Institute of Bioinformatics & Applied Biotechnology

Eligibility

Q. Who is eligible for this course?
A recognised bachelor's or master's degree in any branch of Engineering, Computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Agriculture, Veterinary and other Life sciences with minimum of 55% marks.

Q. I have finished my graduation a few years ago. Am I eligible for the IBAB course?
In case time has elapsed since your last degree, a short write up on your activities since then will be requested at the time of the interview.

Q. Is there an age limit for the course?
No, there is no age limit for the course.

Q. Although I am eligible I am currently enrolled in another course which will not be over by the time the IBAB course commences. Will I be permitted to join?
Let us know the details about your current course at the time of the interview.

Q. Is proficiency in computers and knowledge of biology a must?
Neither is essential but familiarity would be an advantage.

Q. What is the procedure of selection?
There will be an online test (see below for details), which you can take from your town/city. Candidates short-listed from this test will be called for an interview at IBAB.

Q. What is the nature online test?
The online test can be taken by all applicants from anywhere with a good computer and a decent internet connection. A trial test will be organized to facilitate the applicant’s familiarity with test system and computer specifications. All queries about the online test, should be written to: shodhaka@ibab.ac.in [Shodhaka is a company handling IBAB's online test]

Q. Is the IBAB interview mandatory?
Yes the interview is mandatory.

Q. What type of questions will be asked in the test and interview?
The test questions will be objective type and cover basic science (10+2 level) subjects, English comprehension and aptitude. The interview will be based on the candidate's previous course(s)/projects and related fundamental concepts. Click here for sample question paper. Please note that not everyone will be able to answer all questions. Since the applicants are from diverse backgrounds, there will be questions from various subjects. You can answer what you know. There will be no negative marks.

Q. How will I know my interview results?
The interview results will be announced in the week after the interviews.
The list of successful candidates will be posted on the website and letters/e-mails will be sent to those who have been offered admission.

Q. How will I know my interview results?
The interview results will be announced in a week after the interviews.
The list of successful candidates will be posted on the website and letters/e-mails will be sent to the candidates who have been admitted to the course.

Q. I am applying for more than one courses offered by IBAB. Will there be multiple interviews?

Admission Procedure

Q. How do I get the application form?
Candidate can send a request letter by post/courier along with a DD for Rs. 500/- (per course) (The NRI candidates have to pay an application processing fee of Rs. 1000/-) (per course) towards the application processing fees favouring “ Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology”.

The application form for the postgraduate diploma course in bioinformatics can be downloaded as a word document or a pdf document from the web site. Please fill in the application form and send it to IBAB along with a DD for required amount towards the application processing fees favouring “Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology” payable at Bangalore . You may send the filled in word document by e-mail and DD and necessary documents by post/courier separately. The application forms sent by e-mail will be processed only after the DD has been received. (IBAB will acknowledge the receipt of the application form and the DD separately).

Q. I have a corporate sponsor for my enrollment in the postgraduate course in bioinformatics at IBAB. Is there any change in the admission procedure for me?
Such applicants must submit their resume, a letter from the sponsoring company and the DD for Rs. 500/- for the application processing fee (if not already paid) along with the application form by the date intimated during each years admission process and must meet the minimum academic criteria.

If they are shortlisted from amongst the corporate-sponsored applicants they may be required to appear for a personal interview before their admission is confirmed. IBAB may also get in touch with the sponsoring company as part of their admission process.

To be paid at the time of the admission.
Although a six-month internship is part of the course for most students, IBAB doesn't support internship for corporate sponsored candidates.

Q. I am an NRI candidate interested in enrolling to the postgraduate diploma course at IBAB. What is the fee structure and admission procedure for me?

The application form fees for the NRI candidates is Rs. 1,000/-.
Such applicants must submit their resume and proof of their NRI status along with the application form by the date intimated during each years admission process and must meet the minimum academic criteria.

If they are short listed from amongst the NRI applicants they may be required to appear for a personal interview before their admission is confirmed.

The break up of the fees is

To be paid at the time of the admission.

Fees

Q. What is the fee structure? Can I pay fees in installments?

For regular students

The fees can also be paid in installments as :

Rs. 99,000/- (I semester fees+ library fees etc + security deposit), to be paid at the time of admission.

Rs. 66,000/- can be paid in two installments of Rs. 33,000/- each at the beginning of the semesters II and III.

Partial waiver of fees through scholarships in case of a few deserving students may be feasible.

For NRI/Foreign students and Corporate sponsored students

Q. If I wish to discontinue the course in between, will I get back my course fee?
The tuition fee as well as the security deposit will not be refunded in case a student discontinues mid-way.

Q. Are there any scholarships or tuition fee waivers?
There are cash awards given to students who perform well in the course.
Some partial waiver of fees through scholarships in case of a few deserving students may be feasible.

Q. Do you assist us in getting bank study loan?
IBAB will give you all the necessary documents required for getting the loan.

Facilities

Q. Does IBAB provide hostel/food facilities?
IBAB does have its own hostel facility. The rent (as decided by IBAB management) towards this accommodation will have to be paid in 3 installments as indicated at the time of admissions. There are other paying guest accommodations available near the institute. The Institute has a mess facility.

Q. Is separate accommodation available for married students?
This could be considered.

Q. Does IBAB have openings for internships and projects for individuals from other institutes?
Currently there are no openings for internships and projects.

Q. Are there any correspondence courses available?
There are no correspondence courses offered by the institute.

Q. Are there any short term courses conducted?
Yes, please visit our website regularly for an update on short term courses and corporate education which is sometimes open to students.

Future opportunities

Q. What are the future opportunities for IBAB graduates?
Students passing out from IBAB have the option of pursuing further studies in the areas of bioinformatics/biotechnology. Many of IBAB students have registered for Ph.D. in Universities in US, Germany , France, Finland etc.

IBAB students are employed in the leading industries across the country an indicative list is available here.

Q. Does IBAB offer placements to the students? What is the rate of placements?
IBAB helps students to get their internship in the third semester. The experience has been that most of the students continue to work with the companies where they do their internships.

The placement rate has been 95% with three batches of students who have completed the course.

Q. What are the salaries drawn by the students?
Salaries drawn by students taking up jobs with the companies are on par with the industry standards. A starting salary can be anything from 10k – 12k depending on the student's performance. Students with prior working experience do start higher. There is a company – to – company variation.

Students wanting to continue in academics may get a stipend depending on the rules of the institution they join.

Q. Is the course recognised?
IBAB is currently an autonomous body granting its own diplomas.
The courses offered by the Institute are not accredited by any University or professional body.
The biotech industry has shown its acceptance of the courses offered by IBAB by coming for campus interviews and offering jobs to IBAB students.

Q. Does the 18 months course contribute towards 16 years of education necessary for students with 3 year BSc's applying abroad?
The 18 months course does not always contribute towards the completion of 16 years of education.