PhD Bioinformatics: Course Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

The goal of PhD in Bioinformatics research is to provide a bridge between molecular biology and computational biology and increase access to health care through the use of computers and information technologies.
Bioinformatics focuses on analysing large amounts of data to provide insight into how biological systems work. It is used in areas such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and epigenomics.
The field has developed significantly over recent years as more data sets have become available to researchers and have led to new applications being identified for existing tools and new methods being developed by scientists in academia and industry.

PhD in Bioinformatics can take 3–7 years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. A full-time PhD in Bioinformatics typically takes 3–4 years to complete, meanwhile, a part-time PhD typically will take around 6–7 years to complete.

Within the scientific and technological fields, Bioinformatics is a very well-liked discipline. Bioinformatics deals with the proper storage of biological data so that the data can be retrieved as and when required. These data consist of genetic information, protein sequences, nucleic acids, etc.

To properly understand biological information, the scientific fields of Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, and Engineering are all included in Bioinformatics. They play a very important role in biomedical research. Candidates willing to pursue a PhD in Bioinformatics must possess good analytical and communication skills, along with computer and technology understanding.

Here are some common skills required to pursue a PhD in Bioinformatics:

• Software Development Skills: To analyze data, you need to be able to write programs that perform automated analyses of large datasets. This includes both the creation and analysis of mathematical models for predictions. And the implementation of these models using computer algorithms. 
• Data Management Skills: You will need to manage data sets so that they are accessible for analysis. For example. By creating databases, writing scripts for data importation or deletion, and processing large volumes of data daily. 
• Communication Skills: You will need to present your findings to both your peers. And the wider scientific community at conferences and other academic events. Where you can present your work in detail. 
• Strong Quantitative Skills: Including proficiency in programming, statistics, and data analysis.

Like any other PhD program, if you want to get admission to PhD in Bioinformatics, you'll need to fulfil the basic requirements. It will include obtaining a master's degree in a relevant discipline from a UGC-approved university with a minimum of 55% aggregate score.

Students pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics have many opportunities to advance their careers and lead fulfilling lives. Here are some reasons why pursuing a PhD in bioinformatics course is beneficial:

• The candidates will be able to pursue research in a variety of fields after completing the course.

• Students who complete the course will have a solid understanding of the roles played by departments such as business development and marketing.

• Students pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics will encounter a range of professional options. They might be employed by different governmental and private health organizations, academic institutions, cancer research centres,

• The students might be employed as Research Scientists in different labs. They might learn fresh methods for organizing and getting data.

As per the exam pattern of GATE, the exam is conducted online as a computer-based test. The exam will have a total of 65 questions from the candidates pre-selected paper. The questions will be Multiple Choice type, Numerical Ability type and Multiple Select (more than one option correct) type. 

Out of total 65 questions, 10 questions will be from General Aptitude and remaining 55 will be from the subject selected by the candidate. The total duration of exam will be 3 hours and total maks will be 100.  Check detailed information of GATE exam pattern here at https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-pattern

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering has come a long way since its inception. The entrance test was first introduced in 1983 and was conducted offline (in pen and paper format) only for engineering and science streams. However, over the years, the pattern of the GATE examination has changed in several factors, such as the following -

• Giving more emphasis on numerical ability and reasoning questions.

• More case-based questions are included to understand the candidate’s ability and approach towards practical knowledge.

• Changing the exam mode from offline to a computer-based test for faster evaluation, improved accuracy, and a more secure examination process.

• Introducing more elaborated syllabi and disciplines to align with the industry demands and technological advancements. 

Overall, the GATE has grown beyond being a gateway for postgraduate studies. It is now a recognised criterion for recruitment in over 50 PSUs, such as ONGC, IOCL, and NTPC. Candidate can check GATE exam pattern here: GATE 2025 Exam Pattern. 

According to the latest NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern exam consist 2 papers. Although, it will be conducted without any break in the fixed time duration of 3 hours, which means exam is conducted in single session. Exam is totally computer based. There is no negative marking so attempting all questions is compulsory. Both papers consist only MCQs. Paper 1 consist 50 questions of total 100 marks in an hour whereas paper 2 consists 100 questions of total 200 marks in 2 hours. Paper 2 is based on subject questions opted by the candidate. Paper 1 is totally based on teaching / research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension and general awareness. Hope the information helps.

