The PhD in Immunology is a doctoral degree program. Immunology is the study of higher organisms’ immune systems in relation to disease. Immunology is a branch of biology that studies the structure and function of the immune system, as well as the bodily distinction of self from non-self and the use of antibody-based laboratory techniques, or immunoassays. PhD Immunology is a research-oriented program that lasts 3 to 5 years.
Students in this program learn about the functions and interactions of all immune system components, including infections like cryptococcus neoformans, pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lyme disease, and malaria, as well as diseases like diabetes.
Students who complete a PhD Immunology program have numerous job opportunities both in India and abroad. Immunologists, Technical Assistants, Research Scientists, Lecturers/Teachers, Business Development Executives, and others will be able to find work in hospitals, government organisations, laboratories, colleges and universities, among other places.
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PhD Immunology: An Overview
The following table lists the highlights of the PhD Immunology program:
| Name of Course | PhD Immunology |
| Level of Course | Research level |
| Duration of Course | 3 to 5 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | MD/ MS degree from a recognized university |
| Process of Admission | Entrance-Based + Personal Interview |
| Average Fee (Annually) | INR 6,100 to 65,000 |
| Top Employment Institutes | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Institute of Immunology, Research Laboratories etc. |
| Positions of Job | Technical Assistant, Lecturer/ Teacher, Research Scientist, Business Development Executive, Assistant Product Support Manager, Immunologist etc. |
| Top Areas of Recruitment | Laboratories, Colleges/ Universities,Hospitals, Govt. Organizations etc. |
| Average Salary (Annually) | INR 4,00,000 to 8,00,000 |
PhD Immunology Eligibility Criteria
The following are the common PhD Immunology eligibility criteria that candidates must meet in order to be considered for admission to this program:
- A Master’s degree in Immunology from a recognized university is required.
- Only those candidates who achieve the cut-off marks set by the respective admission authorities in the entrance exam will be admitted.
PhD Immunology Syllabus
Although the PhD in Immunology program syllabus varies by college, it generally consists of a few common foundation courses from which students can choose according to their interests.
The following table lists the most common subjects covered in a structured PhD Immunology curriculum:
| Unit 1: Transplantation |
| Unit 2: Neuro-Immunology |
| Unit 3: Auto Immunity |
| Unit 4: Stem Cell Biology |
| Unit 5: Infection and Immunity |
| Unit 6: Human Translational Immunology |
| Unit 7: Tumor Immunology |
| Unit 8: Immunobiology and Mucosal Immunity |
PhD Immunology Admission Procedure
- For admission to PhD Immunology courses, the majority of colleges and universities use an entrance-based system.
- After passing the entrance exam, the candidate’s research topic, proposal, methodology, and other materials are reviewed, and an interview is scheduled.
Based on Entrance
The majority of colleges and universities offer PhD Immunology admission based on entrance exams such as the UGC NET, CSIR NET, and others.
The following is a step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission:
Step 1: The first step is for students to register on the official website.
Step 2: Complete the application form with accurate information.
Step 3: Following the examination, the website will post a cutoff list. Candidates will then be assigned seats based on their entrance exam scores.
Step 4: For admission to this course, some colleges conduct personal interviews and group discussions.
Step 5: If a student meets all of the eligibility requirements, he or she will be offered admission to the course.
PhD Immunology: Important Entrance Exams
For admission to a PhD Immunology program, there are numerous national and state-level entrance exams to take. The popular PhD Immunology entrance examinations are listed below:
- GATE:GATE is a national-level exam held jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institutes of Technology to select candidates for PhD degree jobs or lectureships in Indian universities and colleges.
- UGC NET:This exam is administered by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the University Grants Commission. Admission to the numerous doctorate level courses is granted to qualified candidates. This test is also used to determine whether or not a candidate is eligible for a JRF or Assistant Professor position in universities and colleges.
PhD Immunology: Top Institutes
The table below lists the top PhD Immunology schools and universities that offer full-time programs
| Rating by College Duniya | Institute Name | Process of Admission | Average Fees (Annually) | Average Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Entrance-Exam followed by Interview | INR 1,00,000 | INR 10,00,000 |
| 6.2 | Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Entrance-Exam followed by Interview | INR 1,13,650 | INR 6,84,000 |
| 5.1 | Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Entrance-Exam followed by an Interview | INR 90,000 | INR 4,50,000 |
| 4.9 | Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Entrance-Exam followed by an Interview | INR 68,000 | INR 3,65,000 |
| 4.9 | Amity University, Greater Noida | Entrance-Exam followed by an Interview | INR 1,20,000 | INR 4,50,000 |
| _ | Shyam University, Dausa | Entrance-Exam followed by an Interview | INR 65,000 | INR 5,42,000 |
| __ | Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science, Srinagar | Entrance-Exam followed by an Interview | INR 67,000 | INR 4,88,000 |
PhD Immunology: Preparation Plan
The PhD Immunology entrance exam syllabus will differ from one college to the next. The majority of exams, however, focus on topic-specific knowledge and skills in Biology and Material Science.
