Ph.D Neuroscience is a doctorate course for a period of 3 to 6 years depending on research progress. The course aims to produce a deep understanding of neuroscience and behavioral sciences. To be eligible for a PhD in Neuroscience, candidates must have a master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biotechnology, Psychology, Life Sciences, or a related field, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks.
To enroll in the P.hD. Neuroscience at any popular university, students are required to appear for some entrance exams such as JEST, UGC NET, CSIR NET, DBT JRF, ICMR JRF, and CUET-PG. Ph D Neuroscience aims to offer candidates a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system and brain by combining molecular, cellular, and system-level techniques to uncover intricate neural mechanisms.
Some of the job roles available for them are Lecturer, Clinical Neuroscientist, Neurologist and Biostatistician. Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Neuroscience can expect an average package in the range of INR 6 - 10 lakhs per annum.
- PhD Neuroscience Course Highlights
- What is PhD Neuroscience?
- Why Study PhD Neuroscience?
- PhD Neuroscience Eligibility
- PhD Neuroscience Entrance Exams
- PhD Neuroscience Syllabus
- Neurobiology, Neurochemistry, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurophysiology, and Neurogenetics, with a focus on research and critical thinking, Immune cells in the brain, Understanding of immune-CNS interactions in neurological diseases (such as Multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre), Autoimmunity and Tolerance, Vaccines Tumor immunology-Tumor immune evasion and immune surveillance
- Top Colleges in India for Ph D Neuroscience
- PhD Neuroscience Syllabus
- Ph D Neuroscience vs MSc Neuroscience
- Ph D Neuroscience Jobs
- Ph D Neuroscience FAQs
PhD Neuroscience Course Highlights
Before applying for the PhD Neuroscience course, the students need to get a brief overview of the course and the colleges. The basic details of a PhD in Neuroscience are as follows:
Particulars | Course Details |
Course Name | Ph D Neuroscience |
Duration | 3 - 6 Years |
Eligibility | Candidates must have a master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biotechnology, Psychology, Life Sciences, or a related field, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. |
Admission Process | Entrance Based |
Entrance Examinations | JEST/ UGC NET/ CSIR NET/ DBT JRF/ ICMR JRF/ and CUET-PG |
Average Course Fees | INR 1,50,000-3,00,000 |
Career Prospects | Lecturer, Clinical Neuroscientist, Neurologist and Biostatistician |
Average Package after PhD | INR 6 - 10 lakhs per annum |
What is PhD Neuroscience?
Ph D Neuroscience is a 3 to 6 year doctorate course that involves advanced study on the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. Brain function, neural diseases, cognitive neuroscience, and neuropharmacology are some of the subjects covered in the course. A doctorate in neuroscience gives candidates access to sophisticated laboratory methods, excellent analytical abilities, and knowledge of brain research.
To prepare graduates to contribute to ground-breaking discoveries in the discipline, the curriculum offers practical experience in neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience, preparing graduates to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in the field.
Why Study PhD Neuroscience?
A PhD in Neuroscience offers students various career options in research, academia, and the healthcare industry.
- The curriculum of the course provides an indepth understanding of the functioning of the brain and how Neuroscience helps in recovering with the Neurological discorders.
- As the institutions are recognizing the importance of the mental health well being, mental health disorders, there is a huge demand for the Neuroscience professionals.
- Neuroscientists play a significant role in developing treatments for neurological disorders, advancing brain-machine technology, and contributing to mental health research.
- Upon completing the course, the students have a broad range of options for their career opportunities.
- The students can opt for the rolesfocused in the areas like cognitive science, neurogenetics, or behavioral neuroscience in various sectors like universities, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research institutions, focusing on areas .
- The course also provides students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make significant contributions to neuroscience and healthcare advancements.
PhD Neuroscience Eligibility
Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in Ph D Neuroscience:
- The candidates must have a master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biotechnology, Psychology, Life Sciences, or a related field
- Candidates must have a minimum grade of 55%.
- Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like JEST, UGC NET, CSIR NET, DBT JRF, ICMR JRF, and CUET-PG.
PhD Neuroscience Entrance Exams
Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD Neuroscience include JEST, UGC NET, CSIR NET, DBT JRF, ICMR JRF, and CUET-PG.
