Genetic Engineering Courses: Career, Colleges and Salary

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Genetic engineering is a part of modern genetics that is used at a worldwide level for different purposes. It is a combination of different technologies and scientific concepts with which scientists can change the genetic data, like DNA, of a naturally occurring cell to make it commercially viable.

Also called genetic manipulation, it allows humans to take complete control over the genetic material of any organism. Although currently it is mostly being used to modify the genes of vegetables to make them more resistant to insects and going bad, it can be used in the near future once we have enough knowledge about genes to write out genetic conditions like diabetes, increased chances of blood pressure, or even cancer and hundreds and thousands of other genetic conditions.

Genetic engineering is a relatively new and little investigated subject of science all over the world, but with the increasing progress in science and technology, the course is present in almost every major science university. The B.Tech in Genetic Engineering program works with different types of challenges connected to the medical field, agricultural, and industrial usage. The produced organisms are utilized for several elements, such as raising output, quality enhancement, mineral addition, and hormone manufacturing.

Genetic Engineering Courses In India

Courses Duration Fees
B.Tech in Genetic Engineering
4 years
INR 1.5-5 lakhs/year
M.Sc in Genetic Engineering
2 years
INR 1-3 lakhs/year
Ph.D in Genetic Engineering
3-5 years
INR 50,000-1 lakh/year
Diploma in Genetic Engineering ology (IIT) Kharagpur
2 years
INR 1-2 lakhs/course
Certificate Course in Genetic Engineering
6 months-1 year
INR 50,000-1 lakh/course

Genetic Engineering Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG)

For Undergraduates:

  • Pass in class 12th or comparable examination from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 50-60%, depending on the institute.
  • Biology, Chemistry, and Physics must have been studied in class 12th.
  • Mathematics is necessary at various institutes.
  • Entrance exam scores may be necessary for admission to specific institutes.

For Postgraduates:

  • Aspirants must have a bachelor’s degree in genetic engineering with at least 50–60% marks from a reputable institute.
  • The most common foundation for admission into genetic courses is the national-level entrance exam scores or the in-house exams of the university based on the requirements of the specific college (university).
Biocon1

Biocon is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in India and a great career choice for genetic engineers; Image Courtesy: thehindubusinessline.com

Career and Job Prospects

In India, there are several sectors that give employment to genetic engineers and professionals so a career in genetic engineering is promising.

  • Medical Industry
  • Agricultural sector
  • Research and Development Departments of Government, Semi-Government and Private Sectors.
  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries

These industries offer the best career opportunities to genetic engineers and professionals with handsome salaries apart from other perks and benefits.

Applications  Forms Now Available


  • Apply to VIT‘s Engineering Program
  • Apply to IIIT, Hyderabad

Salary Package

The salary of genetic engineers is generally high as compared to other frontier branches of engineering and science. A fresh graduate in genetic engineering can get monthly salary between Rs 30, 000 – Rs 35, 000. The pay-package in foreign countries is very high as compared to India.

There are many Indian and multinational companies in biotech sector located in India and abroad offering quite good employment opportunities to genetic engineering professionals and scientists.

Salaries earned by professionals in these firms generally range from Rs.20, 000 to 30,000 per month. However, in the USA and European countries pay package is much higher due to complexity of job and shortage of trained professionals.

Genetic engineering professionals working in government laboratories and research centres get good salary apart from other perks and benefits.

One can also work in research labs located in foreign countries which provide huge remuneration as compared to India.

SRM20University1

SRM University in Chennai, Tamil Nadu is one of the top ranked universities for engineering courses including genetic engineering; Image Courtesy: pracharwala.com

Top 9 Colleges/Institutes for Genetic Engineering 2017

RankCollege/InstituteState
1SRM University ChennaiTamil Nadu
2Bharath University ChennaiTamil Nadu
3Aryabhatta Knowledge University PatnaBihar
4Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research B’loreKarnataka
5Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University JaipurRajasthan
6Bharath Institute of Science and Technology ChennaiTamil Nadu
7Indian Institute of Science B’loreKarnataka
8Kuvempu UniversityKarnataka
9Madurai Kamaraj UniversityTamil Nadu

Source: engineering.careers360.com

State Wise List of Engineering Colleges