- Examine the written test’s detailed syllabus, begin studying it, and review your concepts.
- Develop a reading habit, whether it’s a newspaper, novel, books, biographies, or case studies, to help you pass entrance exams.
- One of the most important aspects of cracking entrance exams is time management, which applies not only to the study schedule but also to the number of exams attempted.
- By practicing sample papers and mock test papers, you will be confident in your ability to manage your time by the time your entrance exam begins.
- The golden rule for passing entrance exams is to practice. Ascertain that your concepts are clear and that you are aware of all of the appropriate methods for answering questions within the time limit.
- Begin with the fundamentals and work your way up to more advanced and difficult concepts.
- The college selects candidates based on their performance on the respective entrance exams, which are followed by an interview.
- To get into a good PhD Immunology college, taking the UGC NET exam is the best way to go, and for some colleges, the UGC NET is also a good way to go.
- A few private institutes offer the course, which allows students to be admitted based on their performance in a relevant entrance exam followed by a round of personal interviews.
- Candidates must perform well on the respective entrance exams in order to gain admission to a good college for a PhD Immunology program.
- Candidates should devote time and effort to the entrance exam and be prepared for a personal interview.
- They should be well-versed in their research topic so that their research idea can impress the interview panel.
PhD Immunology: Important Documents Required
- No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
- Character certificate (from the head of the Institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.
- Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
- Research Proposal *
- Gap certificate (if applicable)
- Passing/Degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination
- Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the University last attended)
- Documentary proof for date of birth
Students should be aware that if the aforementioned certificates are not attached to their application, their application will not be taken into account for admission.
PhD Immunology: A Comparison Among Institutes
The table below shows the comparison between India’s three best PhD immunology colleges.
| Basis of Comparison | Amity University, Noida | Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai | Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlight | Amity University was founded with the goal of providing students with a transparent education through holistically designed programs. This university aspires to be a leader in providing students with a value-based education. | Madurai Kamaraj University is a state university in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, that was founded in 1966 and is accredited by the University Grants Commission. The University has received NAAC’s Grade ‘A’ accreditation and offers a wide range of UG, PG, and research courses. | The Swami Rama Himalayan University was founded to provide instruction, teaching, training, and research in fields that the University deems appropriate for higher education. |
| Place | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| Criteria for Eligibility | Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university | Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university | Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university |
| Process of Admission | Entrance-Based followed by an Interview | Entrance-Based followed by an Interview | Entrance-Based followed by an Interview |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 1,00,000 | INR 1,13,650 | INR 90,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 10,00,000 | INR 6,84,000 | INR 4,50,000 |
| Top Employers | Coca Cola, DCM Benetton India, Duncan Industries,Citibank, ESPN Sports, Frito-Lay India Ltd., Gillette India Ltd., Glaxo SmithKline Beecham, GE Capital, FCB Ulka etc. | Marriott, Crowne Plaza, IBM, HCL, Infotech, Hyatt Group of Hotels,Wipro etc. | Vodafone, Amazon, Axis Bank, ICCI, Kirby, THDC India Limited,Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maintech etc. |
PhD Immunology:Focus Areas
The following is information and details about the PhD Immunology program.
- Students will learn about the immune system in both healthy and diseased states in this course.
- It includes research into how the body fights infections caused by bacteria and viruses, as well as the role of the immune system in the progression and development of cancers, as well as the development of medical interventions to treat and prevent disease.
- The goal of the Immunology PhD program is to educate and train students to the highest level of competence in order for them to become experts and professionals in the field of immunology and bio-sciences.
- Immunology is a medical field that deals with the physical, chemical, and psychological characteristics of immune system components.
- Immunology is a branch of biomedical science that studies the immune system of living organisms in both health and disease.
PhD Immunology and PhD Microbiology: Key Differences
PhD Immunology studies how the human body fights infections, whereas PhD Microbiology studies microorganisms.
Check the table below for more comparative details:
| Basis of Comparison | PhD Immunology | PhD Microbiology |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight | The study of how the body fights infections from bacteria and viruses, the immune system’s role in the growth and progression of cancers, and the development of medical interventions to treat and prevent ailments are all part of this program. | This program covers aspects of microorganism biochemistry, physiology, and genetics. This program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in Microbiology. |
| Duration of Course | 3 to 5 years | 3 to 5 years |
| Eligibility | MD/ MS degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university | Postgraduate degree with minimum 55% marks aggregate. |
| Type of Examination | Annual/ Semester | Annual/ Semester |
| Admission Process of Admission | Entrance + Personal Interview | Entrance/ Merit-Based followed by Interview |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 6,100 to 65,000 | INR 20,000 to 3,00,000 |
| Positions of Job | Technical Assistant, Lecturer/ Teacher, Business Development Executive, Research Scientist,Assistant Product Support Manager, Immunologist etc. | Medical Technologist, Laboratory Scientist, Lecturer,Laboratory Technologist, Technical Specialist etc. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 4,00,000 to 8,00,000 | INR 8,00,000 to 16,00,000 |
PhD Immunology: Top Job Profiles
A candidate with a degree in this field has a wide range of job opportunities. Working for the government, private organisations, and a variety of other sectors will be simple for them. They can also teach in colleges or universities as a professor or lecturer.
