A PhD in Biology is a research-focused degree program that typically takes around 4-6 years to complete. During this program, students will engage in original research, often leading to the publication of scientific papers in leading academic journals.
The field of cell biology focuses on the study of cells - the building blocks of all living organisms. It encompasses a range of topics, including cell structure and function, cell signaling, gene expression, and cellular metabolism. The goal of cell biology research is to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental processes that drive life at the cellular level.
Students pursuing a PhD in Cell Biology will typically take advanced courses in topics such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and cell physiology. They will also engage in laboratory research under the guidance of a faculty advisor, often developing their own research projects and hypotheses. The research component of the program will typically involve designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting findings at academic conferences and in scholarly publications.
Here are some highlights of a PhD in Cell Biology:
Course | Ph.D. (Biology) |
Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Biology |
Course Level | Doctoral program |
Course Duration | 3 years (minimum) |
Course Structure | Semester/Year wise |
Eligibility | Candidates should have a master’s degree in Biology or a relevant field from a recognized institute with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. |
Admission Process | Entrance Exams |
Major Areas | Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Computational Biology |
Job Positions | Sr. Research Associate, Research Biologist, Environmental Staff Scientist, Clinical Lab Scientist, Sr. Microbiologist, Product Manager, Natural Science Manager |
Major Recruiting Industries | Educational Institutes, Medical Research Centres, National Conservation Centres |
Recruiters | Paramount Diagnostics & Research Center, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., HCL |
Most PhD programs in Cell Biology do not require a separate entrance exam. Instead, applicants are evaluated based on their academic credentials, research experience, and potential for success in the program.
CSIR UGC NET |
UGC NET |
IIT JAM |
GPAT |
VITMEE |
To be admitted to a PhD program in Cell Biology, applicants typically need to have a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, such as biology, biochemistry, or genetics. Applicants must also have a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA requirement set by the program. Additionally, applicants should have research experience, such as through internships, undergraduate research projects, or a master's thesis. Strong letters of recommendation and a personal statement are also typically required.
The eligibility criteria for a Cell Biology PhD program may vary between institutions. However, in general, applicants should have a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field with a minimum GPA requirement. They should also have research experience and demonstrate a strong potential for success in the program.
Candidates must have a master degree in Biology from a recognized institute or university. |
A minimum aggregate score of 50% must have been scored. |
Entrance examination scores like IIS, BITS Pilani or UGC Net is required |
Candidates need to have a research proposal ready stating the research objective, process, methodology etc. This proposal will be used during a personal interview round. |
A PhD program in Cell Biology typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on the program and the student's research progress.
The selection criteria for a Cell Biology PhD program usually include academic credentials, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and potential for success in the program. Some programs may also require an interview with the applicant.
To apply to a Cell Biology PhD program, applicants should typically submit an application through the institution's graduate admissions office. This may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a CV or resume, and an application fee. Some programs may also require GRE scores or TOEFL scores for international students. It is important to check the specific application requirements of each program.
1 | Prospective students can apply to a PhD in Biology program through the institution's online application portal or by submitting a paper application. |
2 | Applicants will need to provide official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a research proposal, and other supporting documents as required by the program. |
3 | Some programs may also require an application fee. |
4 | It is important to carefully review the application instructions and deadlines for each program to which you apply. |
The application form for a Cell Biology PhD program can typically be found on the website of the institution offering the program. Applicants will usually be required to create an account, provide personal and academic information, upload transcripts and other required documents, and pay an application fee.
The application process for a Cell Biology PhD program usually involves several steps, including submitting an application form, providing transcripts and other required documents, securing letters of recommendation, and writing a personal statement. Some programs may also require GRE scores or TOEFL scores for international students. Once the application is submitted, the program's admissions committee will review the application and make a decision on whether to invite the applicant for an interview or to extend an offer of admission.
Online registration: | Registration portal opens up only during a specific date and it is advertised by the institute. The application form and all documents need to be uploaded through the portal. |
Fill up application form: | Fill up the application form with all basic details like email id, phone number, past educational achievements, job experience, entrance exam score etc. Correctness is needed while filling the form. |
Upload documents: | Upload mark sheets and all other required documents to the portal. Documents must be in a specific format and size as specified by the portal. |
Application fee: | Pay a minimal application fee to process the application. Payment can be done using all major online payment methods. |
Examination: | If the candidate passes the eligibility criteria, they can sit for the entrance exam. Download admit cards, prepare for the exams and sit for it. Results are announced in a couple of weeks. |
The application fee for a Cell Biology PhD program varies by institution but typically ranges from $50 to $100.
The syllabus for a Cell Biology PhD program may vary between institutions, but common topics include biochemistry, molecular biology, cell signaling, gene expression, and cellular metabolism. Students will also engage in laboratory research and may specialize in a specific area of research, such as cancer biology or developmental biology.
Areas of research |
Microbiology |
Biochemistry |
Genetics |
Immunology |
Cell Biology |
Molecular Biology |
Graduates of a Cell Biology PhD program are well-prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Job titles for graduates of this program may include research scientist, postdoctoral fellow, or professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical scientists, which includes cell biologists, was $91,510 as of May 2020.
Job Role | Job Description |
Microbiologists | A microbiologist studies bacteria, algae and fungi to understand how they cause diseases and how the environment is affected. |
Natural Science Manager | A natural science manager works in the role of a supervisor who overlooks the work of biologists, scientists, chemists and physicists etc. regarding research and development, testing etc. |
Research Biologist | Research biologists study all the natural elements in our environment in order to understand them better. Often they work in one specific specialization. |
Professor | Professors gain employment in the educational sector and help educate the next generation of biologists. |
Career opportunities for graduates of a Cell Biology PhD program include academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Graduates may work as research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, or professors.
Some of the top colleges in India offering PhD programs in Cell Biology include the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; and the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore.
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? 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.