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?
   

   Students are trained in various disciplines of core sciences in the first year. In the second year they will be offered three specializations: (i) Disease Biology (ii) Molecular Plant Sciences (iii) Molecular Diagnostics and DNA Profiling. 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, Paris. 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. How many seats are available for the admission to the program in 2019?
   

   There are 40 seats available for the MSc in Biotechnology program.

4. Is there an application fee?
   

   There is a non-refundable application fee of Rs.2,000/- for candidates applying under General category and Rs.700/- for EWS, and OBC-NCL categories, Persons with Disabilities and candidates under SC/ST category.

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

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

6. Will I get a specialization of my choice?
   

   Students will be allowed to select any specializations at the time of application. But final allotment will be done based on their qualifying marks in the entrance examination and availability of seats.

7. 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.

8. What is the mode of the RGCB entrance test 2019?
   

   The RGCB entrance test 2019 will be conducted in the computer-based test mode.

9. What is the syllabus for the RGCB entrance test?
   

   The exam will be of multiple choice type and will consist of two parts- Part A (30 questions) and Part B (100 questions). All questions in Part A is compulsory and will include current general knowledge, analytical ability, and reasoning. Part B will include questions from BSc level life sciences, chemistry, and basic level mathematics and physics. Students can answer any 70 of the 100 questions. There will be one mark for every correct answer and negative 1/4 mark for every wrong answer. Duration of the test will be three hours.

10. Where is the RGCB entrance test conducted?
    

    It will be conducted in various cities across India. Choices for preferred cities where the candidate wishes to write the aptitude test have to be indicated while completing the online application form. The hall ticket will have the allotted centre details printed. If the examination cannot be conducted in any of the centres due to unforeseen reasons, the candidate would be allotted an alternate centre, and such information will be communicated in due time.

11. Where/When do I get the hall ticket for the RGCB entrance test?
    

    The hall ticket will be available on the website a few days before RGCB entrance test. The candidate can download their hall ticket after logging into their account in the application portal.

12. Does reservation policy apply for admission?
    

    Yes. SC -15%, ST - 7.5%, OBC-NCL - 27%. PwD - 5% and EWS (supernumerary), - up to 10% (as per Government of India rules).

13. 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 of the MSc program.

14. 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 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 favour of The Director, RGCB Trivandrum payable at Trivandrum.

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. What is the basis for an admission decision?
    

    Admission decisions for Master Degree Programmes are based on merit list provided the candidate meets the eligibility condition as mentioned in the brochures in terms of qualifying aggregate percentage/marks/grades in any Bachelor Degree any University.

17. 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.

18. How do I arrange for a campus visit?
    

    Fifteen-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 Admissions centre for us to make arrangements.

19. 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.

20. 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 Hall in the RGCB main campus on the day specified in the letter.