Syllabus for PhD Entrance Examination at the National Institute of Immunology (NII)

The National Institute of Immunology (NII) in India conducts an entrance examination for prospective PhD students. The examination covers a broad range of topics in the life sciences, with a strong emphasis on immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. The specific syllabus may vary from year to year, but the core topics generally remain consistent. Below is a detailed overview of the typical syllabus and preparation tips for aspiring PhD candidates.

Core Syllabus

Basic Biology

Cell Biology Genetics and Genomics

Biochemistry

Enzyme kinetics Metabolism Molecular structure of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids

Molecular Biology

DNA replication, transcription, and translation Gene regulation Techniques in molecular biology (PCR, cloning, sequencing)

Immunology

Innate and adaptive immunity Antigen-antibody interactions Immune system cells and their functions Vaccinology and immunotherapy

Biostatistics and Research Methodology

Basic statistical methods Experimental design Data analysis and interpretation

Current Trends in Immunology and Related Fields

Recent advances in immunological research Applications of immunology in health and disease

Preparation Tips

Review Standard Textbooks

Refer to standard textbooks and academic resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the core topics. Resources such as 'Fundamentals of Immunology' by Vincent B. Lackner are highly recommended.

Practice Previous Years’ Papers

Practicing previous years' examination papers can help you familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and types of questions. This will also improve your time management skills during the actual exam.

Stay Updated

Follow recent publications and reviews in immunology to stay informed about current research trends. Journals such as Immunity and Nature Immunology are excellent sources for the latest advancements in the field.

It's best to check the official NII website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and updated syllabus as it may vary from year to year. The official website of NII is

The admission process to the PhD programme at NII is highly competitive. There is no fixed syllabus, and the entrance exam is a mix of questions from all major science fields, including Physics, Chemistry, and sometimes Computer Science and Mathematics. The questions are conceptual in nature and aim to assess your basic understanding of science rather than your rote memorization abilities.

Personal Experience

I personally attempted 59 out of the 60 questions asked in the entrance exam. The outcome of the exam is a commendable PhD programme, one of the best in India. The rigour and depth of the programme ensure that students receive a solid foundation in immunological research.

Best of luck to all the candidates preparing for the NII PhD entrance exam!