

MSc Biotechnology programme combines biology, chemistry, and technology to explore solutions for healthcare, agriculture, the environment, and industrial production. Students interested in genetic engineering, molecular biology, drug development, and microbial processes can opt for this program. Pursuing this course opens up career pathways in research labs, pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, and biotech companies worldwide.
Here, aspirants can explore eligibility, syllabus, admission process, colleges, career options, and other details to make informed decisions before applying.
The full form refers to the Master of Science in Biotechnology. It is a two-year postgraduate program spread across four semesters. This course covers advanced knowledge of cellular biology, molecular genetics, immunology, enzymology, bioinformatics, and industrial biotechnology.
The MSc Biotechnology course bridges undergraduate studies in biology, chemistry, or allied subjects with advanced scientific exploration. Here, students learn how to apply theoretical concepts in practical areas such as vaccine development, food processing, genetic testing, and sustainable agriculture. More details about the course are mentioned below:
| MSc Biotechnology Course Overview | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Name | Master of Science in Biotechnology (MSc Biotechnology) |
| Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or related disciplines |
| Average Fees | ₹40,000 to ₹2,50,000 per year |
| Top Entrance Exams | CUET PG, IIT JAM, JNU CEEB, BHU PET, DUET |
| Average Salary | ₹4 to ₹10 LPA |
| Career Roles | Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Lecturer, Microbiologist, Analyst |
Note: The course details may differ by institution. Candidates should confirm specific eligibility, fee structures, and curriculum from their desired official university website.
Before applying, students must check the Eligibility norms carefully. Most universities require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or allied life science disciplines. Further, some institutions may also accept engineering graduates from the Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering streams. Interested candidates can take a look at the following Eligibility parameters:
| MSc Biotechnology Eligibility Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Educational Qualification | B.Sc. degree with Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or related subjects |
| Minimum Marks | 50–60% in an undergraduate degree |
| Age Limit | Generally, no age restriction |
| Additional Requirements | Mathematics or Chemistry at the UG level may be preferred by some universities |
Note: Each university has its own Eligibility guidelines. Candidates must refer to the official brochure of their desired universities for updated eligibility requirements.
Admissions for the degree are typically conducted on merit-based processes or through entrance examinations. Here is the general admission process to the programme:
| MSc Biotechnology Admission Process | |
|---|---|
| Mode | Details |
| Merit-Based | Admission based on undergraduate marks |
| Entrance-Based | Exams like CUET PG, IIT JAM, JNU CEEB, BHU PET, DUET |
| Counselling | Shortlisted candidates invited for counselling/interview |
| Final Selection | Based on the merit list or the entrance exam scores |
Note: Exam schedules and counselling dates for admission may vary across institutions. Applicants must regularly check the official notification on their desired university’s or college’s portal.
Entrance exams play a key role in admission to reputed universities like IITs, IISERs, etc, in India. These tests generally evaluate students’ knowledge in biology, chemistry, and aptitude for research. Some popular exams for admission to the course include:
| Popular MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Mode of Exam | Subjects Covered |
| CUET PG | National Testing Agency | Online (CBT) | UG-level Biology, Chemistry |
| IIT JAM | IITs | Online (CBT) | Biotechnology, Biological Sciences |
| JNU CEEB | Jawaharlal Nehru University | Online (CBT) | Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry |
| BHU PET | Banaras Hindu University | Online/Offline | Biotechnology concepts, UG syllabus |
| DUET | Delhi University | Online (CBT) | Biology, Chemistry, and Analytical skills |
Note: Exam dates, patterns, and syllabi for most entrance examinations for admission to the course are updated yearly. Candidates must confirm details from the respective exam portals before applying for the admission there.
The syllabus is a combination of theoretical learning and experimental training of the relevant subjects. Here is the common syllabus:
| MSc Biotechnology Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Semester | Subjects Covered |
| Semester 1 | Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics |
| Semester 2 | Immunology, Enzymology, Biostatistics, and Recombinant DNA Technology |
| Semester 3 | Animal & Plant Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Bioinformatics |
| Semester 4 | Environmental Biotechnology, Advanced Electives, Dissertation/Project Work |
Note: Syllabus for the MSc Biotechnology subject varies slightly among universities on the basis of faculty expertise and focus areas.
