National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) Admissions 2026-27 Dates, Appilcation Form, Process & Fee

The National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), located in Manesar (Gurgaon district), Haryana, is India's apex autonomous institute dedicated exclusively to neuroscience research and higher education. Functioning as a Deemed to be University under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India (part of the Biotechnology Research Innovation Council - BRIC), NBRC provides postgraduate and doctoral training in brain sciences.

Admissions to NBRC’s academic offerings—M.Sc. in Neuroscience, Ph.D. in Neuroscience, and Integrated M.Sc.–Ph.D. in Neuroscience—are based on national competitive examinations, national research fellowships, and institutional interviews.

Admission Process

The admission mechanism at BRIC-NBRC follows a multi-stage evaluation process designed to screen candidates across multidisciplinary branches of science, engineering, and medicine.

National Examination Screening

Prospective applicants must first qualify in a recognized national-level examination or hold an active national Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

• D. Track Candidates: Must hold a valid national JRF fellowship from funding bodies such as CSIR-UGC JRF, DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, or NBHM.
• Sc. and Integrated Ph.D. Candidates: Candidates are screened based on performance in national entrance examinations including JGEEBILS (Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences), GATE, or JAM.

Application Submission

Eligible candidates submit their applications directly through the NBRC online admission portal (nbrc.ac.in) or via offline post by sending a self-addressed envelope to the Academic Section. Applicants provide details regarding their qualifying examination roll number, scorecards, fellowship award letters, and academic transcripts.

Shortlisting and Interview Rounds

NBRC reviews applications and releases lists of shortlisted candidates based on national exam ranks, research proposals, and academic records. Shortlisted applicants participate in a multi-tier interview process:

• First Round Interview: Conducted virtually to assess core conceptual knowledge, scientific reasoning, and analytical aptitude.
• Second Round Interview: Conducted for candidates clearing the initial interaction, focusing on research specialization, laboratory aptitude, and domain expertise.

Final Selection and Enrollment

Final admission offers are extended based on cumulative performance in the interview rounds and verification of national fellowship validity. Selected candidates receive formal offer letters and report to the Manesar campus to complete enrollment formalities.

Course-Wise Eligibility Criteria

Because neuroscience draws from diverse scientific fields, NBRC welcomes candidates from biological, physical, mathematical, engineering, and medical backgrounds.

Ph.D. in Neuroscience

• Qualifying Educational Background: Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in any branch of Natural Sciences (Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, or Psychology). Alternatively, candidates with a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or Medicine (B.Tech, B.E., MBBS) are also eligible.
• Academic Performance: Minimum 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) in Higher Secondary (10+2) examinations, and at least 55% aggregate marks from Bachelor’s degree onwards.
• Mandatory Fellowship Requirement: Candidates must hold a valid activation-ready Junior Research Fellowship (CSIR-UGC JRF, DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, or equivalent) with a tenure valid for activation.
• Category Relaxation: A 5% relaxation in aggregate marks is extended to reserved category candidates (SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities).

M.Sc. in Neuroscience

• Qualifying Degree: Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science, Engineering, or Medicine from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks: Minimum 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grade point average in the Bachelor's degree.
• Entrance Exam Route: Qualification in JGEEBILS, GATE, or JAM.

Integrated M.Sc.–Ph.D. in Neuroscience

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in basic sciences, engineering, or medical sciences with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks.
• Entrance Screening: Shortlisting through national entrance assessments such as JGEEBILS followed by institutional interviews.

Application Fees (2026 Cycle)

NBRC application fees vary depending on the submission channel (Online via SBI Collect or Offline via Demand Draft) and the candidate's demographic category.

• Online Payment Method: Paid through the State Bank of India 'SB Collect' gateway linked within the online application portal.
• Offline Payment Method: Paid via a Demand Draft drawn in favor of Director, National Brain Research Centre, payable at Gurgaon or Manesar.

Important Dates for 2026 Admissions

Below is the official timeline for the 2026 Ph.D. admission cycle at BRIC-NBRC Manesar:

Required Documents

Applicants must upload digital copies during registration and present physical certificates during final campus reporting and verification.

Mandatory Uploads / Submissions During Application

• Recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format
• Scanned signature of the candidate
• Class 10 Board Mark Sheet and Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth)
• Class 12 Board Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate
• Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Mark Sheets and Provisional Certificates
• National Entrance Test Scorecard / Fellowship Award Letter (CSIR-UGC JRF, DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, JGEEBILS)
• Category Certificate (SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS) or PwBD Certificate, if applicable
• Demand Draft (for offline applicants only) with candidate's name and registration details written on the reverse side

Documents Required During Physical Reporting

• NBRC Official Offer Letter and Admission Form
• All original mark sheets and degree certificates from 10th standard onward
• Valid photo identity proof issued by the government (Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID)
• Transfer Certificate and Migration Certificate from the last attended university
• Character Certificate signed by the head of the previous institution
• Medical Fitness Certificate issued by an authorized medical practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can students with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Medicine apply for the Ph.D. program at NBRC?

Yes. Candidates holding a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or Medicine (such as B.Tech, B.E., or MBBS) are eligible for direct Ph.D. admission, provided they satisfy minimum aggregate percentage criteria and possess a valid national fellowship.

Q2. Is a valid national Junior Research Fellowship mandatory for Ph.D. admission at NBRC?

Yes. Candidates applying for the Ph.D. program must hold an active national fellowship (such as CSIR-UGC JRF, DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, or equivalent) that can be activated at the time of joining.

Q3. How are the Ph.D. interviews conducted at NBRC?

NBRC conducts a two-stage interview process. The first round is typically held online to evaluate foundational knowledge and aptitude. Candidates who clear the first round progress to the second round, which focuses on domain-specific research capabilities.

Q4. What is the relaxation in eligibility marks for reserved category candidates?

A 5% relaxation in aggregate percentage requirements for Bachelor's and Master's degrees is provided to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Q5. Can final year undergraduate or postgraduate students apply for NBRC programs?

Yes. Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree examinations can apply, provided they submit proof of meeting all eligibility requirements and final mark sheets at the time of joining the academic session.