BRIC PhD Admission 2026: Application Portal, Eligibility & Selection
The BRIC PhD Admission 2026 is now open for ambitious scholars in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Engineering. Review the eligibility criteria for Track I and II, application fees, fellowship stipends, and the comprehensive selection process. Submit your application via the official portal at i3cbricphd.rcb.ac.in before the closing date.
BRIC PhD Admission 2026
The BRIC PhD Admission 2026 offers a premier gateway for students to pursue advanced doctoral research in biosciences at India’s leading research institutions. This prestigious initiative, the i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme, is conducted by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Applicants are encouraged to verify all provided information thoroughly, as edits to your application are not permitted after final submission.
BRIC PhD Admission 2026: Overview
Below is a streamlined guide to the BRIC PhD Admission 2026 requirements and program structure. Please note that all applications must be completed exclusively through the designated online portal.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme in Biosciences |
| Conducting Body | Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) |
| Degree Awarded By | RCB (Institution of National Importance) |
| Level | PhD (Doctoral) |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Application Portal | i3cbricphd.rcb.ac.in |
| Application Fee | Rs. 500/- (Exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/EWS) |
| Number of Seats | 85 seats |
| Last Date to Apply | 8 June 2026 |
| Final Result | 8 July 2026 |
| Official Website | rcb.res.in/i3c |
BRIC PhD Vacancy 2026
The BRIC PhD Programme 2026 features a highly competitive intake. Candidates must carefully assess their eligibility for either Track I or Track II, as outlined below. Seat reservations strictly adhere to the policies established by the Government of India.
| Track | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| Track I | 75 |
| Track II | Up to 10 |
| Total | Up to 85 |
BRIC PhD Important Dates 2026
The BRIC PhD Admission 2026 timeline follows a rigorous schedule, from the initial application phase to the commencement of doctoral coursework. We recommend monitoring the official website regularly for real-time updates and key deadline announcements.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 8 June |
| Intimation to Shortlisted Candidates (1st Round) | 12 June |
| First Interview (Online) | 16-17 June |
| Results for 2nd Interview Announced | 20 June |
| Second Interview (In-Person at RCB) | 6-7 July |
| Declaration of Final Results | 8 July |
| Interaction with iBRIC+ Institutions (In-Person at RCB) | 8-10 July |
| Deadline to Accept Offer (Selected Candidates) | 13 July |
| Offers Sent to Waitlisted Candidates | 14 July |
| Deadline for Waitlisted Candidates to Accept Offer | 14 July onwards (TBA) |
| Registration, Enrolment & Fellowship Activation | 14-31 July |
| Orientation & Coursework Commencement at RCB | 3 August |
Apply Link for BRIC PhD Admission 2026
All applications for BRIC PhD Admission 2026 must be submitted via the official online portal; offline submissions are not accepted. Ensure all personal and academic details are verified for accuracy before final submission.
Steps to Apply for BRIC PhD Admission 2026
The application process for BRIC PhD Admission 2026 is straightforward but requires precision. As the portal does not support post-submission modifications, please follow the steps carefully to ensure a successful application.
- Visit the official application portal at https://i3cbricphd.rcb.ac.in/
- Register with your email ID and create a password
- Log in and select the track you wish to apply for (Track I or Track II)
- Fill in all the required personal, academic, and fellowship details carefully
- Upload the necessary documents such as marksheets and fellowship award letter
- Write your Statement of Purpose (SOP) covering your research interests and motivation
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 500/- online (if applicable)
- Review all details carefully before final submission
- Submit the application and save/print the confirmation for future reference
BRIC PhD Application Fees 2026
The application fee for BRIC PhD Admission 2026 is competitively structured, with full exemptions available for candidates from eligible reserved categories. All payments are processed securely through the online portal.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL | Rs. 500/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / EWS | Nil (Exempted) |
| Mode of Payment | Online |
BRIC PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026
Prospective students should verify their eligibility for the BRIC PhD Admission 2026 based on the two distinct tracks. Track I is tailored for candidates with a valid five-year national fellowship, while Track II is designed for Engineering and Medical graduates who may not possess a fellowship.
Track I Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | MSc / MTech / MPharm / MVSc / MBBS or equivalent; also 4-year BSc in relevant fields |
| Subjects | Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Agriculture, etc. |
| Minimum Marks | 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD) |
| Fellowship Required | Yes – DBT-JRF, CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF, ICMR-JRF or similar (valid 5-year fellowship) |
| Age Limit | As per respective fellowship agency norms |
Track II Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | BTech / BE in non-biological sciences OR MBBS |
| Minimum Marks | 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD) |
| Fellowship Required | No |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 years as on the application deadline |
BRIC PhD Selection Process 2026
The selection process for BRIC PhD Admission 2026 is merit-based and transparent, consisting of two primary stages. Shortlisted applicants will first undergo an online interview; successful candidates from this round will then be invited for an in-person interview at the RCB campus.
- Only online applications are accepted through i3cbricphd.rcb.ac.in
- Shortlisted candidates are called for Round 1 – an online interview.
- Candidates who clear Round 1 appear for Round 2 – an in-person interview at RCB.
- Lab and institute allotment is done based on student preference, faculty availability, and merit.
- Selected students interact with iBRIC+ institutions before confirming their offer.
- Fellowship activation is done at the respective iBRIC+ institutions where the student is allotted.
BRIC PhD Stipend 2026
Financial assistance is provided to all admitted students. Track I scholars receive stipends according to their specific fellowship funding agency, while Track II candidates are supported by the G.N. Ramachandran Fellowship. Detailed stipend structures are provided below:
| Track | Fellowship Type | Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Track I | As per funding agency (CSIR, UGC, DBT, ICMR, etc.) | As per respective agency norms |
| Track II (JRF, Years 1–2) | G.N. Ramachandran Fellowship | Rs. 43,000/month + HRA |
| Track II (SRF, Years 3–5) | G.N. Ramachandran Fellowship | Rs. 50,000/month + HRA |
| Track II (Contingency) | Annual contingency grant | Rs. 1,00,000 per annum |
BRIC PhD Admission 2026
Track II is exclusively for BTech/BE graduates from non-biological streams or MBBS degree holders. Students with a BTech in Biotechnology should apply via Track I, provided they hold a valid five-year national fellowship.
No, once you have selected your admission track and submitted your application, the selection cannot be modified.
Yes, students currently in their final year of study are eligible to apply, provided they can present their final marksheets at the time of the interview.
Only confirmed and valid five-year national fellowships are accepted for Track I. Provisional fellowship letters are not considered valid for application purposes.
The PhD degree is conferred by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), an Institution of National Importance established by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.