MSc Virology: Admission 2025, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Syllabus, College, Salary and Scope

MSc Virology is a 2-year PG program that focuses on the study of viruses. The MSc Virology focuses on Basic Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Recombinant DNA Technology, Microbiology, Biosafety and Biosecurity, Tissue Culture Techniques & Analytical Methods, etc.

Candidates with a minimum of 50% marks in graduation can apply for the two-year MSc Virology program. Admission is based on merit or marks secured in entrance exams like CUET-PG, etc. Few colleges offering MSc Virology include Jamia Millia Islamia, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Presidency University, and Jain University.

MSc Virology graduates can explore diverse career options in healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. An MSc Virology professional can work as a Clinical Research Associate, Microbiologist, Laboratory Technician, Epidemiologist, etc. The average package of an MSc Virology fresher ranges between INR 3 LPA and INR 5.5 LPA.

MSc in Virology Course Highlights

The table below shows the MSc Virology course highlights:

What is an MSc in Virology?

MSc in Virology is a 2-year professional degree that helps students understand

the biology of viruses, their structure, replication, and pathogenesis. The MSc in Virology curriculum focuses on subjects such as viral genetics, molecular virology, virology techniques, viral diagnostics, immunology, and much more. Aspirants pursuing an MSc in Virology get exposure to antiviral drug development and vaccine research through case studies and practical training.

Master of Science in Virology professionals are in high demand due to the emerging pandemics and global health challenges. MSc Virology graduates have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge of healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors that help them work on areas such as viral infections and vaccine development.

Why Study MSc in Virology?

An MSc in Virology opens diverse career options for candidates. The MSc in Virology professionals can explore careers in the healthcare sector, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic laboratories, etc. A few reasons to pursue an MSc in Virology are listed below:

• MSc in Virology enables the candidate to work with pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic laboratories, and government health organisations.
• A master’s degree in Virology helps the candidate to become an expert in viral pathogenesis, molecular biology, and immunology, through which the candidate can develop vaccines or conduct antiviral drug research.

Top Colleges in India for MSc in Virology

Candidates interested in pursuing an MSc in Virology can check out the top colleges listed below:

MSc Virology Eligibility

MSc Virology eligibility criteria can vary for different institutions. Aspirants with a graduate degree are eligible for the MSc in Virology. The eligibility criteria for an MSc in Virology at Manipal Academy of Higher Education are mentioned below:

• Aspirants must have a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Microbiology / Biotechnology / Botany / Biochemistry / Zoology) or MBBS /BSc-MLT  BVSc / or any other related subjects from a recognized University
• A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA

MSc in Virology Admission Process

MSc in Virology admission is merit/ entrance exam-based. However, candidates must have a valid score in exams like SPPU OEE to apply to Shivaji University. The MSc in Virology admission is mostly the same for all institutions; however, the admission process of Manipal Academy of Higher Education is mentioned below:

• Visit the official website of MAHE and click on "Apply Now"
• Register yourself using a valid email ID and mobile number. After registration, you will receive login credentials to access the application portal.
• Log in with your credentials and start filling out the online application form. Enter personal information, academic details.
• Upload all the relevant documents like Marksheets, ID proof, etc.
• After completing the form, proceed to pay the non-refundable application fee using online payment methods
• After successful payment, submit the completed form. Ensure that all details are accurate and documents are uploaded properly.

MSc Virology Entrance Exam

MSc Virologyadmission is based on entrance exams. Some of the entrance exams that are accepted for the MSc Virology are listed below:

MSc Virology Syllabus

The MSc Virologycurriculum focuses on subjects such as Basic Virology, Antivirals & Viral Vaccines, Microbiology, Biosensors & Nanobiotechnology, and Viral Hepatitis. The syllabus for an MSc Virology remains the same for most of the institutions; however, the curriculum at Savitribai Phule Pune University is listed below:

MSc in Virology Jobs

An MSc Virology degree opens various opportunities in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, etc. Some MSc Virology jobs are mentioned below:

MSc in Virology Future Scopes

Candidates with an MSc in Virology have diverse job opportunities in research institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, etc. The MSc graduate can work as a virologist, research scientist, epidemiologist, clinical laboratory scientist, Vaccine Development Specialist, etc. The other options available for an MSc in Virology are mentioned below:

• Entrepreneurship: Students with an MSc in Virology can start their own diagnostic labs or biotech firms.
• Higher Education: Eligible individuals may choose higher studies, like a PhD in Virology or a PhD in Microbiology.
• Short-term Courses: The MSc in Virology graduates can pursue short-term courses on Molecular Virology, Bioinformatics, Immunology, or Viral Genomics.

Candidates can also explore the MSc Biomedical Science program for a broader perspective in health and medical research.

MSc in Virology FAQ