SASTRA M.Sc Bioinformatics: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) programme at SASTRA Deemed University is a 2-year full-time postgraduate degree offered under the School of Chemical and Biotechnology (SCBT). The programme bridges the gap between biology and computational sciences, training students in sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, drug discovery, and data mining in biological systems. SASTRA's Bioinformatics division is one of the pioneering departments in India, with strong research output and industry collaborations. The total fees for the programme are Rs. 84,750 for the entire 2-year duration, making it highly affordable. Admission is based on CUET PG scores and merit, and the programme is popular among students aspiring for careers in genomics, pharma, biotech, and computational biology research.

As of March 2026, SASTRA's Phase 1 Registration for 2026 admissions has begun (March 28, 2026), with the last date to apply ranging between April 19 and June 5, 2026. CUET PG 2026 exams were held from March 6 to March 27, 2026, with results expected by May 6, 2026. Candidates who have appeared for CUET PG 2026 can apply to SASTRA once results are declared.

Key Points

The M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) programme is offered under SCBT (School of Chemical and Biotechnology) at SASTRA Deemed University.
The programme covers sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, systems biology, drug discovery, and machine learning in biology.
Students have access to SCBT's research infrastructure and computing facilities funded by CSIR, DBT, DST, and other agencies.
SASTRA follows a Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) allowing students to choose elective courses.
Graduates are eligible to appear for CSIR-NET (Life Sciences) or UGC-NET for JRF/Lectureship.
SASTRA is ranked #11 among deemed universities by NIRF 2025 and is NAAC accredited.
The programme is ideal for students with a background in life sciences, computer science, or mathematics who want to work at the intersection of biology and data science.

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FAQs

SASTRA M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) Fees

The M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) programme at SASTRA has a total course fee of Rs. 84,750 for 2 years. The tuition fee is Rs. 20,000 per semester (Rs. 80,000 for 4 semesters), with a one-time registration/other fee of Rs. 4,750. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at affordable rates.

Course Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per semester)	20,000
Tuition Fee (4 semesters total)	80,000
Special/Registration/Other Fees (one-time)	4,750
Total Fees (2 years, excluding hostel)	84,750

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Room Type	Non-AC (per annum)	AC (per annum)
Single Room	Rs. 25,000	Rs. 80,000
2-in-1	Rs. 20,000	Rs. 60,000
3-in-1	Rs. 16,000	Rs. 55,000
Single (Bath Attached)	Rs. 30,000	Rs. 90,000

Hostel fees are optional and not included in the total fees above.
Mess/food charges are billed separately at approximately Rs. 4,000 per month.
A breakage fee of approximately Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,000 is charged for Masters students.
Education loans are available through Punjab National Bank and other banks.
Top students on the Dean's List are eligible for a fee concession.
Fees are paid semester-wise; no EMI option is officially mentioned.

SASTRA M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) Admission 2026

SASTRA's M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) admissions for 2026 are currently open. Phase 1 Registration began on March 28, 2026, with the last date to apply ranging between April 19 and June 5, 2026. Admission is based on CUET PG scores and merit. CUET PG 2026 results are expected by May 6, 2026.

SASTRA Admission Dates

Event	Date
CUET PG 2026 Registration	December 14, 2025 - January 25, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Admit Card	March 3, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Exam	March 6, 2026 - March 27, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Result (Tentative)	May 6, 2026
SASTRA Phase 1 Registration Opens	March 28, 2026
SASTRA Application Last Date (Phase 1)	April 19 - June 5, 2026

CUET PG is the primary entrance exam accepted for M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) admission at SASTRA. Candidates must apply separately to SASTRA after CUET PG results are declared.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a B.Sc. (Bioinformatics / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Life Sciences) or a valid UG degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree is required.
A valid CUET PG score is required for admission.

Admission Process

Register for CUET PG 2026 through the NTA portal (pgcuet.samarth.ac.in).
Apply to SASTRA through the online admissions portal (sastra.edu) during the application window.
Shortlisting is based on CUET PG scores and academic merit.
Selected candidates are called for document verification and fee payment.
Admissions are strictly merit-based.

