St Aloysius Ph.D. Biochemistry FAQs
Ques. Is the PhD in Biochemistry at St Aloysius a full-time programme, and can working professionals apply?
Ans. Yes, the PhD in Biochemistry at St Aloysius (Deemed to Be University) is offered in both full-time and part-time modes. Full-time scholars are expected to be present on campus and engage in research full-time, while part-time scholars (typically working professionals) can pursue the programme alongside their employment. The fee structure also differs: full-time scholars pay Rs. 40,000 in Year 1 (increasing to Rs. 50,000 by Year 3), while part-time scholars pay a flat Rs. 65,000 per year. Both categories must appear for the entrance test and interview (unless exempted via NET/GATE).
Ques. What is the minimum duration of the PhD programme, and what happens if I need more time to complete my thesis?
Ans. The minimum duration for the PhD programme at St Aloysius is 3 years. If a full-time scholar requires an extension beyond the 3rd year, an additional fee increment of Rs. 5,000 per year is charged on the III-year fee (i.e., Rs. 55,000 for Year 4, Rs. 60,000 for Year 5, and so on), with extensions permitted up to 3 additional years. Part-time scholars pay the same fee as their 3rd year for the 4th year and any further extensions of up to 2 years. The maximum duration is governed by UGC PhD Regulations 2022.
Ques. I have qualified CSIR-NET. Do I still need to appear for the entrance test at St Aloysius?
Ans. No. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, CSIR-NET (including NET-PhD), or GATE are exempted from the written entrance test conducted by St Aloysius (Deemed to Be University). However, they are still required to appear for the personal interview on campus on the designated date. The interview is mandatory for all candidates, regardless of their NET/GATE qualification status.
Ques. What are the key research areas available in the Biochemistry department, and who are the research guides?
Ans. The Department of Biochemistry at St Aloysius offers research in areas including seaweed research, animal biotechnology and endocrinology (metabolic syndromes), pollution studies (microplastics and marine-derived fungi), nanotechnology and bioremediation, and toxicology studies. The research guides for PhD in Biochemistry include Dr. Lyned Dafny Lasrado (Biochemistry and Biosciences), Dr. Swarnalatha B.N. (Biochemistry), Dr. Ambarish C.N. (Biochemistry), Dr. Remya Varadarajan (Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Nanotechnology), and Dr. Pallavi Baliga (Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Life Sciences). Candidates are advised to contact the relevant guide before applying to confirm availability and research alignment.
Ques. Is there any financial support or fellowship available for PhD scholars in Biochemistry at St Aloysius?
Ans. Yes, a limited number of institutional research fellowships are available for select PhD scholars at St Aloysius, awarded based on merit and institutional guidelines. In addition, scholars who have qualified CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF, or DBT-JRF can bring their external fellowships (Rs. 37,000/month for JRF; Rs. 42,000/month for SRF) to the university. The department is also supported by the DBT BUILDER Level-1 Scheme, which funds research infrastructure and may support project-based stipends for scholars working on funded projects.
Ques. How competitive is the PhD admission process in Biochemistry, and how many seats are available?
Ans. The Department of Biochemistry at St Aloysius offers 10 PhD seats per intake (as per the 2025-26 January intake notification). The selection process involves a written entrance test (100 marks, covering research methodology and subject-specific topics) followed by a personal interview. Candidates with NET/GATE qualifications are directly called for the interview. Given the department's strong research infrastructure, DBT funding, and international collaborations (MoU with Prince of Songkla University, Thailand), the programme attracts competitive applicants from across India. It is advisable to reach out to potential research guides in advance to discuss research interests and improve your chances of selection.







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