MSc Biology Admission Criteria
The admission requirements for Master of Science in Biology programs vary among institutions, but most universities follow a similar process for reviewing applications. The following are some of the general requirements that most institutes have:
| Requirements |
Details |
| Educational Qualification |
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. |
| Minimum Marks |
Most universities require candidates to have a minimum aggregate of 50% or higher in their undergraduate degree. SC/ST/OBC candidates may be eligible with a minimum aggregate of 45%. |
| Entrance Exams |
Some universities or colleges may conduct an entrance exam for admission into the MSc Biology program. Common entrance exams include university-level and state-level entrance exams. |
| Merit-Based |
Some universities or colleges offer admission based on merit, where candidates are selected based on their scores or grades obtained in a degree programme. |
| Required Documents |
The following documents are required for admission: Bachelor’s degree certificate, transcripts of undergraduate grades, entrance exam scores (if applicable), passport photo, and letter of intent. |
| Application Process |
The application process varies by university but generally involves submitting an application form, required documents, and possibly attending an interview or passing an entrance exam. |
MSc Biology Entrance Exams
Students can get admission to an MSc in Biology in India through either entrance exams or their board exam performance. Entrance exams are typically conducted by universities or colleges and assess students' knowledge in biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and its applications. Below is a list of popular entrance exams for MSc Biology:
National Level Entrance Exams |
JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters), GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)
|
State Level Entrance Exams |
Maharashtra CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test), Karnataka PGCET (Karnataka Post Graduate Entrance Test), Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test, West Bengal Joint Entrance Test.
|
University Level Entrance Exams |
DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination), BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test), TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Entrance Exam)
|
MSc Biology Fee Structure
The course fee of a Master of Science in Biology in India varies widely, with an average annual course fee of rupees 37,000 to rupees 76,000. However, the actual course fee may be higher or lower depending on factors such as the type of institution, its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.
Courses after MSc Biology
Upon successful completion of a Master of Science in Biology, students may opt to pursue various popular courses such as MPhil, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy programs to expand their studies. Find some of the popular courses below:
Upon successful completion of a Master of Science in Biology, students may opt to pursue various popular courses such as MPhil, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy programs to expand their studies. Find some of the popular courses below:
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MBA |
MBA in Rural & Agri Business, MBA in Pharma & Healthcare Management, MBA in Biotechnology Management, MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, MBA in Healthcare Management, MBA in Biomedical Management, MBA in Biotech Entrepreneurship
|
MPhil |
MPhil in Life Science, MPhil in Microbiology, MPhil in Immunology, MPhil in Molecular Biology, MPhil in Genetic Engineering, MPhil in Plant Biotechnology, MPhil in Medical Biotechnology, MPhil in Industrial Biotechnology
|
PhD |
PhD in Microbiology, PhD in Genetics, PhD in Molecular Biology, PhD in Genetic Engineering, PhD in Biomedical Engineering, PhD in Bioinformatics, PhD in Plant Biotechnology, and PhD in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, PhD in Clinical Research
|
Career Opportunities after MSc Biology
A Master of Science in Biology offers many public and private sector job possibilities. The salary ranges provided are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications. Some common private and public sector jobs for people who finish this program are:
| Job Role |
Responsibility |
Salary (INR) |
Sector |
| Research Scholar |
Responsible for conducting research by analyzing various methodologies. |
600,000 – 1,200,000 |
Public |
| Assistant Professor |
Responsible for delivering lectures, conducting seminars, and providing academic guidance to students. |
700,000 – 1,400,000 |
Public |
| Wildlife Biologists |
Responsible for wildlife research and conservation in government sectors. |
500,000 – 800,000 |
Public |
| Agricultural Officer |
Responsible for conducting research on crop management, soil health, and pest control. |
400,000 – 800,000 |
Public |
| Public Health Officer |
Responsible for developing and implementing public health programs and interventions. |
500,000 – 1,200,000 |
Public |
| Environment Officer |
Responsible for protecting and regulating the environment, government bodies hire biology postgraduates for the post of environmental officer. |
500,000 – 700,000 |
Public |
| Food Safety Inspector |
Responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food, government agencies hire people for the post of food safety inspector. |
400,000 – 800,000 |
Public |
| Forest Officer |
Responsible for overseeing forest conservation and protection efforts. |
450,000 – 800,000 |
Public |
| Pharmaceutical Inspector |
Responsible for inspecting and regulating pharmaceutical companies, government authorities may hire for this post. |
500,000 – 800,000 |
Public |
| Laboratory Technician |
Responsible for diagnosing purposes. |
300,000 – 500,000 |
Public |
| Clinical Research Associate |
Responsible for conducting clinical trials with respect to GCP guidelines. |
400,000 – 800,000 |
Private |
| Medical Writer |
Responsible for assisting with the production of technical information related to medical content. |
500,000 – 1,000,000 |
Private |
MSc Biology Scope, Salary & Employers
Scope: A Master of Science (MSc) in Biology opens doors to diverse career paths such as research, academia, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science. Graduates can delve into fields like genetics, microbiology, ecology, and molecular biology. With an MSc, you can pursue roles as a research scientist, biologist, biochemist, or environmental consultant, contributing to advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and conservation.
Salary The average salary for a fresher with a Master of Science in Biology can vary depending on the employer, location, and specific role. However, the average salary for this degree is between Rs. 6,00,000 and Rs. 13,00,000 per annum.
Employers: Postgraduate students in biology can secure placements in various esteemed companies, such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), and pharmaceutical and clinical research companies.
Required Skills for MSc Biology
The biology students need to have a solid knowledge base in their subjects as well as the soft skills necessary to succeed in a professional environment. Here are some of the essential soft skills required for an MSc Biology student:
- Analytical skills.
- Laboratory skills.
- Research Skills.
- Time management.
- Attention to detail
