PhD In Plant Biology Admission 2024-25, Process, Mock Tests, Year Wise Comparison for Students Placed

PhD in Plant Biology About

A PhD in Plant Biology is a doctoral degree program focused on the study of plants, their physiology, genetics, ecology, and interactions with the environment. The program is designed for students who have a strong interest in plant science and wish to pursue a career in academia or research.

During the program, students will be expected to conduct original research in their chosen area of study and develop expertise in their field. They will work closely with faculty members, who will guide them through their research and provide mentorship and support.

Some common areas of research in plant biology include plant development and growth, plant molecular biology, plant ecology and evolution, plant genetics and genomics, plant pathology, and plant physiology.

To be eligible for a PhD in Plant Biology program, students typically need to have completed a Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, botany, or agricultural science, and demonstrate academic excellence and research potential.

PhD in Plant Biology Course Highlights

PhD in Plant Biology Entrance Exam

The entrance exam for a PhD in Plant Biology program may vary depending on the university or college offering the program. Some universities may require GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores or other standardized test scores, while others may require a specific subject test in biology or a related field. It is best to check with the specific university to determine their admission requirements.

PhD in Plant Biology Eligibility Criteria

PhD in Plant Biology Course Duration

The duration of a PhD in Plant Biology program varies depending on the university and the specific research project. Typically, the program takes between 4 to 5 years to complete, but it can take longer depending on the nature of the research project and the progress of the student.

PhD in Plant Biology Selection Criteria

Selection criteria for a PhD in Plant Biology program may vary depending on the university, but typically include:

PhD in Plant Biology How to Apply

To apply for a PhD in Plant Biology program, students typically need to submit the following materials:

Application form: Students must complete and submit the university's online application form.

Transcripts: Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework must be submitted.

Letters of recommendation: Students must arrange for at least three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

Statement of purpose: Students must submit a statement of purpose explaining their research interests, goals, and motivation for pursuing a PhD in Plant Biology.

Standardized test scores: Some universities may require GRE scores or other standardized test scores.

Application fee: An application fee is usually required.

PhD in Plant Biology Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Plant Biology program varies depending on the university or college offering the program. Typically, students must complete an online application form and submit required materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and a statement of purpose. Some universities may also require an application fee. Students should check with the specific university for detailed application instructions and deadlines.

PhD in Plant Biology Fee Structure

The application fee for a PhD in Plant Biology program may vary depending on the university or college. Typically, the fee ranges from $50 to $100, but some universities may charge more.

PhD in Plant Biology Syllabus

The syllabus for a PhD in Plant Biology program may vary depending on the university or college. However, some common topics covered in the program include:

PhD in Plant Biology Salary and Jobs

Graduates of a PhD in Plant Biology program may pursue careers as researchers, professors, or consultants in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for biological scientists, including botanists, was $82,220 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific job and industry. Some examples of job titles and median salaries for individuals with a PhD in Plant Biology include:

Plant Scientist - $77,902

Research Scientist - $85,938

Assistant Professor - $77,416

Senior Scientist - $112,803

Director of Research and Development - $153,394

PhD in Plant Biology Career Opportunities

Graduates of a PhD in Plant Biology program may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

PhD in Plant Biology Top Colleges in India

Some top colleges in India offering a PhD in Plant Biology program include:

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
3. University of Delhi, Delhi
4. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
5. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune
6. University of Calcutta, Kolkata
7. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
8. Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
9. University of Madras, Chennai
10. Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli

PhD in Plant Biology Admission Procedure 

• Application for the entrance exam 
•  Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Plant Biology Documents Checklist 

1.  Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Plant Biology

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.