PhD Programme at NCBS | Biology Candidates, Apply Now | Earn Rs. 37,000 pm
The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR) has officially announced the opening of online applications for its prestigious PhD Programme for the GS 2026 session. This admission cycle targets high-caliber candidates who have qualified through prominent national-level examinations, offering a world-class platform to pursue an advanced Biology PhD in one of India’s premier research environments.
About the Institute
NCBS is a constituent centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and is dedicated to excellence in biological research across all scales, from single molecules to entire ecosystems. A NCBS career offers scientists a curiosity-driven and collaborative environment supported by state-of-the-art research infrastructure. In addition, the institute’s PhD programme is renowned for drawing ambitious candidates from all over the country.
Eligibility and Admission Criteria
The PhD Programme is open to candidates with strong foundations in basic or applied sciences.
Educational Background:
- Master’s degree in any branch of Biology or Agricultural Sciences.
- OR a professional Master’s degree such as M.Tech.
Qualifying Exams:
Candidates must have a valid qualification (as of August 01, 2026) in at least one of the following exams with more than 95% percentile:
- CSIR / UGC-JRF.
- DBT or ICMR.
- DST-INSPIRE or GATE.
- Special Considerations: Candidates in the Top 10 percentiles of GATE or those who qualified UGC/CSIR NET (without JRF) may be considered if they possess at least 6 months of continuous research experience.
Fellowship and Financial Support
Selected candidates are provided with competitive financial support throughout their tenure. Notably, every PhD programme participant receives tailored guidance from expert mentors.
- JRF Level: For the first two years, students receive a fellowship of 180,000 for the first two years (calculated as 37,000 per month + HRA).
- SRF Level: Upon fulfilling registration qualifications, the fellowship is upgraded to 42,000 per month + HRA.
- Contingency: A standard annual contingency grant is provided to support research needs.
- External Options: Candidates may also choose to avail of their own national fellowships (e.g., CSIR/ICMR) or the TIFR fellowship.
Application Process and Deadlines
Eligible candidates must submit their applications through the online portal before the specified cutoff. To clarify, your application should be for the PhD programme only if you fit the detailed eligibility.
- Application Deadline: 5th April 2026 (till 5.00 pm).
- Submission Portal: Online applications are processed through the NCBS academic admissions website.
- Clarifications: For any questions regarding the August 2026 admissions, contact [email protected] with the subject line “August 2026 PhD Admissions”.
Choosing a doctoral programme at NCBS-TIFR is a transformative step toward a leadership role in biological sciences. This Biology PhD opportunity provides the rigorous training and global exposure necessary to excel in modern research. If you have secured a top percentile in national exams like GATE or CSIR-NET and are eager to contribute to high-impact science, ensure your application is submitted by April 5, 2026, to start your NCBS career in August.
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