- PhD immunologists can work in academic institutions as well as in industry and other institutions in high-level research and development positions.
- PhD holders in immunology seek jobs as professors, immunologists, research assistants, researchers, and therapists, among other positions.
The table below lists some of the most widely known PhD Immunology job profiles and career prospects following completion of the course:
| Profile of Job | Description of Job | Average Salary (Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| Immunologist | An Immunologist’s responsibilities include diagnosing and treating immune system disorders or immunologic conditions, educating patients and their families about treatment options, performing laboratory procedures and examining tissue samples to determine the sources of allergies,prognosis, and performing blood and patch tests to detect the presence of harmful allergens, among other things. | INR 7,88,000 |
| Cytotechnologists | Cytotechnologists’ responsibilities include staining and mounting specimens for examination, examining human cell slides under microscopes, classifying all examined slides and preparing a preliminary diagnosis for each, and keeping a daily log of specimens examined and documenting all findings in the log. | INR 4,96,000 |
| Researcher | The primary responsibility of a researcher is to conduct research using various methodologies and sources. For the employers, a researcher should be able to obtain current and relevant data. | INR 6,76,000 |
| Lecturer/Teacher | Lecturers/teachers are responsible for teaching students a specific subject and ensuring that their concepts are clear. | INR 5,58,000 |
| Therapist | A Therapist’s responsibilities include meeting with clients who wish to speak with a mental health professional on a regular basis, establishing positive and trusting relationships with clients, maintaining the strictest confidentiality of each and every client situation, and so on. | INR 3,85,000 |
Some other important areas of Employment
- Laboratories
- Colleges/ Universities
- Research Scientist
- Lecturer/ Teacher
- Hospitals
- Govt. Organizations
- Assistant Product Support Manager
- Immunologist
PhD Immunology: Benefits and Scope
The pursuit of a PhD in Immunology will be determined by the aspirations and goals of each individual. Some of the advantages and perks of pursuing a PhD in immunology include:
- This course will teach you about the immune system’s structure and function at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels, as well as how it relates to health and disease.
- This course will equip you with the necessary skills to pursue doctoral-level research or to advance your career prospects in healthcare and related fields.
- Immunology will aid a student’s understanding of basic Immunology, which is necessary for clinical and commercial applications, and has amazed the discovery of new diagnostics and treatments for a variety of diseases.
- After completing this course, students can expect to earn between INR 4,00,000 and INR 8,00,000 per year on average.
- Students will be able to find work in a variety of sectors after completing this course, including hospitals, laboratories, colleges/universities, government organisations, and so on.
FAQs
The PhD entrance exam does not have a set syllabus. The PhD Immunology entrance exam includes questions from all major science fields, including physics, chemistry, and biology. In some cases, questions about computers and mathematics may be included in the exam.
They will inquire about your research interests; this is one of the most frequently asked questions, and if you state your interests clearly but have no knowledge of the basics, you will be in serious trouble; they will begin asking questions about it. They will inquire about your training, if any, as well as questions from your dissertation thesis. They may also present you with a hypothetical scenario, such as how you will check protein interaction.
Amity University, Madurai Kamaraj University, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Amala Cancer Research Center, Indian Institute of Science, and others are among the top universities and institutes in India that offer PhD Immunology programs.
After learning the basics in school, start learning Immunology from a standard Physiology book (Ganong/Guyton), then move on to pathology and medicine to learn more about it. If you want to pursue a career in immunology, you can now move on to professional immunology books.
You can gain experience in this field while in medical school by pursuing a physician shadowing opportunity with a physician in this field. You will be able to acquire hands-on learning experiences as a result of this. Check to see if any research is being done in this area and offer to help.
Immunology is a subject where all of the processes take place at the cellular level, which can make it difficult to grasp at times. As a result, all students interested in pursuing a PhD in Immunology should watch video lectures and animations on various topics in Immunology.
Yes, you can pursue a PhD in Immunology if you have a Pharma.D degree. If you want to pursue it at a government college or university, you must pass the UGC NET exam, and if you want to pursue it at a private institution, you must have the support of any of your professors.
Immunology is a growing field, with job opportunities expected to grow 15-20 percent between 2012 and 2022, faster than the national average for all occupations. However, becoming an immunologist requires extensive education and training. A bachelor’s degree is only the beginning of this field’s success.