Hello everyone,
I have completed my B.Tech in Biotechnology with a CGPA of 9.04 and hold a valid GATE 2025 score. I have applied for the Direct Ph.D. program in the Biotechnology (Biological Sciences) division at IIT Madras for the January 2026 session.
I would like to confirm whether shortlisted candidates are required to take a written test before the interview or if the process is based only on the interview.
Thank you in advance!
Hello Suresh_S,
Usually, for the direct Ph.D. program in the Department of Biotechnology (Biological Sciences) here at IIT Madras, shortlisted candidates are required to take a written test before the interview. The department generally places this paper in areas such as Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or Computational Biology. It is usually a multiple-choice or short-answer exam that tests your foundational understanding of subjects like biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics.
Only candidates who clear the cutoff for the written test are invited to the interview. The interview panel assesses your research aptitude, subject depth, and alignment with the department’s research goals.
But exemptions exist. Some national-level fellowship holders may be exempted from the written test, or the department may conduct only interviews if the pool is large. But standard shortlisting usually includes both.
Exact dates and departmental shortlisting guidelines are announced directly on the IIT Madras Research Admission Portal or the Department of Biotechnology website.
I hope this message solves your doubt.