The Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) has invited applications for its PhD programme for Semester 2 of the 2026-27 academic year. The programme is in interdisciplinary Life Sciences and the application window will close on November 16, 2026.
IBAB is based in Bengaluru and combines biology with computing and data analysis. Students can apply with a relevant master's degree or a four-year engineering or science degree, depending on the marks rule.
IBAB PhD admission 2026-27: Important dates
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | October 19, 2026 | Online application starts |
| Last date to apply | November 16, 2026 | Submit the form and fee |
| Shortlist for written test | November 20, 2026 | Shortlisted candidates are informed |
| Written test | December 3, 2026 | Forenoon, at the IBAB campus |
| Interview | December 3 and 4, 2026 | In person, after the test results |
| PhD programme begins | January 1, 2027 | Expected start date |
What can students study at IBAB?
IBAB lists research in disease genomics and pharmacogenomics, multi-omics studies, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, synthetic and systems biology, quantum biology, graph algorithms, information theory and AI or machine learning.
The institute has also released project proposals for this admission round. The subjects range from computational biology and gene regulation to cancer, malaria, RNA delivery, proteins and cyanobacterial production. Applicants should read the project list and see which supervisor's work matches their interests.
Who is eligible for the IBAB PhD?
One route is a two-year master's degree with at least 60% marks, or an equivalent grade, in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science and Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, Physics or Chemistry.
The second route is a four-year B.Tech., B.E. or equivalent degree in any branch of Science or Technology with at least 75% marks, or an equivalent grade. The official notice says the degree and marks must match one of these two routes.
How will the selection happen?
IBAB will first screen all applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person written test and in-person interviews at the Bengaluru campus. The test is scheduled for December 3, 2026, in the forenoon. Its results will be announced the same day, followed by interviews on December 3 and 4.
Students coming from outside Bengaluru may get travel reimbursement for the test and interview. The institute has listed sleeper-class train fare or the cheapest public-bus fare by the shortest route, subject to travel proof. A candidate choosing a more expensive travel option will not get the extra amount.
Fellowship, assistantship and application fee
IBAB encourages applicants who already hold CSIR-UGC, DST-INSPIRE, DBT-JRF or ICMR-JRF fellowships. The institute also says exceptional candidates without a fellowship or a valid GATE score can receive a competitive assistantship.
The application fee is ₹800. The form is submitted online and the fee is paid through NEFT. Applicants should keep the payment proof and their education details ready before starting the form.
What to do next
- Choose the correct eligibility route: a relevant master's degree with 60% marks, or a four-year Science or Technology degree with 75% marks.
- Read the IBAB project proposals and shortlist the research areas and supervisors that fit your interests.
- Keep your marksheets, degree details, fellowship or GATE proof and a recent photograph ready for the online form.
- Pay the ₹800 application fee through NEFT and submit the online application before November 16, 2026.
- If you are shortlisted, plan to reach the Bengaluru campus for the written test on December 3 and the interview on December 3 or 4.
- Save your application and payment details. Outstation students should keep travel tickets and proof for any reimbursement claim.
IBAB PhD admission FAQs
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the IBAB PhD application and fee is November 16, 2026.
What marks are needed?
A relevant two-year master's degree needs 60% marks. A four-year B.Tech., B.E. or equivalent Science or Technology degree needs 75% marks.
Where will the written test be held?
The written test will be held in person at the IBAB campus in Bengaluru on December 3, 2026.
When are the interviews?
Interviews are planned for December 3 and 4, 2026, after the written-test results are announced.
What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹800 and must be paid through NEFT along with the online application.
Can students without a fellowship apply?
Yes. IBAB encourages students with their own fellowships, but it says exceptional candidates without a fellowship or valid GATE score may receive a competitive assistantship.
