Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. (Biotechnology) programme at Assam University, Silchar is a full-time, on-campus doctoral programme offered by the Department of Biotechnology under the School of Life Sciences. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and involves both coursework and original research, with thrust areas including molecular medicine, cancer biology, plant molecular biology, microbial biotechnology, DNA barcoding, genomics, and bioinformatics. The total course fee is Rs. 55,380 for the entire duration, making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes at a central university. Admission is based on a university-level entrance test and viva voce, with UGC NET/JRF qualification providing exemption from the entrance test in applicable cases. The department offers 7 seats (2026-27 intake) and is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities including real-time PCR, automated DNA sequencer, animal cell culture, and plant tissue culture setups, making it a sought-after destination for life sciences research in Northeast India.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session have been completed, with classes commencing from November 25, 2026. The next admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to open tentatively in September-October 2027, based on the previous year's schedule. Candidates are advised to monitor the official university website (www.aus.ac.in) and the examination portal (www.ausexamination.ac.in) for the upcoming admission notification.

Key Points

The department is actively involved in funded research projects on Cancer Genomics, DNA barcoding, Methanogenomics, and Plant Biotechnology.
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected full-time Ph.D. scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
Ph.D. scholars have access to advanced equipment including Deep Freezer (-20 and -80), Gradient PCR, Real-Time PCR, Gel Documentation System, and an Automated DNA Sequencer.
The department has six specialized laboratories: Biochemistry, Animal Cell Biology and Immunology, Molecular Biology, Microbial Technology, Plant Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics and Genomics.
Seat reservation follows Government of India norms for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS/PWD categories.
Sponsored candidates are required to pay the Annual Course Fee at 3 times the standard rate.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

AU Ph.D. Biotechnology Fees

The Ph.D. (Biotechnology) programme at Assam University, Silchar is highly affordable, with a total course fee of Rs. 55,380 for the entire 3-year duration. The fee structure includes tuition fees, examination fees, and various other charges payable annually. Caution money deposits (library and laboratory) are refundable at the time of leaving the university.

Fee Structure Table

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (Monthly @ Rs. 300 x 12 months x 3 years)	10,800
Annual Course Fee (Rs. 1,200 x 3 years)	3,600
Admission Fee (one-time)	200
University Registration Fee (one-time)	250
Identity Card (one-time)	50
Examination Fee (per year x 3 years)	2,400
Library Fee (per year x 3 years)	1,650
Laboratory Fee - Annual (Rs. 1,500 x 3 years)	4,500
University Development Fund (per year x 3 years)	4,950
Sports Fee (per year x 3 years)	510
Basic Primary Health Service (per year x 3 years)	840
Medical Insurance (per year x 3 years)	960
Students Co-Curricular Fund (per year x 3 years)	1,200
Students Aid Fund (per year x 3 years)	1,050
Magazine Fee (per year x 3 years)	510
Transportation Charge (per year x 3 years)	15,000
Marksheet Fee (per year x 3 years)	600
Centre Fee (per year x 3 years)	2,400
Title Registration Fee for Dissertation (one-time)	300
Alumni Fee (per year x 3 years)	330
Library Caution Money*	500
Laboratory Caution Money*	2,000
Placement Brochure Fee (one-time)	1,500
Total Fees	55,380

*Library Caution Money (Rs. 500) and Laboratory Caution Money (Rs. 2,000) are refundable deposits.
Sponsored candidates pay the Annual Course Fee component at 3 times the standard rate.
Application fee: Rs. 1,000 (General/OBC Creamy Layer), Rs. 900 (OBC-NCL/EWS), Rs. 800 (SC/ST/PWD) - payable at the time of application and not included in the above fee structure.
Hostel fee: Rs. 25,000 per year (optional, subject to availability). Hostel is not mandatory.
No EMI option is available; fees are payable annually as per the university schedule.

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Component	Amount (INR)
Hostel Fee (per year)	25,000
Hostel Fee (3 years, if availed)	75,000

AU Ph.D. Biotechnology Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Biotechnology) programme at Assam University, Silchar are conducted annually through an online application process followed by a written entrance test and viva voce. For the 2026-27 session, the admission process has been completed. The next cycle (2027-28) is expected to follow a similar schedule, tentatively opening in September 2026. Candidates qualifying UGC NET/JRF are given preference and may be exempted from the entrance test as per university norms.

College Admission Dates

Event	Date
Opening of Admission Portal	September 26, 2026
Last Date of Online Application	October 29, 2026
Verification by Departments	Up to October 31, 2026
Entrance Test and Viva Voce	November 7, 2026
Entry of Composite Score by Department	On or before November 10, 2026
Publication of First Merit List	November 12, 2026
Date of Admission (1st Merit List)	November 12 to 14, 2026
Publication of 2nd Merit List (if any)	November 19, 2026
Admission from 2nd Merit List (if any)	November 19 to 24, 2026
Commencement of Coursework Classes	November 25, 2026

UGC NET Exam Dates

Event	Phase 1 (Completed)	Phase 2 (Tentative)
Registration Start Date	October 7, 2026	April 1, 2027
Registration End Date	November 7, 2026	May 1, 2027
Admit Card Release	December 28, 2026	June 1, 2027
Exam Date	December 31, 2026 to January 7, 2027	June 2027 (Tentative)
Answer Key Release	January 14, 2027	July 1, 2027
Result Declaration	February 4, 2027	July 2027 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Biotechnology or an allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PWD candidates).
Candidates with a 1-year/2-semester Master's degree after a 4-year Bachelor's degree, or a 2-year/4-semester Master's degree after a 3-year Bachelor's degree, are eligible.
M.Phil. holders in the same or allied subject with at least 55% marks are also eligible to apply.

