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.
PhD Life Science Course Highlights
The basic details of a PhD in Life Science are as follows:
Particulars | Course Details |
Course Name | PhD Life Science |
Duration | 3-6 Years |
Eligibility | Master's degree in biological sciences, or related, with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate |
Entrance Examinations | UGC NET and GATE |
Career Prospects | Research Associate, Professor, Research Scientist, Consultant, etc |
Average Package after Graduation | INR 6 - 15 LPA |
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, design experiments.
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.
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.
Entrance Examination | Registration Date | Date of Examination |
UGC NET 2025 | April 16 to May 12, 2025 | June 21 to June 30, 2025 |
GATE 2026 | September/ October 2025 | February 2026 |
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:
College Name | Location | NIRF Ranking 2024 | Annual Course Fees |
Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | 8 (University) | INR 35,520 |
Mumbai University | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 61 (University) | INR 44,662 |
Shiv Nadar University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | 62 (University) | INR 1,10,000 |
Gujarat University | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 76 (University) | - |
Assam University | Silchar, Assam | - | INR 7,000 |
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:
Category | PhD Life Science | PhD Health Science |
Course Overview | Focuses on biology at the microorganism and human levels, offering a broad scope | Emphasizes scientific communication, teaching, and mentoring in health contexts |
Duration | 3 to 6 years | 3 to 6 years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree | Master’s degree |
Admission Procedure | Merit-based or entrance exam | Merit-based or entrance exam |
Areas of Employment | Agriculture, animal care, bioinformatics, biotech, environment, food industry | Universities, public health, hospitals, labs |
Job Positions | Product Manager, Research Scientist, Analyst, Consultant in Life Sciences | Health Educator, Pharmacist, Inspector, Professor, Physiotherapist, Nurse |
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:
Job Roles | Entry level | Experience level |
Research Scientist | INR 6 - 8 LPA | INR 12 - 20 LPA |
Biotechnologist | INR 5 - 7 LPA | INR 10 - 15 LPA |
Academic Professor | INR 6 - 10 LPA | INR 12 - 18 LPA |
Clinical Researcher | INR 5 - 8 LPA | INR 10 - 16 LPA |
Biomedical Scientist | INR 6 - 9 LPA | INR 12 - 18 LPA |
PhD Life Science FAQs
What type of interdisciplinary 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 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.
