MSc Biotechnology

Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology is a two-year postgraduate program that teaches students how to use biological processes to create new products and technologies. The course covers a range of fields, including healthcare, agriculture, food, energy, and the environment.

MSc in Biotechnology is a course that enables you to improve your skills and knowledge in areas such as cell biology and immunology. MSc Biotechnology degree programme studies the use of biological processes to develop new products and technologies in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, food, energy, and the environment. MSc Biotechnology students learn advanced techniques for using living organisms' biological systems to create useful products for humanity. MSc Biotechnology is a highly advanced programme that leads to excellent job opportunities.

MSc Biotechnology syllabus and subjects include Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Bacteriology and Virology, Environmental Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Plant Biotechnology, and Biological Chemistry and other topics. Understanding the biological world so well and knowing how to apply it would often lead to very lucrative job roles in a variety of industries, not just in India but globally as well. Graduates can work in a range of healthcare and medical institutions in India and other countries, as well as big pharmaceutical companies. 

MSc Biotechnology admissions are made either on merit or through an entrance examination. To be eligible for the MSc Biotechnology programme, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in Science with a specialisation in any biological sciences and a minimum aggregate of 50%. Graduates of BAMS, BHMS, BPT, and BPharm are also eligible for MSc in Biotechnology admission. Some of the MSc Biotechnology colleges are University of Calcutta, BHU, JNU, etc. Top MSc Biotechnology Colleges fees ranging from INR 40K - 2.40 LPA on average. 

Candidates with an MSc Biotechnology degree can work in healthcare or pharmaceutical companies. For those interested in biology and its applications, an MSc in Biotechnology is an option. They can pursue a career in research after earning a PhD in Biotechnology. MSc Biotechnology is an applied science field concerned with bioprocesses in Engineering, Medicine, Technology, and other fields. MSc Biotechnology job positions include Research Biochemist, Biotechnology Researcher, Associate Engineer, Quality Controller, and others. The starting salary for an MSc in Biotechnology is between INR 3.50 - INR 5.40 LPA.

MSc Biotechnology admission is based on the CUET entrance exam. The CUET PG 2024 exam dates have been announced. The National Testing Agency will administer the CUET PG Exam 2024 from  March 11 to March 28, 2024. 

The following are the main highlights of the MSc Biotechnology programme:

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In almost every field today, a postgraduate degree is necessary for career advancement. Students can therefore consider the benefits of enrolling in the MSc Biotechnology course that is listed below.

• For MSc Biotechnology graduates, there are numerous top companies in the Food Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Environmental Control, Waste Management, Public Funded Laboratories, Chemical, Food Processing, and other related industries 
• After earning their MSc in Biotechnology, students can find employment in a variety of bioprocessing sectors in positions like Production, Management, and Planning. After receiving an MSc in Biotechnology, students who want to dive into technological advancements can look into positions as research associates
• Students can learn a variety of experiments under the guidance of experienced scientists and make novel discoveries
• At prestigious universities that provide BSc and MSc Biotechnology courses, students may also be able to work as assistant professors. They can also work in Management, Quality Assurance, Research Administration, Sales and Marketing, and Technical Support, among other positions

Below are the differences between the MSc in Biotechnology and other courses:

MSc Biotechnology vs MSc Biochemistry

Even though the duration of both the courses is two years, there are some basic differences between MSc Biotechnology and MSc Biochemistry. It is important for the students to keep a note about the differences in these two courses to decide the course of their choice wisely. The table given below represents the difference between these two courses. 

MSc Biotechnology vs MSc Microbiology

These two courses are similar nature courses with some basic differences. While one talks about cell biology and immunology with the advancement of technology, the other deals with the study of the smallest level of organisms. The students must check the details about the differences in order to select the right choice of the course they want to pursue. The duration of the course is same for both the courses. The students can refer to the table given below to check the details of the differences with reference to the criteria mentioned. 

Some of the MSc Biotechnology courses available to students are listed below. 

Full-time MSc Biotechnology

The most commonly available and opted among aspirants, the full-time MSc Biotechnology is a 2-year research-based degree programme. Students will be expected to attend classroom lectures, clear semester-wise examinations and present projects or research thesis either at the end of their course programme or at regular intervals throughout the course.

Part-time MSc Biotechnology

Universities also offer part-time options to students who would otherwise be unable to attend full-time classroom lectures. Such a programme would see the completion of the programme within 3-4 years and would entail nearly similar targets and course requirements as that seen in a full-time course.

