National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) – Admission Details
About the University
The National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), located in Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana, is an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. Established in 1997, NBRC is the only institute in India dedicated exclusively to neuroscience research and education. It has been recognized as a Deemed-to-be-University by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
NBRC’s primary objective is to explore fundamental and applied aspects of neuroscience — from cellular and molecular neuroscience to computational and cognitive research. The institute is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, including MRI, MEG, and electrophysiology facilities, and collaborates globally with leading research institutions.
Courses Offered
NBRC focuses on research-oriented academic programs in the field of neuroscience. The major academic programmes offered are:
Ph.D. in Neuroscience Duration: 5–6 years Focuses on advanced research in molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive neuroscience. Admission through JRF (DBT/CSIR/UGC/ICMR/INSPIRE) or NBRC Entrance Exam.
M.Sc. in Neuroscience(Discontinued after 2022 as per DBT directive, but available for reference) Duration: 2 years Provided foundational training in brain structure and function.
Integrated Ph.D. (M.Sc. + Ph.D.) in Neuroscience Duration: 5–7 years Designed for students with a strong background in biology, physics, chemistry, or computer science. Admission through JAM / GATE / JGEEBILS / NBRC Entrance Test.
Seats / Intake
NBRC has a limited number of highly competitive research seats to maintain a focused and resource-intensive research environment.
Ph.D. in Neuroscience: 20–25 seats per year
Integrated Ph.D. Programme: 10–12 seats per year
Note: The number of seats may vary depending on available research guides and project funding.
Admission Procedure
The admission process at NBRC is research-oriented and involves multiple stages of screening and interviews.
Eligibility Criteria
Ph.D. (Neuroscience):
Master’s degree in any branch of Science such as Life Sciences / Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Science / Engineering / MBBS / B.Tech / B.Pharm.
Must have qualified for a national-level entrance exam (e.g., JRF in DBT/CSIR/UGC/ICMR/INSPIRE).
Integrated Ph.D. (M.Sc. + Ph.D.):
Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science or Engineering.
Must have a valid score in JAM / JGEEBILS / GATE / NBRC Entrance Exam.
Application Process
Visit the official website: www.nbrc.ac.in
Register online and fill in the admission form.
Upload academic transcripts, scorecards (JRF/GATE/JAM), and research interests.
Pay the application fee through the portal (₹300 for General, ₹150 for SC/ST/PH).
Selection Procedure
Shortlisting based on national entrance exam scores (JRF, GATE, JGEEBILS, or NBRC Test).
Written Test and Interview conducted at NBRC, Manesar.
Final merit list prepared based on performance in written test/interview and academic background.
Important Dates
Online applications: January – March
Written test/interview: April – May
Final admission and registration: July – August
Fee Structure
NBRC is a public-funded research institute, so the fee structure is minimal compared to private universities.
Particulars
Ph.D. Programme
Integrated Ph.D. Programme
Tuition Fee
₹8,000 per semester
₹8,000 per semester
Hostel Fee
₹6,000 per semester
₹6,000 per semester
Security Deposit (Refundable)
₹5,000
₹5,000
Total (Approx.)
₹25,000 per year
₹25,000 per year
Fellowships & Financial Assistance
NBRC provides fellowships to all admitted candidates based on DBT, CSIR, UGC, or ICMR guidelines.
