Other links:
Other links:
The Department of Biology at Ashoka University invites applications twice a year in the spring and monsoon semesters; the application window opens during March-April and October-November, respectively. Please revisit this page.
For any additional information, please write to phd.biology@ashoka.edu.in
Details regarding PhD opportunities with application deadlines are advertised in prominent web spaces (such as the Ashoka website, IndiaBioscience, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) and leading newspapers. Additionally, flyers are distributed to all major institutions throughout the country. The number of PhD students admitted varies from year to year and depends on the available positions in the department as well as the merit of candidates.
Stipend
The monthly stipend paid to all Ph.D. students selected as TAs funded by Ashoka University will be Rs. 50,000 +HRA (10000) per month. The Ph.D. Scholars are eligible for Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) upon completing their candidacy. The monthly stipend for an SRF is Rs 55,000+HRA (10000) per month.
A contingency grant of Rs. 20,000 per annum will be made available to each PhD student.
The quantum of stipend paid to TAs will be reviewed periodically.
Fees
Tuition fee: Rs. 12,500 per semester.
Dissertation assessment fee: Rs. 15,000.
Stipend
The monthly stipend and annual contingency grant given to PhD students who receive a scholarship from UGC or a partner organization will be decided based on terms covering the scholarship itself.
An annual contingency of Rs 20,000, will be made available to each PhD student
Whenever there is a delay in receiving funds from the funding agencies, Ashoka University will pay in advance.
Fees
University waives the semester fees
Dissertation assessment fee: Rs. 15,000.
Ashoka University offers financial assistance to all PhD scholars for presenting their research ideas/findings in reputed international conferences. This facility can be availed once by each PhD student. Maximum amount of aid is Rs 2,00,000/-.
Ashoka University facilitates medical insurance (as per university policy)
For students who joined Ashoka before Monsoon 2026, please refer to the guidelines below:
View GuidelinesFor students who joined Ashoka in Monsoon 2026 or later, please refer to the guidelines below:
View Guidelines
There is always the much needed open communication between faculty and researchers. The weekly journal club is a treat as it regularly updates the knowledge of the presenter and others who are from the same or different fields. The Research Office works constantly to make the researcher’s administrative work easier. The department being enriched with faculty from different biological fields creates ample opportunities to work in interdisciplinary research areas. The interdisciplinary research provides a broader perspective of looking at any subject, a quality I have craved to learn throughout my research career. What really excites me is working with the UG students, who being curious and young, ask intriguing questions which they either work on independently or with any Ph.D. student. This direct involvement of UG students with us is very enriching. What is close to my heart is the opportunities we get to work on our teaching skills by assisting professors and the UGs’ in their respective courses.
Souradeep Banerjee
Ph.D. Student in Biology
