PhD Microbiology: Course Details, Qualification, Admission Process, Syllabus, Colleges, Positions & Salary

PhD Microbiology is a 5 years Doctorate programme in Biology domain. It is a research oriented course that involves experimentation, data collection, publication, presentation, coursework, thesis writing, and viva. The course offers the opportunity to conduct research in various areas like environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, and microbial genetics.

• Course fee ranges between INR 50,000 to 1,00,000/year for a private institution.
• For government colleges/universities, course fee is minimal, INR 5,000 to 10,000/year or not at all.
• PhD Microbiology Positions are based on one’s interest in the research industry or academia.
• One can work as professor in university and also conduct research in academic endeavours while industry jobs are focused only on R&D.

PhD Microbiology: Course Details

PhD Microbiology is a research and development based doctorate degree programme where aspirants undertake research through laboratory based experiments and analysis. It requires attending conferences, presenting research outputs, publishing research papers, and submitting a thesis in order to obtain a degree.

However, UGC has removed the mandatory publication rule for completion of phd.

Why Pursue PhD Microbiology?

Pursuing PhD Microbiology ensures holistic development of the learner. It equips the aspirant with skills like analytical, observational, critical thinking, scientific writing, presenting, reviewing, and managing multiple tasks in a limited timeframe.

1. With PhD Microbiology, a learner acquires knowledge in the microbes world and also contributes to the existing literature.
2. It offers a promising career as a scientist or academician.
3. While pursuing a PhD, one can obtain a prestigious fellowship from the government agencies.
4. It provides the opportunity to publish research papers and book chapters as an author.
5. Such an authorship index credits additional benefits while applying for jobs in academics.

PhD Microbiology Eligibility

To be eligible for PhD Microbiology, one must have completed MSc Microbiology or equivalent Life Science degree with at least 55% (second class).

1. Candidates will be required to qualify an entrance exam either at national or state level. 
2. Also, there will be an interview round where candidates have to present their research interes/ideas to the committee.
3. Candidates clearing the exam and interview will be selected for the programme.

PhD Microbiology Admission Process

Admission for PhD Microbiology is strictly based on entrance exam merit. Universities consider exams like CSIR NET, UGC NET, ICAR NET, GATE, DBT, SET, etc. Some universities may conduct their own entrance exam such as GU entrance test, Nirma PhD entrance exam, etc.

Basic admission process is as follows.

1. Candidates have to register on the official website of the chosen institute.
2. They have to fill the application form with required details.
3. If not possessing national or state qualification, appear in university-level exams and interview.
4. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to present their research proposal.
5. Selected candidates will receive the confirmation and supervisor counselling schedules.

PhD Microbiology Best Colleges in India

There are many government and private universities that offer this course. Before taking admission, one should visit the college personally to ensure proper facilities, vacancies, and research approach of the institute.

PhD Microbiology Syllabus

Since PhD Microbiology is a research-oriented programme, there is no defined syllabus or curriculum for the course. As per the UGC guidelines each aspirant must undertake coursework during 1st or 2nd year of PhD. Coursework subjects are as follows.

• Research Methodology
• Qualitative and quantitative Techniques
• Research Specific Course
• Research writing and Publication
• Research ethics
• Good Laboratory Practice
• Academic Writing
• Literature review & Seminar/conference/workshops

The duration of coursework varies among institutes. It generally lasts for 1 or 2 years. Also, the coursework subjects depend on the research demand of the student. One can pursue an online course from NPTEL.

The flow of PhD Microbiology is as follows.

Coursework>Assessment>Literature review>Experimentation & data collection>Presentations>Viva Defense>Thesis Submission.

PhD Microbiology Fellowships

Students can avail fellowship from various government schemes. Eligibility and selection process vary among the different schemes. In general, it includes 60% at 10+2 level, submitting an application with SOP or Research Project/Proposal, Funding requirements/Details if have funding, and Work Plan.

Some of the popular fellowship schemes are mentioned below.

• Single Girl Child Fellowship (for female candidates)
• Lady Tata Memorial
• ICMR JRF
• SHODH
• DST JRF
• PMFDR
• CSIR NET/JRF
• University-level fellowship
• DST-WISE Fellowship (for female candidates)

Clearing CSIR NET JRF exam directly makes you eligible for fellowship for 5 years.

PhD Microbiology Positions & Salary

PhD Microbiology ensures a stable career in the research and development industry as well as cedemics.

1. Assistant Professor: Teaches in university/college and conducts research in the microbiology domain. They generally earn INR 4 to 7 LPA. They further may be promoted to Associate Professor, Professor, HoD, Principal, and Dean.
2. Research Associate: They work with research projects funded by government agencies or in private industries. Their job is to manage procurement, design the study, analyse the data, and write the papers. Average salary of research associates ranges between INR 3 to 5 LPA, depending on the type of industry.
3. Senior Research Fellow: They work on research projects run by universities. They do experimentation work and data analysis along with writing and publishing. SRF earns around INR 4 to 5 LPA.
4. Scientist: They work in government or private laboratories. Their job is to design experiments, provide solutions, develop various methods, strategies, products, etc for human and environment welfare. They earn up to INR 20 LPA, depending on the job role and type of industry they work in.

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