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PhD in Microbiology is a research-focused doctoral programme that delves into the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. It equips scholars with expertise in microbial genetics, molecular biology, and infection mechanisms. The programme also investigates the role of microbes in health, disease, industry, and environmental processes.
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The duration of a PhD in Microbiology in India typically ranges from three to five years, depending on research progress and institutional norms. Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree like MSc or equivalent in Microbiology or a related life science discipline with a minimum qualifying percentage or CGPA. Admissions often involve a written test and an interview.
Graduates can pursue careers in academia, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology firms, diagnostics, and public health research. Some of the top institutes offering this course include Sankara Nethralaya (Chennai), IGIMS Patna, and TNMC (Mumbai). The average salary for PhD holders in Microbiology in India starts around Rs. 3–6 LPA, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialisation.
UGC NET Exam Date- June 21- 30, 2025
A PhD in Microbiology is an advanced research programme that focuses on microorganisms and their impact on health, the environment, and industry. It equips candidates with in-depth scientific knowledge and practical skills for careers in research, academia, and biotechnology. Below are the key highlights of the PhD Microbiology course for reference.
Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Course Name | PhD in Microbiology |
PhD in Microbiology Duration | 3 to 5 years |
PhD in Microbiology Eligibility | Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Microbiology or a related discipline with 55 per cent marks |
PhD in Microbiology Admission Process | Entrance Exam/ Merit-Based Admission |
PhD in Microbiology Entrance Exam | UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET |
PhD in Microbiology Average Fees | Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 12 Lakhs |
PhD in Microbiology Average salary | Rs. 3.1 LPA (Microbiologist) |
PhD in Microbiology Top Recruiters | GVK Biosciences Private Limited, Ocium Biosolutions Limited, Cipla, Biocon, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., IPCA Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Johnson & Johnson |
PhD in Microbiology Job Roles | Technical Specialist, Laboratory Technologist, Laboratory Scientist, Lecturer, and Medical Technologist |
To secure admission into the PhD in Microbiology programme, candidates must fulfil specific academic and procedural requirements. While the general criteria are largely uniform across universities, students should always refer to the respective institution’s official website for precise information. Below are the standard eligibility parameters:
Particulars | Eligibility Parameters |
|---|---|
Educational Qualification | Postgraduate degree (MSc or equivalent) in Microbiology or a related life science discipline with at least 55 per cent marks from a recognised university and 5 per cent relaxation for reserved categories. |
Entrance Examinations | Required to qualify national-level entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, or equivalent as specified by the institution. |
Application Process | Candidates must qualify for the entrance test and complete further rounds like an interview or research proposal submission, as per the institute's norms. |
Admission to the PhD in Microbiology programme is primarily entrance-based and follows a well-defined selection procedure. While individual universities may have slight variations, most follow a standard pattern. Candidates should carefully follow the admission instructions of their chosen institution.
Step 1: Check Eligibility – Ensure you possess a postgraduate degree in Microbiology or a related life science field, and meet the minimum academic and reservation criteria set by the university.
Step 2: Submit Application Form – Visit the official website of the university to fill out and submit the application form with accurate academic, personal, and research-related information.
Step 3: Appear for Entrance Exam – Qualify national-level entrance exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET, or any institutional entrance test approved for doctoral programmes in microbiology.
Step 4: Participate in Interview Rounds – Candidates shortlisted based on entrance scores are invited for personal interviews or research proposal presentations to assess their subject knowledge and research aptitude.
Step 5: Final Admission Offer – Successful applicants receive a formal admission offer and must confirm their seat by submitting the necessary documents and paying the admission fee.
Admission to the PhD in Microbiology programme is primarily granted through national-level entrance examinations conducted by recognised bodies. Most universities follow an entrance-based selection process. Below are some of the most commonly accepted entrance exams for PhD Microbiology in India:
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
National Testing Agency (NTA) | ||
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
The cutoff for a PhD in Microbiology varies each year based on factors like the entrance exam’s difficulty level, number of applicants, and the reputation of the institute. Institutes release course-specific cutoff scores annually, which help candidates estimate their eligibility and secure admission to their preferred research programmes.
The syllabus of the PhD Microbiology course depends on the institute, but it remains almost the same for every institute. The course curriculum of PhD Microbiology consists of various papers that the student has to clear; some of the important papers are Research Virology and Medical Microbiology. Mentioned below is the syllabus of Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore.
Paper 1: Research Methodology and Pedagogy | Paper 2: Research and Publication Ethics |
Paper 3: Industrial and Pharmaceutical Microbiology | Paper 4: Immunotechnology and Biotechnology |
Paper 5: Virology | Paper 6: Medical Microbiology |
The fee structure for a PhD in Microbiology may vary depending on the institute and its location. Students should check the fee structure for the PhD in Microbiology courses on the official website of the desired college. The average fees of a PhD Microbiology course range from Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 12 Lakhs.
A PhD in Microbiology offers promising career opportunities both in India and abroad. Graduates are highly valued in the medical and healthcare sectors for their research expertise. They can pursue academic roles in universities or opt for diverse positions in scientific research, diagnostics, and biotechnology.
PhD holders can find employment in hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical research organisations. They may also engage in advanced studies of microorganisms, conducting experiments to understand infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, contributing significantly to global health and scientific innovation.
