The branches of science that relate to the study of living organisms and life processes are together called life sciences. It includes the study of the anatomy, physiology and behaviour of microorganisms, plants and animals including humans. It also covers areas such as evolution of life forms and interaction of living organisms with their environment.
It is the study of plants including their classification, characteristics, life processes, diseases and environmental interactions.
It deals with the evolution, anatomy, physiology, behavior, diseases, ecology and conservation of animals
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms like viruses, bacteria, algae and fungi.
It is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes that occur at the cellular and molecular level inside living organisms.
It is the study of the physical principles that are involved in the biological processes occurring in living organisms.
It is the study of the interrelations between different living organisms and between organisms and their environment.
It is the branch of science that deals with the study of genes and their functions. It also deals with the principles of heredity and variation in living organisms.
It is a multidisciplinary science that deals with the study of the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
It is the branch of science that deals with the effects of medicines and other drugs on biological systems.
It is the branch of science that deals with the effects of medicines and other drugs on biological systems.
| Name of Exam | Institutions | Languages | Application Period | Exam Dates | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate - (UG) | |||||
| KVPY |
|
English, Hindi | July - Sept | November | kvpy.iisc.ernet.in/main/applications.htm |
|
AIIMS (multiple locations) | English , Hindi | First week of may | First week of may | jeeadv.ac.in/ |
| NEET | IISc | English,Hindi, Assamese, Oriya, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarathi | November | First Sunday of May | www.iisc.ac.in/ug/ |
| NEST |
|
English, Hindi | Jan-March | June | www.nestexam.in/ |
| Postgraduate - (PG) | |||||
| IIT JAM | IISc (Integrated PhD) | English | Sept - Oct | February | www.iisc.ac.in/admissions/ph-d-integratedprogrammes/ |
| JGEEBILS | TIFR NCBS NISER IISER (Most of the major institutes accept JGEEBILS for Integrated PhD programs) | English | November | December | www.ncbs.res.in/academic/admissions-JGEEBILS |
| JNU CEE | JNU | English | January | May | www.jnu.ac.in/admission# |
| UDET | Delhi University | English | May-June | June | microbio.du.ac.in/web4/index.php?page=admission-2018 |
Choose Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology. For admission to some disciplines in life sciences, biology is a compulsory subject at the +2 level.
Life science courses require a basic knowledge of biology in most cases. Hence special importance may be given to the subject of Biology at the +2 level. For admissions to good institutions, a high aggregate percentage is important. So the student should aim to score high in all subjects.
Life sciences courses and careers are mostly research oriented. Therefore students should develop critical thinking ability and research skills. Good communication skills and command over english language would also be an advantage.
A minimum aggregate of 50% in the +2 examinations is prescribed for admission to UG courses in Life Sciences. Admission to some institutions also require a minimum of 45% aggregate score in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
| Name | Eligibility | Website |
|---|---|---|
| KVPY | Undergraduate students in basic sciences namely B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Needs to give the KVPY exam and subsequent personal interview in order to be awarded this fellowship. | www.kvpy.iisc.ernet.in/main/index.htm |
| INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education | Offered to students pursuing bachelor and master level education in natural and basic sciences, and is satisfying any of the following criteria
|
www.inspire-dst.gov.in/SHE.html |
| NEST Senior | This scholarship test is for individuals pursuing a degree in professional courses like Medicine, Science, and Engineering. The students must be studying in an Indian college or University to be eligible for this program. Suitable candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in an online test conducted by the NEST team every year. | www.nest.net.in/nest-junior.htm |
| Prathibha Scholarship | Offered to students pursuing B.Sc or Integrated M.Sc in Basic/ Natural Sciences and satisfying the following criteria.
|
www.kscste.kerala.gov.in/index.php/programmes-initiatives-schemes/h-r-development-in-s-t/pratibha-scholarship |
| Women Scientists Scheme | Fellowship of Rs.30000 - Rs. 55000 per month for women scientists and technologists between the age group of 27-57 years who desire to return to mainstream science and work as bench-level scientists. | online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/public/doWelcome.action# |
| Post-Graduate Merit Scholarship For University Rank Holders For PG Programs | Rank holders in B.A., B.Sc., and B.Co. | www.ugc.ac.in/urh/default.aspx |
Research in life Sciences are given priority by governments all around the world due to the likelihood that this research will improve the well-being of our population. Hence opportunities abound for life science graduates around the world in the future. However prospects for some fields, for example neuroscience and genetics are better than for others. Additionally, multinational pharmaceutical corporations are always on the lookout for trained pharmacologists and senior scientists, while environmental consulting firms continuously hire biologists, ecologists and botanists.
This field involves work on techniques for food production and distribution, weed and pest control, crop disease eradication and selective breeding of plants and livestock for food and other products. A grasp of the fundamental principles of botany would be useful for working in this career field.
This field deals with study of nutrients in food and utilisation of nutrients by the body. A nutritionist would provide consultation and advice on a balanced diet and the effects of diet on health and disease. A life sciences degree would be a good academic background to take up this field, although it might require you to do some short term courses in this field.
With postgraduate and research qualifications in respective disciplines of life sciences, careers as professors/trainers in educational institutions can be taken up.
Life sciences graduates can enter various positions in government services by qualifying in civil services/ PSC examinations.