IISER Kolkata Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata) was established in 2006 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education), Government of India. IISER Kolkata is designed to reach the prestigious position in the global setting that IISc, IIMs and IITs presently enjoy. IISER Kolkata is an autonomous institution awarding its own degrees. The central theme of the IISER Kolkata is to integrate education with research so that undergraduate teaching as well as doctoral and postdoctoral research work could be carried out in basic sciences. 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. Career Opportunities 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: Semester Core Courses Elective Courses Lab Courses Project Work Credit Breakdown Sem 1 3 1 2 NA 4 Theory (4 credits each) + 2 Lab courses (4 credits each) = 24 credits Sem 2 4 NA 2 NA 4 Theory (4 credits each) + 2 Lab courses (4 credits each) = 24 credits Sem 3 1 NA NA 1 1 Core Theory Course (4 credits), Project Work (20 credits) Sem 4 1 NA NA 1 1 Core Theory Course (4 credits), Project Work (20 credits) Elective Courses Immunology Epigenetics Eligibility Criteria 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? 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? Applications can be submitted 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 Registration: 29 July 2026 Class starts: First week of August 2026 Candidates are advised to visit the official website for more details and updates. Source: https://www.iiserkol.ac.in/~chembio/