What is MSc Genetics

MSc Genetics is a 2-year post-graduation course in genetics. Genetics is a branch of science that educates about life processes and trait transmission. The essential topics covered in this programme include molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, inheritable engineering, and bioinformatics. During this course, students get the training to conduct practical tests to study inheritable data and contribute to the advancement of genetics. A Master of Science in Genetics programme often includes a mix of theoretical courses, lab work, and study systems. During the course duration, it mainly focuses on providing hands-on training in the many... Read More

MSc Genetics Admission Criteria

The admission requirements for Master of Science in Genetics 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 Genetics 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 Genetics Entrance Exams

Students can get admission to an MSc in Genetics 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 Gnetics :

National Level Entrance Exams

JAM (Joint Admission Test for MSc), GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), ICMR JRF (Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship), ICAR AIEEA PG (Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission to Postgraduate).

State Level Entrance Exams

Maharashtra MSc. CET, Kerala MSc. Entrance Examination, TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test), WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination).

University Level Entrance Exams

JNU CEEB (Jawaharlal Nehru University Combined Biotechnology Entrance Examination), DUET (University of Delhi Entrance Test), University of Hyderabad Entrance Exam, BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test).

MSc Genetics Fee Structure

The course fee of a Master of Science in Genetics in India varies widely, with an average annual course fee of rupees 30,000 to rupees 100,000. 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 Genetics

Upon successful completion of a Master of Science in Genetics, students may opt to pursue various popular courses such as MPhil, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy programmes to expand their studies. Finds some of the popular courses below:
MBA

MBA in Healthcare Management, MBA in Biotechnology Management, MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, MBA in Hospital Administration, MBA in Agribusiness Management, MBA in Rural Management, MBA in Environmental Management, MBA in Technology Management, MBA in Operations Management, MBA in Supply Chain Management.

MPhill

M.Phil. in Genetics, M.Phil. in Molecular Biology, M.Phil. in Biotechnology, M.Phil. in Bioinformatics, M.Phil. in Human Genetics, M.Phil. in Plant Genetics, M.Phil. in Animal Genetics.

Ph.D

Ph.D. in Genetics, Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ph.D. in Genomics, Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Ph.D. in Biotechnology with a specialization in Genetics, Ph.D. in Human Genetics, Ph.D. in Plant Genetics, Ph.D. in Animal Genetics.

Career Opportunities after MSc Genetics

A Master of Science in Genetics offers many public and private sector job possibilities. The salary ranges offered are merely estimates and may change depending on things like experience and education. Following completion of this programme, graduates typically find employment in the following fields:

Job/Role Responsibility Salary (INR) Sector
Scientist (Government Research Institutes) Carrying out genetics research, publishing research papers, participating in government-funded activities 7-12 lakhs Public
Assistant Professor (Universities) Teaching genetics-related courses, mentoring students, conducting research 6-10 lakhs Public
Geneticists (Government Hospitals) Providing genetic counselling, diagnosing genetic disorders, conducting research 5-8 lakhs Public
Scientist (Forensic Science Laboratories) Utilizing genetic techniques to analyze DNA evidence in criminal investigations 6-10 lakhs Public
Research Officer (Government Organizations) Working on research projects related to genetics, analyzing data, contributing to policy formulation or scientific publications 6-9 lakhs Public
Deputy Director (Biotechnology Regulatory Authority) Analyzing GMOs for ensuring safety and maintaining ethical guidelines 9-15 lakhs Public
Officer (National Biodiversity Authority) Preparing, documenting, protecting, and managing the country’s genetic resources 6-9 lakhs Public
Technical Officer (Agricultural Research Institutes) Contributing to genetics-related research projects, conducting field trials, developing improved crop varieties 5-8 lakhs Public
Project Manager (Government-funded Research Projects) Conducting genetic research projects funded by government agencies, coordinating research activities, managing budgets 7-12 lakhs Public
Scientists (Defense Research Organizations) Working on genetics-related projects such as developing technologies for DNA profiling, biodefense, genetic identification 8-15 lakhs Public
Genetic Counsellor Providing information and support regarding genetic conditions, inheritance patterns, and risk assessment 3-6 lakhs Private
Clinical Research Associate Planning, coordinating, and overseeing clinical trials and research investigations 3-5 lakhs Private
Biotechnology Research Scientist Conducting research using genetic engineering and biotechnological techniques 4-8 lakhs Private
Medical Writer Creating scientific and technical documents related to genetics 3-6 lakhs Private
Pharmacogenomics Specialist Analysing genetic variations and their impact on individual’s response to drugs 5-10 lakhs Private
Bioinformatics Analyst Assessing genetic and genomic data using computational methods 3-6 lakhs Private
Molecular Diagnostics Scientist Working in diagnostic laboratories, utilizing genetic techniques to identify and analyze genetic markers associated with diseases 4-7 lakhs Private
Biomedical Research Scientist Studying genetics and related sciences to discover illness mechanisms, develop diagnostics, and investigate treatments 4-8 lakhs Private

MSc Genetics Scope, Salary & Employers

Scope: A Master of Science in Genetics has various opportunities in the future. Graduates may pursue careers in research and development, the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, agriculture and the food industry, health care and diagnosis, environmental biotechnology, and others.

Salary: The average salary for a fresher with a Master of Science in Genetics can vary depending on the employer, location, and specific role. However, the average salary for this degree is between Rs. 5,00,000 and Rs. 12,00,000 per annum.

Employers: Postgraduate students in genetics 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 Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Required Skills for MSc Genetics

Genetics 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 a MSc Genetics  student:

  • Technical Skills Research
  • Analytical Skills Problem-solving
  • Adaptability Ethical
  • Professional Conduct
  • Communication Skills

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

It is preferred to have a background in Biology or a related field for admission to the M.Sc. in Genetics programme, although some universities may offer bridge courses to cover the necessary prerequisites.
India has a growing research field in Genetics, with numerous research institutes, universities, and companies focusing on genetic studies, genetic disorders, agricultural genetics, and more.
Yes, a lot of universities provide financial help, fellowships, and scholarships. For details on possible scholarships, contact individual universities.
Some universities may offer part-time options for the MSc. in Genetics programme, allowing students to balance their studies with work. Check with individual universities for such options.
Some programmes may include fieldwork or internships to provide practical exposure to genetic research and laboratory techniques.
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