Overview

National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi, established in 1981, is an autonomous central research institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. Located in New Delhi, Delhi, NII focuses on advanced immunological research and biotechnology. It is not a university but a premier research institute with official recognition and funding from central government bodies. NII is recognized by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and affiliated with DBT. It does not hold traditional UGC/AICTE accreditation but is a respected institute under Government of India. Official website: https://www.nii.res.in

Quick Facts

• Founder: Prof. M. G. K. Menon (founding director)
• Current Director: Prof. Naresh Babu V. Sepuri
• Students: Approx. 100 PhD & integrated M.Sc-PhD scholars
• Faculty & Departments: ~50 senior scientists and research faculty across Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & allied fields
• Contact: +91-11-26704200, info@nii.res.in
• NAAC Grade: Not applicable (research institute)
• NIRF Rank: Not ranked (not a university)

Courses & Programs

• Faculties: Life Sciences, Immunology, Molecular Biology
• Programs: Integrated M.Sc-PhD (5-6 years), PhD Program (3-5 years)
• Duration: M.Sc-PhD: 5-6 years, PhD: 3-5 years
• Mode: Regular Full-time
• Intake: Limited intake per year based on DBT guidelines

Admissions

• Mode: Entrance examination and interview
• Accepted Exams: DBT-JRF (Biotechnology), CSIR-UGC NET (Life Sciences), GATE (Biotechnology), JAM (for Integrated M.Sc-PhD)
• Typical Timeline: Admission notifications released between March-May; admissions finalized by August
• Admission page: NII Academic Programs
• Application: Online application portal linked on official site; submission of academic transcripts and recommendation letters required

Eligibility

• Integrated M.Sc-PhD: B.Sc. (Hons.) with Biology/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry; minimum 60% aggregate marks
• PhD: M.Sc. / M.Tech. in Life Sciences/ Biotechnology with ≥55% marks; valid NET/JRF/GATE score preferred
• Age: Usually ≤28 years, relaxation as per govt. norms
• Documents: Marksheets, degree certificates, valid fellowship (if any), ID proof, research proposal (PhD)

Fee & Scholarships

• Fees: Minimal or Nil tuition fees for research scholars as per DBT norms
• Scholarships: DBT-JRF/ SRF, CSIR-UGC JRF, INSPIRE Fellowships, and institute fellowships for PhD scholars
• Hostel & other fees: Hostel accommodation at subsidized rates; mess and examination fees apply
• Scholarship links: DBT Fellowships

Placements

• Placement: Primarily research and academic careers; most graduates join PhD/postdoctoral positions in India and abroad
• Average CTC: Not applicable; scholars move to academia, research labs, or industry
• Recruiters: Research institutes (CSIR, ICMR), pharma & biotech companies
• Placement support: Internal mentorship and DBT support; no formal placement cell
• Internships: Available for M.Sc-PhD students within research projects at NII

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: On-campus hostels for students and scholars
• Mess: Subsidized canteen services
• Sports: Basic sports facilities and gymnasium
• Labs: State-of-the-art molecular biology, cell culture, and immunology labs
• Library: Digital and physical access to national and international journals
• Healthcare: On-site medical facilities
• Wi-Fi & Transport: Campus-wide internet and transport connectivity
• Clubs & Fests: Science clubs, annual symposium, and outreach programs

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Senior scientists with international repute in immunology and molecular biology
• Research Centres: Specialized units in Viral Immunology, Cancer Immunotherapy, Structural Biology
• Grants: Funded by DBT, CSIR, SERB, international agencies
• Patents: Several patents related to immunological diagnostics and therapeutics
• MoUs: Collaborative agreements with national R&D institutes and global universities

Rankings

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

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results & Cut-offs: Admissions based on national eligibility tests; cut-offs published on official admission page
• Seat Matrix: Limited seats (5-10) per batch for Integrated M.Sc-PhD and PhD combined
• Official Info: NII Academic Admissions

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), ~20 km
• Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station, ~10 km
• City Transit: Well connected by Delhi Metro (Vishwa Vidyalaya station ~3 km), bus services, and taxis

FAQs

1. Q: Does NII offer undergraduate degrees?
   A: NII offers only integrated M.Sc-PhD and PhD research programs, no standalone UG courses.
2. Q: How can I apply for the PhD program?
   A: Apply online through the official site after qualifying national eligibility tests (DBT-JRF/CSIR-UGC NET/GATE). Visit NII Academic Programs.
3. Q: Are there hostel facilities for students?
   A: Yes, on-campus hostels with mess facilities are available.
4. Q: What scholarships are available?
   A: DBT-JRF, CSIR, INSPIRE, and institute fellowships supported by Government of India.
5. Q: What is the selection process?
   A: Shortlisting based on test scores followed by interview and research proposal evaluation.
6. Q: Is NII recognized by UGC or AICTE?
   A: NII is an autonomous research institute under DBT, not governed by UGC/AICTE.
7. Q: What is the application deadline?
   A: Usually between April and June each year; check current notifications.
8. Q: Can international students apply?
   A: Yes, admission for international students is permitted with additional requirements; contact the institute directly.
9. Q: What are the main research areas?
   A: Immunology, molecular biology, cancer biology, infectious diseases.
10. Q: Does NII have placement support?
    A: Career guidance is provided but scholars usually continue in research or higher studies.