Entrance Examination | Registration Date | Date of Examination |
UGC NET | 23 April to 13 May 2025 | 21 to 30 June 2025 |
CSIR-NET | June 2025 (Tentative) | August 2025 (Tentative) |
CUET (PG) | 2 January to 8 February 2025 | 13 March to 1 April 2025 |
DBT JRF | 28 February to 28 March 28 2025 | 13 May 2025 |
ICMR JRF | April 2025 | July 2025 |
JEST | 1 January 2025 to 22 January 2025 | 6 April 2025 |
PhD Neuroscience Syllabus
Neurobiology, Neurochemistry, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurophysiology, and Neurogenetics, with a focus on research and critical thinking, Immune cells in the brain, Understanding of immune-CNS interactions in neurological diseases (such as Multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre), Autoimmunity and Tolerance, Vaccines Tumor immunology-Tumor immune evasion and immune surveillance
Top Colleges in India for Ph D Neuroscience
Some of the top colleges for Ph D Neuroscience based on NIRF Ranking 2024 is as follows:
NIRF Ranking 2024 (Overall) | College Name | City, State | Fees |
4 (Medical) | National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences | Bangalore, | - |
13 (Medical) | Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, | - |
32 (University) | Amity University | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 3,00,000 |
- | SGT University | Gurugram, Haryana | INR 1,50,000 |
- | Era University | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | INR 1,70,000 |
PhD Neuroscience Syllabus
The PhD Neurosciecne focuses on imparting the broad research areas of the Neuroscience, including how bran and brain cells functions. The course helps the students to master in thier desired research areas. The PhD Neuroscience syllabus at Amity University is give below:
Semester 1 |
Advances in Neuroscience Research [Specialisation Elective Courses] |
Comprehensive Examination [Mandatory Courses] |
Quantitative Techniques - Health and Allied Sciences [Core Courses] |
Research and Publication Ethics [Core Courses] |
Research Methodology - Health and Allied Sc [Core Courses] |
Semester 2 |
Comprehensive Examination [Mandatory Courses] |
Ph D Neuroscience vs MSc Neuroscience
A Ph.D. in Neuroscience is a research-intensive program that provides students with the knowledge of molecular neuroscience, computational neuroscience, or neurodegenerative diseases. Whereas, the MSc Neuroscience provide a basic and anaytic understanding of the neuroscience disorders, its prevention, and experimentation.
- A Ph.D. prepares individuals for high-level research, academic positions (professors, scientists), and leadership roles in biotech and healthcare. The course is ideal for those who want to lead independent research, direct clinical trials, or develop new treatments for neurological disorders. However, an MSc in Neuroscience do not focus on the research aspects of the curriculum.
- While an M.Sc. allows for quicker entry into industry jobs, a Ph.D. opens doors to cutting-edge research, university teaching, and advanced neurotechnology careers.
- M.Sc. in Neuroscience provides a strong foundation for students in topics like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and cognitive neuroscience. After M.Sc. in Neuroscience one can pursue career in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, research labs, healthcare, data analysis, and science communication. Some graduates also work in neuropsychology, artificial intelligence, or clinical research.
Ph D Neuroscience Jobs
The PhD Neuroscience form a recognized university will open a broad gateways for the studnets in various domains. The basic details of jobs after a Ph.D. in neuroscience are as follows:
- Industry: A Ph.D. in neuroscience can lead to jobs in various sectors like academia, research, healthcare, industry (pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices), and government.
- Long-term Career Growth: The PhD Neuroscience enables the students to enter in the advanced level roles in healthcare sector, NGOs, and other domains.
- Average Salary: The average salary after PhD Neuroscience varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The average salary is between INR 6- 10 lakhs per annum.
There are various job roles available for Ph D holders in Neuroscience. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:
Job Roles | Entry level | Experience level |
Clinical Neuroscientist | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 10-12 LPA |
Lecturer | INR 7-10 LPA | INR 10-12 LPA |
Biostatistician | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 7-10 LPA |
Neurologist | INR 6-10 LPA | INR 10-12 LPA |
Ph D Neuroscience FAQs
What key skills are necessary to excel in a PhD in Neuroscience program?
To excel in a Neuroscience PhD, candidates need to have critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Strong lab techniques, data analysis, and statistical knowledge are also essential. Scientific writing and communication skills help in publishing research papers.
What are the typical research projects undertaken by Neuroscience PhD students?
The PhD in Neuroscience focuses on imparting in-depth understanding on the functioning of brain and brain cells. Some research focuses on understanding memory, learning, and decision-making processes. Others work on developing treatments for brain disorders using gene therapy or new drugs.
What are the common research areas that someone can pick in their PhD Neuroscience programs?
The PhD Neuroscience focuses on the brain function, neural circuits, and cognitive processes. Research often focuses on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. Other common areas include neuroplasticity, mental health disorders, and brain-computer interfaces.
What are the most popular specializations that the Neuroscience PhD course offers?
Various specializations are there in Neuroscience PhD like Molecular neuroscience which focuses on genes and proteins in brain function, Cognitive neuroscience studies focuses on how the brain processes thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and Computational neuroscience focuses on AI and models to analyze brain activity.
What are the differences between a Neuroscience PhD and a Neuroscience Master's program?
A Neuroscience PhD is research-intensive, focusing on original discoveries and academic publications. A Master’s degree focuses more on coursework with some research but less depth. PhD graduates often pursue academia, while Master’s graduates may enter industry roles. A PhD prepares students for independent research, while a Master’s provides foundational knowledge.
