MSc Neuroscience is a 2-year master's or postgraduate degree that teaches students about the human brain and nervous system. The program offers knowledge on topics like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuroscience and also provides skills in experimental techniques for studying the brain.
To be eligible for MSc Neuroscience in India, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in related fields like neuroscience, biology, psychology or biomedical sciences with a minimum 50% marks from recognised colleges or universities. Students must also qualify for certain national/state or university-level entrance exams to get admission into a few colleges.
The average fee for studying MSc Neuroscience in India ranges between INR 12,000-6,40,000, depending on the college or university, whether it is government or private, and affiliated. Best colleges in India offering MSc Neuroscience programs are the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, KMC Mangalore, Madras University, and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research.
The average salary for MSc Neuroscience graduates in India ranges between INR 5-9 LPA for freshers and for experienced candidates it can range between INR 9-35 LPA. The graduates of MSc Neuroscience have got various job opportunities such as Research Scientist, Research Assistant, Clinical Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Medical/Research Writer and many other job roles.
- MSc Neuroscience Course Highlights
- Why Study MSc Neuroscience?
- MSc Neuroscience Eligibility Criteria
- MSc Neuroscience Entrance Exams
- MSc Neuroscience Colleges & Fees
- MSc Neuroscience Admission Process 2025
- MSc Neuroscience Syllabus
- MSc Neuroscience Jobs & Salary
- Course Comparison MSc Neuroscience and MSc Psychology
- MSc Neuroscience FAQs
MSc Neuroscience Course Highlights
Given below are the highlights of the MSc Neuroscience Course:
Course Name | Master of Science in Neuroscience |
Level of Study | Master's/Postgraduate (P.G.) |
Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Must have a bachelor’s degree in related fields like neuroscience, biology, psychology or biomedical sciences with a minimum of 50% marks from recognised colleges or universities |
Entrance Exams | CUET PG, NEST, JGEEBILS, NIMHANS EE |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam/Merit-Based |
Course Fee | INR 12,000-6,40,000 |
Colleges | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Kasturba Medical College, Madras University, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research |
Average Salary | INR 5-9 LPA (freshers)
INR 9-35 LPA (experienced) |
Job Roles | Research Scientist, Research Assistant, Clinical Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Medical/Research Writer and others |
Why Study MSc Neuroscience?
The reasons to study MSc Neuroscience have been listed below:
- Careers in neuroscience for research, medical treatment, medication, and neurological technology are all available in the newly growing field of neuroscience.
- Neuroscience research helps treat neurological conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's.
- There is huge demand for trained neuroscientists in medical centers, laboratory settings, and biotech companies with the escalation in neurological disorders and mental illnesses.
- The area is leading in medical advances such as neurological prosthesis, brain-computer interfaces, and targeted medicine.
- Neuroscience experts tend to earn a high income, particularly in the fields of research, medical care, and healthcare service.
MSc Neuroscience Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for enrolling on an MSc Neuroscience course are as follows:
- Applicants must have completed BSc Neuroscience with a minimum 50% aggregate.
- They must qualify for the national/state or university-level entrance exams conducted to check the ability of the students.
- The final selection is based on the aggregate total score, including graduation marks and marks obtained in entrance examinations.
MSc Neuroscience Entrance Exams
Some of the entrance exams for taking admission into colleges offering MSc Neuroscience program are:
Exam Name | Level | Registration Date (tentative) | Exam Date (tentative) | Registration Fee |
CUET PG 2025 | National | 2 January February, 2025 | 13 March April, 2025 | INR 1400 (Gen)
INR 1200 (Gen-EWS/OBC)
INR 1100 (SC/ST/TG) |
NEST 2025 | National | 17 February May, 2025 | 22 June, 2025 | INR 1200 (Gen/OBC-Male)
INR 600 (SC/ST/PwD-Male)
INR 600 (Female/Divyang) |
NIMHANS EE | University
(NIMHANS) | 1-31 March, 2025 | 3-4 May, 2025 | INR 1500 (Gen)
INR 1000 (ST/SC) |
MSc Neuroscience Colleges & Fees
Some of the best colleges in India, according to the NIRF ranking, that are offering the MSc Neuroscience course have been listed below:
College/Institute | Type | NIRF Rankings | Average Fee |
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) | Government | 4 | INR 24,100 |
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC) | Private | 9 | INR 6,40,000 |
Madras University | Government | 10 | INR 1,07, 550 |
Aligarh Muslim University | Government | 27 | INR 1,00,000 |
Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (KMC) | Private | 33 | INR 6,40,000 |
JSS Medical College | Private | 39 | INR 87,100 |
Some other good colleges in India offering MSc Neuroscience course are listed below:
College/Institute | Type | Average Fee |
National Brain Research Centre | Government | INR 36,000 |
Central University of Rajasthan | Government | INR 40,050 |
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Private | INR 12,000 |
Amity University, Noida | Private | INR 2,37,00 |
Yenepoya School of Allied Health Sciences | Private | INR 2,25,000 |
SGT University | Private | INR 2,00,000 |
MSc Neuroscience Admission Process 2025
The admission process for the MSc Neuroscience program at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences has been listed below:
- Download the application form from the NIMHANS website or collect it from the campus.
