PhD Life Science is a degree program lasting 3-6 years and imparting knowledge in detail regarding biological and life sciences. The curricular structure of Life Sciences focuses on advanced biotechnology, microbiology, genetic engineering, biochemistry, and environmental sciences. Individuals with a master's degree in biological sciences or any related area are eligible to apply. The entrance tests accepted for a PhD in Life Science are UGC NET, GATE, etc.
The PhD in Life Sciences program helps students learn advanced skills in research and critical thinking. A PhD holder in Life Sciences can work as a Research Associate, Professor, Research Scientist, Consultant, etc. The average package for Life Science PhD holders ranges from INR 6-15 LPA.
Table of Contents
- PhD Life Science Course Highlights
- What is PhD Life Science?
- Why Study a PhD in Life Science?
- Who Should Pursue PhD in Life Science?
- PhD in Life Science Eligibility
- PhD Life Science Entrance Exams
- PhD Life Science Admission Process
- Top Colleges in India for PhD in Life Science
- PhD Life Science vs PhD Health Science
- PhD Life Science Jobs
- PhD Life Science FAQs
PhD Life Science Course Highlights
The basic details of a PhD in Life Science are as follows:
What is PhD Life Science?
A PhD in Life Sciences is an advanced program for training individuals in life science areas. Usually, PhD Life Science students research topics like biology, genetics, microbiology, or applied biosciences. Furthermore, students in the program learn to use scientific methods and design experiments.
Also Read: PhD Human Genetics
Why Study a PhD in Life Science?
A PhD in Life Science in India opens a gate towards multiple career opportunities at universities, research institutes, biotechnology companies, etc. This provides training for evaluating situations and making decisions. Thus, it prepares one to take a lead in areas related to science and industry.
Such professional qualifications can add significance to the career path as a PhD Life Science students get higher-paying jobs than non-PhD employees. Further, this enables one to significantly contribute to society by addressing problems affecting human beings, related to the biological and health fields.
Who Should Pursue PhD in Life Science?
Mentioned below are the ideal candidates for pursuing this course:
- Aspiring Researchers – Individuals passionate about conducting in-depth research in areas like biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, or ecology.
- Academic Career Seekers – Those aiming for a career in teaching or academic research at universities and colleges.
- Industry Professionals- Individuals in the biotech, pharmaceutical, health or environmental fields seeking to further their careers by developing high-level specialised expertise.
- Innovators & Problem Solvers – Applicants who look forward to solving real-life biological or health-related issues with a scientific innovation.
- Masters degree holders- They are scientists with stronger background in the areas of biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or others who have a desire to expand their knowledge and make contribution towards scientific development.
PhD in Life Science Eligibility
Students are required to meet the PhD in Life Science eligibility criteria to apply for the program:
- The candidates must have a Master's degree in biological sciences or a related field.
- A minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.
- Some institutes consider entrance exams like UGC NET and GATE.
PhD Life Science Entrance Exams
Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Life Science admission include UGC NET and GATE.
PhD Life Science Admission Process
Mentioned below is the admission process of PhD life science at Aligarh Muslim University:
Step 1: Interested and eligible candidates will have to apply in the official application form prescribed by Aligarh Muslim University on it s website.
Step 2: Online registration is required by candidates thereafter followed by the application form. To make a username and password, a valid mobile number and email ID is needed which is required to access and complete the application.
Step 3: A filled-in application form should be mailed online together with the required application fee before a specified deadline. Remember that any candidate is only permitted to submit a single application form to study a PHD.
Step 4: The Admission Committee of the Institute will be conducting an evaluation among the applicants on the basis of their past academic achievements, and the final decision on being allowed to PhD Life Sciences program will be made at the institute.
Step 5: With the admission fee received, the candidates shall be given provisional admission and pay the admission fee in order to get admission.
Step 6: The university will confirm receipt of the payment, and admission will subsequently be completed with the candidate who can proceed with the course at the start of the academic session.
Top Colleges in India for PhD in Life Science
Some of the PhD Life Science colleges based on the NIRF Ranking 2024 are as follows:
PhD Life Science vs PhD Health Science
A PhD in Life Science helps students to learn about living organisms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and human biology. Whereas, a PhD in Health Science focuses on human health, diseases, and healthcare systems. The table below shows a comparison between the two courses:
PhD Life Science Jobs
There are various job roles available after PhD programs in Life Science. As per Payscale, the average package of various PhD Life Science jobs according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:
PhD Life Science FAQs
What type of research can I pursue in a PhD life science program?
A PhD life science program encourages interdisciplinary research that spans areas such as bio -informa science, environmental biotechnology and computational biology. Students often cooperate to address complex biological questions in areas such as chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering, and innovate at the intersection of many scientific subjects.
How does a PhD in life science contribute to the environment and human health?
PhD life science research focuses on solving real-world problems related to environmental stability and human health. Projects may include studying the disease system, developing new treatments, improving agricultural practices, or understanding ecological systems, aiming to improve all human life and the environment.
What is the stipend for PhD in life science?
The average salary of PhD degree holders in life sciences is about INR 6 to 10 lakh annually with the average salary being about INR 7 lakh annually. Pay scales are dependent on specialization, level of experience and job profile.
Which PhD has a high salary?
Among the good-paying job titles of the PhD in life sciences in India, there is a Research Scientist earning INR 7-8 lakh per annum, a Product Manager earning around INR 9-10 lakh per annum, and an Analyst/Consultant in Pharmaceuticals INR 9 lakh per annum.
What is the salary of a PhD student per month?
Indian salaries based on PhD entry-level begin at about INR 8-12 Lakh, and experienced PhD in a specialized or managerial position may expect salaries up to INR 24 Lakh per annum.
What kind of hands-on training do PhD life science courses offer?
PhD life science course includes laboratory work, research rotation, and research seminars, etc. Students get practical experience in experimental design, data analysis and use of advanced technologies. This helps to prepare for an independent research career.
