PhD in Neuroscience is a research-level program which is of duration 3 to 5 years. This course acquaints candidates with the different aspects of the nervous system, blending it with the discipline of neurology. To be eligible to apply to this course, students must hold an MSc or MPhil degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of at least 55% marks. Admission to this program will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted by the college or university. However, there are some institutes that offer admission to this program based on merit in the Master’s degree exam. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, or private industry. They may work as professors, researchers, or consultants, and may be involved in developing treatments for neurological disorders or advancing our understanding of the brain and behavior.
Duration | 3 to 5 years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university |
Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-Based + Personal Interview |
Job Positions | Neural Engineer, Computational Neuroscientist, Biotechnologist, Database and Databank Manager etc. |
Top Recruiting Areas | Genetic Counselling Centres, Psychology Centres, Pharmaceutical Companies, Forensic Science Labs etc. |
Most universities require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. Some universities may also require the GRE subject test in biology or psychology. Additionally, some programs may require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native English speakers.
Exam Name |
GATE |
UGC NET |
CSIR NET |
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF |
JNUEE |
The duration of a PhD in Neuroscience program typically ranges from 4-6 years, depending on the specific program and the pace of the student's research progress.
Applicants must typically submit an online application through the university's graduate admissions office. |
The application typically includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a personal statement outlining the applicant's research interests and experience. |
Some programs may also require a writing sample or research proposal. |
Applicants should also check with the specific program for any additional application requirements or instructions. |
The application process for a PhD in Neuroscience typically involves completing an online application form and submitting supporting documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a personal statement. Applicants should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each program they are applying to.
Subjects of Study |
Research Methodology |
Advanced study of Genetics and Molecular Biology |
Neuroanatomy and Developmental Neurobiology |
Neurochemistry |
Nanotechnology and Bioinformatics for Neuroscience |
Dissertation/ Thesis |
Seminar |
Project |
Job Role | Job Description |
Neurophysiologist | The job role of a Neurologist includes curing various ailments related to the nervous system, diagnosing and monitoring the disorders. |
Neural Engineer | The job of a Neural Engineer includes designing systems, artificial devices, and organs to replace body parts, and evaluate its safety and effectiveness. |
Computational Neuroscientist | The job of a Computational Neuroscientist is to study the brain condition by monitoring the images on the computer. |
Biotechnologist | The job role of a Biotechnologist includes conducting and monitoring experiments, analyzing, researching and developing procedures. |
Neurologist | The job of a Neurologist is to diagnose and treat ailments related to the brain. |
Graduates of a PhD in Neuroscience program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the field of neuroscience. They may work as professors, researchers, or consultants, and may be involved in developing treatments for neurological disorders or advancing our understanding of the brain and behavior. Specific career paths may include:
The top colleges for a PhD in Neuroscience program vary widely depending on individual preferences and goals. Some top-ranked institutions for neuroscience research and education include:
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.