Overview

National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. Established in 1996 in Pune, Maharashtra, it focuses on advanced research in cell biology and biotechnology. NCCS operates primarily as a research institute and is not a conventional university. It is recognized by the Department of Biotechnology and accredited by Government of India research standards but is not a UGC/AICTE/NAAC accredited teaching university.

Campuses: Single campus at Pune, Maharashtra.

Official website: http://www.nccs.res.in

Quick Facts

• Director: Prof. Mohan Wani
• Student count: Not applicable (research institute)
• Departments: Cellular organization, molecular biology, genomic sciences, bioinformatics
• Contact: +91-20-2590 0201 | info@nccs.res.in
• NAAC Grade: Not applicable
• NIRF Ranking: Not ranked (focus on research)

Courses & Programs

NCCS primarily offers PhD programs in Life Sciences/Biotechnology in collaboration with Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and other Indian universities. It does not offer typical UG/PG courses or diplomas.

• Faculty: Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology
• Popular programs: PhD in Biological Sciences/Biotechnology (3-5 years)
• Mode: Full-time (Regular)
• Intake: Limited number via National-level entrance and institute screenings

Admissions

• Mode: Entrance exam and interview through DBT JRF, or CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences qualified candidates
• Accepted exams: CSIR-UGC NET, DBT JRF, GATE (Life Sciences), SPPU PhD entrance tests
• Timeline: Applications generally open November-December; interviews in Jan-Feb each year
• Apply: Online application through NCCS site / DBT-portal; PhD admission details at NCCS PhD Admissions

Eligibility

• PhD: Master's degree (MSc, MTech, MPharm, or equivalent) in Biological Sciences / Biotech with minimum 55% marks
• Age: As per DBT & CSIR JRF guidelines, typically under 28-30 years with relaxations for reserved categories
• Documents: Mark sheets, degree certificates, NET/JRF scorecard, category certificates if applicable, passport-size photos

Fee & Scholarships

• PhD Fees: Nominal institute registration & examination fees (~₹5000 per annum)
• Hostel fee: Not applicable/not provided as NCCS encourages students to stay in university hostels (e.g., SPPU)
• Scholarships: DBT Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), CSIR NET fellowships, DST INSPIRE, UGC fellowships; reserved category scholarships as per Govt of India rules
• Details at Department of Biotechnology Scholarships

Placements

Not applicable as NCCS is a research institute focusing on doctoral research; however, students often join academic/research institutions, biotech companies, and pharma industries post-PhD.

• Internships: Available for MSc/MTech students from collaborating universities
• Placement assistance: Provided through parent universities and research collaborations

Campus & Facilities

• Modern laboratories with advanced cell biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics facilities
• Central library with extensive scientific journals and books
• Wi-Fi-enabled campus
• Limited hostel facilities; accommodation often arranged via collaborating universities
• Transport: Located in Pune with good city connectivity
• Recreation: Seminars, symposiums, club activities focused on scientific research

Faculty & Research

• Notable faculty: Prof. Mohan Wani and several senior scientists with national/international recognition
• Research centres: Stem cell biology, cancer biology, immuno & molecular signaling, bioinformatics
• Grants from DBT, DST, CSIR, MoES, international collaborations
• Multiple patents and publications in top-tier journals
• MoUs with universities like SPPU, IISc Bangalore, and international partners

Rankings

• NIRF: Not ranked (research-focused institute)
• NAAC: Not applicable
• India Today / Outlook: Not applicable

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

Not applicable for NCCS as admissions are based on national fellowship exams (DBT JRF/CSIR NET) and institute interview; limited seats for PhD.

Details updated annually on NCCS PhD Admission page.

How to Reach

• Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (~12 km)
• Nearest railway station: Pune Junction (~8 km)
• Local transport: Taxi, auto-rickshaw, BMTC buses connect Pune city to NCCS campus in Pashan

FAQs

Q1: Does NCCS offer undergraduate or postgraduate degrees?

A1: No, NCCS is a research institute offering primarily PhD research programs in cell biology and biotechnology.

Q2: How to apply for PhD programs at NCCS?

A2: Candidates must qualify national fellowship exams (DBT JRF/CSIR NET) and apply online through NCCS official admission portal.

Q3: Are there any tuition fees at NCCS?

A3: Nominal registration and examination fees apply; research fellowships generally cover stipends.

Q4: Does NCCS provide hostel facilities?

A4: Hostel facilities are limited; students usually stay in affiliated university hostels (e.g., SPPU).

Q5: What is the duration of PhD programs?

A5: PhD programs typically last between 3 to 5 years depending on research progress.

Q6: Who is eligible for admission?

A6: Candidates with MSc/MTech or equivalent degrees in relevant fields with qualified fellowship exams.

Q7: Does NCCS have placement assistance?

A7: While NCCS does not have a formal placement cell, affiliations and collaborations help students secure research and industry positions.

Q8: How to contact NCCS?

A8: Via phone +91-20-2590 0201 or email info@nccs.res.in.