- Fill out the application form by providing the required information and pay the applicable fee.
- Appear in the NIMHANS entrance exam on the scheduled date and time.
- Wait for the results to be published. Candidates who are shortlisted will be called for an interview.
- The final selection depends on aggregate marks, including marks scored in the bachelor’s degree, rank in the NIMHANS entrance exam and performance in the PI.
- The final shortlisted candidates will receive confirmation from the institution, and they need to submit the original documents for verification.
- After that, pay the admission fee to book your seat, and wait for confirmation via mail or mobile number.
- At the end, pay the tuition fee to finalise the enrollment into MSc Neuroscience at NIMHANS.
- Attend the orientation program and start a new academic journey.
MSc Neuroscience Syllabus
The syllabus for MSc Neuroscience according to Yenepoya School of Allied Health Sciences has been mentioned below:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Neuroanatomy | Neuropathology & Neuroimmunology |
Neurophysiology | Neuropharmacology |
Neurogenetics & molecular biology | Neuroscience Clinical Skills II |
Neuroscience Clinical Skills I | Bioethics |
Biostatistics &ResearchMethodology | Open Elective 3 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Neurology - I | Neurology paper - II |
Neurosurgery | Neurorehabilitation |
Neuroscience Clinical Skills I | Neuroscience Clinical Skills II |
Healthcare Management | Dissertation |
Open Elective | - |
MSc Neuroscience Jobs & Salary
Some of the jobs available on job portals like Naukri.com and LinkedIn for MSc Neuroscience graduates have been listed below:
Job Title | Job Description | Recruiter | Experience Level | Average Salary |
Resident Medical Officer | Manage patient care in neuro-focused hospital settings, assist in neurological procedures and ensure patient safety. | Namah Neuro Hospital | 0-2 years | INR 6-9 LPA |
Associate Professor in Neuroscience | Teach neuroscience courses, conduct research and mentor students. | Amity University | 5+ years | INR 9-12 LPA |
Medical Representative | Promote neuroscience related medical products to healthcare professionals and institutions. | Marbles Health | 0-2 years | INR 5-8 LPA |
Assistant to Neurologist | Providing specialized care for patients with neurological disorders, along with diagnosis, treatment and management. | Indus International Hospital | 5+ years | INR 25-35 LPA |
Course Comparison MSc Neuroscience and MSc Psychology
The course comparison of MSc Neuroscience vs MSc Psychology have been given below:
Particular | MSc Neuroscience | MSc Psychology |
Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
Overview | Study of neuronal and tissue behavior that incorporates elements of physiology, development biology, molecular biology, etc | Study of how behavior of individuals shifts in response to various situations |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in science stream or related fields with 50% marks from recognised colleges or universities | Bachelor degree in Psychology with 50% marks from recognised universities. |
Admission Process | Merit-Based/ Entrance Exam | Entrance Exam |
Exam Type | Semester | Semester |
Average Fees | INR 12,000-6,40,000 | INR 10,000-5,00,000 |
Average Salary | INR 5-35 LPA | INR 3-15 LPA |
Areas of Employment | Medical Institutes, Healthcare Organisations, Pharma Companies, Educational Institutes | Psychiatric Healthcare Organisations, Colleges and Universities, Hospitals, Mental Care Centres, HR Departments |
Job Profiles | Associate Professor in Neuroscience, Medical Representative, Assistant to Neurologist | Social Psychologist, Career Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Psychology Consultant, Research Specialist |
MSc Neuroscience FAQs
Is MSc Neuroscience difficult?
It can be difficult because it requires advanced understanding in biology, neurological anatomy, molecular neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience; however, with determination, it is doable.
Can I become a neurologist after earning an MSc in Neuroscience?
No, being a neurologist requires an MBBS accompanied by an MD/DNB in Neurology. MSc Neuroscience prepares students for careers in research and academia rather than clinical practice in medicine.
Is MSc Neuroscience suitable for medical research?
Yes, it allows you to help with neurological disorders research, discovering new drugs, and cognitive research.
What's the primary distinction between MSc Neuroscience and MSc Neuropsychology?
MSc Neuroscience looks into the brain's structure, functioning, and issues from a scientific and medical standpoint. MSc Neuropsychology explores how neurological processes influence how we think, feel, and act.
Which government job opportunities are accessible to MSc Neuroscience graduates?
Research posts in ICMR, CSIR, DRDO, ISRO, and AIIMS. Academic positions at government-funded universities and scientific positions in health care research facilities.
