M.Sc Biotechnology Latest Updates
19 May, 2025 COAP 2025 counselling schedule has been revised; GATE Counselling 2025 ongoing @gate.iisc.ac.in/coap2025. Check Dates Here
MSc Biotechnology is a 2-year postgraduate degree program that focuses on the application of biological processes to develop new products and technologies in various fields like healthcare, agriculture, food, energy, and environment. Biotechnology involves using living organisms or their products to improve and develop processes, products, and technologies.
MSc Biotechnology subjects include Biological Chemistry, Genetic Engineering, Environmental Biotechnology, Bacteriology and Virology, Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology etc. Also, MSc Biotechnology Colleges include JNU, BHU, University of Calcutta, etc. The average fees in Top MSc Biotechnology Colleges are INR 2,000 to INR 60,000.
MSc Biotechnology eligibility is to have a bachelor's degree in science with a specialization in any biological sciences. Graduates from BAMS, BHMS, BPT, and BPharm. are also eligible for admission. At least 50% must have been scored in aggregate at the undergraduate level. MSc Biotechnology jobs include roles like Research Biochemist, Biotechnology Researcher, Associate Engineer, Quality Controller etc. MSc in Biotechnology salary for freshers ranges between INR 3,50,000 to INR 5,40,000.
Table of Contents
2.1 MSc Biotechnology Eligibility
2.2 IIT JAM Syllabus for MSc Biotechnology
2.3 MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams
MSc Biotechnology Course Details
| MSc Biotechnology Course Level | Postgraduate |
| MSc Biotechnology Eligibility | 50% in graduation with Biology or Chemistry |
| MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam | BHU PET, BITSAT, DUET, JNUEE, etc. |
| MSc Biotechnology Colleges | JNU, BHU, Calcutta University, JMI etc |
| MSc Biotechnology Syllabus | Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Advanced Biological Chemistry, Animal Biotechnology, Bioinformatics |
| MSc Biotechnology Jobs | Research Biochemist, Research Associate, Professor, Lab Technician |
MSc Biotechnology Admission Process
Admission for MSc Biotechnology can take place in two ways – one through direct admission and another through an entrance exam. Top MSc Biotechnology Colleges in India including Government Universities take admission for MSc Biotechnology through Entrance exams. The marks in the entrance exam will determine which students will get admission. These Entrance exams can be All India Central Exams or Entrance exams conducted by the University itself.
Direct Admissions for MSc Biotechnology also take place for MSc Biotechnology Admission. Students are judged on the basis of the marks obtained at graduation. While the actual MSc Biotechnology admission process will differ from institute to institute and from the choice of the required entrance examination, the basic admission process steps are as follows:
- Step 1: Choose the colleges to study. Look out for the application dates for the entrance examination, if any.
- Step 2: Once the application window opens, apply for the examination and check other essential details.
- Step 3: Prepare and sit for the examination. Go through past papers and the examination syllabus for the exam.
- Step 4: If the candidate has qualified for admission, the application form for the counseling session needs to be filled out from the official examination website. A minimal processing fee also needs to be paid.
- Step 5: After all important steps are completed, the final admissions list with candidates' names will be up on the examination’s website. Offer letters from colleges will also be sent soon after.
The candidate must now send acceptance to the offer letter and pay to book their seat at the college. This completes the admission process.
MSc Biotechnology Eligibility
Students must know if they are eligible to study MSc Biotechnology. Following are some of the MSc Biotechnology eligibility criteria to be fulfilled by the willing candidates:
- The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in either Physics, Biological Sciences, food science, nursing or pharmacy, BPT, BMIT or in any other related discipline.
- The students must have a minimum aggregate score of 50% in order to admission to MSc Biotechnology.
- Students belonging to ST/SC/OBC can get admission for 45%.
- Students belonging to the final Year of their undergraduate course can apply as well. These students need to clear the final exam before admission.
