Overview

• Official Name: Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)
• Common Names: CCMB, CSIR-CCMB
• Type: Central Government Research Institute under Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Year Established: 1977
• Campus Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Approvals & Affiliations: Not a university but a premier government research institute. Not governed by UGC/AICTE/NMC/PCI/NAAC as it is research-focused under CSIR.
• Official Website: https://www.ccmb.res.in

Quick Facts

• Founder: Prof. Balvant N. Jena (First Director)
• Current Director: Dr. Rakesh K. Mishra
• Student Population: Approx. 150 PhD students and research scholars (full-time)
• Departments/Faculties: Multiple specialized research groups in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Proteomics, etc.
• Contact: Phone: +91-40-27193100 / 27193000
  Email: director@ccmb.res.in
  Address: Uppal Road, Habsiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500007
• NAAC grade: Not applicable (research institute)
• Notable Rankings: Consistently ranked among top CSIR labs; recognized by DST, DBT; NIRF ranking not applicable
• Cited Sources: CCMB Official History, Contact Details

Courses & Programs

• Major Research Areas: Biological Sciences focusing on Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Programs Offered:
  • PhD in Life Sciences (full-time)
  • Integrated PhD (Biotechnology and related areas in collaboration with universities)
  • Postdoctoral Fellowships
  • Integrated MSc-PhD Programs (in partnership with universities).
• Duration: PhD programs typically 3–5 years
• Mode: Regular (full-time research onsite)
• Intake: Limited PhD seats based on CSIR-UGC NET JRF or institute entrance exam
• Note: CCMB does not offer undergraduate or regular master's degree programs independently but collaborates with universities for integrated PhD.

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Through national level exams and institute entrance tests
• Accepted Exams: CSIR-UGC NET JRF (Life Sciences), JRF (Biological Sciences), DBT-JRF, GATE (Biotechnology), Institute’s own written test/interview
• Typical Admission Timeline: Applications open June–July, interviews August–September. Refer to CCMB Admissions for current cycle.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit the Official Admission Page.
  2. Download and fill application form (if offline).
  3. Submit application online via the designated portal or email as per instructions.
  4. Pay application fee if applicable.
  5. Appear for institute test/interview or produce valid JRF certificate.
  6. Final selection announced on official website.

Eligibility Criteria

• PhD Programs:
  • MSc/MA/MTech/MPharma or equivalent with minimum 55% marks (relaxation as per govt. rules)
  • Valid CSIR-UGC NET JRF or equivalent qualified candidates preferred
  • For Integrated PhD, BSc/BE Biotechnology or Life Sciences background required
• Documents Required:
  • Degree certificates and mark sheets
  • Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS if applicable)
  • CSIR NET/DBT JRF/GATE certificate (if available)
  • Photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
  • Passport size photographs

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees: As a government CSIR lab, CCMB charges nominal fees mainly for PhD registration through associated universities (approx. ₹10,000-₹30,000 per annum depending on university)
• Hostel Fees: Available on campus, approx. ₹1,000–₹3,000 per month (subject to change)
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • CSIR-UGC NET JRF scholarship (~₹31,000/month)
  • DBT Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
  • Institute-supported merit fellowships
  • Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories as per GoI norms
• Refer: CCMB Fellowships & Financial Support

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: Since CCMB is a research institution, formal placement drives are not conducted.
• PhD graduates typically proceed to:
• Research positions in academia and industry
• Biotechnology and pharma companies
• National and international postdoctoral programs
• Government research organizations
• Average CTC: Not published formally
• Placement Cell Contact: Contact Page
• Internship Support: Available for M.Sc. and other students through collaborative projects

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Separate facilities for male/female scholars
• Mess & Canteen: On-campus dining with subsidized meals
• Sports & Recreation: Sports facilities including badminton, cricket, and indoor games
• Laboratories: State-of-the-art molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and microscopy labs
• Library: Extensive digital and physical collections including journals, books, and databases
• Healthcare: Medical facility on campus
• Transport: Connectivity via city buses; institute buses for staff & students
• Wi-Fi: Campus-wide high-speed wireless internet
• Research Centres: Specialized centers like Genome Engineering & Biology, Disease Biology, Structural Biology
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Science clubs, cultural events, annual science fest

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Dr. Rakesh K. Mishra (Director), many senior scientists with national/international awards
• Research Centres: Multiple specialized labs focused on genomics, neurobiology, cell signaling, cancer biology
• Major Grants: Funded by DST, DBT, ICMR, and international funding agencies
• Patents/MoUs: Several patents in molecular diagnostics and therapeutics; collaborative MoUs with IITs, IISc, and pharma industry

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF: Not ranked separately as it is not a degree-granting university
• NAAC: Not applicable
• India Today / Outlook / QS India: Not applicable (research institute)
• Reputation: Listed among premier Indian research institutes by Ministry of Science and Technology; consistently recognized for excellence in life sciences research

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results Publication: Interview results and PhD selections published on CCMB Admissions page
• Seat Matrix: Limited PhD seats (~10-20 per session depending on funding)
• Typical Cut-offs: Based on CSIR-UGC NET JRF score, GATE biotechnology score, or institute entrance test merit

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approx. 30 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Secunderabad Railway Station (~10 km)
• City Connectivity: Well connected by Hyderabad Metro, TSRTC buses, taxis, and app-based cabs
• Local Transit: TSRTC buses, auto-rickshaws, and institute shuttle services

FAQs

Q1: Does CCMB offer undergraduate courses?

A1: No, CCMB primarily offers PhD and postdoctoral research programs. Undergraduate teaching is through partner universities.

Q2: What entrance exams are required for admission?

A2: Candidates must qualify CSIR-UGC NET JRF or GATE Biotechnology, or appear for the institute's entrance test.

Q3: Are hostel facilities available on campus?

A3: Yes, CCMB provides hostel accommodation for research scholars with separate arrangements for men and women.

Q4: What is the approximate fee for PhD programs?

A4: Fees vary by university but are nominal; research fellows often receive fellowships to cover expenses.

Q5: Does CCMB provide scholarships?

A5: Yes, scholarships are primarily through CSIR-UGC NET JRF, DBT fellowships, and institute merit awards.

Q6: How can I apply for admission?

A6: Applications are submitted online via the official CCMB admissions page during advertised cycles.

Q7: Does CCMB have placement assistance?

A7: Formal placements are not conducted, but career guidance and internships are provided.

Q8: Are waivers available for reserved categories?

A8: Yes, SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates receive reservations and fee concessions as per government rules.

Q9: When does the academic year start?

A9: Usually, admissions occur mid-year with research activities commencing July-September.

Q10: How to contact the admissions office?

A10: Email director@ccmb.res.in or call +91-40-27193100 during office hours.