The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), offers advanced education and research opportunities in the biological sciences. Its academic programmes include the PhD, Integrated PhD (I-PhD), and the specialized MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation. Admissions are highly competitive and follow a multi-stage process. For PhD and I-PhD, candidates are shortlisted through national-level entrance tests such as the Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS), followed by in-depth interviews to assess research aptitude. The MSc Wildlife programme, offered once every two years, has its own entrance test with sections on aptitude, quantitative skills, ecology, and conservation, followed by interviews and referee evaluations. Eligibility varies across programmes: MSc applicants require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline (with minimum 50% marks), while I-PhD requires a bachelor’s in science or equivalent, and PhD requires a master’s degree in the life sciences or allied fields.

One of NCBS’s strengths is its student support system. Tuition fees are minimal—₹2,000 per year for research programmes—and all selected students receive fellowships or stipends to cover living expenses. MSc students are provided a stipend of ₹12,000 per month, while PhD and I-PhD candidates receive fellowships starting at ₹25,000 per month, with contingency grants and accommodation on campus. The admission cycle typically begins in August–September, with written tests in December and interviews around May–June; academic sessions start in August. Each MSc batch admits around 15 Indian and 2 international students, ensuring close mentorship and intensive field-based training. Overall, NCBS admissions are designed to attract motivated students with diverse academic backgrounds, critical thinking abilities, and a passion for research or conservation, offering them both rigorous training and strong institutional support to pursue careers in science, academia, or environmental practice.

National Centre for Biological Sciences: Highlights

The table presents a glance at the information about the admission process in the National Centre for Biological Sciences.

Particulars	Details
Basic Admission Criteria	Graduation with a minimum of 55% marks.
Admission	Entrance based
Application Mode	Online
Scholarship	Yes

National Centre for Biological Sciences Admission Process

The steps mentioned here should be followed for a smooth admission process at the National Centre for Biological Sciences.

Website: The application form can be easily filled out from the official website of the institute.
Form Fill up: Carefully insert all the necessary information at the designated places to avoid mistakes.
Submissions: Attach all the necessary documents for submissions properly.

National Centre for Biological Sciences Documents Required

Here is the list of documents required for a smooth admission of the students willing to pursue a course in National Centre for Biological Sciences.

Completed application form
Admit card / hall ticket for the NCBS–TIFR entrance exam or equivalent qualifying test
Mark sheets and certificates of Class 10th and 12th
Bachelor’s degree marksheets and certificate
Master’s degree marksheets and certificate
Valid fellowship/entrance exam scorecard
Transfer certificate / Migration certificate from the last attended institution
Caste / Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
Disability certificate (for PwD candidates, if applicable)
Passport-size photographs (recent)
Photo ID proof

National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore Admission: Fees, Eligibility, How to Apply