St John's Medical College Bangalore Ph.D Physiology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Yes, the RGUHS PhD Entrance Test is the primary gateway for admission to the Ph.D. (Physiology) programme at SJMC. The test consists of two papers - Research Methodology and the Specialty Subject (Physiology) - each carrying 50 marks. Candidates must score a minimum of 50% to qualify. However, candidates who hold valid national fellowships such as ICMR JRF or DBT JRF may be considered for exemption from the entrance test in some cases; it is advisable to check with RGUHS and SJMC directly for the latest policy on this.

Ans. The minimum duration of the Ph.D. (Physiology) programme at SJMC is 3 years from the date of registration with RGUHS. The programme can be extended up to a maximum of 6 years, subject to the approval of the university and the PhD guide. Scholars are expected to complete their coursework, research work, and thesis submission within this period. Extensions beyond 6 years are generally not permitted without special approval.

Ans. The Department of Physiology at SJMC is exceptionally well-equipped for doctoral research. It houses a state-of-the-art metabolic laboratory for energy and substrate metabolism studies using stable isotope techniques, a unique human skeletal muscle laboratory (one of its kind in India), and analytical setups for metabolomics including LCMS and GCMS. Additional facilities include a minor OT for muscle biopsies, nerve conduction and electromyography setups, electroencephalogram equipment, fitness assessment tools, and micronutrient status analysis. The department also runs clinical services in autonomic evaluation, body composition, and basal metabolic rate measurement, providing scholars with rich clinical research opportunities.

Ans. The Ph.D. (Physiology) programme at SJMC is primarily designed for candidates with an MD (Physiology) or equivalent medical postgraduate degree, as the programme is affiliated to RGUHS which is a health sciences university. Candidates with an MSc in Physiology or Life Sciences may be eligible if they hold a valid national fellowship (such as ICMR JRF or CSIR-UGC NET JRF) and meet the eligibility criteria specified by RGUHS. It is strongly recommended to verify eligibility directly with the RGUHS PhD admission office and SJMC before applying, as eligibility norms can vary by academic year.

Ans. PhD scholars at SJMC who are supported by national fellowships such as ICMR JRF, DBT JRF, or CSIR-UGC NET JRF receive monthly stipends ranging from INR ₹37,000 (JRF level) to INR ₹42,000 (SRF level) from the respective funding agencies. The college itself offers a limited number of institutional scholarships for deserving candidates, but these are not guaranteed and are awarded based on merit and financial need. Scholars are encouraged to apply for national fellowships before or during their PhD to ensure financial support throughout the programme.

Ans. The selection of a PhD guide at SJMC is based on the availability of recognised guides and the alignment of the candidate's research interest with the guide's area of expertise. Recognised PhD guides in the Department of Physiology at SJMC include Dr. A. V. Krupad, Dr. Mario Vaz, and Dr. Sucharita S. Candidates are advised to submit a preliminary research synopsis/proposal at the time of the interview, which helps in matching them with an appropriate guide. The final allocation of a guide is done by the department and the institution based on the guide's current student load and research capacity, as per RGUHS norms.