IIT JAM Syllabus for MSc Biotechnology
| Section | Weightage | Topics | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 44% | General Biology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Basic Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology | Graduation Level |
| Chemistry | 20% | Atomic Structure, Chemistry of Functional Groups, Synthetic polymers | Graduation Level |
| Physics | 18% | Physical World and Measurement, Elementary Statics and Dynamics, Electrostatics, Gravitation, Mechanics of Solids and Fluids etc | Class 12 Level |
| Mathematics | 18% | Mathematical Induction, Logarithms, Complex numbers, Cartesian System of Rectangular Coordinates, Statistics, Three Dimensional Geometry, Differentiation etc , | Class 12 Level |
MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam
Top Entrance exam for MSc Biotechnology Admission are BHU PET, JNUEE, BITSAT, TISS NET etc. All the entrance exams mentioned are college centric and thus will provide admission to that particular MSC Biotechnology College only. Colleges offering MSc Biotechnology conduct admissions on an entrance examination basis mostly. Following are some of the popular MSc Biotechnology entrance exams:
| Entrance Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | January 2024 - February 2024 | March 2024 |
| BITSAT |
January 2024 - June 2024 |
May 2024 - June 2024 |
| NEST | February 2024 – May 2024 | June, 2024 |
| IIT JAM | 5 September – 13 October 2023 | February 12, 2023 |
| TISS NET | December 14 – January 15, 2024 | 11 February 2024 |
Important Links:
MSc Biotechnology Colleges
India has more than 800 MSc Biotechnology colleges and universities. Tamil Nadu contains the most colleges for MSc Biotechnology with around 115. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, MP are some of the other major states with MSc Biotechnology Colleges. Tabulated below are some of the top MSc Biotechnology colleges in India:
| College Name Name | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | INR 1,300 |
| Banaras Hindu University | INR 6,200 |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | INR 1,42,800 |
| University of Hyderabad | INR 16,100 |
| Calcutta University | INR 2,200 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | INR 2,70,000 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | INR 21,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 7,900 |
| Anna University | INR 30,500 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | INR 1,36,300 |
Check:
| MSc Biotechnology Colleges in Kolkata | MSc Biotechnology Colleges in Delhi | MSc Biotechnology Colleges in Mumbai |
MSc Biotechnology: Top Colleges Comparison
| Parameter | Jawaharlal Nehru University | Banaras Hindu University | University of Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | One of the top-ranked and competitive universities in New Delhi. It is home to some of the best brains in the country. | This central university from Varanasi has been around since 1916. Ranked high in multiple ranking agencies, this prestigious university offers UG, PG and research programs. | Established in 1974, the University of Hyderabad is a top university in the country for postgraduate and research-based programs. |
| NIRFRankings | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Location | New Delhi | Varanasi | Hyderabad |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate level of degree in science stream with more than 50% from a recognized university | Qualifying certificate of graduation in science stream from a recognized university. | Graduation certificate from a recognized university. |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based | Entrance-Based | Entrance-Based |
| Average Fee | INR 2,622 | INR 29,905 | INR 16,900 |
| Average Placement Package | INR 7,99,000 | INR 4,00,000 | INR 4,55,000 |
Source: College Websites
AIIMS MSc Biotechnology
MSc Biotechnology in AIIMS focuses on the concepts and principles of Biochemistry such as Evolutionary perspectives of biomolecules, cell organelles at the molecular level, discussing various aspects of nutrition and metabolism under different physiological conditions. AIIMS MSc Biotechnology course structure is mentioned below:
| Particulars | Course Subjects |
|---|---|
| Theory | Tutorials, Seminars, Journal Club, Invited Lectures, |
| Practicals | Study of the cell, Quantitative assays, Protein fractionation, Enzymology, DNA |
| Thesis | Essentials of biochemistry and advances in intermediary metabolism |
| Nutrition, vitamins, hormones and immunology | |
| Molecular biology, Biostatistics, Clinical Biochemistry and techniques in Biochemistry |
MSc Biotechnology Fees in IIT
MSc Biotechnology is available in 5 IITs in India. MSc Biotechnology in IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur is some of the most popular IITs that provide MSc Biotechnology. IIT Kharagpur provides dual integrated degree in BSc+MSc Course.
