computational biology/bioinformatics.
Step 4: The department shortlists based on its criteria (often higher than the minimum). Only shortlisted candidates are called further.
Step 5: Selection is primarily via interviews conducted by the department. If a written test is scheduled, they will inform you—prepare the basics of bioinformatics, statistics, and research methods.
Step 6: If selected, you’ll get a provisional offer under either Institute Fellowship (MoE) or External Fellowship (if you hold CSIR/UGC/ICMR/DBT/INSPIRE, etc.). Complete document verification as instructed.
Step 7: Pay fees, complete registration, and finalize your supervisor. For bioinformatics-focused work, explore faculty working on computational genomics, AI for precision medicine, biomolecular modeling, multi-omics, chemoinformatics, etc., listed in the department brochure
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
PhD Bioinformatics Vs Phd in Computational Biology Course Comparison
Given below is the detailed course comparison for the PhD Bioinformatics and Ph D in Computational Biology for the students:
PhD Bioinformatics Jobs & Salary
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.
PhD Bioinformatics FAQs
Is it compulsory to do an 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.
