GITAM School of Science Visakhapatnam Ph.D Bioinformatics: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The GReAT (GITAM Research Admissions Test) for Science disciplines, including Bioinformatics, is conducted in-person at the GITAM Visakhapatnam campus. The exam date for 2026-27 is 30th May 2026. The test is 2 hours long with objective-type questions, carrying a maximum of 160 marks - 80 marks for Research Aptitude/Methodology (common for all disciplines) and 80 marks for the specific subject area. For Bioinformatics, the subject syllabus is the common Life Sciences syllabus shared with Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Candidates with valid CSIR/UGC-NET, GATE/GPAT, ICAR, or DBT-JRF scores are exempted from GReAT.

Ans. The GITAM PhD Fellowship is a monthly stipend of Rs. 33,000 awarded to selected full-time PhD scholars at GITAM for a maximum period of 3 years. It is available to Indian candidates admitted under the Full-Time PhD Programme at any GITAM campus. The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed to all admitted candidates. It is designed to support scholars financially during their research period and covers basic living expenses. Scholars who are already receiving UGC/CSIR/DBT-JRF fellowships may not be eligible for the GITAM fellowship simultaneously.

Ans. The PhD in Bioinformatics at GITAM School of Science covers a wide range of interdisciplinary research areas at the intersection of biology, computer science, and data analytics. Key research areas include genomics and transcriptomics, proteomics and structural bioinformatics, computational drug discovery and molecular docking, systems biology and network analysis, metagenomics and microbiome research, machine learning applications in biology, and cancer bioinformatics. The specific research topic is finalized in consultation with the assigned supervisor, and candidates are encouraged to identify research gaps and propose original contributions to the field.

Ans. No, the PhD in Life Sciences - Bioinformatics is offered exclusively at the Visakhapatnam campus of GITAM. The Hyderabad and Bengaluru campuses do not offer this specific program. However, related programs like PhD in Life Sciences - Biotechnology and PhD in Life Sciences - Food Science and Technology are available at multiple campuses. Candidates specifically interested in Bioinformatics research must apply for the Visakhapatnam campus. The Visakhapatnam campus is the main campus of GITAM and houses the primary research infrastructure for life sciences.

Ans. Candidates must upload the following documents (PDF format) during the online application: Transfer Certificate of the Master's Degree, Master's Original Degree or Provisional Certificate, Master's Degree Consolidated Marks Statement, Bachelor's Original Degree or Provisional Certificate, Bachelor's Degree Consolidated Marks Statement, Intermediate/Class 12th Certificate, Class 10th Certificate, and a valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, or Voter ID). Candidates with CSIR/UGC-NET/GATE/JRF qualifications must also upload the relevant certificate. All original documents must be produced at the time of physical document verification.

Ans. The Full-Time PhD programme at GITAM is a regular residential research program with a minimum duration of 3 years, carrying an annual fee of Rs. 30,000. Full-time scholars are eligible for the GITAM PhD Fellowship of Rs. 33,000/month. The Extramural PhD programme is designed for scientists working in research institutions or organizations recognized by GITAM, with a minimum of 1 year of work experience. The Extramural programme has a minimum duration of 4 years and carries a higher annual fee of Rs. 1,00,000. Extramural candidates are exempted from GReAT and are directly eligible for the interview. The PhD in Bioinformatics is available under both modes, subject to supervisor availability.