PhD IN GENETICS

What You Need To Know About a PHD in Genetics

Do you want to pursue advanced study in genetics? A Doctorate in genetics can help you advance your career in a variety of ways. The highlights of a PhD in genetics, entrance tests, admission procedures, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, how to apply, application forms and processes, fees, course requirements, salaries, and employment options will all be covered in this article.

Highlights of a Genetics PhD

Molecular genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, developmental genetics, and evolutionary genetics are just a few of the topics covered in-depth in a PhD program in genetics, which is research-focused. The benefits of earning a Doctorate in genetics include the following:

PhD IN GENETICS Possibility to conduct novel research that will progress the science of genetics

Improve your analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Possibility of working with eminent subject-matter experts

Go hands-on with the newest tools and methods in the industry.

PhD entrance exams in genetics

Before enrolling for a PhD in genetics, the majority of universities require applicants to pass an entrance exam. A candidate's ability, knowledge, and comprehension of genetics are evaluated on these entry tests. For a Doctorate in genetics, some common entry tests are:

UGC-CSIR NET

JRF ICMR DBT JRF GATE

PhD IN GENETICS Application Processes

Each university has its own requirements for admission to the PhD in Genetics program. Nonetheless, the majority of colleges use a similar admissions procedure that consists of the following steps:

PhD IN GENETICS Application:

Applicants must submit an application form—available both online and offline—along with the necessary paperwork and an application fee.

PhD IN GENETICS Entrance Exam:

Applicants must pass either the university's admission exam or a national exam like the GATE or CSIR-UGC NET.

PhD IN GENETICS Interview:

Shortlisted candidates are contacted for an interview to determine their research preferences and program compatibility.

Applicants that succeed in the interview are given an offer letter for admission.

PhD IN GENETICS eligibility requirements

The prerequisites for a Doctorate in genetics differ between universities. Nonetheless, the following minimal requirements for eligibility are present in most universities:

a master's degree with a minimum of 55% (or 50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) in genetics, biotechnology, or a related discipline

Preference is given to applicants who have passed a national test like the CSIR-UGC NET, ICMR JRF, or GATE.

PhD IN GENETICS Selection Standards

The requirements for admission to a genetics PhD program differ amongst universities. Nonetheless, when choosing candidates, the majority of colleges take into account the following factors:

academic standing

performance in the interview and admission exam

research experiences and interests

accessible research supervisor

PhD IN GENETICS How to Use

Universities have different procedures for submitting applications for their PhD programs in genetics. The following phases are part of the online application procedure that most colleges have, though:

Fill out the online application on the university's website.

Submit the necessary paperwork, such as transcripts, diplomas, and IDs.

Pay the application fee online with a credit card, debit card, or net banking.

Send in the application.

PhD IN GENETICS Application Procedure and Form

Universities have different requirements for the application form and procedure for a Doctorate in genetics. However, in addition to the application form, the majority of colleges demand the following documents:

Score reports for all prerequisite exams

certifications for all required examinations

ID proof such as a passport, PAN card, or Aadhar card

a picture the size of a passport

Evidence of application fee paid

PhD IN GENETICS Fee

The cost of a genetics Doctorate varies depending on the university. Nonetheless, the majority of colleges impose the following fees:

PhD IN GENETICS Fee for applications:

Rs. 500–1000

Eligibility Criteria for PhD

Aspirants are eligible to pursue a Ph.D. course only if they have completed their master’s degree in a similar course/ field/stream in which they want to pursue a Ph.D. Some colleges also specify that candidates need to have completed an MPhil to pursue a Ph.D. course offered by them. Apart from this, many colleges state that candidates meet the eligibility criteria for Ph.D. programs offered by them if they have cleared UGC NET. Candidates who want to pursue a Ph.D. in Engineering need to possess a valid GATE score. There are various categories of Ph.D. candidates. Some of the types of Ph.D. candidates are listed below:

Full-Time Research Scholars

Government/ Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients

Ph.D. scholars who fall under this category are offered financial assistance under Government/ Semi-Government fellowship schemes.

Institute research Scholars with Teaching Assistants

Aspirants falling under this category of Ph.D. scholars are offered Institute Teaching Assistantship as specified by the MHRD.

Self-financed Candidates (Indian/ Foreign)

Indian self-financed candidates are offered a seat in doctoral programs offered at institutes depending on their track

record and experience. Such candidates are offered admission in Ph.D. programs offered by the institute by taking part in the normal admission process for Ph.D. courses but such candidates do not receive any financial assistance from the institute.

Foreign self-financed candidates are offered admission through the embassy of their respective country only after they get the necessary 'no objection certificate' from MHRD, Govt of India, and other necessary approvals from India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Sponsored Candidates

Aspirants falling under this category of Ph.D. scholars are sponsored by (recognized) Research and Development organizations to do full-time research at the concerned institute.

Study Leave Candidates

Aspirants falling under this category are given study leave by Government institutes/ companies/ educational institutes for a time duration of fewer than three years to perform research work at the specified institute. A letter of leave provided by the candidate's institute/ company is necessary to secure admission as a Ph.D. scholar in this category.

ICCR Awardees

Foreign candidates who are sponsored by their respective government are awarded a seat in a Ph.D. course under the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) award holders’ category if they have been awarded a scholarship by their government.

