PhD in Life Sciences Admission 2024-25, Practice Papers, Answer Key, IIRF Ranking

PhD in Life Sciences About

PhD in Life Science is basically a 3 to 5-year duration full time doctorate course which is focused on the study of living organisms including Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Neuroscience. This course is an advanced level Master’s degree course and thus requires a pre-understanding of the workings of the organisms on a more general level.  The primary objective of a Ph.D. in Life Sciences is to train students to become independent researchers capable of designing and conducting original research projects in their chosen area of specialization. Students in this program will work closely with faculty members, fellow students, and research collaborators to develop research questions, design experiments, collect data, analyze results, and communicate findings through publications, presentations, and other forms of dissemination. Ph.D. students in Life Sciences typically begin their studies by taking advanced courses in their area of specialization, as well as courses in research methods, statistics, and scientific communication. They may also have the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops, and other professional development activities that will enhance their skills and knowledge.

PhD in Life Sciences Course Highlights

PhD in Life Sciences Entrance Exam

The entrance exam for a Ph.D. in Life Sciences varies from university to university. Many universities conduct their own entrance exam, while others may accept national-level entrance exams such as CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, or JRF.

PhD in Life Sciences Eligibility Criteria

• The interested candidates must hold a Master’s degree in relevant stream from any recognized university. 
• Students who have attended their MSc Final year exams are also eligible for this doctorate course. 

PhD in Life Sciences Duration

The duration of a Ph.D. in Life Sciences is typically 3-5 years, depending on the university and the research project.

PhD in Life Sciences Admission Process

PhD in Life Sciences Entrance Exam

The candidate must clear the university's entrance exam or a national-level entrance exam such as CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, or JRF.

Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview, where they will be evaluated based on their research interests, academic background, and communication skills.

Research Proposal: The candidate may be required to submit a research proposal, which will be evaluated by a committee of experts.

PhD in Life Sciences Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for a Ph.D. in Life Sciences may include the candidate's performance in the entrance exam, interview, research proposal, academic record, and work experience (if any).

PhD in Life Sciences How to Apply

• The application process for a Ph.D. in Life Sciences varies from university to university. Generally, the candidate must fill out an online application form and submit it along with the required documents such as academic transcripts, entrance exam scorecard, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
• The application fee must also be paid online.
  

PhD in Life Sciences Application Form

The application form for a PhD in Life Sciences can be found on the websites of various universities and research institutions. The application usually requires your personal details, educational qualifications, work experience, research interests, and references. The application fee varies depending on the institution, but it is generally around $50-$100.

PhD in Life Sciences Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Life Sciences typically involves the following steps:

1. Research and identify potential universities and research institutions.
   
2. Check their admission requirements and application deadlines.
3. Prepare your application materials, including your personal statement, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
4. Submit your application online and pay the application fee.
5. Wait for the institution to review your application and notify you of their decision.

PhD in Life Sciences Fee Structure

The fee for a PhD in Life Sciences varies depending on the institution and country you choose to study in. On average, the tuition fee for a PhD in Life Sciences in the US ranges from updated Soon per year.

PhD in Life Sciences Syllabus

Job Scope After Completed PhD in Life Sciences

PhD in Life Sciences Career Opportunities

A PhD in Life Sciences opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the fields of research, academia, industry, and government. Some of the career options include:

• Research Scientist
  
• University Professor
• Medical Scientist
• Biotech Research and Development Scientist
• Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
• Science Writer or Science Communicator
• Science Policy Advisor

PhD in Life Sciences Top Colleges

The top colleges for pursuing a PhD in Life Sciences include:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
   
2. Harvard University
3. Stanford University
4. University of California, Berkeley
5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
6. University of Cambridge
7. University of Oxford
8. Johns Hopkins University
9. Yale University
10. University of Chicago

PhD in Life Sciences 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 Life Sciences 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 Life Sciences

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.