Biology is highly relevant today. It offers a demanding yet exciting path for students. By studying microorganisms, students can contribute to research on infectious diseases, genetics, agriculture, biotechnology, and other areas that affect public health and food security.
India is an important location for biological research and biotechnology. The country’s bioeconomy crossed the US$150 billion milestone in 2023, reached US$165.7 billion in 2024, and is estimated at US$195.3 billion in 2025. This growth has encouraged universities and research institutes to expand competitive programs in biological sciences.
We organized a list of some of the best universities and research institutes in India to study biology. Earn your degree in India, and work with some of the country’s leading research centers, laboratories, and medical schools.
Top Schools Offering Biology in India
1. Indian Institute of Science
Topping our list of some of the best biology universities in India is the Indian Institute of Science, located in Bengaluru. IISc ranked first among universities in the NIRF India Rankings 2025. Its Biology major in the Bachelor of Science (Research) program and the Division of Biological Sciences make it one of India’s strongest options for biology-focused research training.
The Division of Biological Sciences oversees research and training in a wide range of fields, including neuroscience in health and disease, infectious disease, structural biology, oncology, DNA repair and genomic stability, systems biology and bioinformatics, immunology, enzymology, reproductive and developmental biology, and ecological studies.
Undergraduate biology students at IISc follow the four-year Bachelor of Science (Research) pathway. The Biology major requires a research-focused curriculum with a minimum of 131 credits, combining foundational science courses, specialization courses, electives, and project work.
Current fees and financial support vary by program and category. IISc publishes the latest fee and fellowship details on its official admissions page, including fellowships for Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. students.
2. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is a public technical institute in New Delhi. For biology-focused students, its relevant offerings are mainly through the Kusuma School of Biological Sciences and related units such as the Centre for Biomedical Engineering.
The Kusuma School of Biological Sciences offers graduate training in Biological Sciences, including M.Sc., M.S. (Research), and Ph.D. options. Its research areas include experimental and computational biophysics, cancer and developmental biology, genome engineering, molecular microbiology, and related areas of modern biology.
Students interested in biomedical engineering can also consider programs through the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, including the M.Tech. in Biomedical Engineering. Fees vary by program and applicant category, so applicants should use IIT Delhi’s current PG admissions and fees pages for the latest information.
3. Jawaharlal Nehru University
Jawaharlal Nehru University is a central university in New Delhi. It ranked second among Indian universities in the NIRF India Rankings 2025. Its School of Life Sciences, established in 1970–71, was the first science school at JNU and is described by the university as the country’s first school dedicated to teaching and research in life sciences.
The School of Life Sciences adopts an interdisciplinary approach to biology, covering life from the molecular level to the organismal level. It offers a two-year M.Sc. in Life Sciences, a one-year M.Sc. (Research) in Life Sciences under NEP 2020 pathways, and Ph.D.-level study.
The M.Sc. in Life Sciences includes theoretical, practical, and dissertation work. From the 2023–24 academic year, students may choose specializations in Molecular Metabolism and Cellular Systems, Biology of Diseases and Pathomechanisms, or Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, or complete the program without a specialization.
For 2026–27, JNU’s prospectus lists annual tuition for Indian nationals in M.A., M.Sc., and MCA programs at ₹216, with ₹313 payable online at admission for M.A., M.Sc., and MCA programs. For foreign students in science disciplines, the prospectus lists a one-time US$500 registration fee and tuition from US$300 to US$1,250 per semester, depending on region.
4. Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh Muslim University is a public central university in Aligarh. In the NIRF India Rankings 2025, AMU ranked 10th among Indian universities.
The Department of Bio-chemistry (Life Sciences) at Aligarh Muslim University oversees undergraduate and graduate study in biochemistry. According to AMU’s departmental profile, the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Biochemistry began in 1957, and the department became an independent department in the Faculty of Life Sciences in 1986.
The department’s research areas include proteomics, toxicology, molecular biology, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, bioinformatics, enzyme technology, epigenetics, cancer-related mechanisms, nanobiotechnology, and protein folding and aggregation. The department also reports collaborations with institutions in the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, China, Korea, and several Indian research centers.
For 2026–27, AMU’s admission guide lists the fee payable at the time of admission as ₹11,900 for B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry, ₹14,500 for M.Sc. Biochemistry, and ₹14,100 for Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
5. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Last, but not least, we have the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, one of the best biology research institutions in India. TIFR is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and a UGC-recognized deemed-to-be university. It runs graduate programs leading to Ph.D., Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D., and M.Sc. degrees in selected subjects.
The Department of Biological Sciences at TIFR is located on the Colaba campus in Mumbai. Its research focus areas include biochemistry and bioenergetics, development and tissue morphogenesis, and neurobiology and cellular neuroscience. The department’s academic page states that its research training programs facilitate advanced degrees such as Ph.D. or M.Sc. in biology.
FAQS About Studying Biology in India
Is Biology a Good Career in India?
Yes. Biology-related careers in India can lead to roles in biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, public health, conservation, agriculture, bioinformatics, teaching, and research. The country’s growing bioeconomy is one reason demand for trained life-science professionals remains strong. Public-health challenges also create demand for scientific expertise: a Lancet Planetary Health study estimated that 1.67 million deaths in India in 2019 were attributable to air pollution.
We hope this article on the best biology universities in India was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more!
