MS Biotechnology: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Top Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary

Updated on Mar 30, 2025

Dharti Bhadla

MS Biotechnology is a 2 -year research-based postgraduate program that combines biology, chemistry, and engineering fields with specializations in plant, animal, industrial, and environmental biotechnology.

MS Biotechnology is almost similar to that of MSc Biotechnology. The key difference is that the MS degree emphasizes research and project work with a publication requirement, while the MSc program is more balanced, covering both theory and practical aspects.

To be eligible for an M.S. in Biotechnology, one needs a bachelor's degree in biotechnology or life science majors with a minimum of 50% marks.
Admission is generally based on entrance exam scores.
Commonly accepted exams are CUET-PG, ICAR AIEEA, IIT JAM, AP PGCET, and JNU-CEEB. Universities also conduct their own entrance test.
Assam University, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Studies, and NIPER are the top institutes to pursue MS Biotechnology.
The course fee ranges from INR 20,000 to 50,000 for government institutes. Private colleges may charge up to INR 2 lakhs.
Graduates can work in pharmaceuticals, research firms, healthcare, agriculture, and forensic fields after completing the MS in Biotechnology.

MS Biotechnology: Course Highlights

Key highlights of MS Biotechnology are tabulated below.

Program Name	Master of Science in Biotechnology
Duration	2 years (3 years with research extension)
Eligibility	50% marks in BSc or B.Tech with Biotechnology or equivalent field
Admission	Graduation/ entrance exam merit Entrance Exams: CUET-PG, ICAR AIEEA, IIT JAM, AP PGCET
Average Course Fee	Government institutes: INR 20,000 to 50,000 Private institutes: INR 1 to 2 lakhs
Average Starting Salary	INR 4 to 6 LPA
Top Recruiting Companies	Drug Manufacturing Companies, Industrial Laboratories, Educational Institutes, Agriculture and Fisheries, Forensic Science, Research and Development Firms, Hospitals, Cosmetic Industries, etc.
Job Positions	Analytical Chemist, Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Scientist, Clinical Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Forensic Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Toxicologist, etc.

MS Biotechnology: Course Benefits

An MS Biotechnology offers specialized knowledge, career advancement, and networking opportunities in the biomedical field.

The biotechnology industry is experiencing significant growth, creating numerous job opportunities in areas like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.
While pursuing the course, students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, internships, and research projects.
The course emphasises research project and thesis writing, equipping the learner with scientific writing skills and credible publications.

MS Biotechnology: Eligibility

Eligibility to pursue MS Biotechnology is BSc or B.Tech in Biotechnology or a related background with a minimum score of 50%.

Candidates with Zoology and Pharmacy backgrounds are also eligible to enrol in MSc Biotechnology.
Selection is either based on graduation merit or entrance exam scores.
Some universities require entrance exam qualification such as CUET-PG, ICAR AIEEA, IIT JAM, AP PGCET, JNU-CEEB.

MS Biotechnology: Admission Process

The admission process for MS Biotechnology varies among different colleges. Applicants are advised to check the admission guidelines and selection process of the chosen institute beforehand.

Here are the basic steps to follow to get admission in MS Biotechnology.

Visit the official admission portal of the institute.
Fill out an application form with required information like personal, qualification, and contact details.
Make registration payment and submit the application.
Appear in the entrance exam, if applicable.
Wait for the confirmation from university.

MS Biotechnology Top Colleges in India

There are very limited colleges offering MS Biotechnology in India. Colleges use MS Biotechnology and MSc Biotechnology interchangeably. Also, NIPER considers MS Biotechnology as MS (Pharm) Biotechnology. Hence, it is important to confirm the specialisation offered by a particular institute beforehand.

Name	Ranking	Selection based on	Avg. Course Fee (INR)
Moolji Jaitha College	-	Graduation + MJ CET merit	20,000
Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Studies - JNIAS	30 (research)	JAM merit	30,000
Assam Don Bosco University - ADBU	151-200 (overall)	DBU-PGET merit	1.3 lakhs
NIPER, Raebareli	14 (research)	GATE or NIPER JEE merit	2 lakhs
Sri Sathya Sai (Autonomous) College for Women	-	Graduation merit	50,000

MS Biotechnology Syllabus

MS Biotechnology involves a research project, publication, and thesis defense along with the fundamentals of life sciences.

