Frequently Asked Questions

Students are requested to read the FAQs before applying for the MSc Biotechnology program at RGCB, Trivandrum.

1. What are the specializations available for MSc Biotechnology at RGCB?
   

   RGCB MSc Biotechnology programme will be for two years inclusive of four semesters. We offer 20 seats for an academic year. Selected students are trained in various disciplines of core sciences in the first year. In the second year they will be offered two specializations (i) Disease Biology (ii) Genetic Engineering. Each stream has ten seats: Please refer to the website for the detailed syllabus of each specialization.

2. Who awards the MSc degree?
   

   The degree will be awarded by Regional Centre for Biotechnology, an institution for education, training and research, set up by the Govt. of India through the Department of Biotechnology under the auspices of UNESCO. The centre is an autonomous body under a statute of parliament as an institution of national/ international importance for biotechnology, education, research and training. It therefore fulfils all UGC prescribed norms.

3. Will I get a specialization of my choice?
   

   In the first two semesters students are trained in various discipline of core science. In the third semester they will be offered two specializations: (i) Disease Biology (ii) Genetic Engineering. Each specialisation stream has 10 seats. Students can opt any of these specialisation. If the students option goes beyond ten for a particular stream, the final allotment will be done based on their marks secured in the first two semesters.

4. I have submitted my application. I want to change some information in my application. What should I do?
   

   Once you have submitted your application, no information contained in the application form can be changed. You can write to the Office of Academic Affairs, RGCB. The final decision will rest with the institute.

5. Admission process
   

   The candidate must have a valid GAT-B score and an aggregate of 60% marks (or an equivalent grade point average) in Bachelor's degree in any branch of science and as per UGC guideline. The final selection of students will be done based on the GAT-B rank and the cut off rank/score fixed by RGCB for each category.

6. Does reservation policy apply for admission?
   

   Yes, as per Government of India rules

7. Is there any financial support for students admitted to RGCB?
   

   RGCB MSc students will receive a stipend of Rupees 6000 per month for the first year and Rupees 8000 for the second year.

8. What are the requirements for admission?
   

   A Student should check if he/she meets the eligibility criteria for the course he/she wishes to pursue and submit Xerox copies (photocopies) of all certificates for verification. The candidate should pay the fees (see the website) by Net Banking within two days after their selection. If a candidate is failed to pay the admission fees in the stipulated time, his/her selection will be automatically get cancelled and the seat will go to the next candidate in the waiting list.

9. My last semester results have not yet been declared. Will I be considered for admission?
   

   Students in the final year of their qualifying degree program are also eligible to apply provided that they must produce a proof of having secured the required marks in their previous five semesters of degree program at the time of admission. The admission will be provisional up to the production of the proof of completion of the degree. Admission will be cancelled if the candidate failed to secure overall minimum 60% marks (or an equitant grade point average) in the degree examination

10. Will RGCB provide housing/hostel accommodation?
    

    RGCB student hostels offers twin, shared bedroom accommodation. Each bedroom is fully furnished and students have access to a shared en suite bathroom, shared laundry, TV lounge as well as common cooking and food storage facilities. Electricity and water are included in the utility charges. The maximum tenure in the hostel for MSc students is two years from the date of joining. Students can have their meals from the RGCB Cafeteria, which is open from 8 am to 9 pm Monday thru Saturdays, and from 9 am till 1 pm on Sundays.

11. How do I arrange for a campus visit?
    

    Fifteen-minute campus tours, leaving from the Admission Centre, are available on the day of Admission. Prior request/appointment for campus visit is mandatory.

12. How shall I find out if I am admitted?
    

    You will receive a confirmation letter from the RGCB Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) after the counselling process. Details about housing / accommodation / hostel, orientation and the steps you need to take in order to prepare for your studies will be enclosed with your Admission Information Letter. It will also be declared on the website after the admission process is complete.

13. What are the timings of RGCB for admissions?
    

    RGCB admissions will remain open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (IST), on the day of counselling. Original certificates are to be produced for verification and a Xerox copy of all these certificates should be submitted at OAA on the day of joining.