Candidates must be aware of the core subjects and topics under the main curriculum. Some of the key subjects under Msc Biotechnology include:
| MSc Biotechnology Core Subjects | |
|---|---|
| Core Subject | Focus Area |
| Molecular Biology | DNA replication, transcription, translation |
| Genetic Engineering | Cloning, PCR, and genetic modification |
| Biostatistics | Data analysis, probability, statistical inference |
| Immunology | Immune system mechanisms, vaccines |
| Bioinformatics | Computational biology, sequence analysis, databases |
| Industrial Biotech | Fermentation, bioprocessing, enzyme technology |
Note: Some universities may integrate electives with core subjects for specialisation flexibility. Candidate can confirm this by visiting the online portal of their university or checking their admission brochure only.
There are various specialisations that candidates can pursue during the course. Candidates can learn about the specialisation courses under programmes:
| MSc Biotechnology Specialisation courses | |
|---|---|
| Specialisation | Scope |
| Medical Biotechnology | Focus on drug discovery, vaccines, and diagnostics |
| Agricultural Biotechnology | Crop improvement, GM crops, plant tissue culture |
| Environmental Biotechnology | Waste management, bioremediation, and sustainable practices |
| Industrial Biotechnology | Large-scale production of enzymes, antibiotics, and biomaterials |
| Bioinformatics | Computational modelling, genome analysis, data-driven biology |
Note: Availability of specialisations depends on institutional facilities and faculty expertise. Therefore, candidates must confirm it from their desired institution.
It is important to find suitable Colleges for a successful career ahead. However, such reputed colleges or universities offer admission on the basis of entrance test results only.
Here is the list of some top rated Colleges in India
| MSc Biotechnology Colleges | ||
|---|---|---|
| College/University | Location | Exam Accepted |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | JNU CEEB |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | BHU PET / CUET PG |
| Delhi University | New Delhi | DUET / CUET PG |
| IITs (selected campuses) | Multiple cities | IIT JAM |
| Amity University | Noida | University Entrance Test |
| Lovely Professional University | Punjab | Merit/University Test |
Note: Admission to the top Colleges is generally based on a candidate’s entrance test result. However, their cut-offs, ranking, and faculty strength may vary year to year.
MSc Biotechnology Fees vary widely between government and private universities. Central and state universities generally charge lower fees, while private institutions may have higher tuition but advanced labs and facilities. Furthermore, here is the general structure of Fees in India:
| MSc Biotechnology Fees in India | |
|---|---|
| Institution Type | Average Fee Range (per year) |
| Central/State Universities | ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 |
| IITs/Central Institutes | ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,80,000 |
| Private Universities | ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 |
Note: Candidates who are planning to pursue an course should also budget for lab charges, project costs, and hostel facilities also.
Candidates who are interested in pursuing an programme should learn from reputed reference books. Books are essential for strengthening theoretical understanding and research skills. Some widely recommended books to complete this course with deep understanding and subject knowledge include:
| MSc Biotechnology Books | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Recommended Books |
| Molecular Biology | Molecular Biology of the Cell – Bruce Alberts |
| Genetic Engineering | Principles of Gene Manipulation – Old & Primrose |
| Biochemistry | Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry – Nelson & Cox |
| Immunology | Kuby Immunology – Owen, Punt, Stranford |
| Bioinformatics | Bioinformatics: Sequence and Genome Analysis – David Mount |
| Biotechnology Basics | Biotechnology – B.D. Singh |
Note: Some universities may suggest different textbooks while pursuing the course depending on their syllabus and specialisation.
Here are some of the Jobs & Career Scope After course:
| Jobs & Career Scope After MSc Biotechnology course | |
|---|---|
| Career Role | Average Salary (per annum) |
| Biotechnologist | ₹5 – ₹8 LPA |
| Research Scientist | ₹6 – ₹12 LPA |
| Microbiologist | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
| Data Analyst (Bio) | ₹4 – ₹6 LPA |
| Lecturer/Professor | ₹5 – ₹9 LPA |
| Clinical Research Associate | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
Note: Salaries under jobs depend on the sector, company, and research expertise of the candidate.
Candidates can check the Future Scope here:
| MSc Biotechnology Future Scope | |
|---|---|
| Future Pathway | Opportunities |
| Higher Studies | Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics |
| Research Careers | CSIR, ICMR, DRDO, ISRO, international labs |
| Industrial Roles | Biopharma, food processing, genetic testing, bioenergy |
| International Scope | Research in global universities, biotech startups |
Note: Candidates must carefully analyse their interests and potential before choosing a PG course. The career scope of a candidate depends heavily on specialisation, research aptitude, and skills acquired during the program.
