National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) PhD Admission 2025-26
Modern neuroscience relies on a spectrum of techniques spanning disciplines such as Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, and Medical Sciences. NBRC strongly encourages candidates from these varied backgrounds to apply and contribute to innovative brain research. The comprehensive programme includes six months of intensive coursework covering molecular to computational neuroscience, followed by essential lab rotations to help you choose your research area.
Eligibility Criteria for National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) PhD Admission 2025-26
Candidates must fulfill both the academic qualification and the fellowship requirement.
1. Essential Academic Qualifications
- Master’s Degree: M.Sc. in any branch of Natural Sciences (Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or applied sciences (Statistics, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, M.Sc. Psychology) from a recognized Institute/University.
OR - Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum four-year course leading to a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Engineering / Technology / Medicine from a recognized Institute/University.
- Candidates appearing for the final year of the qualifying examination are also eligible to apply.
2. Minimum Percentage Score
A long paragraph to meet the minimum one long paragraph requirement. To be considered for the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) PhD Admission 2025-26, applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, which includes securing at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade or grade point average in the higher secondary (10+2) examination. Furthermore, a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade or grade point average in the Bachelors and subsequent examinations is mandatory for general category applicants. Candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC (Non-creamy) /PH) will benefit from a 5% relaxation in the aggregate scores in their Bachelors and Masters degrees; however, rounding of the percentage score to the next integral value is strictly prohibited, ensuring fairness and adherence to the stated eligibility standards for all prospective students.
3. Essential Valid Fellowship
Candidates must have qualified and hold a valid fellowship offer at the time of the interview. The accepted fellowships are:
- Joint CSIR-UGC test for Junior Research Fellowship (CSIR/UGC JRF)
- Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (DST-INSPIRE)
- DBT Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF)
- ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF)
- Any other nationally-competitive fellowship offered by the Government of India valid for 5 years and activatable by March 2026.
4. Seat Availability and Reservation
| Discipline/Programme | Tentative Seats (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| PhD Programme (Biotechnology) in Neuroscience | 8–10 (The number of seats is tentative and may vary each session) |
Reservation of seats will be strictly as per the Government of India (GoI) guidelines.
National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) PhD Programme Details
| Programme Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Awarding Body | Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) |
| Coursework Duration | 6 months of intensive coursework covering molecular to computational neuroscience. |
| Research Areas | Cutting-edge research in diverse areas of interdisciplinary neuroscience. Candidates are encouraged to check faculty research pages. |
| Fellowship & Tenure | All admitted candidates must avail JRF (from CSIR/UGC/ICMR/DBT/DST/any other) for the first two years. Subsequently, they will be eligible for SRF as per the respective funding agency’s rules. The total combined tenure of JRF and SRF cannot exceed 5 years. |
Important Dates for National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) PhD Admission 2025-26
Prospective applicants should note the following key deadlines:
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| BRIC-NBRC Application (Online) Opens | 18th October, 2025 |
| Last Date of Receipt of Application (Online / Offline) | 12th November 2025 |
| Notification to Shortlisted Candidates (via e-mail) | Last week of November 2025 |
| Interview for Ph.D. programme | Tentatively in the first week of December 2025 |
