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MSc Biotechnology, Admission, Eligibility, Syllabus, Colleges, Fees

MSc Biotechnology is one of the most vibrant postgraduate programs in the field of life sciences. Candidates who are interested in opting for a master’s in Biotechnology course can read all the related information here.

authorImageDr. Kumar29 Aug, 2025
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M.Sc Biotechnology

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.

MSc Biotechnology Overview

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.

MSc Biotechnology Eligibility Criteria

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.

MSc Biotechnology Admission Process

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. 

MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams 2025

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.

MSc Biotechnology Syllabus

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.

MSc Biotechnology Core Subjects

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.

MSc Biotechnology Specialisations

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.  

Top MSc Biotechnology Colleges in India

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 in India

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. 

MSc Biotechnology Books

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.

Jobs & Career Scope After MSc Biotechnology

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.

MSc Biotechnology Future Scope

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.


M.Sc Subjects
M.Sc Chemistry M.Sc Physics
M.Sc Mathematics M.Sc Biotechnology
M.Sc Economics M.Sc Geology
M.Sc Mathematical Statistics M.Sc Biochemistry
M.Sc Zoology M.Sc Botany
M.Sc Microbiology M.Sc Agriculture
 M.Sc Forensic Science M.Sc Computer Science 

M.Sc Biotechnology FAQs

What is the eligibility for admission to the MSc Biotechnology course?

Applicants generally require a B.Sc. degree in Biotechnology, Biology, or related disciplines with 50–60% marks. Some universities may also accept graduates in Chemistry or allied fields.

Which entrance exams are required for the MSc Biotechnology course admission?

Popular entrance exams include CUET PG, IIT JAM, JNU CEEB, BHU PET, and DUET for admission in the top universities providing the students with an MSc Biotechnology course.

What are the career options after completing an MSc Biotechnology?

Graduates can work as biotechnologists, researchers, lecturers, microbiologists, or pursue Ph.D. studies for higher academic and research roles.

What is the average salary after an MSc Biotechnology?

Starting salaries of the students who have completed their programmes range from ₹4–₹10 LPA, based on job profile and sector.
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