Teaching methods and techniques for a PhD in Bioinformatics comprise research and lecture-based training. The course's teaching methodologies and techniques ensure students can access all available infrastructure and facilities. The following are general teaching methodologies and strategies:

• Research Sessions
• Group Projects
• Emphasis on off-the-shelf research
• Lab experiments
• Research writing and presentation skills

Hello, Research projects are an essential component of the PhD in Bioinformatics curriculum. These projects are evaluated by the professors to determine the student's understanding of the subject. Students can select their project topics based on their chosen area of specialization. Listed below are some popular research projects:

• Genetic mapping
• Population dynamics
• Epidemiological modelling 
• The development of an algorithm that improves diagnosis
• Modelling and prediction of evolution
• Employing omics technology to examine a disease state.

Hope you got your answer.

Bioinformatics requires Mathematics as it is an important aspect of the field. Mathematics is used extensively in bioinformatics for various purposes like effectively analyze biological data, develop computational tools, and contributing to advances in the field.

Bioinformatics involves coding as Computational analysis of biological data requires the development and application of various software tools, algorithms, and scripts to process, analyze, and interpret large datasets. 

Yes, here are some IITs offering PhD programs relevant to Bioinformatics:

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

Here are some top universities for PhD in Bioinformatics in India that offer part-time PhD programs for working professionals or students who are not willing to pursue a full-time degree.

Note: The information is taken from the official/counselling body and may vary.

Yes, there are a few distance colleges offering Bioinformatics courses in India:

Note: The information is sourced from the official body and may vary.

Yes, there are many affordable colleges offering Bioinformatics courses in India:

Note: The information is sourced from the official site and may vary.

Since the need for medical Science is increasing, PhD Bioinformatics scholars can work in the fields of research institutes, pharmaceutical, hospital, biomedical, and biotechnology. Candidates have scope in all industries where information technology of molecular biology is used. 

According to the AmbitionBox, A Bioinformatics Scientist's Salary in India is:

• INR 2.8 LPA for the fresher's level
• INR 9.6 LPA for the mid-level
• INR 51.0 LPA for the top level

However, the salary package varies depending on one's relevant experience, skills, location, company, and designation.

Here is a list of some widely known recruiters for Bioinformatics candidates:

• Helix Infosystems
• TCS
• Wipro
• Geneva Biosciences
• Infosys
• IIT Hyderabad
• Mascon Lifesciences
• Accelrys Software Solution Pvt.

Yes, Bioinformatics is used in many areas at NASA, including: 

• Space Biology initiatives: Bioinformaticians at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) contribute to NASA's Space Biology initiatives, including plant biology, translational research, and the GeneLab database.
• Mars Missions: Bioinformatics is used to analyze data gathered during Mars missions, including information about the planet's atmosphere, geology, and potential for life.
• Analysis Working Groups (AWGs): NASA's GeneLab recruits bioinformaticians, postdocs, graduate students, and investigators to participate in AWGs. These groups analyze data from spaceflight experiments to generate new knowledge.
• GeneLab for Universities (GL4U): This programme provides space biology-relevant bioinformatics training to the next generation of scientists.
• Space Crop Production: Bioinformatics is used in space crop production projects, which may also involve plant molecular genetics, microbiology, and plant/microbial interactions.

Here are some popular book options for PhD in Bioinformatics students:

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

Bioinformatics jobs are rapidly growing. According to a report published by Grand View Research, the global market size was valued at around $10bn in 2020 and is anticipated to expand at a rate of 13.7% each year in the run to 2030.

Bioinformatics professionals are in high demand, and the supply of qualified individuals is limited. Whilst Bioinformatics is a sector of strong growth, with around 56,000 new jobs a year, the shortage of candidates in the private, public, and academic sectors is only growing.

Current biological and medical labs use methods that produce extremely large data sets, which cannot be analyzed by hand - for instance, sequencing human genomes. Thus modern biological and medical research and development cannot be done without bioinformatics.

Future applications in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals, Medicine, and Agriculture. In addition, bioinformatics plays an important role in biomedical research. Research work in the area of genetic diseases and medical genomics is rapidly increasing and the future of personalized medicine depends on Bioinformatics approaches.

Computational Biology is an interdisciplinary area that uses Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics to help address biological problems, whereas bioinformatics integrates Biological knowledge with computer programming and massive quantities of big data.

So, this is the main distinction between computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Contrary to computational Biology, Bioinformatics requires a higher level of technical and programming expertise. The field of Bioinformatics focuses on practical training in the disciplines of Computer Science, Engineering, and Statistics to process data pertaining to Biology.

After candidates graduate, they will learn how to design technologies that enhance Biology even further. If candidates want to study across disciplines, Bioinformatics is seen to be the ideal field. Contrarily, Computer Science deals with hands-on learning to support several sectors and organisations with the addition of common Mathematics and Programming to address issues in the present.