University of Calcutta Ph.D Biotechnology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jul 27, 2026

The University of Calcutta offers a minimum three-year Ph.D. in Biotechnology through its Department of Biotechnology in Kolkata. The program accepts CSIR-NET, GATE, UGC-NET, and SET qualifications, with the university’s own Research Eligibility Test for non-qualified candidates. Total course fees are INR 18,000 for three years. Ranked 47th overall by NIRF 2025, Calcutta University is a significant hub for life science and biotechnology research in eastern India.

📋 Admission Status: Applications closed. Research Eligibility Test begins August 2026.


Calcutta University PhD Biotechnology Fees 2026

ComponentAmount (INR)
Annual Tuition, Registration, Library, and Lab Charges (per year)INR 6,000
Application Fee (one-time)INR 500
Thesis Submission and Evaluation FeesBilled separately
Total Fees (3 years)INR 18,000
  • Thesis submission and evaluation fees are charged at the time of final dissertation submission.
  • JRF holders receive CSIR or UGC monthly stipend separate from tuition fees.

Calcutta University PhD Biotechnology Admission 2026

EventDate
GATE 2026 ExamFebruary 7 to February 15, 2026
GATE 2026 ResultMarch 19, 2026
PhD Application DeadlineJuly 15, 2026
Research Eligibility TestAugust 2026
DRC InterviewSeptember 2026
Provisional Selection and RegistrationOctober 2026
  • Application forms are available and submitted offline at the Department of Biotechnology.
  • CSIR-NET, GATE, UGC-NET, and SET holders are exempt from the Research Eligibility Test.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master’s degree in Biotechnology or a closely allied discipline such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Life Sciences, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
  • Valid CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, or SET qualification exempts candidates from the university’s Research Eligibility Test
  • M.Phil degree holders from the University of Calcutta are also exempt from the RET
  • Non-qualified candidates must clear the RET, which carries a 60% passing threshold (45% for reserved categories)

Admission Process

  • Download the prescribed application form from caluniv.ac.in and submit it physically to the Department of Biotechnology within the notified deadline
  • Non-NET/GATE candidates appear for the Research Eligibility Test conducted in August 2026
  • All shortlisted candidates attend the DRC interview before the Departmental Research Committee in September 2026
  • For NET/GATE Category 2 or 3 candidates, 70% weightage is given to exam score and 30% to the interview
  • Provisional selection list is published on the university website after the interview round
  • Complete academic registration and pay the admission fee to begin doctoral research

✓ Opt for this if

  • Seeking PhD research in molecular biology, genetic engineering, or bioinformatics
  • Qualified with CSIR-NET, GATE, or UGC-NET for automatic RET exemption
  • Looking for an affordable doctorate at a well-ranked public university
  • Planning a research or academic career in life sciences in eastern India

✗ Skip if

  • Looking for a PhD program with industry-sponsored research projects
  • Need a fully funded fellowship without holding NET or GATE
  • Prefer a campus with dedicated biotech incubation or startup support
  • Require on-campus residential accommodation from the university

Calcutta University PhD Biotechnology Scholarships 2026

ScholarshipAmountEligibility
CSIR-JRF Monthly StipendAs per CSIR normsCandidates holding JRF through CSIR-NET Life Sciences
UGC-JRF Monthly StipendAs per UGC normsCandidates holding JRF through UGC-NET
Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means ScholarshipINR 18,000/year60% aggregate in qualifying exam and family income below INR 2,50,000 per year
West Bengal Post-Matric ScholarshipUp to INR 10,000/yearSC/ST/OBC students with family income below INR 2,50,000 per year
Kanyashree K3 SchemeINR 2,000/monthFemale doctoral students enrolled in West Bengal institutions
  • CSIR and UGC stipends are released after institutional registration is confirmed.
  • Scholarship applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
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University of Calcutta Latest Updates and News

26 Aug, 2026 University of Calcutta PhD Admission 2026 is ongoing. The lists of selected candidates and eligible candidates for interviews are out @caluniv.ac.in. The interviews are scheduled till Sept 9, 2026. Check here.

Calcutta University PhD Biotechnology FAQs

Ques. What qualifications are needed for PhD Biotechnology admission at University of Calcutta?

Ans. Candidates need a Master’s degree in Biotechnology or an allied discipline such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Life Sciences with a minimum of 55% marks. Applicants holding valid CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, or SET qualifications are exempt from the university’s Research Eligibility Test and must attend only the DRC interview. Candidates without these qualifications must clear the RET, which has a 60% passing threshold for general category candidates.

Ques. What are the fees for PhD Biotechnology at University of Calcutta?

Ans. The total tuition fee for Ph.D. in Biotechnology at the University of Calcutta is INR 18,000 for three years, payable as INR 6,000 per year. This covers tuition, registration, library, and lab charges. An application fee of INR 500 is charged one-time. Thesis submission and evaluation fees are billed separately. JRF holders receive a separate monthly stipend from CSIR or UGC after registration.

Ques. What research areas are covered in PhD Biotechnology at University of Calcutta?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Biotechnology at the University of Calcutta covers research areas including molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, microbial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and plant biotechnology. A faculty supervisor is assigned based on the candidate’s research interest, and the research topic is finalized in consultation with the Departmental Research Committee after enrollment and completion of initial registration formalities.

Ques. How is the DRC interview conducted for PhD Biotechnology at University of Calcutta?

Ans. The DRC (Departmental Research Committee) interview is mandatory for all candidates shortlisted for Ph.D. in Biotechnology at the University of Calcutta, regardless of NET or GATE qualification status. For NET/GATE Category 2 or 3 candidates, 70% weightage is given to their qualifying exam score and 30% to the interview performance. The interview evaluates the candidate’s research aptitude, subject knowledge, and proposed area of doctoral work.

Ques. What is the minimum and maximum duration for PhD Biotechnology at University of Calcutta?

Ans. The minimum duration for Ph.D. in Biotechnology at the University of Calcutta is three years from the date of academic registration, as required by UGC guidelines. The maximum permissible duration is six years. Full-time scholars are expected to complete coursework in the early phase and submit a research proposal within the first year. Part-time enrollment is available for working professionals who meet eligibility criteria.

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University of Calcutta: 1 Answered Question

Which is better Calcutta university or Presidency university for a PG course in economics?

Tiyasha GhoshStudied at the University of Calcutta (2018)

Between Calcutta University and Presidency University for a PG, you should opt for Presidency University. Having studied in Calcutta University, I suggest you go for Presidency instead.

  • Calcutta University is known to provide low marks to students.
  • The teachers are part of the board or question setter which doesn't give good marks and a student has to study under them.
  • Apart from this, there are certain colleges that, to improve their grades, give good marks to the students.
  • Both of these cases are not good. Along with this, the marks get worse as the answer sheets are not checked by the college faculty and are instead checked by someone else.
  • The Presidency won over these things. A student scores good marks in Presidency.
  • The teachers are not that strict and they only check the answers sheets.
  • As it's only the college teachers who do the questions and answers work in the exam, once getting familiar with them will help a student score well.

Therefore, it's better to opt for Presidency University. Due to its better faculty, facilities and overall experience.

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