PhD in Biophysics: Admission 2025, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Subjects and Careers

PhD in Biophysics is a full-time doctoral program that prepares students with interdisciplinary research training and application in physics, chemistry, and biology to understand the workings of life at the atomic and molecular levels. It is an intensive research-based program typically taken between 3 and 5 years, and is suited for students intending to have a career in advanced biomedical research, neuroscience, structural biology, computational life sciences, etc.

The program emphasizes training in areas such as molecular simulations, membrane biophysics, neurobiophysics, and protein dynamics to prepare students for a career in either academia or industry. Scholars will undertake independent research on original scientific questions, publish peer-reviewed articles, and present research data at national and international conferences.

To be considered to apply to a PhD in Biophysics program students must possess an M.Sc./M.Tech/M.Phil in Biophysics or a related field (Physics, Biotechnology, Life Sciences) and based on results obtained in national-level qualifying entrance examinations (CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, University entrance examination, etc.) the student will then be required to participate in personal interviews.

Some of the top institutes offering Ph.D.s in Biophysics in India are IISC, NIHMANS, BHU, TIFR, and University of Delhi. Graduates can take up research roles in research labs, faculty positions in universities, research and development in pharmaceutical companies, roles in medical imaging, and computational biology roles. Opportunities are growing in this domain across India and abroad.

PhD in Biophysics Highlights

Listed below are the main features of the PhD in Biophysics program in India:

What is PhD in Biophysics?

The Ph.D. program in Biophysics is a comprehensive one, meant for students who wish to use the tools of physical science to explore biological processes. They intend to use the tools of a physical science to figure out: how biomolecules work, how cells communicate, and another course - how to model diseases with spectroscopy, microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and computational models.

The curriculum emphasizes the required skills for students to be an independent researcher, and we hope also to enhance their skills in scientific thought and analysis of experimental data; scientific writing and publishing, and scientific engagement with the global scientific community to communicate the science they create. Students will expect coursework and qualifying exams, lab rotations, and a thesis that is based upon new contributions to Biophysics.

Why Study PhD in Biophysics?

A PhD in Biophysics offers a unique interdisciplinary research experience that blends science and innovation, with real-world applications in medicine, technology, and life sciences.

• Interdisciplinary Exposure: Integrates biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics through a multi-domain expertise.
• Global Research Contributions: Contribute to frontier fields of global importance such as drug design, neuroscience, and biomolecular engineering.
• High Demand in Academia and Industry: Qualified biophysicists are needed in a variety of sectors such as pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, and universities.
• Access to Cutting-edge Tools and Technologies: Use of electron microscopes, NMR spectroscopy and supercomputing ability.
• Career Options: Diversify opportunities from healthcare research, and bioinformatics, to nanotechnology and systems biology.
• Fellowships: UGC, CSIR, and DST have funded Ph.D. scholars with attractive fellowships and grants.
• Contribute to Innovation: Taking the lead on vaccine design, cancer therapy, or biomedical engineering projects.

Who should study for PhD in Biophysics?

Given below are some of the points on who should pursue the Ph.D Biophysics course. Let’s have a look at them:

• Students who have a strong academic background in physics, biophysics, biotechnology or a discipline that is related
• Anyone excited about tackling biological problems using quantitative and analytical methods
• Students who want to pursue careers in research, academia or biotech R&D
• Professionals who want to help produce new scientific discoveries or innovations in medicine and life sciences
• Anyone interested in computational modelling, bioinformatics, or medical imaging

A strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and biology, along with critical thinking and analytical writing skills, is crucial for success in this program.

PhD Biophysics Eligibility Criteria

Given below is the detailed eligibility for the Ph D in Biophysics. Students must be eligible in order to pursue the course.

• A Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.Tech/M.Phil) in Biophysics/Physics/Biotechnology/Life Sciences, or related fields.
• Minimum 55% - 60% marks in postgraduate studies (relaxation for reserved categories).
• Qualification in a national-level entrance exam such as CSIR-UGC NET/GATE/DBT-JRF/ICMR-JRF, or an institutional exam.
• Final selection typically includes a personal interview and a research aptitude test.

PhD Biophysics Entrance Exams

Admission to PhD Biophysics programs in India is usually based on national-level entrance exams or university-specific tests. Below is a list of commonly accepted entrance exams along with tentative timelines:

PhD Biophysics Top Colleges in India

Here are some of the leading institutes offering PhD Biophysics, including NIRF rankings where applicable:

Ph.D Biophysics Admission Process 2025

Admission to the Ph.D. program in Biophysics at IISc Bangalore is based on national-level entrance exams followed by an in-person interview.

Step 1: Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in JAM 2025 (Biotechnology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or JEST 2025 (for Physical Sciences).

Step 2: Candidates will be informed by email as well as via the IISc Admissions Portal. No communication will be mailed.

Step 3: Those who are selected have to report and attend an interview conducted in person at IISc. Selection for: Biological, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences - based on the performance in the test as well as the interview.

Step 4: Final offers of admission will be updated on the candidate portal. Selected candidates will pay the fees and report to IISc for joining.

Required Documents:

• All academic transcripts from Class 10 onwards
• Caste/EWS/PwD certificates (if applicable)
• Course-completion certificate if final results are awaited

Ph.D Biophysics Syllabus

Candidates begin with a written test covering master ’s-level topics, progressing then to research-focused coursework during early years of their Ph.D. Below is the list of subjects taught for Ph.D Biophysics at University of Delhi.

Ph.D Biophysics vs Ph.D. in Biotechnology

Ph.D Biophysics and Ph.D. in Biotechnology are specialized advanced doctoral programs in the life sciences arena and both allow for advanced research-based training. The programs draw on science to provide solutions to biological problems; however, the distinct ways in which they do this differ substantially in terms of scientific methodology, areas of biological focus (basic science versus application), and career path outcomes. The summary of the distinctions between Ph.D Biophysics and Ph.D. in Biotechnology is provided in the table below:

PhD in Biophysics Job Opportunities in India

Graduates of a PhD in Biophysics can pursue advanced research, academic, and technical roles across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academia. Here’s a snapshot:

PhD in Biophysics Science FAQs