Distance-Learning MSc Biotechnology

Some institutions also offer distance learning as an option for aspirants as well. Such courses would usually last over 4 years and would require students to present dissertations or research projects, appear for examinations and attend lectures online.

Note: While these are the various types of MSc Biotechnology courses, keep in mind that the number of courses available in each type will vary. Because the full-time programme is the most popular and commonly chosen by aspirants, it will be the most common degree type from which students can choose; however, seats at each institution will be limited and highly competitive. Part-time MSc Biotechnology courses will have less competition and more seats, while distance learning courses will have even more.

Also Read: Top 10 Distance Education Universities in India

Students must decide whether they are eligible to pursue an MSc Biotechnology. Candidates must ensure that they are eligible for MSc Biotechnology admission before applying for the course. The following are the MSc Biotechnology eligibility criteria:

• The candidate must have a bachelor's degree in Physics, Biological Sciences, Food Science, Nursing, or Pharmacy, BPT, BMIT, or a related discipline. 
• Students must have at least a 50% aggregate score to be admitted to MSc Biotechnology. 
• ST/SC/OBC students are eligible for 45% admission. 
• Students in their final year of undergraduate studies are also eligible to apply. Before being admitted, these students must pass their final exam.

MSc Biotechnology Skills Required

Students must have specific skills in order to succeed in any field. Any student who wishes to pursue an MSc Biotechnology course must have additional skills in addition to an interest in learning the subject. Some of the skills required for a postgraduate degree in MSc Biotechnology are listed below. 

• Project Management
• Organisational Skills
• Research
• Time Management
• Communication skills
• People Management
• Budget Management
• Business Strategy

Most of the colleges that offer MSc Biotechnology courses take entrance examinations for MSc Biotechnology admission. The students must check the list of some of the popular MSc Biotechnology entrance examinations. 

• BITSAT - BITSAT is conducted by Bits Pilani for the undergraduate engineering students to offer admission in postgraduate for campuses in Goa, Pilani and Hyderabad. The exam is conducted in 2 sessions and in an online mode. Almost 3 lakhs students apply for this exam.

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• TISS NET - TISS NET is conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences to offer admission in 52 masters degree programme. It is a national level entrance test.It is located in Mumba but it has varius campuses in India.

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• IPU CET - IPU CET stands for Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test which is conducted annually for admission into UG and PG programmes. It is a university level examination and conducted at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

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• CUET - CUET stands for Central University Entrance Test and it is conducted annually to offer admission in various UG and PG programmes. NTA conducts the CUET exam every year. Delhi University conducts a PG Entrance exam for various courses. 

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Here is the IIT JAM syllabus for MSc Biotechnology.

MSc Biotechnology admission 2024 is granted based on both;

• MSc Biotechnology Merit based admission
• MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam based admission

However, MSc Biotechnology admission is granted by recognised institutes in India through an entrance exam. Before applying for MSc Biotechnology admission, candidates must check about the institute's admissions process. Candidates must make sure that they meet the minimum eligibility requirements before taking the entrance exam. The candidate's performance in the entrance exam will determine their eligibility for MSc Biotechnology admission to the respective institute.

On the other hand, some colleges offer direct admission to MSc Biotechnology, which means no entrance exam is required. In this case, the applicant must apply directly to the institute and ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements for direct admission.

Steps to Apply for MSc Biotechnology 2024

The MSc Biotechnology admissions process varies by college because different colleges and universities require different types of entrance exams. Students must, however, complete specific requirements before applying in MSc Biotechnology courses. Students can check the following steps. 

Step 1: Firstly, candidates must begin the registration and application process for the MSc Biotechnology admission process.

Step 2: Once the application process is completed, candidates must collect their admit cards, sit for the entrance exam, and pass it.

Step 3: After the exam, when the results are available on the official website, and if they passed the exam, they must attend the counselling session organised by their respective colleges or universities. In addition, students must pay a small fee to attend the counselling session.

Step 4: Once all other steps have been completed, colleges release the final admission list of the selected students. The official website publishes lists of selected candidates' names. Candidates are given an offer letter to apply in MSc Biotechnology courses. 

Step 5: Lastly, candidates must accept the offer letter and pay the MSc Biotechnology fee within the specified time frame to confirm their admission. The MSc Biotechnology admissions process concludes once the students have paid their fees and submitted the necessary documents. 

Cutoff is a standard score that applicants must meet in order to be admitted to the school of their choice. The exam's difficulty level, the number of applicants, and the institute's stature and prestige all factor into the MSc Biotechnology cut-off score. Candidates can get an idea by checking the IIT JAM Biotechnology (BT) Cutoff 2024.

