NIBMG has been running its Integrated MS-PhD program since 2019. Students admitted into the program undergo master’s coursework during the first two years. This includes Master’s projects carried out in a research lab(s) under the mentorship of NIBMG faculty, during the third and fourth semesters.
After the first 2 years, based on the overall performance and eligibility criteria of the institute, a student may be permitted to continue in the programme for pursuing PhD thesis research. Students unable to qualify for continuing in the PhD component will be asked to exit the program with an MS degree. After switching over to PhD component, PhD thesis should be submitted not earlier than 3 years and not later than 5 years.
Integrated MS-Ph.D. program has a blend of theoretical courses, practical (hands-on) lab courses, and projects in research laboratories. The first semester courses focus on basic biology such as Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Principles of Genetics etc. Second semester introduces Human Genetics and Genomics, Biostatistics, Data Analysis (in R) and includes courses related with genetic aspects of human diseases such as cancer, infectious and chronic diseases. Along with the lectures and practical, each student undergoes research lab rotation in the major research areas: (Cancer, Infectious disease, Chronic disease and Computational Biology and Statistical Genomics) during first two semesters. The Third semester includes a few courses on Research Methods, Scientific Communication, advanced genomics/ bioinformatics courses in addition to research project under the assigned supervisor. The 4th semester students will only undertake project work, that has been initiated.
Research activities at NIBMG are centred around the common theme of understanding genomic background of human health and disease. NIBMG is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies which include single-cell sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing platforms, robotics platforms, high-end computational and bioinformatics facility, cell and molecular biology facilities, genetic engineering including cutting-edge CRISPR-Cas Genome editing laboratories, FACS (cell sorter), low and high- resolution imaging facility, BSL3 facility, bacteriology and radioactivity labs, state-of-the-art zebrafish, proteomics, metabolomics and microbiome facilities.
1) Biomedical Genomics and the functional implications in the context of:
A. Cancer
B. Infectious disease
C. Chronic disease
2) Computational Biology and Statistical Genomics
Indian nationals with minimum 55 % aggregate marks (or an equivalent grade point average) in bachelor’s degree in any branch of Biological Sciences are eligible to apply. Students from the SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), and PwD categories shall be given a relaxation of 5% marks. Students in the last year of their bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply, provided they can produce a proof of having secured the minimum aggregate marks at the time of admission.
Candidates who fulfil the minimum eligibility conditions and have qualified any of the following entrance exams (in the current year or latest exam held) may apply online.
1) Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS conducted by NCBS/TIFR)
2) Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. JAM- in Biotechnology (BT).
Candidates will be shortlisted for interview if their scores in JGEEBILS or JAM (BT) are higher than the cut-offs determined by NIBMG. Short listed candidate will be called for interview for final selection. Final selection is based exclusively on the candidate’s Interview performance. There shall be reservation of seats for students from the SC, ST, OBC, PwD and EWS categories as per the orders of the Govt. of India in this regard.
After the first 2 years, based on the overall performance and eligibility criteria of the institute, a student will be permitted to continue in the program for pursuing PhD thesis research. Students unable to qualify for switching over to PhD component will be asked to exit the program with MS degree. Additionally, after the first two years of the program, a student may also exercise his/her choice to exit the program with MS degree. In either case, students exiting the program shall be eligible for the MS degree only after successful completion of four semester of course with minimum CGPA and other requirements (if any) as stipulated by the competent authority.
The students admitted to the program receive a fellowship of Rs. 16,000/- per month while pursuing the MS part (four semesters). After the first 2 years, those who are permitted to continue in the PhD component of the program but have not qualified any national level independent fellowships, will be provided a consolidated amount of 25,000/- per month for first two years followed by 28,000/- per month for the next 3 years; as an institutional support. The candidates will be entitled to obtain the JRF/SRF fellowship, as per the norm ONLY IF THEY QUALIFY THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT FELLOWSHIP from either of the government agencies namely CSIR/ UGC/ ICMR/ DBT or equivalent.
On campus accommodation facility is available for all admitted students on payment of prescribed fees; it is mandatory for all students to stay in the Hostel during the entire course of study. For details regarding the amenities available at NIBMG hostel please visit https://www.nibmg.ac.in/p/amenities-in-hostel. A canteen facility is available on campus where food is served against monthly subscription paid in advance.
| Fee | Amount | Payable |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Administration Fee | Rs. 5000/- | Each semester (as per norms) |
| Tuition Fees | Rs. 6000/- | Each semester for the first three semesters (As per norms of the course) |
| Hostel Fees | Rs. 2500/- | Every month |
| Medical Fees | Rs. 3000 per year | Paid annually |
| Laboratory fee | Rs 8000/- | Each semester during the MS component (as per norms) |
* Fees are subject to change from time to time as stipulated by competent authority.
