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MSc Biotechnology: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

Rajnandini Malladeb's profile picture

Updated on Jul 07, 2025

Rajnandini Malladeb

MSc Biotechnology is a 2-year PG degree programme. It is offered by top universities in India such as JNU, Calcutta University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur (Department of Biotechnology), etc. An MSc Biotechnology mostly focuses on topics such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, bioprocess engineering, etc.

 

To be eligible for MSc Biotechnology, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in related fields like biotechnology, biology, or biomedical sciences with a minimum 50% marks from recognised colleges or universities. Students must also qualify for certain national/state or university-level entrance exams to get admission into a few colleges.

 

After completion of an MSc Biotechnology, students can work as Entry-Level Biotechnologist / Research Associate, Research Assistant/Technician, Biotech Technician, Biochemist, Agricultural Consultant, etc. The entry level salary starts at INR 3-6 LPA, which increases with work experience. Moreover, students can also pursue a PhD after completing this degree, or launch their own entrepreneurial venture.

 

Learn More: MS Biotechnology

 

Table of Contents

  1. MSc Biotechnology Highlights Table
  2. Why Study MSc Biotechnology?
  3. Who should study MSc Biotechnology?
  4. MSc Biotechnology Eligibility Criteria
  5. MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams 2025
  6. MSc Biotechnology Colleges in India
  7. MSc Biotechnology Admission Process 2025
  8. MSc Biotechnology Syllabus
  9. MSc Biotechnology Job Opportunities in India
  10. MSc Biotechnology FAQs

 

MSc Biotechnology Highlights Table

MSc Biotechnology is one of the most in-demand courses. The details of an MSc Biotechnology degree are discussed below:

Details

Particulars

Course Name

Master of Science in Biotechnology (M.Sc. Biotechnology)

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years

Course Type

Full-time academic program

Admission Process

Entrance-based (CUET‑PG, IIT JAM, BHU PET, BITSAT, DUET, etc.) and/or Merit-based

Eligibility Criteria

B.Sc. (Biotechnology / Life Sciences / Biochemistry / related) with  50% aggregate marks (45% SC/ST in some colleges)

Course Fees

INR

Top Colleges

JNU, BHU, DU, UoH, Amrita, Calcutta, Jadavpur, IITs (Kharagpur, Roorkee), AIIMS, Amity, SRM, VIT, IBB Pune, NISER

Job Profiles

Research Associate, Biochemist, Biotech Analyst, R&D Executive, Lab Technician, QA/QC Officer, Bioprocess Engineer, Clinical Research Associate, Lecturer, Business Dev. Manager, Regulatory Affairs

Top Recruiters

Biocon, Dr. Reddy’s, Serum Institute, GSK, Wockhardt, Cipla, Abbott, Reliance Life Sciences, Ranbaxy, Cadila, Indian Immunologicals, Bharat Serums, Adani, ISRO/DBT labs

Average Salary in India

INR 3-6 LPA (Freshers); INR 6-15 LPA (Experienced)

 

Why Study MSc Biotechnology?

There are several reasons to pursue an MSc in Biotechnology. A few of these reasons are as follows:

  • Careers in research, medical treatment, medication, and biotechnology are all available in the newly growing field of biotechnology.
  • There is huge demand for trained biotechnologists in medical centers, laboratory settings, and biotech companies with the escalation in neurological disorders and mental illnesses.
  • The course provides hands-on learning through research projects and industrial training. Students sharpen their skills through seminars, and workshops.
  • After an MSc Biotechnology students can pursue careers in healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, environment, and more. Graduates can work as Research Scientists, QC Analysts, Clinical Research Associates, Regulatory Specialists, bioinformatics experts, or biotech entrepreneurs.
  • The course sharpens both technical and soft skills such as scientific communication, data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership
  • After this course, graduates can launch startups in medical diagnostics, environmental solutions, agricultural biotech, bioinformatics service, etc.

 

Who should study MSc Biotechnology?

Candidates who have a strong interest in biology, chemistry, and with latest scientific creations should consider pursuing a MSc Biotechnology. This program is for those intellectual and excited candidates who want to know about how biological systems can be used to develop products and technologies that improve health, agriculture, and the environment. If you are interested in genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, environmental sustainability, or molecular biology, this course of study provides a solid academic and practical foundation. Hence, there are genuine points that mention who should study this program:

  • Candidates who have a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics subjects, and who excel in these subjects and enjoy practical lab work, will succeed in this field.
  • Graduates who pursue their careers in research labs, pharmaceutical companies, or agricultural research centers.
  • Candidates who are interested in working with agricultural biotechnology companies or research institutions can find this field effective.

 

MSc Biotechnology Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for enrolling into the MSc Biotechnology course have been mentioned below:

  • Completed a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks in the science stream or any other relevant stream from a recognised university or institution.
  • Qualify national/state or university-level entrance examinations such as IIT JAM, CUET-PG, CPGET, BITSAT, AP PGECET and others.

 

MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams 2025

Admission to MSc Biotechnology is mostly based on entrance examinations. The widely accepted entrance test is that of CAT. The entrance examinations for MSc Biotechnology are given below:

Exam Name

Registration Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

CUET PG 2025

Jan – Feb 2025

March 13 – April 1, 2025

INR 1400 (Gen), INR 1200 (Gen-EWS/OBC), INR 1100 (SC/ST/TG)

NEST 2025

Feb 17 – May 2025

June 22, 2025

INR 1200 (Gen/OBC-Male), INR 600 (SC/ST/PwD-Male), INR 600 (Female/Divyang)

CPGET 2025

May – June 2025

Jul-25

INR 800 (Gen/OBC), INR 600 (SC/ST/PH)

AP PGECET 2025

Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025

June 6–8, 2025

INR 1200 (Gen), INR 900 (OBC/EWS), INR 700 (SC/ST)

 

MSc Biotechnology Colleges in India

There are several reputable colleges offering an MSc Biotechnology in India. They provide placement support to students as well. A list of these colleges has been discussed below:

College Name

Location

Fees (Approx.)

