Microbiologists study microorganisms to understand their behaviour and impact on health and environment, and to develop various applications. To become a microbiologist, candidates are required to clear class 12 with PCB from a recognised board and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field. They can apply for entry-level jobs with a bachelor’s degree but a master’s degree can better career opportunities with higher positions.
The Salary of Microbiologists varies according to the experience and expertise that they develop by working for years. The average salary of a microbiologist in India is INR 4.40 LPA. The starting salary of a microbiologist is around INR 2.40 LPA with the highest salary being INR 19.60 LPA.
Candidates can become microbiologists by pursuing different Microbiology Courses. Some of the top courses include BSc Microbiology, BTech Industrial Microbiology, MSc Microbiology and MSc Industrial Microbiology. There are also short-term diploma and certificate courses for students who do not wish to enrol in full-time courses. Microbiology courses are offered by many colleges in India. MCC, St. Xavier’s College and Fergusson College are some of the best colleges for microbiology education. GATE, AMUEEE and BITSAT are some of the exams for admission into top colleges for microbiology education.
How to Become a Microbiologist: Quick Facts
Eligibility | Class 12 with PCB |
Qualifications | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology |
Starting Salary (INR) | INR 1 LPA |
Average Salary (INR) | INR 2.4 LPA |
Highest Salary (INR) | INR 4.6 LPA |
Top Recruiters | Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Alchem International, Metropolis Healthcare, Sun Pharma, Biocon |
Eligibility to Become a Microbiologist
Candidates are required to fulfil certain eligibility criteria and education to become a microbiologist in India. The standard eligibility criteria are as follows.
- For admission into a bachelor’s degree, the candidates are required to have class 12 cleared with PCB as subjects from a recognised board. They should score a minimum of 50% marks.
- For admission into master’s degrees, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field from a recognised university with 50% marks.
- Many colleges also take admission on the basis of entrance exams.
- A strong understanding of microbiology concepts, laboratory techniques, research and methodology can also be helpful in getting microbiologist jobs.
Qualifications to Become a Microbiologist
To become a microbiologist in India, candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Some general qualifications that are required for microbiologists include.
- Education - A bachelor’s degree in microbiology is the minimum qualification required to become a microbiologist in India. Candidates with degrees from related fields and specialisation in microbiology are also accepted in many cases.
- Entrance Exam - Many colleges give admission on the basis of entrance exams. GATE, CSIR NET and UGC NET are some of the commonly accepted exams.
Steps to Become a Microbiologist
Becoming a microbiologist is a multi-step process in India which starts from class 12. The general steps are explained in the following points.
- Clear class 12: Candidates should clear class 12 with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised board. They should have PCB as their main subject.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree in microbiology is the minimum qualification required to become a microbiologist in India. Candidates can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in related fields like biotechnology, molecular biology and biochemistry. A bachelor’s degree makes candidates eligible for entry-level positions.
- Earn a master’s degree: A master’s degree is highly recommended for better career growth and advancement. Most of the research positions ask applicants to have a master’s degree. Candidates can pursue a master’s in general microbiology or they can go for specialisation like industrial microbiology, environmental microbiology and agricultural microbiology.
- Enrol in an internship: Candidates get to learn and understand the proper working of a laboratory and its processes through an internship. Internship teaches valuable skills and makes candidates job ready. Candidates can apply for internships at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
- Qualify for entrance exams: Though admissions for most colleges are done on the basis of merit, there are many top colleges that take admissions through entrance exams. Candidates targeting top colleges should qualify for exams like GATE and NET for admissions. These exams also help in securing research positions in research institutes.
Microbiology Courses
There are many general and specialised microbiology courses that can be pursued by candidates aspiring to become microbiologists in India. BSc Microbiology, BTech Industrial Microbiology, MSc Microbiology and MSc Industrial Microbiology are some of the top courses.
The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.
Parameters | BSc Microbiology | BTech Industrial Microbiology | MSc Microbiology |
---|---|---|---|
Eligibility | Class 12 with PCB | Class 12 with PCB | Graduate degree in microbiology or related courses |
Entrance Exams | AMUEEE, LPUNEST, HPU MAT, IISc | JEE, VITEEE, SRMJEE, WBJEE | BITSAT, DUET PG, TISS NET |
Top Colleges | NIMS University, Madras Christian College, Mount Carmel College, Ethiraj College | DAVV, Periyar University, University of Kerala, Annamalai University | DAVV, St Xaviers, Fergusson College, JMI, St. Joseph’s University |
Course Fees | INR 20,000 - INR 2L | INR 1 L - INR 4.50 L | INR 30,000 - INR 1.5 L |
Average Salary (INR) | INR 3 - INR 5 LPA | INR 4 - INR 10 LPA | INR 7 LPA |
Top Recruiters | Cipla, Novartis, Lupin, Sun Pharma, The Himalaya Drug Company | Mascot International, Siron Technology Pvt. Ltd, Alpha Pharma Healthcare India Private Limited, Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd | Mascot International, Siron Technology Pvt. Ltd, Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd, Panacea Biotec Limited, Serum Institute of India. |
Entrance Exams
There are many entrance exams for candidates aspiring to be microbiologists in India. GATE, AMUEEE, LPUNEST and BITSAT are some of the most popular exams. The details for some of the top exams are mentioned in the following table.
