Gujarat Biotechnology University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Gandhinagar Campus Life

About Gujarat Biotechnology University Gandhinagar

Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU), established in 2018, is a state-funded public university located near GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It was founded under the Gujarat Act 16 of 2018 by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, making it India’s first dedicated biotechnology university.

GBU holds a NAAC accreditation and is recognized for its strong focus on research, innovation, and industry collaboration. The university offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in specialized biotechnology domains such as Animal, Plant, Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Biotechnology. It has a 20-acre campus and maintains an academic partnership with the University of Edinburgh, providing global exposure and research opportunities to its students.

Key Highlights

Overview

Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU), established in 2018, is a state-funded public university located near GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It was founded under the Gujarat Act 16 of 2018 by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, making it India’s first dedicated biotechnology university.

GBU holds a NAAC accreditation and is recognized for its strong focus on research, innovation, and industry collaboration. The university offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in specialized biotechnology domains such as Animal, Plant, Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Biotechnology. It has a 20-acre campus and maintains an academic partnership with the University of Edinburgh, providing global exposure and research opportunities to its students.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Gujarat Biotechnology University Gandhinagar offers admission primarily to M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in biotechnology-related fields. Admission is based on national-level entrance exams such as GAT-B, CUET PG, and IIT JAM, followed by an interview. The university releases application forms online, and the admission process includes entrance test, document verification, and merit list publication.

Admission Process

Admissions at Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) Gandhinagar are primarily based on national-level entrance exams such as GAT-B for M.Sc. programs, with IIT JAM and CUET PG scores considered for remaining seats. Ph.D. admissions require qualifying the GBU Ph.D. entrance exam followed by an interview.

M.Sc. Biotechnology Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official GBU website (gbu.edu.in) and create a student account on the admission portal.
2. Fill out the online application form with personal and academic details.
3. Upload required documents specifications.
4. Pay the registration fee of ₹15,000 online to confirm the application.
5. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
6. Appear for the GAT-B entrance exam; if seats remain vacant, IIT JAM or CUET PG scores will be considered.
7. Check the merit list published on the university website.
8. Attend the counselling session and complete document verification at the university campus.
9. Complete admission formalities by paying the tuition fees and joining the program.

Ph.D. Biotechnology Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online through the GBU official website before the deadline (usually early April).
2. Upload academic transcripts, research proposal, and other required documents.
3. Appear for the GBU Ph.D. entrance test conducted by the university.
4. Qualified candidates will be called for a personal interview.
5. Check the final selection list on the university website.
6. Complete document verification and pay the semester fees (₹15,000 per semester).
7. Join the Ph.D. program as a full-time research scholar.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Bachelor’s degree mark sheet and certificate
• Entrance exam scorecard (GAT-B/IIT JAM/CUET PG for M.Sc., GBU Ph.D. exam or JRF certificates for Ph.D.)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.)
• Migration certificate (if applicable)
• Research proposal (for Ph.D. applicants)

Placements 2025

Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU), Gandhinagar, recorded an average package of ₹4 LPA in 2025, with the highest package reaching ₹4 LPA. Placements primarily involve biotech research and lab companies, reflecting the university's specialized focus. The university supports students with experienced faculty guidance and research-oriented training, facilitating strong industry connections.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Biotech & Research: Various biotech research companies and laboratory firms (specific names not publicly disclosed)

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, is ranked in the NIRF 2025 in the 151-200 band among universities in India. It does not appear in the top 100 overall or specialized rankings by NIRF or other major ranking agencies for 2025.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) offers a variety of scholarships including merit-based and need-based aid, along with government fellowships and industry-sponsored grants. Students also benefit from monthly stipends and accommodation support, while additional financial assistance is accessible through central and state government schemes via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• UGC-NET/CSIR-NET Fellowships: Monthly stipends and research allowances for qualifying Ph.D. candidates
• Industry-Sponsored Grants: Financial support for research projects and conference participation for doctoral students
• Government of Gujarat DST Funding: Fully funded international academic visits for meritorious M.Sc. students

Comparison

Gujarat Biotechnology University Gandhinagar is compared with Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) and Central University of Gujarat (CUG) as all three are prominent universities in Gujarat offering biotechnology and related science programs, with recognized NIRF rankings and a focus on research and innovation in the region.

Key Strengths

• Gujarat Biotechnology University Gandhinagar: Specialized focus on biotechnology with strong government backing and research-oriented programs.
• Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU): Known for interdisciplinary energy and technology programs with strong industry connections and higher placement packages.
• Central University of Gujarat (CUG): Central government-funded university with affordable fees and diverse course offerings in science and technology.