A PhD in Microbiology opens up a broad spectrum of career opportunities in research institutions, universities, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare organisations. The programme enables individuals to contribute to innovations in disease prevention, drug development, and environmental sustainability. Here are some of the prominent job roles, along with their average salaries.
| Job Roles | Description | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|---|
Microbiologists are biological scientists who study microbes to better understand how they affect our lives and how we might use them for our own benefit. They carry out research, record their findings, produce articles and reports, and manage lab employees. | Rs. 3.1 LPA | |
Pharmacologist | Pharmacologists research, develop, and evaluate medications to treat, prevent, and cure illnesses. They examine chemicals, gases, dust, food colourings, and other substances to see if they are dangerous. | Rs. 5 LPA |
Food technologists create techniques for preparing, preserving, and packaging food in a safe manner by studying its physical, chemical, and biological makeup. They test foods to make sure they adhere to industry and governmental requirements while also looking for methods to enhance their flavours and nutritional content. | Rs. 3.7 LPA | |
Research Associate work includes overseeing teams, projects, and documentation. They work on a variety of research topics, some starting from scratch and others requiring middleman assistance. They run tests and record the results. | Rs. 4.8 LPA |
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
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Pursuing a PhD in Microbiology opens doors to diverse and rewarding career paths in the medical, academic, and research sectors. Students gain advanced expertise in microbial science, enabling them to work as research scientists, university faculty, or clinical microbiologists. The course also prepares candidates for independent research and innovation in healthcare and disease management.
Graduates can also explore opportunities in pharmaceutical industries, food safety, biotechnology firms, and public health organisations. With specialisations in areas such as immunology, virology, and microbial genetics, PhD holders can work as microbiologists, food technologists, pharmacologists, or research associates in both private and government sectors.
Many reputed private institutions in India offer PhD in Microbiology programmes with strong academic and research infrastructure. These colleges are recognised for their advanced curriculum, experienced faculty, and modern laboratories. Listed below are some of the top private PhD Microbiology colleges in India, along with their approximate fee structure.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 2.70 Lakhs | |
Rs. 2.70 Lakhs | |
Rs. 3.93 Lakhs | |
School of Applied Sciences, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur | Rs. 11.25 Lakhs |
Rs. 90,000 | |
Rs. 1.95 Lakhs | |
Rs. 3.07 Lakhs | |
Rs. 5.40 Lakhs | |
Rs. 4.55 Lakhs | |
Rs. 3 Lakhs |
Several top government institutes in India offer PhD in Microbiology programmes known for academic excellence and affordable fees. These institutions provide advanced research opportunities and are well-regarded in the scientific community. Below is a list of prominent government PhD Microbiology colleges in India with their fees.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 1.36 Lakhs | |
School of Postgraduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore | Rs. 1.84 Lakhs |
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A PhD in Microbiology is a valuable research-focused programme that opens doors to careers in academia, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. With growing demand for microbiologists in various sectors, this doctoral course equips students with the expertise to make significant contributions to science and public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Problem-solving, critical thinking, team work, and research skills are the important skills required for a PhD in Microbiology academic and professional career.
Candidates can learn various topics in a PhD in Microbiology like research methodology, virology, immunology, and microbiology.
The various career opportunities available in PhD in Microbiology courses are research associate, biochemist, microbiologist, and research scientist.
PhD in Microbiology can be pursued in both full time or part time modes of education. Whereas distance education for PhD is not allowed in India.
The highest package earned by a candidate after completing a PhD in Microbiology is Rs. 12 LPA (approx), it can vary depending on the company and the job roles.
To be eligible for the PhD in Microbiology course, candidates must have completed a master’s degree in Microbiology or a related discipline from a recognised university or institution in India.
Yes, PhD in Microbiology courses are valid research and evidence-based courses in India. The duration of the PhD in Microbiology course is three years to five years.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
If you have completed your master’s in pharmaceutics from a private university in first division but have not gained work experience yet, you can still apply for jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. Focus on entry-level positions, research assistant roles, or internships to build practical experience. Highlight your academic performance, projects, and any relevant skills in your resume. Gaining some hands-on experience will improve your chances of getting better opportunities in the future.
Hope this helps you.
Hello,
A PhD in Home Science in India usually costs between 80,000 – 2.5 lakhs depending on the university. Admission is based on entrance exams like UGC NET/ICAR or university-level tests, followed by an interview. Minimum eligibility is a master’s degree in Home Science or related field.
To know more access below mentioned link:
https://university.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-phd-in-home-science-universities-in-india
Hope it helps.
Hello,
Seats for a research course in management are different from one place to another, because each institution decides its own intake based on staff and research work. The cost for a part-time research course also changes from one institution to the next, since every place follows its own pattern. Because of this, the exact details will not be the same everywhere, and you will need to look at the information given by the specific institution you are interested in. Hope this helps you.
Hello,
To get a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, you generally need a master's degree in a related field like pharmacy and a minimum of 55% marks. You will likely need to pass a university-specific entrance exam or a national exam like the GPAT, UGC-NET, or GATE. The process typically involves online registration, submitting documents, taking an entrance exam, and then a personal interview where a research proposal is often required.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hey Sangeeta, Here are two good universities that offer PhD in Data Science.
1. Centurion University of Technology and Management- In this university you can do research on big data, machine learning or artifical intelligence. This university is best for practical and modern data science research.
2- Utkal University- this university is one of the oldest university in Odisha which is well known and has a good research facilities.
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Application deadline: 4th Dec | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
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