BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research (BRIC-NIPGR) has opened online applications for its PhD programme for the 2026-27 autumn semester. The institute is looking for students in plant biology and related areas. The last date to submit the application and fee is November 12, 2026.
The programme is meant for candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree or an M.Sc. in Life Sciences, Biotechnology or a related subject. Before applying, check the marks, fellowship and document rules on the official admission page.
NIPGR PhD admission 2026-27: Important dates
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online application starts | October 15, 2026 | Online form opens at 10:00 am |
| Last date to pay fee and submit form | November 12, 2026 | Online submission only |
| Email to shortlisted candidates | By November 20, 2026 | Sent by BRIC-NIPGR |
| Interview or viva-voce | December 14 and 15, 2026 | Selection is based on the interview |
What research areas does NIPGR offer?
BRIC-NIPGR lists research areas such as plant development, genome analysis and molecular mapping, plant responses to abiotic stress, plant-microbe and plant-insect interactions, plant immunity, nutritional genomics, genetic engineering, genome editing, molecular breeding, computational biology and structural biology.
The selected candidates will join the PhD programme with academic affiliation to the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad. The institute says hostel accommodation may be available, subject to availability.
Who can apply for the NIPGR PhD?
Candidates need a four-year bachelor's degree, M.Sc. or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution in Life Sciences, Biotechnology or a related discipline. They must have at least 55% marks and a valid national-level fellowship or test for PhD research.
BRIC-NIPGR accepts a five-year-valid CSIR-UGC JRF, DBT-JRF or another Government of India fellowship that permits research in plant biology and related fields. A candidate who has already activated a PhD fellowship cannot apply with that fellowship.
SC, ST, OBC non-creamy-layer and PwD candidates can get a 5% marks relaxation, bringing the minimum from 55% to 50%, if they meet the institute's document rules. The institute also lists reservations of 27% for OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 10% for EWS and 5% for PwD under Government of India policy.
How will selection take place?
BRIC-NIPGR will select candidates through an interview or viva-voce. Shortlisted candidates are expected to receive an email by November 20, 2026. No separate written test is listed on the current admission page.
Application fee and online form
The application fee is ₹500. SC, ST, PwD and EWS candidates can pay ₹200 if they upload the required proof. The fee is not refundable. The application must be filled online and payment is made through SBI Collect. The institute will not accept hard copies.
Applicants must upload a photograph, signature, age proof, education certificates, category or PwD certificate where applicable, fellowship award letter or admit card, and the payment confirmation slip. The page asks candidates to save or print the form after the upload and preview step.
What to do next
- Check that your four-year bachelor's degree or M.Sc. is in Life Sciences, Biotechnology or a related subject.
- Keep proof of at least 55% marks ready. If you claim the 50% relaxation, keep the correct category certificate ready.
- Confirm that your CSIR-UGC JRF, DBT-JRF or other national fellowship is valid for five years and has not already been activated for another PhD.
- Scan your photograph, signature, education records, fellowship proof and payment receipt within the file-size limits shown on the form.
- Register on the NIPGR online portal, pay the fee through SBI Collect and submit the form before November 12, 2026.
- Save or print the final form and watch your email for the shortlist message expected by November 20.
NIPGR PhD admission FAQs
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to pay the online fee and submit the application is November 12, 2026.
Which degrees are accepted?
A four-year bachelor's degree, M.Sc. or equivalent qualification in Life Sciences, Biotechnology or a related discipline is accepted, subject to the marks and fellowship rules.
Is a fellowship required?
Yes. Applicants need a valid national-level fellowship such as CSIR-UGC JRF or DBT-JRF, or another Government of India fellowship that allows plant biology research.
What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹500. It is ₹200 for SC, ST, PwD and EWS candidates who submit the required proof. The fee is not refundable.
How will candidates be selected?
Selection is based on an interview or viva-voce. The interview is scheduled for December 14 and 15, 2026.
Will NIPGR accept a paper form?
No. The admission page says the form and payment must be completed online, and hard copies will not be accepted.
