Master of Science in Genetics is a specialised postgraduate programme for 2 years in the domain of Human, Animal, Plant, and Microbial Genomes. This programme focuses on the fundamentals of genetic material in organisms, hereditary principles, genetic diseases, and types of mutation in genes or chromosomes.
Those who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Genetic studies or equivalent in biology domain are eligible to apply. Thecourse fees in private institutes are higher compared to the government colleges. The average course fee ranges between INR 5000 to 20,000 for government colleges, while INR 2 to 5 Lakhs for self-finance institutes.
Those who wish to opt for an academic career or research in genomics must study MSc Genetics. With this degree, one can expect annual earnings around INR 3 to 8 LPA, depending on the job profile, industry type, and location. The graduates can also go abroad for higher studies in Genetics, i.e. PhD Genetics, as there is a great scope for a research career.
MSc Genetics Highlights
Genetics is the study of genes inside the cells of organisms. MSc in Genetics is an advanced course to study the human genome in depth. It also includes animal and microbial genetics, like viral genes, gene therapy, gene editing, gene recombination, and gene mutation for disease.
Master of Science in Genetics is mandatory to study for those who seek jobs in academic or research fields. The course can be pursued by those with a BSc in Genetics, or other biological disciplines like Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Zoology, Botany, or Biochemistry. It involves laboratory experiments and practical training on cells, DNA, RNA, Sequencing techniques, etc.
Particulars | Details |
Programme name | Master of Science in Genetics |
Duration | 2 years (full time) |
Eligibility | 50% - 55% marks in UG |
Admission Process | Merit-Based |
Course Fee | Government Institutes: INR 5000 to 20,000
Private Institutes: INR 2 to 5 Lakhs |
Average Salary | INR 2 lakhs to 8 LPA |
Job Positions | Senior Scientific Officer, Technical Assistant ,Associate Professor, Sales & Marketing Executive, Principal Plant Breeder, etc |
Why Study MSc Genetics?
Master of Science in Genetics opens the door for research in medical science, biotechnology, disease biology, biomarker study, cancer research, plant breeding, etc.
- It provides in-depth knowledge of the genetic level inside the human body that prepares students for advanced research utilising genetic approaches.
- It ensures high-paying jobs in academia, biotech industries, the research and development industry, diagnostic labs, and the healthcare sector.
- As it is laboratory-based learning, one can gain expertise in isolating DNA, PCR, sequencing the DNA, RNA isolation methods, and genome analysis.
- MSc in Genetics imparts expertise in DNA profiling and matching that is useful for criminal and parental investigations.
- Collectively, it provides an opportunity to work in a forensic laboratory as a Scientist.
MSc Genetics Eligibility
To apply for MSc in Genetics course, the candidates should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 50 - 55% marks from a recognised university.
- A student with a UG degree in any biological branch is eligible to apply.
- Some government universities consider entrance exam scores for admission.
- Some common entrance exams are CUET PG, NEST, IIT JAM, DUET, etc.
MSc Genetics Admission Process
The admission process for Master of Science in Genetics varies for the government and private institutes. The basic online application process is given below:
- The candidates will have to visit the official website of the institute and register or create an account on the admission portal.
- Submit the duly filled application form with all necessary details, supporting documents and pay the registration fees.
- Applicants can then appear for the exams and interviews, if applicable.
- The instistite will release its cutoff and the merit list of selected candidates.
- The selected candidates will have to be physically present for documents verification and admission at the institute.
MSc Genetics Syllabus
The course emphasises developing a thorough understanding of genomes in different levels of creatures, from viruses to humans. Here is the general syllabus for MSc in Genetics, designed by Sardar Patel University, as per UGC recommendations.
Semester I | Semester II |
Cell and Molecular Biology | Biostatistics and Bioinformatics |
Fundamentals of Genetics | Cytogenetics |
Essentials of Biochemistry | Recombinant DNA Technology |
Bioanalytical Techniques | Laboratory 1 |
Laboratory 1 | Laboratory 2 |
Laboratory 2 | Viva Assessment |
Viva Assessment | Population and Evolutionary Genetics |
Semester III | Semester IV |
Immunogenetics | Animal Genetics |
Human Molecular Genetics | Gene Therapy and Genetic Counselling |
Genetics in Crop Improvement | Laboratory |
Laboratory 1 | Comprehensive Viva |
Laboratory 2 | Human Physiology and Clinical Correlation |
Viva Assessment | Microbial Genetics |
Genetics of Mammalian Development | Dissertation |
MSc Genetics Colleges in India
There are many government and private universities/ colleges offering an MSc with specialisation in Genetics. Some of the well-known colleges are mentioned below.