NIRF Ranking (Latest)

Admission Process

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

New Delhi

INR 20000

11

CUET‑PG + merit ranking

Banaras Hindu University (School of Biotechnology)

Varanasi

INR 10,000-15,000

10

CUET‑PG / BHU PET + written test

University of Hyderabad

Hyderabad

INR 67,000

23

CUET‑PG / UoH entrance

IIT Kharagpur (Department of Biotechnology)

Kharagpur

INR 45,000

3

JAM / GATE qualifying + counselling

Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai

Mumbai

INR 45,898

35

GATE (for M.Tech); MSc via institute test/admission

St Xavier’s College

Kolkata

INR 73,300

6

College‑level entrance + merit

 

MSc Biotechnology Admission Process 2025

The admission process for MSc BiotechnologyScience at Amity University (Noida) is as follows:

  • Step 1: The candidates need to start by visiting the official website of the Amity University and head to the application page of the course.
  • Step 2: Now, the candidates need to fill out the application form with the required details and submit the form along with the applicable fee. The required documents have been mentioned below.
  • Step 3: The university’s admission committee will select the students as per their past academic performance and total seats available for intake.
  • Step 4: The selected candidates will receive confirmation from the university selection committee via mail or call.
  • Step 5: Selected candidates will then have to pay the admission fee to enroll in the course.
  • Step 6: After that, candidates will join the new academic session for BA Hons Political Science on the specific date.

Documents required for admission:

  • 10th and 12th grade mark sheet
  • Identity proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN Card
  • An entrance exam scorecard
  • Cumulative marksheet of UG degree
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Signature photographs

 

MSc Biotechnology Syllabus

The syllabus of MSc Biotechnology is spread across four semesters. It is academically rigorous, involving summer projects, industrial training and project works. Given below is the detailed syllabus of Calcutta University:

Semester I

Semester II

Biomolecules

Genetics

Cell Biology

Biostatistics

Molecular Biology

Metabolism

Biophysical Chemistry & Instrumentation

Recombinant DNA Technology

Supportive Courses: Enzymes & Reaction Kinetics/ Microbiology

Supportive Courses: Diversity of life forms and environmental application/ Immunology

Semester III

Semester IV

Genomics

Medical Biotechnology, IPR, Bio-safety and Bio-ethic

Proteomics and Protein Engineering

Bioprocess Engineering & Microbial Technology

Supportive Courses: Summer Project

Industrial Training

Choice Based Credit Courses: Any 2

Seminar

-

Grand Viva

-

Supportive Courses: Plant Biotechnology/ Computer Application and Bioinformatics

 

MSc Biotechnology Job Opportunities in India

The job market for MSc Biotechnology graduates is flourishing. Graduates can find employment opportunities across sectors. A list of these job profiles is discussed below:

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Average Salary (INR)

Entry-Level Biotechnologist / Research Associate

Fresher

Biocon, Dr. Reddy’s, Cipla, Serum Institute, CSIR, ICMR, ICAR, NIPER

INR 3 to 5 LPA

Research Assistant/Technician

Fresher to Experienced

Hospitals with Blood Banks, Blood Transfusion Services

INR 2 to 4 LPA

Biotech Technician

Fresher to Experienced

Hospitals, Diagnostic Labs, Food and Beverage Industries, Pharmaceutical Companies

INR 2 to 3 LPA

Biochemist

1+ year Experienced

Diagnostic labs and research labs

INR 2.5 to 3 LPA

Agricultural Consultant

1+ year Experienced

Farming and Agro sectors

INR 3 to 4 LPA

Lecturer

Fresher and experienced

Colleges and Universities

INR 3 to 4 LPA

Medical Representative

Fresher to Experienced

Clinics and Hospitals

INR 2.5 to 3.5 LPA

QA/QC Personnel

Fresher to Experienced

Pharma/Biotech industries

INR 2 to 4 LPA

Environmental Biotechnologist

Varies

TERI, NEERI, Tata Chemicals, GAIL

INR 4 to 14 LPA

Postdoctoral Fellow / C‑Suite

PhD required

IITs, IISc, ISRO, DRDO, biotech firms

INR 10 to 25 LPA

 

MSc Biotechnology FAQs

What internships can a student do while pursuing a MSc Biotechnology in the Environmental Science sector?

Many colleges and universities offer mandatory field visits and internships as a part of the course curriculum. Besides this, students can often look for internships, lab work, field visits, and working with NGOs, and engaging in research work projects themselves to gain practical exposure.

Can I get a government job after a MSc in Biotechnology?

Yes definitely. There are several government employment opportunities offered by various agencies for MSc Biotechnology graduates. There are government-funded research projects, agricultural departments, food testing labs, environmental agencies, etc. Students have to qualify for the screening or a recruitment exam to secure a position in such government-run organisations.

Can I pursue an MSc Biotechnology in distance mode?
Can I pursue entrepreneurship after MSc Biotechnology?

Yes, graduates can start their biotech businesses in areas like organic farming, biofertilizers, nutrients, or diagnostic devices with their original and creative ideas.

After receiving this degree, what are the possibilities of studying overseas?

The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Canada are among the nations where graduates can apply for a double Master's and Doctor of Philosophy programs. These nations feature strong biotech sectors and modern research facilities.

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