| Semester Count | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | INR 50,000 |
| Semester 2 | INR 50,000 |
| Semester 3 | INR 50,000 |
| Semester 3 | INR 50,000 |
JNU MSc Biotechnology
JNU MSc Biotechnology is a 2 year course with 4 semesters and a total intake capacity of 31 students. For Admission in JNU for MSc Biotechnology, students must clear JNU- CEEB. The admission of students will depend on the outcome of this examination. The MSc Biotechnology syllabus in JNU is mentioned below:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Microbiology | Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics |
| Mathematics for Biologists | Bioprocess Technology |
| Biophysical Chemistry | Engineering Principles |
| Biomolecules | Laboratory Techniques-II |
| Biochemistry | Immunology |
| Cell Biology | Virology |
| Laboratory Techniques-I | - |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Systems | Journal Club |
| Animal Cell Biotechnology | Project Dissertation |
| Genetic Engineering & its Applications | Project – II |
| Downstream Processing | Project Presentation - II |
| Project – I | - |
| Project Presentation | - |
| Computational Biology & Bioinformatics | - |
Read More
MSc Biotechnology Syllabus
The semester wise breakup of MSc Biotechnology syllabus is given below:
| Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Advanced Biological Chemistry | Molecular Biology |
| Environmental Biotechnology | Cell Biology |
| Exercises in Advanced Biological Chemistry | Exercises in Molecular and Cell Biology |
| Exercises in Environmental Biotechnology | - |
| Semester 2 | |
| Genetic Engineering | Immunology |
| Principles of Bacteriology and Virology | Plant Biotechnology |
| Exercises in Genetic Engineering | Exercises in Immunology |
| Exercises in Plant Biotechnology | Exercises in Bacteriology and Virology |
| Semester 3 | |
| Animal Biotechnology | Bioprocess engineering & Fermentation Technology |
| DataBase Management and IPR in Biotechnology | Bioinformatics |
| Food Technology and Nutrigenomics | Advanced Genetics |
| Exercises in Animal Biotechnology | Exercises in Bioprocess Engineering |
| Exercises in Bioinformatics | Seminars, Term paper writing |
| Scientific Research and Communications | - |
| Semester 4 | |
| Genomics and Proteomics | Biochemical and biophysical techniques |
| Exercises in Biochemical and Biophysical techniques | Nanobiotechnology |
| Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Medicines | Agricultural Biotechnology |
| Bio-entrepreneurship | Project |
Also Read: Detailed MSc Biotechnology Syllabus
MSc Biotechnology: Course Comparison
Check the course comparison of MSc Biotechnology with MSc Biochemistry and MSc Microbiology, below.
MSc Biotechnology vs MSc Biochemistry
The table below is the comparison of MSc Biotechnology with MSc Biochemistry.
| Parameters | MSc Biotechnology | MSc Biochemistry |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | Master of Science in Biotechnology | Master of Science in Biochemistry |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Course Overview | MSc in Biotechnology is a course that allows you to refine the skills and knowledge in subjects like cell biology, Immunology, and alike. | This course helps in studying the chemical processes in living matter. It basically deals with the structures and functions of cellular components. |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, B.Pharm, BAMS, MBBS, BHMS, BPT,etc from a recognized university. | 50% marks in a degree course related to the field of science. |
| Admission | Entrance-Exam Based | Entrance-Exam Based |
| Average Fee | Up to INR 2 Lakhs per annum | Up to INR 1 Lakh per annum |
| Average Salary Offered | Up to INR 9 Lakhs per annum | Up to INR 5 Lakhs per annum |
Source: University websites and Payscale
MSc Biotechnology vs MSc Microbiology
The table below is the comparison of MSc Biotechnology with MSc Microbiology
| Parameters | MSc Biotechnology | MSc Microbiology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | MSc in Biotechnology is a course that allows you to refine your skills and knowledge in subjects like cell biology, Immunology, and alike. | A 2 year program in the field of biology and chemistry, with a main focus on understanding living systems and their impact on the environment. |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, B.Pharm, BAMS, MBBS, BHMS, BPT,etc from a recognized university. | Graduation in Microbiology or equivalent |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam | Entrance Exam |
| Course Fee | Up to INR 2 Lakhs per annum | Up to INR 1 Lakh per annum |
| Average Salary | Up to INR 9 Lakhs per annum | Up to INR 7 Lakhs per annum |
Source: University websites and Payscale
MSc Biotechnology Jobs
A candidate upon graduating with an MSc in Biotechnology degree can either opt for higher studies or look for a suitable job.
The areas of the economy where Biotechnology graduates are hired are medicine or pharmaceuticals, engineering, food sector, institutes and universities, agricultural sector, research sector, animal husbandry etc.
