Updated on Mar 11, 2025
Dharti Bhadla
MSc Genetics: Course Details, Colleges, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary
MSc Genetics is a specialized postgraduate programme for 2 years in the domain of Human, Animal, Plant, and Microbial Genomes. This programme focuses on fundamentals of genetic material in organisms, hereditary principles, genetic diseases, and types of mutation in genes or chromosomes.
- Eligibility for MSc Genetics is qualified UG degree in Genetic studies or equivalent biology domain
- Course fees in private institutes are higher as compared to that of government colleges.
- The average course fee ranges between INR 5000 to 20,000 for government colleges while INR 2 to 5 LPA for self-finance institutes.
- Those who wish to opt for academic career or research in genome 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.
- After, MSc in Genetics one can go abroad for higher studies in Genetics i.e. PhD Genetics as there is a great scope for a research career.
MSc Genetics: Course Details
Genetics is a study about genes inside the cells of organisms. MSc in Genetic is a n advanced course to study 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.
MSc Genetics is mandatory to study for those who seek jobs in academic or research fields. The course can be pursued by qualifying BSc in Genetics, or other biological disciplines like Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Zoology, Botany,or Biochemistry.
It involves laboratory experimentations and practical training on cells, DNA, RNA, Sequencing techniques, etc.
| 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 lPA |
| Average Salary | INR 2 lakhs to 8 lacs |
| Job Positions | Senior Scientific Officer, Technical Assistant Associate Professor Sales & Marketing Executive, Principal Plant Breeder, etc |
Why MSc Genetics
MSc 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 utilizing genetic approaches.
- It ensures high paying jobs in academia, biotech industries, research and development industry, diagnostic lab, and 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 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
Eligibility to take admission in MSc Genetics is minimum 50-55% marks in 10+2+3 from a recognized university.
- Student with UG degree in any biological branch is eligible to apply in MSc Genetics
- 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
To take admission in MSc Genetics, candidates should visit the official website of the college or university of choice. The admission process, selection criteria and guidelines are given on their admission portal.
The MSc Genetics Admission process varies among the government and private institutes. However, the basic online application process is given below.
- Register or create an account on the official portal.
- Fill out the application form with necessary details like persona, qualification, and contact information.
- Upload the supporting documents like identity proof, marksheets, UG certificate, etc.
- Pay the registration fees.
- Appear in exam and interviews, if applicable.
- Wait for the cut-off release and confirmation from the university.
MSc Genetics Syllabus
The course emphasizes on developing thorough understanding of genomes in different level creatures from virus to humans. Here is the general syllabus for MSc Genetics, designed by Sardar Patel University, as per UGC recommendations.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Cell and Molecular Biology | Biostatistics and Bioinformatics |
| Fundamentals of Genetics | Cytogenetics |
| Bioanalytical Techniques | Recombinant DNA Technology |
| Laboratory 1 | Laboratory 1 |
| Laboratory 2 | Laboratory 2 |
| Viva Assessment | Viva Assessment |
| Esse | Population and Evolutionary Genetics |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| 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 Best Colleges in India
There are many government and private universities/colleges offering MSc with specialization in Genetics. Some of the well known colleges are mentioned below.
| NIRF Ranks | College/University Name | Location | Average annual course fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) #37 (Research Institutions) | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | New Delhi | 7,275 |
| - | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology | Kolkata | 60,000 |
| #6 (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) #49 (State Public University) #84 (University) | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) | Coimbatore | INR 16,700 |
| #96 (Overall) #55 (University) | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | 66,667 |
| #26 (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) | Hyderabad | 10,920 |
| 26 (Overall) | University of Calcutta | Kolkata | 7,058 |
| - | Sardar Patel University | Anand | 20,000 |
| 74 (Pharmacy) | Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology | Kolkata | 1,23,000 |
MSc Genetics Vs. MSc Molecular Biology
MSc in Genetics is the course providing in-depth learning about fundamentals of genes of an organisms while MSc Molecular Biology covers the biological molecules of an organisms 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 specialized course which deals with the studies of a living organism at their genetic level. It is focused on genetic disease, gene mutations, gene editing, and cytogenetics | A specialized course dealing with biological molecules of organisms. It is focused on DNA, RNA, Protein structure, synthesis, functions, abnormalities, repair mechanism etc. |
| Course Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Average Salary | INR 2 to 8 LPA | INR 3 to 7 LPA |
| Similarity | Masters qualification with in-depth knowledge of human genes and functions | |
| Difference | Specialization in particular techniques and concepts. MSc Genetics is only about genes and breeding whereas MSc Molecular Biology is a broad subject involving genetic materials, protein, cells, and diseases in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes | |
MSc Genetics Jobs, Salary & Future Scope
MSc Genetics offers diverse scope for jobs in India as well foreign countries. One can choose to study further and obtain a PhD degree for academic or research career. On the other hand, one can pursue B.Ed to teach students in school 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, job roles, and 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 the collection and analyses 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 to utilize their knowledge to treat and guide patients with hereditary ailment or disorders. | 5 LPA |
| Teaching Assistant/Assistant Professor | To teach BSc and MSc students in college or university. To conduct lab experiments and research with grad students. To publish research outputs and contributions in the institute's growth. | 4 to 6 LPA |
| Genetic Consultant/ Counsellor | They are experts in understanding genetic makeup of an organism hence advise and guide the couple for potential defects of genes in their next generations. They also guide to undertake 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 MSc Genetics?
Yes, MSc Genetics involves studying DNA profiling and sequencing of DNA that 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 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 MSc 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, 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 this course?
For MSc Genetics, exams are conducted at the end of each semester by the university. For practical exams, universities follow continuous evaluation as per the UGC Recommendations.
Ques.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.
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