MSc Molecular Biology: Course Details, Colleges, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary in India

MSc Molecular Biology is a postgraduate course that can be pursued after UG with a biological branch like BSc Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, etc.

The course duration is 2 years with dissertation and internship in the final semester.

Admission in MSc Molecular Biology is generally merit based. Candidates have to qualify an entrance exam or interview conducted by universities.

• The course focuses on imparting knowledge of biological molecules of organisms.
• The major takeaways of MSc Molecular Biology are understanding of building blocks of the living body.
• Average course fee ranges from INR 10,000 to 25,000 for government institutes and INR 2 to 4 Lacs for private institutes.
• MSc Molecular Biology opens the door for research and academic careers with well reputed positions around the globe.
• In India, one can expect the initial earnings around INR 3 to 9 LPA after completing MSc Molecular Biology.

MSc Molecular Biology: Course Highlights

• MSc in Molecular Biology deals with structure and function of molecules in living organisms. It covers the fundamentals of basic building blocks of our body i.e. DNA, RNA, and Protein. The course emphasizes learning of the Central Dogma process.
• Molecular biology combines biology, chemistry, genetics aspects, and developmental biology.
• Hands-on training is the major benefit of the MSc Molecular Biology course. It trains students to isolate, quantify, and visualize the DNA, RNA, and Protein. Techniques involved in this practical aspect are Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, SDS PAGE, Genomic DNA, RNA isolation by PCI, PCR, etc.

Why Pursue MSc Molecular Biology

MSc Molecular Biology is an emerging field in medical research. Vaccine research, Drug discovery, Breeding, Genetic engineering, Cancer research, etc demands expertise in molecular biology techniques.

Since these techniques deal with micro and nano sized molecules, it requires precision, and high concentration while working. MSc Molecular Biology trains students for developing these skills with hands-on practical sessions.

• It offers wide opportunities in research and development sectors around the globe.
• One can work in academia as Assistant Professor after completing MSc Molecular Biology.
• Initial salary for such positions are 4 to 5 LPA in India.
• After MSc Molecular Biology, one can also work in a forensic lab or own diagnostic lab.

MSc Molecular Biology Eligibility

Eligibility for MSc in Molecular Biology is BSc in any biological subject from a UGC recognized university. Some universities consider UG merit while many universities conduct entrance exams and personal interviews.

• Minimum 50% aggregate marks in UG and entrance exam is required.
• Candidates with other equivalent UG degrees like Bachelor in Pharmacy, Agriculture, Dental Science etc can also apply for this course.

MSc Molecular Biology Admission Process

The MSc Molecular Biology admission process varies among the government and private colleges. Government universities conduct their own entrance exam and subsequent interview rounds. For private institutions, they may consider UG merit and call for either counselling or personal interview.

Candidates are advised to go through the admission guidelines and selection process of the university of their choice beforehand.

Basic steps to apply for MSc Molecular Biology as follows.

1. Visit the official admission portal of the university/college.
2. Fill out the application form with required information.
3. Upload the supportive documents such as ID proof, Marksheets, etc.
4. Pay the registration fees.
5. Appear in entrance exam and interview, if applicable.
6. Wait for the merit/cut-off release and university confirmation letter.

MSc Molecular Biology Best Colleges

It is important to note that specialization in molecular biology is not offered by many universities across the country. Those who offer MSc in Life Science courses include some aspects of molecular biology. However, there are certain institutes that provide specialization in molecular biology for MSc qualification.

Some of the best colleges/universities are tabulated below.

MSc Molecular Biology Syllabus

MSc in Molecular Biology involves both theoretical and practical learnings of biological molecules in living organisms. The course comprises electives, interdisciplinary subjects, internships, and dissertation in the final semester. Additionally, it involves studying immunology, basics of DNA, RNA, Protein, History of molecular biology, Applications of molecular biology techniques, etc.

The table below represents MSc Molecular Biology syllabus followed by Guru Nanak Dev University.

MSc Molecular Biology Vs. MSc Biotechnology

MSc Molecular Biology and MSc Biotechnology are both Master Level qualifications and offer similar opportunities for jobs. They only differ in the range of concepts they cover in the curriculum.

• MSc in Molecular Biology is a specialized course that provides in-depth understanding of basic biological and chemical processes inside the living body. 
• MSc Biotechnology, on the other hand, is a broad specialization that involves other subjects along with molecular biology. For instance, Cell biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics, Analytical Techniques, Industrial Biotechnology, Forensic Biotechnology, Environment Biotechnology etc.
• MSc Molecular Biology is narrowed down to certain techniques in the biotechnology field. Therefore, the future scope becomes quite specific, unlike MSc Biotechnology.
• One can study certain basic concepts of molecular biology while pursuing MSc Biotechnology.

MSc Molecular Biology Jobs & Salary in India

• MSc Molecular Biology ensures well reputed jobs in diverse sectors such as Biomedical research, Academia, Biotech or Pharma Industries, Forensic lab etc.
• One can pursue PhD in Vaccine research, Cancer research, Genetic, etc. after completing MSc in Molecular Biology.
• Those who are not sure about PhD but wish to explore research field, can join as Junior Research Fellow or Research Associate in Government-funded projects.
• Those looking for a government job can prepare for competitive exams like SET, NET, UPSC etc to secure positions in government universities or laboratories.

Some job profiles and initial average salary as per current government pay scale policy and market trend are given below. The earnings typically depend on the job role, responsibilities, position, type of industry, and location.

• Research Associate: INR 2 to 3 LPA
• Assistant Professor: INR 4 to 5 LPA
• Teaching Assistant: INR 2 to 4 LPA
• Junior Research Fellow: INR 2 to 4 LPA
• Forensic Lab Technician: INR 3 to 5 LPA
• QA/QC executive: INR 4 to 8 LPA
• Business Development Associate: 5 to 9 LPA

MSc Molecular Biology FAQs