Admission Process

Candidates apply online through the university examination portal (ausexamination.ac.in) by paying the applicable application fee.
Shortlisted candidates appear for a written entrance test and viva voce conducted by the respective department.
A composite score (entrance test + viva voce + academic record) is computed by the department.
Merit lists are published on the university portal; selected candidates complete admission formalities and fee payment within the stipulated dates.
UGC NET/JRF qualified candidates may be exempted from the entrance test as per university ordinance.
Seat reservation follows Government of India norms for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PWD categories.

AU Ph.D. Biotechnology Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at Assam University, Silchar can avail of multiple fellowship and scholarship options, ranging from the prestigious UGC-JRF to the university's own Non-NET fellowship. These financial supports significantly reduce the burden of research expenses and make the programme accessible to meritorious students from all backgrounds.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	UGC NET qualified with JRF rank	Rs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year); Rs. 42,000/month (3rd-5th year)	Awarded by UGC; valid for 5 years
UGC Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)	Upgrade from JRF after 2 years	Rs. 42,000/month	Continuation of JRF with enhanced stipend
Non-NET Fellowship (Assam University)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars enrolled at AUS, selected on merit	As per UGC norms (subject to fund availability)	Provided by the university from UGC grants; not guaranteed for all scholars
DST-INSPIRE Fellowship	M.Sc. with top rank / INSPIRE scholar	Rs. 31,000/month + Rs. 20,000 annual contingency	Awarded by DST, Government of India
CSIR-JRF	CSIR NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year); Rs. 42,000/month (3rd-5th year)	For science disciplines including Biotechnology
NSP (PM-USP) Yojana	80% in Class 12, parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs	Rs. 82,000 per annum	For UG/PG; not directly applicable to Ph.D.

The Non-NET fellowship from Assam University is subject to availability of funds received from UGC and is not guaranteed.
JRF/SRF amounts are as per the latest UGC revision (effective January 2023).
CSIR-JRF is specifically relevant for Biotechnology as it falls under Life Sciences.
Scholars are encouraged to apply for project-based fellowships through their supervisors' funded research projects.

AU Ph.D. Biotechnology Placement 2026

Placement data exclusive to the Ph.D. (Biotechnology) programme at Assam University, Silchar is not separately published. However, the Department of Biotechnology notes that a significant number of its alumni are employed as faculty members in colleges, universities, and educational institutions across and beyond Northeast India. Several graduates have also secured positions in industrial and service organizations in the biotechnology and life sciences sector.

Placement Summary

Placement Aspect	Details
Exclusive Placement Data	Not separately published
Alumni Employment	Faculty members in colleges, universities, and educational institutions across and beyond Northeast India
Industrial Positions	Biotechnology and life sciences sector organizations

AU Ph.D. Biotechnology FAQs

Ques. Is UGC NET mandatory for admission to Ph.D. (Biotechnology) at Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. UGC NET/JRF qualification is not strictly mandatory for applying, but it is highly preferred. Candidates without NET/JRF must appear for the university's own entrance test and viva voce. However, NET/JRF qualified candidates may be exempted from the entrance test as per the AUS Ph.D. ordinance 2023. Additionally, having a JRF makes you eligible for the UGC fellowship, which is a significant financial advantage during your research tenure.

Ques. How many seats are available in Ph.D. Biotechnology at Assam University, Silchar, and what is the reservation breakdown?

Ans. For the 2026-27 session, the Department of Biotechnology had a total intake of 7 seats. The seat matrix was: UR - 3, SC - 1, ST - 0, OBC - 2, EWS - 1, PWD - 1 (PWD seats are horizontal reservations). Seats vary each year depending on faculty vacancies, so candidates should check the official admission notice for the current year's intake.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. in Biotechnology at Assam University while working (part-time)?

Ans. The Ph.D. (Biotechnology) programme at Assam University is offered as a full-time, on-campus programme. Part-time Ph.D. is generally available only for sponsored candidates (those employed in recognized institutions/organizations) who must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. Sponsored candidates are required to pay the Annual Course Fee at 3 times the standard rate.

Ques. What research areas can I work on in the Biotechnology department at Assam University?

Ans. The department has active research in Healthcare Genomics, Cancer Biology, DNA barcoding, Plant Genetics and QTL mapping, Natural Products and Biomedicine, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, and Bioinformatics. The choice of research area depends on the availability of a supervisor and their current research projects. It is advisable to contact faculty members directly before applying to understand ongoing projects and available positions.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation guaranteed for Ph.D. students at Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. Hostel accommodation is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. The university has 9 hostels (4 for boys, 5 for girls) with a total capacity of approximately 749 students across all programmes. Ph.D. scholars need to apply separately for hostel accommodation. The hostel fee is approximately Rs. 25,000 per year, and mess charges are additional.

Ques. What is the Non-NET fellowship at Assam University, and how do I apply for it?

Ans. The Non-NET fellowship is a financial support provided by Assam University to full-time Ph.D. scholars who do not hold a UGC/CSIR NET/JRF qualification. It is funded through grants received from UGC and is awarded on a merit basis. The fellowship amount follows UGC norms. Scholars enrolled in the current and previous sessions (2021-22 onwards) have been notified to submit claim forms through the university's scholarship portal. Availability of this fellowship is not guaranteed every year and depends on UGC fund disbursement to the university.