St Aloysius Ph.D Biochemistry FAQs
Ques. Can a working professional pursue the Part-Time PhD in Biochemistry at St Aloysius University without leaving their job?
Ans. Yes, the part-time PhD programme is specifically designed for working professionals, faculty members, and industry practitioners. You are not required to be present on campus full-time. However, you will need to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer at the time of admission. You will be required to attend the entrance test and interview in person, and periodic interactions with your research guide will be necessary. The minimum duration for part-time scholars is 3 years, and the maximum is 6 years, giving you adequate flexibility to balance work and research.
Ques. What is the difference in fees between full-time and part-time PhD scholars in Biochemistry at St Aloysius University?
Ans. Part-time scholars pay Rs. 65,000 per year for all three years, totalling Rs. 1,95,000 for the minimum duration. Full-time scholars, on the other hand, pay Rs. 40,000 in Year I, Rs. 45,000 in Year II, and Rs. 50,000 in Year III, totalling Rs. 1,35,000 for the first three years. Interestingly, part-time scholars pay a higher annual fee, which is a common practice as it accounts for the flexibility and extended access to university resources. For extensions beyond 3 years, part-time scholars continue to pay Rs. 65,000 per year (up to 6 years total).
Ques. Is the written entrance test mandatory for all applicants, or can it be waived?
Ans. The written entrance test is not mandatory for all applicants. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, CSIR-NET (Life Sciences), or GATE are exempted from the written test and need to appear only for the personal interview. For all other candidates, the entrance test is compulsory and consists of 100 marks: 50 marks on Research Methodology and 50 marks on subject-specific topics in Biochemistry. The test and interview are conducted on campus on the same day.
Ques. How many seats are available for PhD in Biochemistry, and what are the research specialisations offered?
Ans. As per the January 2026 intake notification, there are 10 vacancies for PhD in Biochemistry at St Aloysius University. The department has five research guides with specialisations spanning Biochemistry, Biosciences, Nanotechnology, and Life Sciences. The faculty includes Dr. Lyned Dafney Lasrado, Dr. Swarnalatha B N, Dr. Ambarish C N, Dr. Remya Varadarajan, and Dr. Pallavi Baliga. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant faculty member directly to discuss research interests and availability of supervision before applying.
Ques. Does St Aloysius University offer any fellowships or financial support specifically for PhD scholars in Biochemistry?
Ans. The university offers a limited number of institutional research fellowships for select PhD candidates, awarded based on merit and research potential at the time of admission. Beyond this, the most significant financial support for Biochemistry PhD scholars comes from external fellowships: UGC-JRF and CSIR-JRF (Life Sciences category), which provide a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 (JRF) and Rs. 42,000 (SRF), along with a contingency grant for research expenses. Candidates who qualify UGC-NET or CSIR-NET with JRF are strongly encouraged to leverage these fellowships, as they significantly reduce the financial burden of doctoral research.
Ques. What happens if I am unable to complete my PhD within the minimum 3-year period as a part-time scholar?
Ans. Part-time scholars at St Aloysius University are permitted to extend their PhD registration beyond the minimum 3-year period. The maximum duration allowed for part-time scholars is 6 years (3 years minimum + up to 3 years extension). During the extension period, the same annual fee of Rs. 65,000 continues to apply. Extensions are subject to the university's PhD regulations and require periodic progress reviews and approval from the Research Degree Committee. It is advisable to maintain regular communication with your research guide and submit progress reports as required to avoid any administrative complications during the extension period.







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