Campus & Infrastructure

Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) is located in the Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, spread over a 28-acre campus. The campus features modern academic and research facilities designed to support advanced biotechnology education and innovation.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Spacious, air-conditioned with access to extensive print and electronic resources including e-journals and research databases
• Labs: State-of-the-art laboratories equipped with DNA sequencing platform (Sanger), 3D bioprinter, Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography, Laser Scanning Spectral Confocal Microscope, Photobioreactor, High Throughput Genotyping system, Mass Spectrometer, HPLC, LC-MS, GC, FPLC, qRT-PCR, advanced microscopy, bioinformatics and data science lab, and microbiology experiment facilities
• Classrooms: Modern smart classrooms with integrated IT infrastructure

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Auditorium with large seating capacity for seminars and conferences
• Sports and gym facilities
• Cafeteria
• IT infrastructure with LAN-connected computer labs and Wi-Fi campus
• Incubation centre, greenhouse, open farm facility, animal house (planned for future expansion)

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are accepted for admission to M.Sc. programs at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

Admission to M.Sc. programs is based primarily on the Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology (GAT-B). Scores from IIT-JAM and CUET-PG (Life Sciences & Biotechnology) are also considered for remaining seats, with merit lists prepared category-wise.

What is the eligibility criteria for the Ph.D. program at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

Candidates must qualify in the GBU Ph.D. entrance exam followed by an interview. The program is full-time and interdisciplinary, focusing on biotechnology research in areas like Animal, Environmental, and Medical Biotechnology.

What is the fee structure for the M.Sc. Biotechnology program at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

The tuition fee for M.Sc. is ₹42,000 for the first semester and ₹31,500 for subsequent semesters for general category students. SC/ST candidates pay half the amount. Additional fees for admission and other services may apply.

Are scholarships or financial aid available at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

While specific scholarships are not detailed, students admitted to Ph.D. programs must avail fellowships from funding agencies. The university itself does not provide financial liability for fellowships.

What companies recruit from Gujarat Biotechnology University and what are the typical placement packages?

GBU has industry collaborations and offers placement assistance, with packages ranging from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum. Internships and research opportunities with industry and University of Edinburgh enhance career prospects.

What is the placement rate for biotechnology graduates from Gujarat Biotechnology University?

Exact placement rates are not published, but the university provides 100% placement assistance and strong industry linkages, especially in biotech hubs in Gujarat and through international collaborations.

What specializations are offered in the M.Sc. Biotechnology program at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

GBU offers five specializations: Animal Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, and Environmental Biotechnology, with a focus on translational research.

How experienced is the faculty at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

The faculty includes experts trained in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, with visiting faculty and faculty development programs ensuring high academic standards and research expertise.

What research facilities and equipment are available at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

GBU has state-of-the-art labs with DNA sequencing (Sanger), 3D bioprinter, protein chromatography, confocal microscopes, bioreactors, bioinformatics labs, and more, supporting cutting-edge biotechnology research.

What hostel facilities are available for students at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

GBU has empaneled four nearby hostels with options for single, double, and triple occupancy. Hostel fees range from ₹1,08,000 to ₹4,10,400 annually, including mess charges. Discounts are available for girl students.

What is the food quality and mess facility like at Gujarat Biotechnology University hostels?

Hostels provide mess facilities charging around ₹6,500 per month, offering hygienic and balanced meals. The university ensures food quality through empaneled hostels near campus.

How safe is the campus and surrounding area of Gujarat Biotechnology University?

Located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, the campus is in a secure, well-planned area with good infrastructure and safety measures, supported by proximity to government and corporate offices.

Is there a dress code or any specific requirements for students at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

There is no formal dress code, but students are expected to maintain professional attire during lab sessions and presentations, adhering to safety protocols in research labs.

Are part-time job opportunities available for students at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

While the university does not officially offer part-time jobs, students may find opportunities through industry internships or research projects facilitated by GBU’s collaborations.

How does Gujarat Biotechnology University compare with other biotechnology institutes in India?

GBU is India’s first dedicated biotechnology university with a unique partnership with the University of Edinburgh, offering a global curriculum and advanced research facilities, positioning it ahead of many traditional biotech departments.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for pursuing an M.Sc. at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

With tuition fees around ₹1.25 lakh for the full M.Sc. program and placement packages ranging from ₹2.5 to ₹6 lakh per annum, the ROI is favorable, especially given the university’s industry and international linkages.

Does Gujarat Biotechnology University have an active alumni network?

As a relatively new university established in 2018, GBU is building its alumni network, leveraging collaborations with the University of Edinburgh and industry partners to support graduates’ career growth.

What is the daily commute like for students attending Gujarat Biotechnology University?

GBU is located in GIFT City with good connectivity. The university provides transportation services to nearby empaneled hostels, with travel times under 30 minutes. Students beyond certain points must arrange their own commute.

Are laptops or specific technical devices required for students at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

Students are encouraged to have laptops for bioinformatics and data analysis coursework, but the university provides computer labs and IT infrastructure to support academic activities.

What extracurricular activities and clubs are available at Gujarat Biotechnology University?

GBU offers sports facilities, indoor and outdoor games, music, and cultural events. The campus has an auditorium and organizes regular student events fostering a vibrant campus life.