5-Year Doctoral Journey
PhD in Neurosciences & Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru
Key numbers
NIRF Rank
#4 (Medical)
Program Duration
60 Months
Total Fees
₹1 Lakh
Annual Intake
30 Seats
Investment
₹1.0L total
- Total Program Fee₹1,00,000per year
Placement · 2025
Where graduates land
Placement rate
85%
Top recruiters
Are you eligible?
Academic Requirement
Master's degree in a relevant discipline
Selection Mode
Entrance exam based admission
Entrance exams
From Coursework to Defense
Year +0
Year 1: Build the Base
Coursework, lab rotations, and advanced research methodology
Year +2
Year 3: Go Deep
Dissertation research, publications, and conference presentations
Year +4
Year 5: Defend & Deliver
Final thesis submission, defense, and graduation
Hostel + Scholarships Available
Beyond the already low fees, NIMHANS offers on-campus hostel accommodation and scholarship support — a major win for researchers who want to focus on the grind without financial stress.
The verdict
Strong fit
If brain sciences and mental health research are your calling, this is a no-brainer. A NIRF #4 ranked institute with a total fee of just ₹1 lakh and an 85% placement track into top labs, IITs, and biotech firms makes this one of India's best value PhDs. The five-year commitment is intense, but the research pedigree is unmatched.
Matches what you said
- ✓ Research career in Neurosciences
- ✓ Affordable fees at a top-ranked institute
- ✓ Academic and research-oriented placements
Doesn't match
- ✗ Immediate high-paying corporate exit
- ✗ Short-duration degree