TIFR GS Biology Exam – Key Details

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Graduate School (TIFR GS) Biology exam is conducted for admission to Ph.D., Integrated Ph.D., and M.Sc. programs in Biology at TIFR institutes (Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune).

1. Exam Overview

• Full Name: Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS)
• Conducting Body: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Exam Duration: 3 hours
• Total Marks: 100
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Negative Marking: Yes (varies per question)

2. Eligibility Criteria

For Ph.D. Program

• Master’s degree in any Biology Subjects (M.Sc./M.Tech. in Biology, Biotechnology etc.)
• Candidates with MBBS, M.Pharm, or B.Tech degrees in relevant fields are also eligible.
• Exceptional Sc. students (after 3 years) may be considered for a direct Ph.D.

For Integrated Ph.D. Program

• Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc./B.Tech/B.E./B.Pharm/MBBS) in any Bio science discipline
• No specific percentage cutoff, but a strong academic background is preferred

3. Exam Pattern

• The MCQ consists of 4 sections, split into 2 sub-sections,
• General A and B, Physics A and B, Chemistry A and B, and Biology A and B.
• There are 10 MCQ in sub-section A and 5 in sub-section B 2.
• Correct answers in the A sub-section are worth 1 mark, and in the B sub-section, 2 marks.
• There will be negative marking for incorrect answers.
• If you choose not to answer, those questions will not be graded 4
• All MCQ have ONLY ONE correct answer. Answer them by clicking the radio button next to the relevant option.
• The MCQ tests the ability to synthesise topics that you have learnt during a typical science course during high school or during your undergraduate.

4. Syllabus Breakdown

A. Biology (Core Subject – 70%)

• Cell Biology: Organelles, membrane transport, cell division, signaling
• Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation
• Genetics & Evolution: Mendelian genetics, population genetics, evolutionary principles
• Biochemistry: Proteins, enzymes, metabolism, bioenergetics
• Microbiology: Bacteria, viruses, microbial genetics
• Developmental Biology: Embryonic development, morphogenesis, differentiation
• Immunology: Antibodies, immune response, vaccines
• Ecology & Behavior: Ecosystems, population dynamics, animal behavior
• Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA, cloning, CRISPR, genomics
• Neuroscience (Basic Level): Neurons, synaptic transmission, brain function

B. Logical & Quantitative Reasoning (30%)

• Data interpretation
• Logical puzzles
• Basic statistics & probability
• Graph & table-based reasoning
• Analytical problem-solving

5. Application Process

• Mode: Online via TIFR GS portal
• Application Fee:
  • ₹1000 (General)
  • ₹500 (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
• Documents Required:
  • Scanned photograph & signature
  • Academic certificates
  • ID proof

6. Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)

• Application Start: September 2025
• Last Date to Apply: November 2025
• Admit Card Release: December 2025
• Exam Date: December 2025
• Results Announcement: January/February 2026
• Interview Process Starts : March/April 2026

7. Selection Process

• Step 1: Written Exam (Shortlisting based on merit)
• Step 2: Interview Round (Conceptual + Research Aptitude-based questions)
• Final Selection: Based on performance in both written test & interview

8. Participating TIFR Institutes

• TIFR Mumbai (Main Campus)
• NCBS Bangalore (National Centre for Biological Sciences)
• TCIS Hyderabad (TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences)
• DBS Pune (Department of Biological Sciences, IISER-Pune affiliated)
• NBRC Manesar

9. Career & Research Opportunities

• D. & Integrated Ph.D. programs at prestigious research institutes
• Research careers in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Ecology, Biophysics, and Computational Biology
• High potential for postdoctoral research, faculty positions, or industry R&D roles

10. Fellowship

PhD

Students receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 37,000 (+ hostel accommodation OR HRA as applicable) enhanced to Rs 42,000 after registration.

I-PhD

Students receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 25,000 for the first year. At the end of the first year, upon satisfactory performance, the fellowship is enhanced to Rs 37,000 per month (further raised to Rs 42,000 after registration for PhD). If a student takes the MSc exit option, then the fellowship for the 3rd year is reduced to the 1st year amount.