Part-Time Research Scholars

Candidates who seek admission under part-time research scholars at an institute are offered admission under the below-mentioned categories:

Research Assistants

Institute staff/ Faculty

Project Staff

External Sponsored Candidates

Ph.D. Admission Process

In order to secure admission in Ph.D. or research programs offered by the educational institute, aspirants need to go through the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the educational institute and go through all the details of the Ph.D. courses offered by the institute and select the area of research that the candidate wants to pursue.

Step 2: Candidates need to keep an eye out for any admission advertisement in newspapers or visit the official website of the university to fill the application form for admission in the course of their choice. Usually, the admission notification is released 4-5 months before the commencement of the course cycle.

Step 3: Next, candidates need to fill and submit their application forms for the Ph.D. course as per the schedule shared by the educational institute. Aspirants also need to ensure that they pay the application fee on time and submit all the required documents along with their application forms for Ph.D. admissions.

Step 4: Some educational institutes also specify that candidates need to submit a research proposal along with their application form. The application form along with the research proposal is submitted at the Research Unit of the educational institute where scrutiny of the application is conducted.

Step 5: After scrutiny of the Ph.D. course application form is complete then most of the educational institutes shortlist the names of the candidates who need to appear for the entrance exam and other admission rounds that are conducted for shortlisting aspirants for admission in Ph.D. programs offered by them.

Step 6: Candidates who are selected for Ph.D. programs on the basis of the admission rounds are then assigned supervisors/ guides for their Ph.D. research.

Ph.D. Course Structure

Steps that candidates need to follow when pursuing a Ph.D. course in order to be conferred a Ph.D. degree are listed below:

Once candidates are selected for Ph.D. courses offered at educational institutes they need to submit their Research Proposal along with their Research Topic.

Then, candidates are allocated a research supervisor/ guide.

After this candidates are provided details of the Course Work, evaluation methodology, and the teaching schedule by the Research Programme Coordinator/ Guide/ Supervisor.

While performing research work most educational institutes require aspirants to submit six-month progress reports for their research work.

Further, as a Research Student one needs to give at least two seminar presentations as part of their tenure as a Research Scholar and thereafter submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit.

Next, Ph.D. students need to publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed/refereed Journal and also submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit before they submit their Ph.D. thesis.

Before aspirants submit their thesis, their supervisor or guide will organize a Pre-submission Seminar. This seminar will be open to all. As part of this seminar, a report will be submitted which will include suggestions for improvement and the supervisor would ensure that candidates incorporate all these suggestions in the final thesis.

Candidates then need to incorporate all the changes and submit a summary of their thesis to their supervisor or guide at least 45 days before the submission of the thesis.

Finally, candidates need to submit their thesis in hard copy as well as soft copy. This thesis will be examined by external experts. In case any expert suggests any modifications in the research paper submitted by the candidate then he/ she needs to re-submit a modified thesis.

Next, a viva-voce is conducted wherein candidates can openly defend their thesis and present their point of view before a panel of experts.

Candidates who complete all these steps to perfection would only be conferred a Ph.D. degree.

Ph.D. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How many years does it take to have a Ph.D.?

A. Ph.D. courses take a maximum of five to six years. However, the duration may vary as per the institute where the students have applied.

Q. Can I finish my Ph.D. in four years?

A. There is a possibility that a student can finish off his/her Ph.D. in four years, but that completely depends on the chosen degree and institute.

Q. Will I be paid for Ph.D.?

A. Yes. Most Ph.D. degrees offer stipends to students. The amount varies as per the degree chosen by the candidates for the doctorate.

Q. What is a Ph.D. course?

A. Ph.D. is the short form of Doctor of Philosophy and to be eligible, the students are required to have completed their Master’s degree.

Q. Do I need to qualify for an entrance exam for Ph.D. admissions?

A. No. Students are not required to qualify for any entrance exam for Ph.D. admissions.

Q. How can I get a fellowship for Ph.D.?

A. Students can get fellowships by attempting and qualifying entrance exams such as UGC-NET, GATE, and more.

Q. What are the required skillset for Ph.D.?

A. Students should be dedicated and good at research for Ph.D. Additionally; they should also be self-motivated and good at writing all the reports and their thesis, which they will prepare.

Q. How can I get Ph.D. admission?

A. For Ph.D. admissions, the students will have to apply at the official website of the institute they prefer. Some institutes may also ask for research proposals to select the students for admission into their institute.

Q. How is the course flow of Ph.D.?

A. After admissions, the students will have to work on their research proposal along with their allotted supervisor/guide. Students will have to participate in seminars and research papers while preparing their thesis. The final thesis will have to be submitted as a hard copy as well as a soft copy. A viva-voce will be conducted where the students will have to defend their thesis.

Q. Is a person with Ph.D. a doctor?

A. No. A person with Ph.D. has completed his/her Doctorate of Philosophy while a doctor has completed his education in Medicine and works to help other people with their medical conditions.

Q. Do I need MPhil to apply for Ph.D.?

A. Most of the colleges accept students with a Master’s degree for Ph.D. However, some institutes may require MPhil for Ph.D. admissions.