Entrance Exams | Application Deadlines | Exam Dates | Result Declaration |
---|---|---|---|
GATE | August 31 – October 12, 2023 | February 3,4,10 & 11, 2024 | March 16, 2024 |
AMUEEE | February 9 – March 30, 2024 | May 21 – 31, 2024 | June 2024 |
BITSAT |
Phase 1: Last week of January – 2nd week of April, 2024 Phase 2: 3rd week of May – 1st week of June, 2024 |
Phase 1: 3rd week of May, 2024 Phase 2: 2nd week of June, 2024 |
Phase 1: To be notified Phase 2: |
Top Microbiology Colleges
There are many colleges in India that offer courses in microbiology. MCC, St. Xavier’s College and Fergusson College are some of the best colleges for microbiology. The details for top microbiology colleges are mentioned n the table below.
Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Fees (INR) |
---|---|---|
Madras Christian College (MCC) | Chennai | 88,857 |
Fergusson College | Pune | 63,060 |
St. Xavier’s College | Kolkata | 1.68 L |
St. Xavier’s College | Mumbai | 15,674 |
St. Joseph’s College (SJC) | Bangalore | 1.15 L |
PSG College of Arts and Science | Coimbatore | 10,000 |
PD Patel College of Applied Sciences (PDPIAS) | Anand | 80,000 |
Ramnarian Ruia Autonomous College | Mumbai | 35,095 |
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University | New Delhi | 8,000 |
Skills Required to Become a Microbiologist
Microbiologists are required to have a specific set of skills to excel in research, laboratory work and other aspects of the field. Some of the top skills that a microbiologist should have are tabulated below.
Strong Scientific Knowledge | Laboratory Techniques | Data Analysis and Interpretation |
Research Methodology | Culturing | Critical Thinking |
Attention to Detail | Time Management | Ethical Conduct |
Benefits of Becoming a Microbiologist
Becoming a microbiologist can offer several benefits for candidates interested in the field. Some of the top benefits include.
- Contribution to science and healthcare - By conducting research and making new discoveries, microbiologists contribute to the development of new treatments, vaccines and diagnostic tools.
- Diverse Opportunities - Microbiology has many sub-fields allowing candidates a range of career opportunities in academia, research, government institutions, pharma companies, biotechnology firms, food industries and healthcare facilities.
- Global Impact - Microbiologists can contribute to global challenges like climate change, tackling diseases, sustainable agriculture practices and antimicrobial resistance.
- Good compensation - Microbiology is still in the developing phase in India and thus provides candidates with opportunities to grab positions with good pay.
- Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work - Microbiologists often collaborate with professionals from different fields leading to new breakthroughs and opportunities for professional growth.
Salary of a Microbiologist
The average annual salary of a microbiologist in India is INR 2.4 LPA. The highest salary that a microbiologist is earning in India is INR 4.6 LPA with the starting salary being INR 1 LPA. The salaries for different microbiology designations are mentioned in the following table.
Designations | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|
QC Microbiologist | 2.4 L |
Junior Microbiologist | 2 L |
Senior Microbiologist | 3.8 L |
Consultant Microbiologist | 12 L |
Microbiology Technician | 2.3 L |
Microbiology Professor/Lecturer | 2.7 L |
Biotechnologist | 2.6 L |
How to Become a Microbiologist: FAQs
Ques. What educational qualifications are required to become a microbiologist in India?
Ans. Candidates generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field to become a microbiologist in India. A master’s degree is often preferred for advanced positions and research opportunities.
Ques. What skills are important for a career in microbiology?
Ans. Skills like laboratory techniques, data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication, apart from a strong foundation in microbiology concepts are crucial for a successful career in microbiology.
Ques. What are the career prospects for microbiologists in India?
Ans. Microbiologists in India can work at research and development laboratories, academic institutions, government agencies, pharma companies, food industries, environmental organisations, biotechnology firms and healthcare facilities.
Ques. Are there any professional associations for microbiologists in India?
Ans. Microbiologists Society India, the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM), the Association of Microbiologists of India (AMI), the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) and the Society for Applied Biotechnology (SAB) are some of the top microbiology professional associations in India.
Ques. What are the prospects for higher education and research in microbiology in India?
Ans. Several universities and research institutes in India have well-established microbiology facilities. Candidates can pursue PhD programs allowing them to engage in advanced research and contribute to scientific knowledge in specialised areas.
Ques. Name cities that are paying the most to microbiologists in India.
Ans. Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad are some of the top-paying cities for microbiologists in India.
Ques. Which is the best city for microbiologists in India?
Ans. With an average pay of INR 3.2 LPA, Bangalore is the best city for microbiologists in India.
Ques. What are the top-paying industries for microbiologists?
Ans. Beverage, Healthcare, Food Processing, FMGC and Pharma are some of the top-paying industries for microbiologists in India.
Ques. What is the monthly earning of a microbiologist in India?
Ans. A microbiologist earns between INR 16,433 to INR 18,124 per month in India.
Ques. Name some top recruiters of microbiologists in India.
Ans. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Alchem International, Metropolis Healthcare, Sun Pharma, and Biocon are some of the top recruiters of microbiologists in India.
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