Students are requested to read the FAQs before applying for the MSc Biotechnology program at RGCB, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala State, India

1. Is there any difference in scholarship between DBT and RGCB supported students?

   There is no difference between DBT and RGCB sponsored students. All the selected students would receive a fellowship of ₹ 6000 for the 1^st year and ₹ 8000 for the 2^nd year.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for applying to the RGCB MSc Biotechnology Program?

   The applicant should have qualified at the Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) conducted by Regional Centre for Biotechnology
   AND
   Must also have 60% aggregate marks (or an equivalent grade point average) in

   1. Bachelor's degree in any branch of Science, Biotechnology/Biomedical Engineering or
   2. Bachelor's degree Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Science/Agriculture/Fisheries

   Students from the SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer) and PWD categories shall be given a relaxation of 5% aggregate marks.

   Students in the final year of their qualifying degree program are also eligible to apply provided that they produce a proof of having secured the required marks in their undergraduate degree program at the time of admission.

3. Who awards the MSc degree?

   The MSc degree will be awarded by Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), an institution for education, training and research set up by the Government of India through the Department of Biotechnology under the auspices of UNESCO, Paris. The Centre is an Institution of National Importance for Biotechnology by an Act of Parliament for education, research and training. It therefore fulfills all UGC prescribed norms.

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

   All students are trained in various disciplines of core sciences in the first year (Semester 1 and 2). In the second year they will be offered three options for specialization: (i) DISEASE BIOLOGY (ii) GENETIC ENGINEERING (iii) MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS AND DNA PROFILING. Please refer to the website for the detailed syllabus of each specialization.

5. Will I get a specialization of my choice?

   Students will be allowed to select specializations at the end of the second semester. Final allotment will however be based on marks scored in the first two semester examinations and availability of seats.

6. How many seats are available for the admission to the program in 2021?

   There are upto 20 seats available for the MSc in Biotechnology program.

7. Can I pay application fees by Cash/DD/Cheque?

   No. All payments will be accepted only through secure payment gateway on the RGCB application portal.

8. 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.

9. Does reservation policy apply for admission?

   Yes (as per Government of India rules).

   SC: 15%

   ST: 7.5%

   OBC-NCL: 27%

   PWD: 5%

   EWS (supernumerary) up to 10%

10. Are there any scholarships for students admitted to RGCB?

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

11. What would be the process for counseling? Will it be held at RCB or RGCB?

    Counseling will be for students who have been selected to the RGCB MSc Biotechnology Program and would be held at RGCB, Trivandrum.

12. What are the requirements for admission after selection?

    An applicant should check if he/she meets the eligibility criteria for the course he/she wishes to pursue and submit all certificates in original for verification at the time of counseling. The candidate should pay the deposits and first semester fees by DD, Online/Credit Card/Net Banking on the day of admission. Payments in the form of DD will be accepted in favor of The Director, RGCB Trivandrum payable at Trivandrum.

13. Is physical presence of the candidate a must during the counseling?

    Students have to be physically present during the counseling. We encourage that the students are accompanied preferably by their parents/guardians.

14. What is the primary contact for RGCB MSc Biotechnology admission?

    Interested candidates orparents can contact by email to msc@rgcb.res.in. Phone- 0471-2529653

15. 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 produce a proof of having secured the required marks in their undergraduate degree program at the time of admission.

16. Will RGCB provide housing / hostel accommodation?

    RGCB provides three bedded hostel accommodation with all standard civic amenities and common cooking and laundry areas. You should submit your request as soon as possible, because requests are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and rooms fill up quickly.

17. How do I arrange for a campus visit?

    Please visit our comprehensive website https://www.rgcb.res.in for complete details on the institute. For students who are admitted thirty-minute tours of campus leaving from the Admission Centre are available on the day of admission. Prior request/appointment for campus visit is mandatory. Before making your travel arrangements you should take a prior appointment from the RGCB Admissions Centre for us to make arrangements.

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

    You will receive a letter from the RGCB Office of Academic Affairs (OAA). Please note that official decisions are sent by E-mail only. 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.

19. 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 counseling informed to you. Original certificates are to be produced for verification during the admission process and photocopies should be submitted. Please report at the MR Das Convention Center in the RGCB main campus on the day specified in the letter.