PhD Admission January 2027 in Modern Biology, CSIR-CCMB Hyderabad (AcSIR, Notification 01/2027)
Job Description
PhD admission at CSIR-CCMB Hyderabad for January 2027 is open under Notification 01/2027. CCMB invites applications from Indian citizens for research in modern biology, with the degree awarded by AcSIR. Applications close on 31 October 2026.
At a glance
- Programme: PhD in modern biology, January 2027 session
- Where: CSIR-CCMB, Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, and LaCONES
- A valid fellowship is an absolute requirement
- Written test: remote proctored online test, tentatively 5 November 2026
- Apply by: 31 October 2026
Read the official CCMB notification 01/2027 (PDF) in full before you apply.
Research areas at CCMB
The notification lists projects in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, developmental biology, plant molecular biology, conservation biology, ecology, evolution, protein structure and function, biology of macromolecules, biology of infection, immunology, epigenetics, chromatin biology and bioinformatics.
Three ways to apply, and the choice matters
On the application portal you state a preference for a PhD at CCMB, at the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES), or at “LaCONES only”. The route changes how you are assessed:
- CCMB and LaCONES candidates sit the computer-based written test
- “LaCONES only” candidates are exempt from the written test. They are screened through an interview and a statement of purpose, which must be uploaded with the application
Eligibility
- A two-year, four-semester master’s degree in science after a three-year, six-semester bachelor’s in science, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade
- Or a four-year, eight-semester bachelor’s degree in science with at least 75% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade
- A relaxation of 5% marks may be allowed for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, differently-abled and EWS candidates
- A valid national-level fellowship: a JRF or SRF of any funding agency such as CSIR, ICMR, UGC, DBT or DST, or an equivalent such as DBT-BET, INSPIRE or RGNF. These are tenable at all AcSIR-associated research institutes except ICMR institutes
- For “LaCONES only” candidates: either GATE in Ecology and Evolution, or a valid national-level JRF of any funding agency, or an equivalent such as DBT-BET, INSPIRE or RGNF
Two rules that disqualify people every year
The notification is blunt about both. A valid fellowship is an absolute requirement for a PhD at CCMB, and it must be valid by the time of joining in January 2027. Second, candidates with lectureship only in the CSIR-UGC NET examination will not be shortlisted for the interview. Check your award letter against both before you apply.
How to apply
Register with AcSIR first on the AcSIR online admission portal and choose the CSIR-CCMB PhD programme as one of your options. Then apply to CCMB on the CCMB application link by 31 October 2026. Both steps are needed.
Selection and key dates
- Last date to apply: 31 October 2026
- Remote proctored computer-based written test: tentatively 5 November 2026
- In-person interview at CCMB: last week of November 2026, in two rounds over two separate days
- Session starts: January 2027
Travel and stay are at your own cost. CCMB states that it pays no travelling allowance, and that interviews need two to three days in Hyderabad. Budget for that before you commit. Questions go to academic17phd.ccmb@csir.res.in.
Browse more PhD positions on ResearchJobs.in, or search our Find a supervisor page.
Hiring institution: CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad
Official advertisement: www.ccmb.res.in
How to prepare for this application
- Check your fellowship validity against January 2027. An award that lapses before joining will not do, and CCMB says so plainly.
- Lectureship-only NET will not get you an interview. You need JRF or an equivalent fellowship.
- Decide on LaCONES before you fill the form. "LaCONES only" skips the written test but needs a statement of purpose, so it is a different application.
- Do both registrations. AcSIR first, then the CCMB link. Missing the AcSIR step is the common mistake.
- Plan two to three days in Hyderabad. The interview runs in two rounds across two days and CCMB pays no travel allowance.
About CSIR-CCMB
The CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology is a national laboratory in Hyderabad, set up in 1977 and working across modern biology from molecular and cell biology to genomics, evolution and conservation. Its Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, LaCONES, works on Indian wildlife conservation and genetic resource banking.
