The National Institute of Virology (NIV) is a premier virus research laboratory in India under aegis of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with a primary mandate of studying viral diseases in India, on an integrated platform.

Research at NIV has not only provided strategic information in various interdisciplinary aspects of virology in critical areas like diagnostics, vaccines but also led to the discovery of many novel viruses like Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus and Chandipura virus.

The NIV is a very dynamic organization having a state-of-the art research infrastructure including animal experimentation facilities, modern molecular virology-immunology platforms, advanced electron microscopy application-base, state-of-the art diagnostic facilities, vector biology facilities (from field studies to molecular genetics), BSL-3 facility and a dedicated interdisciplinary faculty of more than 40 scientists. This provides a unique environment at NIV for both teaching and training of virology at par with international standards.

M. Sc Virology is a focused, unique, need-oriented and flexible postgraduate course for cultivating and developing adequately trained human resource in virology for academy, industry and health sectors. Virology is an important interdisciplinary science integrating both basic and applied aspects in the areas of infectious diseases and public health. To develop manpower capable of understanding and implementing theoretical and practical aspects of virology is a policy of Indian Council of Medical Research, with Government of India having decided to increase its investment in health sector. Internationally, India is emerging as a leader in the health sector, which is in need of additional manpower. National Institute of Virology is affiliated to the University of Pune.