RGCB PhD admission 2027: apply by November 8 for January session
By TUF News Desk · Published 5 November 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
Biotechnology graduates have three days left to apply for a PhD at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram. Applications for the January 2027 session close on November 8 at 5 pm, and the institute accepts forms only online.
The centre, known as BRIC-RGCB, works under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council and the Department of Biotechnology. Its research centres on disease biology and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of diseases that affect humans, animals and plants. Students selected for the programme register for their PhD through the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, an Institution of National Importance set up by the Department of Biotechnology.
Who can apply
Applicants need a postgraduate degree with at least 60% marks in life, agricultural, environmental, veterinary, pharmaceutical or medical sciences, or an allied subject. Those with a four-year bachelor’s degree need at least 75% in a relevant discipline. SC, ST and differently abled candidates get a relaxation of five percentage points in the qualifying marks.
Marks alone do not qualify anyone. Every applicant must hold a valid five-year Junior Research Fellowship from UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT or another nationally competitive government fellowship. The age limit is below 28 years as of November 8, 2026. Relaxation of up to five years applies to SC, ST, persons with disabilities and women candidates, and up to three years for OBC (non-creamy layer) applicants.
How selection works
The institute will publish the shortlist on November 11. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an offline interview on December 1, 2 and 3 at the BRIC-RGCB main campus in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram. The interview panel will test subject knowledge, academic preparedness and research aptitude, and candidates will also go through laboratory rotation and interaction with scientists.
Selected candidates must submit their assent forms by December 17. The final results come out on December 21, and the programme begins on January 4, 2027. Students joining the programme must report to the hostel before that date.
How to apply
Applications go through the official RGCB admission page. The form asks for academic certificates, a detailed CV, age proof and fellowship documents, so keep the scans ready before starting. Our admission documents checklist covers the papers that admission offices commonly ask for.
The application fee is Rs 500, payable online through State Bank of India’s SB Collect facility using the link given at the payment stage. SC, ST, EWS and differently abled applicants do not pay the fee, but they must submit valid supporting certificates. Only online applications are accepted, and the institute advises applicants to keep the confirmation page after final submission. Queries about the application go to phd.admn@rgcb.res.in.
The fellowship is the part that needs the most planning, since no application moves forward without a valid JRF. Our scholarships guide explains how national fellowships work for university students.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last date to apply for RGCB PhD admission 2027?
November 8, 2026, at 5 pm. Applications are accepted only online, and no forms will be taken after the window closes.
Who can apply for the RGCB PhD programme?
Candidates with a postgraduate degree with at least 60% marks, or a four-year bachelor’s degree with at least 75%, in a relevant science discipline, plus a valid five-year Junior Research Fellowship.
What is the application fee for RGCB PhD admission 2027?
Rs 500, payable online through State Bank of India’s SB Collect facility. SC, ST, EWS and differently abled applicants are exempt on submission of valid supporting certificates.
When does the RGCB PhD programme start?
The programme commences on January 4, 2027. Interviews are scheduled for December 1 to 3, 2026, and the final results will be declared on December 21, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last date to apply for RGCB PhD admission 2027?
November 8, 2026, at 5 pm. Applications are accepted only online, and no forms will be taken after the window closes.
Who can apply for the RGCB PhD programme?
Candidates with a postgraduate degree with at least 60% marks, or a four-year bachelor's degree with at least 75%, in a relevant science discipline, plus a valid five-year Junior Research Fellowship.
What is the application fee for RGCB PhD admission 2027?
Rs 500, payable online through State Bank of India's SB Collect facility. SC, ST, EWS and differently abled applicants are exempt on submission of valid supporting certificates.
When does the RGCB PhD programme start?
The programme commences on January 4, 2027. Interviews are scheduled for December 1 to 3, 2026, and the final results will be declared on December 21, 2026.
Sources: NDTV, The Higher Education Review, The Hindu