Department of Chemical Sciences and Biological Sciences presents
Master of Science in Chemical Biology
Admissions Open for Autumn 2026 at IISER Kolkata
Master’s in Chemical Biology, IISER Kolkata, Application Open On 10th April 2026 and Application Close on 10th June 2026.
Why Chemical Biology?
To prepare students for careers in industry or academia, the two-year Master's program in Chemical Biology
will train students with a solid background in chemistry to conduct multidisciplinary research addressing
open problems in the life sciences. The program emphasizes teaching the chemical principles that underline biological processes.
In addition to advanced coursework in organic and medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology,
the program also includes laboratory training and a year-long research project in academia, industry, or both.
Programme Structure
● Curriculum
The program spans two years at IISER Kolkata, comprising one year of coursework
followed by one year of research. Students must complete a total of 96 credits,
distributed evenly at 24 credits per semester.
● Focus Areas
The program emphasizes the chemical principles underlying biological processes and provides
advanced coursework in organic and medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and cell & molecular
biology, paired with laboratory training and a year-long research project in academia, industry, or a combination thereof.
❏ The departmental faculty profiles can be found at the URL given below ▼
This two-year Master’s program transforms your chemistry expertise into
a powerful tool for life science innovation. Through interdisciplinary
research, students will gain the skills to solve complex biological
challenges in evolving areas of research in academia or industry. Graduates
may join for specialized roles in the biotech, pharma, and agrochemicals
industry, ranging from discovery research and assay development to bioconjugate
chemistry and quality assurance.
Course Curriculum
The following table provides a semester-wise breakdown of the core and
elective courses offered in the MS in Chemical Biology programme:
Students with a bachelor degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry (major or honors)
are eligible to apply for the Two-Year M.Sc. program in Chemical Biology.
or
Applicants with any Life Sciences undergraduate degree are eligible
if they have completed at least five (5) Chemistry courses, including
core courses in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry.
Candidates who are in the final year of B.Sc. or B. Tech. may also apply
Who can Apply?
Please note that applicants who have qualified in the following
nationwide aptitude tests in 2025 or 2026 can apply for the program:
JAM Chemistry, JAM Biology, and JAM Biotechnology.
How to Apply
Your applications through the official institute portal.
Important Dates (Tentative)
Application Opens: 10th April 2026
Application Closes: 10th June 2026
Publication of Shortlisted Candidates for Interview: 15th June 2026
Interview (offline only): Tests / Interviews: fourth/fifth week of June 2026
Publication of interview results: First week of July 2026
Pre-registration starts (first list): First week of July 2026
Pre-registration starts (second list): Second week of July 2026
