RGCB PhD Admission 2027 Applications Close on November 8

BRIC-RGCB invites applications for its January 2027 PhD programme in biotechnology and allied fields. Eligible candidates with a valid JRF must apply online by November 8, 2026.

The BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, has invited applications for admission to its PhD programme for the January 2027 session. Eligible candidates interested in pursuing doctoral research in biotechnology and allied disciplines can submit their applications online by November 8, 2026, at 5 pm.

The programme focuses on research across disease biology and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of diseases affecting humans, animals and plants. Selected candidates will register for the PhD programme through the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), an Institution of National Importance established by the Department of Biotechnology.

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Candidates holding a postgraduate degree with at least 60% marks in life sciences, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, veterinary sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, medical sciences or allied subjects are eligible to apply. Applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree in the relevant disciplines must have secured at least 75% marks.

Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and differently abled categories may receive a relaxation of five percentage points in the qualifying marks. Applicants must also possess a valid five-year Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) offered through UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT or another nationally competitive government fellowship.

The general upper age limit is below 28 years as of November 8, 2026. Relaxation of up to five years applies to SC, ST, persons with disabilities and women candidates, while Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) applicants can receive up to three years of relaxation.

The selection process includes an offline interview at the BRIC-RGCB Main Campus in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram. Candidates will be assessed on subject knowledge, academic preparedness, research aptitude, research interests and overall suitability.

The institute will publish the shortlisted candidates on November 11, 2026. Interviews are scheduled for December 1, 2 and 3, followed by laboratory rotation and interaction with scientists. Candidates must submit their assent forms by December 17, while the final results are scheduled for December 21, 2026. The PhD programme is scheduled to commence on January 4, 2027.

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Interested candidates must register and complete the application through the official RGCB admission portal. The application fee is ₹500, payable online through the State Bank of India SB Collect facility. SC, ST, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and differently abled applicants are exempt from the fee, subject to submission of valid supporting certificates.

Applicants must upload the required academic certificates, detailed CV, age proof and fellowship documents, along with other applicable certificates. Only online applications are accepted, and candidates should retain the confirmation page after final submission.

The institute advises applicants to complete the process before the deadline and regularly check its website for admission updates.