NIRF Ranks 2024 | College/University Name | Location | Average Annual Course Fee |
1 (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | New Delhi | INR 7,275 |
- | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology | Kolkata | INR 60,000 |
6 (Agriculture and Allied Sectors)
84 (University) | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) | Coimbatore | INR 16,700 |
96 (Overall)
55 (University) | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | INR 66,667 |
26 (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) | Hyderabad | INR 10,920 |
26 (Overall) | University of Calcutta | Kolkata | INR 7,058 |
- | Sardar Patel University | Anand | INR 20,000 |
74 (Pharmacy) | Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology | Kolkata | INR 1,23,000 |
MSc Genetics Vs. MSc Molecular Biology
MSc in Genetics is a course providing in-depth learning about the fundamentals of genes of organisms, while MSc Molecular Biology covers the biological molecules of an organism, i.e. DNA, RNA, and Proteins. However, the two different courses give similar work opportunities in biomedical and disease biology research.
Parameter | MSc Genetics | MSc Molecular Biology |
Eligibility | BSc in Genetics or equivalent Biology branch | BSc in any Biology branch |
Course Overview | A specialised course which deals with the study of a living organism at their genetic level. It is focused on genetic disease, gene mutations, gene editing, and cytogenetics | A specialised course dealing with biological molecules of organisms. It is focused on DNA, RNA, Protein structure, synthesis, functions, abnormalities, repair mechanisms, etc. |
Course Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
Average Salary | INR 2 to 8 LPA | INR 3 to 7 LPA |
Similarity | Master's qualification with in-depth knowledge of human genes and functions | |
Difference | Specialisation in particular techniques and concepts. MSc in Genetics is only about genes and breeding, whereas MSc Molecular Biology is a broad subject involving genetic materials, proteins, cells, and diseases in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes | |
MSc Genetics Jobs, Salary & Future Scope
MSc in Genetics offers diverse scope for jobs in India as well as foreign countries. One can choose to study further and obtain a PhD degree for an academic or research career. On the other hand, one can pursue B.Ed to teach students in schools and science colleges.
Available jobs for MSc in Genetics graduates are Junior Scientist, Research Assistant, Forensic lab technician, Assistant Professor, Teaching Assistant, Molecular Genetics Consultant, etc.
Some of the job profiles and the average salary as per the current pay scales of UGC/ Healthcare sectors/ Pharma Market are tabulated below.
Job Profile | Job Description | Annual Salary (in INR) |
Epidemiologist | An epidemiologist is responsible for investigating diseases, including collection and analysis of health information. They have to conduct field research, surveys, and data analysis with technicians and experts. | 5 to 6 LPA |
Geneticists | Geneticists are responsible for utilising their knowledge to treat and guide patients with hereditary ailments or disorders. | 5 LPA |
Teaching Assistant/Assistant Professor | To teach BSc and MSc students in a college or university.
To conduct lab experiments and research with graduate students.
To publish research outputs and contributions to the institute's growth. | 4 to 6 LPA |
Genetic Consultant/ Counsellor | They are experts in understanding the genetic makeup of an organism, hence advise and guide the couple for potential defects of genes in their next generations. They also guide to undertaking of several necessary tests to know the risk in pregnancy and childbirth. | 5 to 7 LPA |
MSc Genetics FAQs
Can I work in a Forensic Lab after completing Master of Science in Genetics?
Yes, MSc in Genetics involves studying DNA profiling and sequencing of DNA, which is a key technique for criminal investigation or solving parental rights cases in a forensic laboratory. Hence, one can work with a forensic team as a technician, scientist, analyst, etc.
What kind of jobs are available in industry for MSc in Genetics graduates?
In industries such as pharmaceutical or biotechnology, they develop and sell vaccines, drugs, diagnostic kits, antibodies, serum, etc. Hence, they require an expert who can plan the manufacturing and manage the selling of the products to the right end users. One can work as a representative or executive in such companies.
What are the common subjects that are taught in the MSc in Genetics?
Core subjects taught in this course are Concepts of Genetics, Gene Expression and Regulation, Chromosomes, Genes, and Genomes, Human Genome, Biostatistics and Population Genetics, and Molecular Plant Breeding. It is important to note that these subjects involve practical learning along with theoretical knowledge.
Is the exam semester-based or annually in Master of Science in Genetics?
For MSc in Genetics, exams are conducted at the end of each semester by the university. For practical exams, universities follow continuous evaluation as per the UGC
Can MSc Genetics be pursued online or remotely?
No, this course cannot be pursued remotely or through online mode as it requires hardcore laboratory training to deal with genetic materials. Students have to visit the lab regularly for practical sessions.
