Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Master of Philosophy [M.Phil.] in Biotechnology at National College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli is a 1-year (2 semesters) full-time research programme affiliated to Bharathidasan University. The programme is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in Biotechnology before enrolling for a Ph.D. It is offered under the Unaided (self-financing) stream. The M.Phil. Biotechnology programme at NCT is conducted by the PG and Research Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, which is recognised by DBT, Government of India, under the DBT Star College Scheme. The programme is popular among students seeking a research foundation in areas such as molecular oncology, genetic engineering, animal health, bioinformatics, marine microbiology, and plant biotechnology. Fees are approximately Rs. 15,000 - 20,000 per semester based on available data for similar programmes at the college.

Admissions for 2026-27 are expected to open in May-June 2026. Selection is based on qualifying PG marks and/or a university-level entrance test as per Bharathidasan University norms. Students are advised to check the official NCT website (nct.ac.in) and Bharathidasan University website for the latest admission schedule.

Key Points

The M.Phil. Biotechnology programme is offered by the DBT-recognised Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Bioinformatics at NCT.
The programme is 1 year (2 semesters) in duration and is a full-time research programme.
Research areas include molecular oncology, genetic engineering, animal health, bioinformatics, marine microbiology, and plant biotechnology.
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including Animal Cell Culture, Hydra Research Facility, and National College Culture Collection Centre (N4C).
The department has 14 faculty members, including several with post-doctoral experience from India and abroad.
The college is accredited at 'A' grade by NAAC (4th cycle, 2025) and ranked 82nd in NIRF 2024.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

NCT M.Phil. Biotechnology Fees

The M.Phil. Biotechnology programme at National College is a self-financing (unaided) programme. Based on available data for similar M.Phil. programmes at the college and Bharathidasan University norms, the fees are estimated at approximately Rs. 15,000 - 20,000 per semester. Students are advised to confirm the exact fee structure directly with the department or the college office before applying.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Per Semester)
Tuition Fee	Rs. 12,000 - 15,000 (approx.)
University / Exam Fee	Rs. 2,000 - 3,000 (approx.)
Other Charges	Rs. 1,000 - 2,000 (approx.)
Total Fees (Per Semester)	Rs. 15,000 - 20,000 (approx.)
Total Fees (1 Year / 2 Semesters)	Rs. 30,000 - 40,000 (approx.)

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Hostel Component	Amount
Annual Hostel Fee	Rs. 30,000 per annum
Monthly Mess Fee	Rs. 3,500 (approx.) per month

The fee figures above are approximate and based on available data; students must confirm exact fees with the college.
Hostel accommodation is optional and not included in the Total Fees above.
A caution deposit is required at the time of hostel admission (refundable).
Tuition fee is paid semester-wise as per college norms.

NCT M.Phil. Biotechnology Admission 2026-27

Admissions to M.Phil. Biotechnology at National College are governed by Bharathidasan University norms. Selection is typically based on qualifying PG marks and/or a university-level entrance test. The programme is open to candidates who have completed M.Sc. Biotechnology or a related Life Sciences discipline. For 2026-27, admissions are expected to open in May-June 2026.

College-Specific Admission Dates (2026-27)

Event	Tentative Date
Application Start	May - June 2026 (tentative)
Last Date to Apply	June - July 2026 (tentative)
Entrance Test / Interview	July 2026 (tentative)
Commencement of Classes	July - August 2026 (tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed M.Sc. Biotechnology or M.Sc. in a related Life Sciences discipline (Microbiology, Biochemistry, Zoology, Botany, etc.) from a recognised university.
Minimum 55% marks in the qualifying PG examination (relaxation for reserved categories as per university norms).
Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying examination may also apply, subject to passing before admission.

Admission Process

Apply online through the NCT admissions portal (admissions.nct.ac.in) or as per Bharathidasan University guidelines.
Submit required documents including PG mark sheets, community certificate, and transfer certificate.
Appear for the university-level entrance test and/or interview as applicable.
Selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination and/or entrance test performance.
Pay the admission fee and confirm the seat within the stipulated time.
Contact the Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Bioinformatics at NCT for specific enquiries: 7010 226 431 / 9003671011.

NCT M.Phil. Biotechnology Scholarships 2026-27

Students pursuing M.Phil. Biotechnology at National College may be eligible for government scholarships and research fellowships. The Tamil Nadu State Government offers Ph.D. Research Scholarships for all communities and SC/ST students, which may also be applicable for M.Phil. students in certain cases.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
Tamil Nadu State Government Ph.D./M.Phil. Research Scholarship (All Communities)	M.Phil. research scholars	Financial assistance as per government norms
Tamil Nadu State Government Ph.D./M.Phil. Research Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST category M.Phil. scholars	Enhanced financial assistance as per government norms
TNSCST Student Project Fund	M.Phil. students with approved research proposals	Project funding (amount varies)
UGC-NET/JRF	Candidates who qualify UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000 per month (JRF)

Government scholarships for M.Phil. are subject to government norms and availability; students must apply through the relevant portals.
UGC-NET/JRF qualification is not mandatory for M.Phil. admission at NCT but is highly beneficial for research funding.
Students must maintain good academic standing and research progress for scholarship renewal.

NCT M.Phil. Biotechnology FAQs

Q1. Is M.Phil. Biotechnology still relevant after the NEP 2020 changes? Is it offered at NCT?

Ans. While the National Education Policy 2020 has phased out M.Phil. programmes at many central universities, M.Phil. programmes at autonomous colleges affiliated to state universities like Bharathidasan University continue to be offered. NCT's M.Phil. Biotechnology is still active and provides a valuable research foundation for students aspiring to pursue Ph.D. or research careers. Students are advised to confirm the current status of the programme with the college before applying.

Q2. What is the duration and mode of M.Phil. Biotechnology at NCT?

Ans. The M.Phil. Biotechnology at NCT is a 1-year (2 semesters) full-time research programme. It involves coursework in the first semester and a research dissertation in the second semester, conducted under the supervision of a faculty guide from the department.

Q3. Can I pursue M.Phil. Biotechnology at NCT on a part-time basis?

Ans. The M.Phil. programme at NCT is primarily offered as a full-time programme. Part-time options may be available as per Bharathidasan University norms for working professionals. Students are advised to contact the department directly for clarification on part-time availability.

Q4. What research areas are available for M.Phil. Biotechnology at NCT?

Ans. Research areas at the Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Bioinformatics at NCT include molecular oncology, genetic engineering, animal health science, bioinformatics, marine microbiology, freshwater microbiology, plant biotechnology, aquaculture, metagenomics, stem cells, and ecotoxicology. Students can choose a research topic in consultation with their assigned faculty guide.

Q5. Does completing M.Phil. Biotechnology at NCT help in getting direct Ph.D. admission?

Ans. Yes, completing M.Phil. Biotechnology is a recognised qualification for Ph.D. admission at Bharathidasan University and many other universities. NCT itself offers Ph.D. in Biotechnology (full-time and part-time), and M.Phil. graduates from NCT are well-positioned to continue their research at the same department or apply to other institutions.

Q6. What is the contact information for M.Phil. Biotechnology admissions at NCT?

Ans. For M.Phil. Biotechnology admissions, students can contact the Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Bioinformatics at National College, Tiruchirappalli. Contact: Dr. M.S. Mohamed Jaabir (Associate Professor and Head) at mohamedjaabir@nct.ac.in or call 7010 226 431 / 9786425226. The college website is nct.ac.in.