The table below represents the syllabus of MS Biotechnology followed by NIPER, Raebareli.

Semester 1	Semester 2
Cell Biology Microbial Genetics Biochemistry Microbiology Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals Spectral Analysis Separation Techniques Biostatistics Seminar General Laboratory Experience	Molecular Biology Recombinant DNA Technology Immunology and Immunotechnology Analysis, Diagnostics and Cell Based Screening Sequence Analysis Seminar General Lab Experience in the Area of Specialization
Semester 3	Semester 4
Project Synopsis Presentation	Thesis

Job Prospects for MS Biotechnology

With an MS Biotechnology, one can explore diverse careers in research, regulatory affairs within the biopharmaceutical industry, healthcare, and academia.

Top job positions to consider in this field are research scientist, clinical research associate, and regulatory affairs specialist.

Those looking to extend their research project can further pursue PhD in Biotechnology.
Graduates seeking an academic career can prepare for competitive exams like SET or NET to secure positions in universities.
An average earning after MS Biotechnology is INR 8 to 15 LPA. Salaries depend on various factors like job roles, industry type, experience, and location.

Some of the well-paying jobs are tabulated below.

Job Position	Job Description	Avg. Salary (INR)
Clinical technician	They work in laboratories to collect and process research and medical specimens. They prepare laboratory equipment, set up appropriate testing conditions, sterilize and clean scientific tools, and prepare lab reports.	3 to 4 LPA
DNA analyst	DNA analysts collect DNA samples and conduct tests to gather genetic information. They compare DNA samples to determine familial relationships, genetic background, medical history and other details.	4 LPA
Forensic Scientist	They work with a forensic investigation team. Their job is to analyze the samples collected from the crime scene to provide scientific evidence in the court.	5 to 8 LPA
Product Manager	They work in drug manufacturing companies or clinical R&D centers. Their job is to manage production of various drugs or diagnostic kits by researching and developing new methods.	10 LPA
Professor	They teach UG and PG students in university/college and also conduct research. They have to publish research outcomes, review papers, and books while guiding PhD students.	10 to 18 LPA

MS Biotechnology Vs. M.Tech Biotechnology

MS Biotechnology and M.Tech Biotechnology differ in certain parameters like eligibility, career paths, and curriculum.

Parameters	MS Biotechnology	M.Tech Biotechnology
Focus	Course focus is basic science and research in biotechnology.	The major focus area is engineering and industrial applications of biotechnology.
Curriculum	It covers advanced topics in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and related fields.	It emphasizes process engineering, bioreactor design, bioprocess development, and instrumentation.
Career Paths	Research positions in academia, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech industries, as well as roles in quality control, regulatory affairs, and teaching.	Positions in biomanufacturing, process development, quality assurance, and industrial biotechnology.
Eligibility	Typically requires a BSc in Biotechnology or a related field.	It requires a B.Tech. in Biotechnology or a related engineering field.
Admission	Through graduation or entrance exam merit	Through GATE merit

FAQs

Can any BSc graduate do MS in Biotechnology?

No, graduates with physics and maths are not eligible for MS Biotechnology. Only those having Biology or Life Science majors in BSc are eligible to pursue this course.

Can a Mechanical Engineer do MS Biotechnology?

Generally, MS Biotechnology requires a sound knowledge in Biotech subjects. Therefore graduates with BSc Biotechnology or B.Tech Biotechnology are eligible to apply for MS Biotechnology. However, Mechanical Engineers can pursue the course if they undertake some foundational course in biology and chemistry to build a strong base for the program.

Which is better: MS Biotechnology or MSc Biotechnology?

MS is more research-focused, while MSc (Master of Science) is more broad and can lead to various career paths. Both deal with biotechnology principles with application in animal, plant, environmental, and industrial biotechnology. Thus, choosing a degree solely depends on an individual's career goal.

MS Biotechnology requires paper publication to complete the course?

Although MS Biotechnology is a research based course, it is not mandatory to have paper publication to complete the course. However, one needs to defend the thesis during the dissertation. Publishing papers would add extra credits to the scholar’s profile that further helps in enrolling for PhD.

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