PhD Admissions

Important Note: The University reserves the right to modify, update, or revise the admission criteria, policies, and regulations from time to time in accordance with the guidelines of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and University rules.

Admissions:-

 National Centre for Bioinformatics (NCB)

Welcome to the Online Admission Portal of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
To start your online application process, please visit the university admission portal and submit your application online.  click here to Apply Now.

The University accepts online applications for the Spring semester only through the official website. During the application process, applicants must upload electronic copies of all required documents. There is no requirement to submit hard copies of documents or receipts.

If an applicant is unable to upload the required documents before the deadline, an additional fee of Rs. 1000 will be charged.

After entering all the required information and uploading documents, applicants can print the Application Processing Fee Challan Form. The fee must be deposited in Askari Bank or Habib Bank Limited (HBL). The paid challan receipt must then be uploaded in the online portal.

The Admission Section will verify the submitted application, payment, and documents. Applicants will be informed whether their application has been accepted or rejected due to incomplete information.

For admission-related queries, please contact the Quaid-i-Azam University Admission Section during office hours.

Helpline Numbers

  • +92-51-90642020

  • +92-51-90643265

  • +92-51-90644098

  • +92-51-90644216

  • +92-51-90644217

  • +92-51-90644218

  • +92-51-90644219

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Email:
admissions@qau.edu.pk

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 in Semester System or First Division in Annual System in MPhil/MS or equivalent degree from an HEC recognized university.

  • In-service candidates must submit NOC from their department/institution at the time of submitting the PhD admission form.

  • Selected in-service candidates must provide study leave notification for at least three years (either collectively or year-wise) at the time of joining the department.

  • Failure to submit study leave notification may result in cancellation of admission.

  • Applicants must submit a research synopsis or proposal along with their application.

  • Admission is subject to the availability of a supervisor in the relevant research area according to HEC requirements.

Course Work

  • PhD students must complete 18 credit hours of coursework, preferably in the first year.

  • After coursework, students must pass a Comprehensive Examination to qualify as a PhD Candidate.

  • Admission to the PhD program is highly competitive.

  • Minimum duration: 3 years

  • Maximum duration: 7 years

  • Applicants must provide an official certificate showing percentage of marks obtained in MSc / BS (Hons) / 4-5 years program.

How to Apply

Applicants can apply through the Online Application System available on the QAU website.

Application fee details:

  • Rs. /- in any branch of Habib Bank Limited (HBL)

  • Rs. /- in any branch of Askari Bank Limited

The challan should be deposited in favor of the Treasurer, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

Applicants must upload:

  • Paid Bank Challan

  • All required scanned documents

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Subject Test and Interview

Admission to the PhD program is based on cumulative merit, which includes:

  • Previous academic record

  • University written Subject Test

  • Interview / Research Proposal Presentation

Only candidates securing 70% or above in the subject test will be eligible for the interview and research proposal presentation.

Lists of successful candidates will be displayed on the notice boards of the relevant department.

Applicants must bring their original CNIC on the test day.

If the test date falls on a public holiday or any unforeseen circumstance occurs, the test will be conducted on the next working day.

PhD Bioinformatics Test Venue

The PhD admission test for Bioinformatics will be conducted at:

National Centre for Bioinformatics (NCB)
NCB Building
Quaid-i-Azam University
Islamabad

Research Areas Offered in PhD Bioinformatics

The following research areas are available:

  • Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics

  • Structural Proteomics

  • Software Development

  • Functional Genomics

  • Molecular Modeling and Docking

  • QM Simulation

  • Protein-Protein Interaction

All interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

Important Note

  • Interview date and time will be announced by NCB after the test.

  • No separate call letter for the test or interview will be issued.

  • Hostel accommodation will be provided only if available.

  • Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be entertained.

Contact Information

For further information please contact:

Tel: 051-90644066

Eligibility:-

PhD Programme Regulations

The following regulations apply to the PhD Programme at Quaid-i-Azam University:

a. Admission Policy
Admission to the PhD programme is made on a competitive basis. The minimum duration for completion of the PhD programme is three years, while the maximum duration is seven years.

b. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to the PhD programme, a candidate must possess an MS/MPhil degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field from a recognized university, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 (Semester System) or First Division (Annual System).

c. Test Requirement
Before admission, a candidate must qualify one of the following tests:

  • NTS GAT Subject Test with at least 60% marks, or

  • International GRE Subject Test with at least 60 percentile

(This requirement does not apply to foreign students.)

d. Special Eligibility for Teachers and Researchers
A college/university teacher or research staff member of a research organization holding an MA/MSc degree and demonstrating strong research potential may also be considered for admission to the PhD programme. However, such candidates must complete 24 credit hours of MPhil/MS level coursework as a prerequisite before progressing into the PhD programme.

e. Course Work Requirement (For MPhil/MS Degree Holders)
All admitted PhD students must complete 18 credit hours of coursework, which includes:

  • Minimum 12 credit hours of regular taught courses

  • Up to 6 credit hours of seminars

f. Course Work Requirement (For Students without MPhil/MS Degree)
Students who do not hold an MPhil or equivalent degree must complete 42 credit hours (24 + 18) of coursework. This includes:

  • Minimum 36 credit hours of regular taught courses

  • Up to 6 credit hours of seminars

g. Publication Requirement
PhD students must publish research according to the following requirements:

  • Students in the Faculty of Biological Sciences and Natural Sciences must publish at least one research paper in a W-category journal.