In most colleges and universities, admissions to MSc Biotechnology course are based on merit. A written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam relevant to the programme will determine which candidates are accepted into the MSc Biotechnology course. In these conditions, candidates are usually selected on the basis of their academic standing and their results on a prior pertinent exam.

MSc Biotechnology course fees range from INR 40K - INR 2.40 LPA. Course fees may differ depending on the MSc Biotechnology college. A government-funded institute charges less than a private institute due to its infrastructure and facilities. 

MSc Biotechnology syllabus is a combination of both theoretical and practical knowledge. MSc Biotechnology  syllabus has been divided into four semesters and it is a mixture of theory classes, assignments, practical classes, internship, project work, and examination. MSc Biotechnology subjects are properly covered during the two years of course duration.

MSc Biotechnology Subjects

The students can check the MSc biotechnology subject list taught during the course tenure.

There are prestigious government colleges that provide MSc Biotechnology admission. Students must go through a rigorous selection process that includes participating in various competitive entrance examinations. The benefit of government colleges is that they are affordable to everyone, regardless of financial situation. Tuition fees at government colleges are very low because education is regarded as a right. The list of top government MSc Biotechnology colleges is provided below.

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change. 

Most of the colleges that offer BSc Biotechnology admission also offer MSc Biotechnology admission for postgraduate students. MSc Biotechnology is a popular course and its demand is also increasing among the students because of better career opportunities. The students can check the list of top leading MSc Biotechnology colleges and universities that offer MSc Biotechnology course. The MSc Biotechnology fee is also mentioned for the MSc Biotechnology top colleges. 

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

The students can check the few MSc Biotechnology books that are referred by top colleges for teaching the MSc Biotechnology subjects. The students are advised to refer to books during the MSc Biotechnology course tenure so that they can properly learn things and grasp the course knowledge effectively. 

After completing the MSc Biotechnology course, most students look for a suitable job. Some students pursue higher education in the research area, completing a PhD in the relevant field. Students can work and get jobs in a variety of biotechnology fields, including pharmaceutical companies, food processing industries, colleges and universities, agriculture, engineering, animal husbandry, research, and many others. After completing the MSc Biotechnology course, students can look up job profiles and contact information.

Also Read: Career in Biotechnology

Most Pursued Job Roles after MSc Biotechnology

MSc Biotechnology is a very relevant course for the students as there are large areas of employment opportunities. The students can choose their preference from multiple areas of employment. MSc Biotechnology gives students an opportunity to make a career in various fields. Some of the job roles that an MSc Biotechnology candidate can choose are as follows:

MSc Biotechnology Top Recruiter 

The students of MSc Biotechnology are hired by many leading organizations and multinational companies. The students can check the list of top companies that offer jobs after doing MSc Biotechnology degree course. 

• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited
• Serum Institute of India
• Wockhardt
• GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited
• Shantha Biotechnics Limited
• Panacea Biotech Limited
• Biocon
• Indian Immunologicals Limited 

MSc Biotechnology Salary

The starting salary for MSc Biotechnology students ranges from INR 3 - 6 LPA but after gaining experience, they typically earn between INR 6 - INR 8 LPA. Students can look up the typical salary and job descriptions they can expect to find after completing an MSc in Biotechnology.  

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change. 

Following their completion of an MSc in Biotechnology, students can find employment in a variety of fields, as previously mentioned. Students pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology have additional career options besides working for various pharmaceutical companies. They can pursue advanced courses. The list of popular advanced courses is below.

• PhD or Research Programme: Students pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology have the option to pursue the highest degree in the same field. They have the option to complete their PhD in three to five years, carry out biotechnology-related research in their chosen field of specialisation, and carry on as instructors. It's difficult to get admitted to PhD programmes. The selected students must pass the college's entrance exam and conduct in-person interviews. 
• MBA or PGDM: Graduates may also choose to enrol in a management programme and obtain an MBA or PGDM to advance their careers. If students are interested in managing biotechnology organisations, they can enrol in MBA programmes in relevant fields. Competitive entrance exams, such as the CAT, MAT, XAT, and GMAT, are required for admission to reputable MBA programmes. On the other hand, some universities also admit students to MBA programmes based on merit. Individual interviews and group discussions are also required of the students. 

Furthermore, candidates can pursue government jobs as well. In addition to working in their primary area of specialisation, students may sit for the civil services examination if they meet the age and eligibility requirements. They must prepare adequately for the entrance exam. Because the competition is lower in this field than in other popular domains, the career options and scope are vast.