Overview

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), commonly known as NCBS, is a premier research institute located in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is an autonomous institution under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Ministry of Education, Government of India. Established in 1992, NCBS specializes in cutting-edge biological sciences research and advanced postgraduate education. The institute operates from a single urban campus in Bangalore. NCBS is recognized and funded by the Government of India and is affiliated with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). As a research institute, it does not have UGC/AICTE accreditation but follows government norms for research and academic activities.
Official website: https://www.ncbs.res.in

Quick Facts

• Founder/Director: Prof. Jayaraman Gowrishankar (Director as of 2024)
• Student count: Approximately 200 graduate students and PhD scholars
• Faculty count: Over 40 faculty members across various specialized biological research domains
• Contact info: Phone: +91-80-2366-7300, Email: office@ncbs.res.in
• NAAC Grade: Not applicable (Research institute)
• NIRF rank: Not available (not ranked under NIRF University/College category)

Courses & Programs

NCBS offers primarily research-driven postgraduate and doctoral level programs focused on biological sciences:

• Faculties: Biological Sciences
• Popular Programs: Integrated MSc-PhD program, PhD in Biological Sciences, Postdoctoral research
• Duration: MSc-PhD integrated program (5-6 years), PhD (4-6 years)
• Mode: Regular (full-time)
• Intake: Limited seats annually for MSc-PhD program (around 10-15)

Admissions

• Mode: Entrance and merit-based for MSc-PhD program
• Accepted Exams: Applicants must clear the NCBS admission test/interview; eligibility for JNU CEED or DBT JRF exams is an advantage.
• Typical Timeline: Applications open in December-January; admission results declared by April-May
• Admission page: https://www.ncbs.res.in/admissions
• Application Process: Apply online by submitting academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation through the NCBS admissions portal.

Eligibility

• MSc-PhD program: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree (BSc/BTech) in Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields with at least 60% aggregate marks.
• Age: No upper age limit specified
• Documents Required: Mark sheets, degree certificates, proof of age, ID proof, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose

Fee & Scholarships

• Tuition Fee: NCBS programs are fully funded for MSc-PhD students with stipends (~₹31,000/month)
• Hostel & Mess: Affordable on-campus hostel accommodation & subsidized mess facilities available
• Scholarships: Government scholarships and fellowships like DBT-JRF, CSIR-NET, NCBS fellowships are available (details)

Placements

• Placement Rate: Not applicable; research-focused institute
• Career Outcomes: Graduates typically join academia, research institutes, biotechnology industries, or pursue postdoctoral fellowships internationally
• Internships: Collaborative internships available within India and globally through NCBS networks

Campus & Facilities

• Well-equipped state-of-the-art research laboratories and facilities
• On-campus hostels with separate facilities for men and women
• Library with extensive biological sciences collections and digital access
• Sports facilities, health care centre, Wi-Fi enabled campus
• Transportation provided for students and staff within Bangalore
• Student clubs and scientific societies active on campus

Faculty & Research

• Distinguished faculty including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardees and members of national/international academies
• Research Centres: Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (CCAMP), NCBS-TIFR Advanced Imaging Centre
• Active research grants from DST, DBT, Wellcome Trust, and international agencies
• Multiple MoUs with leading global research institutes

Rankings

• NIRF: Not ranked
• NAAC: Not applicable
• Other: Consistently recognized as a top biological sciences research centre in India by MoE and DBT reports

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-01.
Sources checked: NCBS Admissions, DBT India

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (approx. 40 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore City Railway Station (approx. 12 km)
• Local Transit: City buses, taxis, and app-based cabs available; NCBS accessible from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore campuses

FAQs

1. Q: Does NCBS offer undergraduate programs?
   A: No, NCBS focuses on postgraduate (Integrated MSc-PhD) and doctoral research programs only.
2. Q: What is the mode of admission at NCBS?
   A: Admission is primarily through entrance test and interview conducted by NCBS.
3. Q: Are NCBS courses funded?
   A: Yes, selected students receive full funding, including stipends and hostel accommodation.
4. Q: What exams are accepted for admission?
   A: NCBS conducts its own entrance test; qualifying exams like JNU CEED or DBT JRF offer advantages.
5. Q: Is there hostel facility for students?
   A: Yes, on-campus hostels with affordable fees and mess options are available.
6. Q: Can international students apply?
   A: Yes, international students are eligible; details available on the official site.
7. Q: What are the eligibility criteria?
   A: Bachelor’s degree in relevant science fields with minimum 60% marks.
8. Q: How to apply?
   A: Applications are submitted online via the NCBS admissions portal.
9. Q: Does NCBS have placement assistance?
   A: While formal placements are limited, the institute supports students through research and academic networking opportunities.
10. Q: Where can I find the prospectus?
    A: Prospectus and admission details are available on the official admissions page: https://www.ncbs.res.in/admissions