The average MSc in Biotechnology salary in India ranges from INR 4 to INR 10 LPA
The table below mentions the most popular MSc Biotechnology jobs open to MSc Biotechnology graduates along with their average salaries.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Sr. Associate Scientist | INR 6,40,634 |
| Research Biochemist | INR 5,75,329 |
| Sr. Regulatory Affairs Associate | INR 3,06,316 |
| Biotechnology Researcher | INR 5,75,329 |
| Associate Engineer | INR 5,50,000 |
| Quality Controller | INR 2,54,328 |
| Regional Manager | INR 9,97,728 |
MSc Biotechnology Salary Graph
Source: Payscale
Mentioned below are some of the career Options after MSc Biotechnology:
Research Programme: The highest level of education one can achieve in this domain is the Ph.D. degree or research-based program. One can choose the specialization of choice to do their Ph.D. in and complete it within 3 to 5 years. Admission to PhD Biotechnology degrees is highly selective and involves an entrance examination and personal interview rounds.
Management Programme: Another popular option is to pursue management programs like MBA or PGDM. These programs are helpful if one wishes to get hired in the management side of organizations. Admission is done through competitive exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, GMAT etc. Upon qualifying the exam, a group discussion and personal interviews are held.
Besides working in organizations or pursuing any of the above-mentioned courses, one can also choose to study for and appear for civil services examinations too.
MSc Biotechnology scope is huge as this is a growing industry and as such the demand for competent candidates is high. The competition is low in this field and it will be easy to find a job with decent pay and build up a stable career in this field.
MSc Biotechnology: FAQs
Ques. What is the average course fee for MSc Biotechnology?
Ans. The average course fee ranges between INR 40,000 to INR 2 lacs annually.
Ques. What is the MSc Biotechnology eligibility?
Ans. MSc Biotechnology eligibility states that candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate score, from a recognized institute, in BSc in any biological sciences.
Ques. What is the duration of this program?
Ans. The MSc in biotechnology is taught over 2 years or 4 semesters.
Ques. What are some of the popular MSc Biotechnology subjects?
Ans. Some of the MSc Biotechnology subjects are molecular biology, plant biotechnology, genetic engineering, animal biotechnology etc.
Ques. When do admissions start for MSc Biotechnology?
Ans. Admission seasons for MSc Biotechnology usually begin in December and go on till May t of each year.
Ques. How to get admitted to MSc Biotechnology?
Ans. One needs to clear the university’s entrance examination to get admitted. Some colleges also hold a personal interview round for the candidates.
Ques. What are the top three institutes for MSc Biotechnology?
Ans. The top three institutes for this program are JNU, Banaras Hindu University and the University of Hyderabad.
Ques. What are some of the MSc Biotechnology jobs?
Ans. Some of the MSc Biotechnology jobs are associate scientist, researcher, biochemist, quality controller, professors and teachers, research associate, laboratory technician etc.
Ques. What is MSc In Biotechnology salary in India?
Ans. In average MSc in Biotechnology salary in India ranges from INR 2 lacs p.a. to INR 9 lacs p.a.
Ques. What are some of the MSc Biotechnology scope?
Ans. MSc Biotechnology scope available for students is either to go for a research-based study PhD in Biotechnology or to go for MBA/PGDM courses.
![IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITB]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25703_IIT_New.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITB]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1431953162ccgsygdygw.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![IIT Roorkee - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITR]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25992_IITR_New.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![IIT Roorkee - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITR]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1431775682rajiv.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![All India Institute of Medical Sciences - [AIIMS]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25796_COVER.png?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![All India Institute of Medical Sciences - [AIIMS]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/uv25796.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth - [DPU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25698_1464176959DPU-Buillding.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth - [DPU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1394447244Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![Delhi Technological University - [DTU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1491801988cover..jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Delhi Technological University - [DTU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1437567677logo.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![SRM Institute of Science and Technology - [SRMIST]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25896_SRM_APP.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![SRM Institute of Science and Technology - [SRMIST]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/15807262501569304335phpHattQO.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![IIT Indore - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITI]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1489660034c1.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![IIT Indore - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITI]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1489660034c.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University - [SOA]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1737985425Screenshot20250127191243.png?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University - [SOA]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1619098174SOAPNG.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
Comments