SASTRA M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) Scholarships 2026

SASTRA offers internal scholarships and students are also eligible for various government scholarships. The following are relevant for M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) students:

Available Scholarships

Scholarship / Fellowship	Offered By	Amount	Eligibility
SASTRA Dean's List Fee Concession	SASTRA University	Up to 50% fee reduction	Top-performing students on the Dean's List
DST-INSPIRE Scholarship	DST, Govt. of India	Rs. 80,000/year	Top 1% in qualifying exam or national-level merit
CSIR-JRF (Life Sciences)	CSIR / NTA	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	CSIR-NET JRF qualified candidates
DBT-JRF (Biotechnology)	DBT, Govt. of India	Rs. 31,000/month	DBT-JRF qualified candidates
AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship	AICTE	Up to Rs. 50,000/year	SC/ST/OBC/EWS students in AICTE-approved institutions
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships	Govt. of India	Varies	Based on category and income criteria
Education Loan	Punjab National Bank / Other Banks	Full course fee	All eligible students

CSIR-NET (Life Sciences) JRF and DBT-JRF are the most relevant fellowships for M.Sc. Bioinformatics graduates pursuing research.
The SRF rate of Rs. 42,000/month applies after the first two years of the JRF tenure.
Candidates should apply for government scholarships independently through the respective portals.

SASTRA M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between M.Sc. Bioinformatics and M.Sc. Biotechnology at SASTRA?

Ans. M.Sc. Bioinformatics focuses on computational approaches to biological data - including sequence analysis, structural biology, genomics, and drug discovery using computational tools. M.Sc. Biotechnology is more lab-oriented, covering molecular biology, genetic engineering, and fermentation. Bioinformatics is ideal for students interested in data science, programming, and computational biology, while Biotechnology suits those who prefer wet lab research.

Ques. What programming skills are required for M.Sc. Bioinformatics at SASTRA?

Ans. While prior programming experience is not mandatory for admission, students are expected to learn Python, R, Perl, and bioinformatics tools (BLAST, CLUSTAL, PyMOL, etc.) during the programme. Students with a background in computer science or mathematics will find the computational modules easier, while life science students will need to develop programming skills during the course.

Ques. What are the career prospects after M.Sc. Bioinformatics from SASTRA?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in genomics companies, pharmaceutical firms (drug discovery), biotech startups, research organizations (CSIR, DBT labs, NCBS), and IT companies working on healthcare data. Career roles include bioinformatics analyst, computational biologist, data scientist (life sciences), and research scientist. Many graduates also pursue Ph.D. programmes in bioinformatics, computational biology, or structural biology.

Ques. Is CUET PG mandatory for M.Sc. Bioinformatics admission at SASTRA?

Ans. Yes, CUET PG is the primary entrance exam accepted for M.Sc. (Bioinformatics) admission at SASTRA. Candidates must have a valid CUET PG score along with a minimum of 50% in their qualifying UG degree. CUET PG 2026 results are expected by May 6, 2026.

Ques. Can I pursue M.Tech. (Bioinformatics) at SASTRA after M.Sc. Bioinformatics?

Ans. Yes. SASTRA also offers M.Tech. (Big Data Biology) for which M.Sc. (Bioinformatics / Biotechnology / Computer Science) graduates are eligible. This provides an engineering-oriented pathway for M.Sc. Bioinformatics graduates who want to specialize further in computational biology and data science.

Ques. What research opportunities are available for M.Sc. Bioinformatics students at SASTRA?

Ans. SCBT's Bioinformatics division has active research in structural bioinformatics, drug discovery, genomics, and systems biology. Students can participate in funded research projects under CSIR, DBT, and DST. SASTRA also has collaborations with Moorfields Eye Hospital (UK) and Shankar Nethralaya for biomedical research, and with IBM for computational research.

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SASTRA: 1 Answered Question

SASTRA University, Thanjavur: Does your CGPA really matter at the end of your course?

Siddhartha BoseB.Tech Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur

Yes, CGPA at SASTRA does matter, especially if you have low CGPA. It will affect your placement and as well as other things. But if you are proficient in programming then you can get into companies like Google without CGPA being a problem. If you have a low GPA, you will miss out on the following things.

ACRS: If you want to finish your course in the 7th semester, you will need a GPA of 7.5+. To get the course you want you will need to have around an 8.5 GPA.
Although most companies set 7.0 GPA requirements. Most dream companies ask for a GPA of 8+.
You won’t be able to go to your graduation ceremony, since SASTRA only invites students with GPAs of 7.5+.

Apart from these above reasons, GPA matters for other reasons too. While hiring, companies look at your GPA, not to evaluate how much you know. Rather they want to how responsible and committed you are.

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