Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Life Science Eligibility, Top Colleges, Syllabus, Duration, Salary 2023

The detailed information about the PhD in Life Science Course is mentioned below: 

• PhD Life Science course is about the study of organisms at all the possible levels. The candidates of Life Science are required to study organisms and microorganisms at the molecular and physiological levels. 
• This course is an advanced level master’s degree course and thus requires a pre-understanding of the workings of the organisms on a more general level. 
• This program is a combination of biology at microorganism level as well as at the level of human beings, thus making the scope of the course very broad.
• The doctoral degree course in Life Science field is an unparalleled research experience to candidates with a fortifying interdisciplinary course.
• The focus areas of this program are currently at the cutting edge of nano-bio interfaces. Specializations include nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, nanotoxicology, stem cell biology, environmental biotechnology, bioinformatics, and bioengineering. 
• The goal of this course is to create knowledge which will enrich human as well as environmental life.

Why study PhD Life Science? 

The goal to attain a PhD in Life Science degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the reasons to pursue this course are as follows.

• Prestigious Job Prospects: According to the research, it has been proved that the demand of Life Science graduates in the medical and research field is increasing day-by-day. 
• Lucrative Pay Packages: There are many different positions available for the PhD degree holders in Life Science, like Product Manager - Life Sciences, Analyst & Consultant - Pharmaceuticals product life sciences, Business Intelligence Solution Architect - Life Sciences, Research Analyst - Life Sciences, Manager - Medical Affairs, Research Scientist - Metabolic Identification etc.
• Depending upon their position in the field, they can easily earn INR 2,00,000 to 12,00,000 per year. 
• After completing this course successfully, the graduates can work in the field of Agriculture Sector, Animal Care Centres, Bio-Informatics, Biotechnology, Beverage Industry, Environmental Protection Agencies, Farm Houses, Food Processing Industry etc.

What is the PhD Life Science Admission Process? 

Most colleges and institutes offering PhD Life Science courses admit students based on their performance in the Master’s degree examination. However, there are some colleges which do conduct entrance examinations to judge a candidate’s abilities and skill sets. The following are the two major pathways through which a PhD Life Science admissions take place:

The syllabus for PhD Life Science entrance exams will vary from college to college. Candidates can follow the tips given below to prepare for PhD entrance exams: 

• Go through the detailed syllabus of the written test, start studying them, revise your concepts.
• One important hack to crack entrance exams is to develop a reading habit, be it a newspaper, novel, books, biographies and case studies.
• Time management is one of the most important aspects to crack entrance exams, this is not only applying to the study schedule but attempting the most exam as well. 
• Practicing sample papers and mock test papers will assure you of the time management skills by the time your entrance exam starts.
• Practice is the main rule to crack any entrance exam. Make sure that your concepts are clear and you are aware of all the right ways to solve questions within the time frame.
• Start learning from the basics and thereafter move to higher and difficult levels of concepts.

How to get Admission to a Good PhD Life Science College? 

To get admission in the top PhD Life Science college, the following points must be kept in mind:

• Candidates are shortlisted by the college through respective entrance exams followed by an interview.
• To get a good college for PhD Life Science, appearing for the UGC NET exam is the best way and for some of the colleges’ UGC NET is also considered good to approach.
• A few private institutes are there offering the course to admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
• Getting into a good college for the admission in PhD Life Science program, candidates need to score well in the respective entrance exams.
• Candidates should put their time and effort into the entrance test as well as be prepared for a personal interview round.
• They should be well versed with their research topic so that they can impress the interview panel with their research idea. 

PhD Life Science College Comparison 

The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the two top PhD Life Science colleges in India.

Source: College Websites

PhD Life Science vs PhD Health Science

Both PhD Life Science and PhD Health Science are somewhat related courses. However there is a difference between these two. Also, check the list of Top PhD Health Science Colleges in India.  Check the table below for more comparative details:

Source: College Websites

What are Job Prospects and Career Options after a PhD in Life Science? 

• There is a wide range of employment opportunities in the field of Biomedical, Biology and Life Science for PhD Life Science degree holders. 
• Professional candidates in this career may also opt for teaching occupation in colleges and universities. Biomedical candidates in this field can seek career opportunities in healthcare industries for example pharmaceutical industries, genetic engineering, medical research, lab technology as well as pharmaceutical sales. 

The table given below shows some of the most common PhD Life Science job profiles and career prospects after completing the course: 

Job Profiles	Job Description	Average Annual Salary
Food Scientist	Food Scientist is in charge of assessing the nutritional value of a wide variety of food products, and selecting the colour, surface, flavour and lifespan of. They additionally test food samples to analyze its yeast and microscopic organisms tally and decrease segments that might be unsafe.	INR 4,14,000
Food Technologist	Food Technologists are in charge of arranging fabrication of food and drink products. They are also in charge of generating new concepts and recipes for food items to be resold in the market.	INR 5,24,000
Immunologist	The Immunologists are responsible to provide information on how to enhance the immune systems of the human body.	INR 8,52,000
Analyst and Consultant in Pharmaceuticals	The Analysts and Consultants are responsible to sell drug companies' items to health care experts in clinics, hospitals, surgeries, and pharmacies.	INR 9,08,000
Product Manager- Life Science	The job of the Product Manager is responsible for developing products through identifying important elements of products, generating product requirements; conducting market research, determining specifications, pricing production time frame and developing marketing strategies.	INR 9,78,000

Source: College Websites

What are the Future Scope of PhD Life Science?

PhD degree is a doctorate level degree and is known to be the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue higher education on completion of a PhD Life Science course. Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this knowledge, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.

• After completing this course, students can opt for teaching jobs in colleges/universities and then clear the UGC-NET exam required to become a permanent lecturer.
• Students can also opt for jobs as a Scientist and indulge in the research activities. 
• Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field. 
• Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Life Science and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales. 

PhD Life Science FAQs

Ques. What is the syllabus for a PhD in Life Science entrance exam?

Ans. There is no syllabus in PhD. Your guide will give you the topic concerned to your interested topic and then you must research that paper.

Ques. What happens if I fail the Entrance exam?

Ans. A positive assessment report permits the doctoral student to pursue his or her thesis. If the report is negative, the examination can be taken a second and final time before the end of the first 18 months. If the doctoral student does not make the second attempt, or if he or she fails on the second attempt, he or she is eliminated from the doctorate.

Ques. What do I need to prepare for the Entrance exam?

Ans. In preparation for the oral examination, the doctoral student submits a written report on the progress made on research projects and the thesis project. The examination begins with an oral presentation by the doctoral student, followed by a series of questions.

Ques. Can I pursue this course if I have Commerce subjects in my Master’s degree?

Ans. No, you are not eligible for the course as it requires a masters in the science background.

Ques. I am expecting my 12th result. Can I apply for this course?

Ans. No, you need to complete your graduation then your masters and only after that will you be eligible to apply for this course.

Ques. Do we have a future in Life Science?

Ans. Until there is life on earth there is a scope because life keeps on evolving and there is change now and then so there is a scope for improvement every now and then.

Ques. Does life get better after PhD?

Ans. Actually, PhD does not promise to give you a good life, but it gives you knowledge where you can make your life from Good to Better, and Better to Best. The question is not “do you get a better life AFTER doing a PhD”, but rather “do you get a better life WHILE doing a PhD”.

Ques. Does having a PhD increase salary?

Ans. According to PayScale, PhDs can expect to make more money than applicants without doctorates and have access to more jobs. The median income for an employee with a PhD degree and less than a year experience.