Kerala University M.Sc Biotechnology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

M.Sc. Biotechnology at the University of Kerala (Kerala University) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Biotechnology under the School of Life Sciences at the Kariavattom campus, Thiruvananthapuram. The programme spans 4 semesters and covers core areas including molecular biology, genetic engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, plant and animal biotechnology, immunology, and bioinformatics. With a total fee of approximately Rs. 6,460 for the entire course and a limited intake of 14 seats, the programme is highly competitive and sought after for its strong research orientation and access to well-equipped laboratories. Admission is based on a university-conducted entrance examination under the Credit and Semester System (CSS), making it accessible to meritorious students from across Kerala and beyond.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently ongoing. The last date to apply online is 30 April 2026, and the entrance examination is scheduled between 18 May and 24 May 2026.

Key Points

• The Department of Biotechnology at Kerala University is part of the School of Life Sciences and has active research programmes in areas such as Cancer Therapeutics, Marine Bioproducts, Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, PharmaBiologics, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, and Clinical Research.
• The programme has a very limited intake of only 14 seats, making it one of the most competitive PG science programmes at the university.
• Students have access to the Inter-University Centre for Genomics and Gene Technology (IUCGGT) located on the Kariavattom campus, which provides advanced research infrastructure.
• The university campus is adjacent to Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, offering networking and internship opportunities with biotech and IT companies.
• The programme follows a semester-based Credit and Semester System (CSS) with continuous internal assessment and semester-end examinations.

KU M.Sc Biotechnology Fees

Fee Structure

• The above fee structure is as per the Kerala University PG CSS Prospectus 2026-27 (official source: admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in).
• Tuition fee of Rs. 840 is collected at the commencement of each semester.
• Candidates belonging to SC/ST communities are exempted from payment of fees at the time of admission.
• Candidates belonging to Other Eligible Communities (OEC) are also exempted from payment of fees at the time of admission, irrespective of annual family income.
• All admitted candidates are required to pay a Caution Deposit as per existing university rules (amount communicated at the time of admission).
• Hostel fees are separate and optional.
• University hostels at Kariavattom campus charge approximately Rs. 150 per month as room rent, plus Rs. 50 medical fee and Rs. 20 entertainment fee per month.
• Hostel admission is subject to availability and is not mandatory.
• Tuition fee is collected semester-wise (Rs. 840 per semester).

KU M.Sc Biotechnology Admission 2026

Important Dates

GAT-B 2026 Dates

• GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test - Biotechnology) conducted by NTA on behalf of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, is used for admission to DBT-supported PG programmes.
• Kerala University's M.Sc. Biotechnology is NOT a DBT-supported programme and does NOT accept GAT-B scores.
• Admission is solely through the Kerala University CSS PG Entrance Examination.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a B.Sc. degree in Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Environmental Science, or any dual/triple major course with Biotechnology as a core course, from a recognized university.
• Minimum academic eligibility: CGPA of 2.0 or above on a 4-point scale, or 5.0 or above on a 10-point scale, or 50% or above in aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST; 48% for SEBC).
• Candidates awaiting results of their qualifying examination may also apply, subject to fulfilling eligibility at the time of admission.

Admission Process

• Register online at admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in and pay the registration fee (Rs. 1,500 for General; Rs. 750 for SC/ST).
• Appear for the Kerala University CSS PG Entrance Examination (100 MCQs, 100 marks, 2 hours, 0.25 negative marking).
• Rank list is prepared based on percentile scores in the entrance examination.
• Allotment is made based on rank, subject to eligibility and reservation norms.
• Candidates must report to the Department of Biotechnology, Kariavattom campus, with original documents on the date specified in the admission memo.

KU M.Sc Biotechnology Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• University Merit Scholarship applications are invited annually; students must apply through the university's official portal.
• SC/ST and OEC candidates must produce relevant community certificates at the time of admission to avail fee exemptions.
• Central government scholarships (NSP) can be applied for at scholarships.gov.in after admission.