  • Students in the Faculty of Social Sciences must publish at least one research paper in a W, X, or Y category journal.

Ineligibility:-

The following are not eligible for admission.

  • Anyone who has been rusticated or expelled by any University or College for mis-conduct or for use of unfair means in the examinations or any offence involving moral turpitude.
  • Anyone who was admitted earlier to any programmes but later was declared to have ceased to be a student of the University under these regulations.

Conversion

a) Conversion after MPhil Coursework

After successful completion of two semesters, a student registered for the MPhil programme may be transferred to the PhD programme, provided that:

  • The transfer is recommended by the Departmental Admissions Committee and approved by the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB).
  • The student has successfully completed 24 credit hours of MPhil coursework.
  • The student has obtained an aggregate of 75% marks or above.

The time spent in MPhil coursework may be counted towards the residence requirement for the PhD programme.

b) Conversion to PhD Candidature

A student may convert to PhD candidature subject to the following conditions:

  1. The student requesting conversion does not possess an MPhil degree.
  2. The student has satisfactory performance in the PhD coursework.
  3. The conversion is recommended by the Departmental Admission Committee and routed through the Dean.
Visit QAU Main Website

PhD Admission Procedure

  1. Application Submission: A candidate seeking admission to the PhD programme shall apply on the prescribed application form through the official admission process.
  2. Research Synopsis: Applicants are required to submit a copy of their research synopsis/proposal. Admission is subject to the availability of a supervisor in the relevant research area and HEC requirements.
  3. Submission of Application: The completed application shall be submitted to the Chairperson of the concerned Department/Centre.
  4. Departmental Review: All applications received in the department will be periodically reviewed by the Departmental Admission Committee, constituted by the Vice-Chancellor.
  5. Recommendation: If satisfied, the committee shall recommend eligible candidates to the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB).
  6. Final Approval: The admission shall be approved by the Advanced Studies & Research Board (ASRB).
  7. Admission Notification: An official notification of registration/admission letter for each approved candidate shall be issued by the University.
  8. Registration & Dues: Selected candidates must register and pay dues within 30 days from the date of issuance of the admission/registration notification.
  9. NOC for In-Service Candidates: In-service applicants must attach an employer NOC with the admission form through proper channel, or submit it by the end of the first semester; otherwise admission may be cancelled.
  10. Interview / Proposal Presentation: Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview and/or presentation of research proposals.
  11. Multiple PhDs: A student may pursue more than one PhD, but not simultaneously, even at different universities.
  12. Affidavit: Every student at the time of admission shall submit an affidavit that he/she is not pursuing a degree programme in any other institution.
  13. Same Research Restriction: A student cannot be awarded two PhDs on the same research material/document.
  14. Migration Policy: A student after taking a migration certificate from QAU cannot pursue PhD unless he/she re-migrates back to this University.

Important Instructions:-

  • No separate letter of selection will be issued. The list of selected candidates will be displayed on the notice boards of the respective departments according to the announced schedule. The lists will also be available on the NCB website and official Facebook page.
  • Hostel Accommodation: A limited number of seats are available in the University hostels. Hostel accommodation will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Accommodation for female students will only be provided if seats are available.
  • Incorrect Information: If any information provided by the applicant is found incorrect, misleading, or if any facts are concealed, the University reserves the right to refuse or cancel the admission and expel the student from the University.
  • Fee Submission: Students must deposit the required fees within the schedule announced by the University. Failure to deposit the fees within the given time will result in cancellation of candidature.

Re-Admission

In case of re-admission to the PhD programme of the University, the following conditions shall apply:

  1. Outstanding Dues: Re-admission shall be subject to the payment of all outstanding dues of the University.
  2. Course Work and Comprehensive Examination: If the candidate has passed the course work and comprehensive examination within five years prior to the cancellation of admission, full credit may be allowed for the completed course work and comprehensive examination.
    In case of re-admission after a span of five years from passing the course work and comprehensive examination, the Departmental Admission Committee may determine the course(s) to be repeated and make recommendations regarding the comprehensive examination.
  3. Thesis Submission: If the candidate had already spent the minimum required period of three years as a PhD student, he/she may be allowed to submit the thesis after six months from the date of re-admission.

Test Guidelines:-

1. Computational Section

The test will include basic knowledge of the following programming languages and database concepts:

Programming Languages

  • C++

  • Python

  • BioPerl

  • Java

  • C#

Database

  • SQL

  • FoxPro

  • Visual Basic

2. Bioinformatics Section

Candidates should have a basic understanding of the following topics:

  • Introduction to major genomic databases of eukaryotes (Plants, Insects, and Vertebrates)

  • Introduction to major proteome databases of eukaryotes (Plants, Insects, and Vertebrates)

  • Basic understanding of comparative genomics and proteomics algorithms and their utility such as:

    • Global alignment programs

    • Local alignment programs

  • Basic understanding of phylogenetic tree construction algorithms, including:

    • Neighbor-Joining

    • Minimum Evolution

    • Maximum Parsimony

    • UPGMA

  • Basic understanding of protein structure prediction tools and algorithms, such as:

    • Homology Modeling

    • Protein Threading

3. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Section

Candidates should have a basic understanding of molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing the cellular, developmental, and physiological aspects of eukaryotic life forms, including:

  • DNA Replication

  • Transcription

  • Translation

  • Energy-yielding Metabolic Pathways

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