In a significant boost for aspiring researchers, the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), a premier institution under UNESCO and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has opened applications for its PhD Programme in Biotechnology for the 2025-26 Monsoon Semester.
Located in Faridabad, Haryana, RCB is a leading hub for biotechnology research, offering state-of-the-art facilities and globally recognized faculty. This programme, with applications due by May 30, 2025, is set to attract top talent in life sciences, reinforcing India’s position in the global pharmaceutical industry.
Key Details
- Application Deadline: May 30, 2025
- Written Test/Interview: July 3–4, 2025, at RCB, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad
- Apply Online: Via QR code or RCB’s application portal
- Contact: rcbadmissions@rcb.res.in for admissions; it@rcb.res.in for payment queries
- Location: RCB, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana 121001
Quick Facts:
- Eligibility: Four-year Bachelor’s/Master’s in science/technology or MBBS with 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
- Fellowship: Valid GoI fellowship (e.g., CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF, DBT-JRF) for five years.
- Facilities: Access to BSL-3 labs, proteomics, and high-throughput sequencing.
- Fraud Alert: Verify details via www.rcb.res.in; RCB does not charge beyond the ₹500 application fee (exempt for SC/ST/PwD/EWS).
RCB: A Powerhouse in Biotechnology Research
Founded in 2009, RCB is a UNESCO-affiliated centre of excellence, training over 250 PhD scholars and hosting 500+ researchers. Its Faridabad campus, part of the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including flow cytometry, bioinformatics clusters, and high-performance computing labs.
With 45+ faculty members publishing in high-impact journals like Nature and Cell, RCB leads in areas such as CRISPR-based therapeutics, cancer biology, and infectious disease research. According to a 2024 Times Higher Education ranking, RCB is among India’s top biotech institutes, with a 4.2/5 academic reputation based on alumni feedback.
The PhD programme aligns with India’s growing biopharma market, projected to reach $130 billion by 2030, per India Brand Equity Foundation. RCB’s partnerships with global leaders like Takeda Pharmaceutical and Stanford University ensure scholars gain exposure to cutting-edge drug discovery and translational research, making this programme a launchpad for careers in academia and industry.
Programme Highlights
The RCB PhD in Biotechnology is designed for interdisciplinary research, preparing scholars for leadership in biomedical research and biotech innovation.
- Eligibility:
- Four-year Bachelor’s (B.Tech, B.E, B.V.Sc) or Master’s (M.Sc, M.Tech, M.Pharm, M.V.Sc) in science/technology, or MBBS, with 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer/PwD).
- Valid fellowship (e.g., CSIR-JRF, DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF) for five years.
- Candidates graduating in 2025 can apply, subject to meeting criteria by admission.
- Research Areas:
- Structure: 5–7 years, including coursework in research methodology, biostatistics, and advanced biotechnology.
- Stipend: ₹31,000–₹35,000/month via GoI fellowships, per CSIR norms.
- Output: Publish in high-impact journals and present at global conferences like BIO International Convention.
Application Process
- Step 1: Register online at www.rcb.res.in or scan the QR code.
- Step 2: Upload degree certificates, mark sheets, fellowship award letter, and ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN).
- Step 3: Pay ₹500 fee (General/OBC; exempt for SC/ST/PwD/EWS) online. For payment issues, contact it@rcb.res.in.
- Step 4: Shortlisted candidates attend a written test (MCQs/short answers on biotech fundamentals) and/or interview on July 3–4, 2025.
- Step 5: Results announced via email and RCB website by mid-July 2025.
Tips for Applicants:
- Review RCB faculty profiles to align your research interests.
- Prepare for questions on molecular biology, CRISPR, or your fellowship project.
- Contact rcbadmissions@rcb.res.in for application clarifications.
Why Faridabad? A Biotech Hub
Faridabad, part of the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, is India’s emerging biotech hub, hosting institutes like THSTI and NII. With proximity to Delhi and Gurgaon’s biotech firms (e.g., Syngene), Faridabad offers a vibrant ecosystem for biopharma research. The region’s connectivity via the Delhi Metro and a moderate cost of living make it ideal for PhD scholars. Learn more about Faridabad’s biotech growth.
Career Prospects
RCB PhD graduates are highly sought after, with 80% securing roles in academia, biotech firms, or international labs, per alumni data. Notable placements include Biocon, AstraZeneca, and universities like ETH Zurich. The programme’s focus on translational research aligns with the global biotech market, expected to grow at a 13.9% CAGR by 2030, per Grand View Research.
Testimonial: “RCB’s interdisciplinary training and global collaborations prepared me for a postdoctoral role at MIT,” says Dr. Anjali S., 2023 PhD alumna.
Contact Information
- Admissions: rcbadmissions@rcb.res.in
- Payment Queries: it@rcb.res.in
- Address: Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana 121001
- Website: www.rcb.res.in
- LinkedIn: Regional Centre for Biotechnology
Official LinkedIn Post – Regional Centre for Biotechnology
This is a golden opportunity to join a world-class PhD programme at RCB Faridabad. Apply by May 30, 2025, and shape the future of biotechnology innovation!