Genetics is a specialised discipline and forms the basis for the medicine and healthcare fields. It is the study of genes, heredity and how traits are passed along generations. It is a crucial field in modern medicine and helps explain how different living organisms develop, function and adapt over time. Genetics plays a key role in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Genetics courses provide a clear understanding of how genes work and how the information is expressed. Some of the topics covered include DNA structure, genetic disorders, gene mapping, molecular biology, and genetic engineering. Students also learn about recent advancements in genetic research and their application in real life in diagnosing inherited diseases.
Students can study these courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate levels. It prepares the students for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and related industries. Due to increasing demand in areas such as personalised medicine and biotechnology, a career in genetics can be a great choice for students interested in science and innovation.
Genetics Courses- Highlights
Particulars
Values
Branch Name
Genetics
Degrees
BSc, MSc, Ph.D, DM, Diploma, PGD, BSc (Hons)
Duration
UG- 3 years PG- 2 years
Eligibility
UG- 10+2 in Science stream with 50 per cent aggregate score PG- Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline with 50 per cent aggregate score
Admission Process
Entrance exam/Merit-based
Entrance Examinations
NEET PG, NEET SS, IPU CET, INI CET
Course Fees
Rs. 27,500 to Rs. 4 Lakhs
Job Profiles
Geneticist, Genetic Counsellor, Research Scientist, Academic Researcher
Average Salary
Rs. 2.5 LPA
Top Recruiters
Tata Memorial Center, AIIMS, Indian Society of Cell biology, Delhi University, Bcs- Insilico biology, Apollo hospitals
Top Private Genetics Colleges in India
Private colleges are known for their state-of-the-art infrastructure, good educational facilities, and various amenities for the students. In the table below, we have discussed some of the popular private colleges in India along with their respective fee details.
Various students aspire to pursue their education in government colleges due to the quality of education and the nominal fee structure. In the following table, we will discuss some of the popular government Genetics colleges in India along with their respective fee structure.
The eligibility criteria is similar in most of the universities with a few variations. Candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria to get admissions at various institutions. If a candidate doesn’ satisfy the eligibility criteria, then his/her admission may get cancelled.
For Undergraduate Course in Genetics
The students must have passed 12th standard with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Some institutes conduct Entrance tests at their own level while others conduct entrance examinations at a national level. So, sometimes the aggregate percentage varies.
For Postgraduate course in Genetics
A candidate must score at least 60 percent aggregate marks in their graduation at respective disciplines.
A candidate should have done B.Sc. (General) or B.Sc. (Hons.) or any other equivalent undergraduate course in any branch of Biology/ Life sciences/ Paramedical sciences/ Chemical sciences/ Mathematical sciences/ Physical sciences/ Pharmacology.
Along with the aggregate marks at Graduation level, the entrance exams cut off also play an important role during the admission process.
Genetics Entrance Exams
Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)- It is a national level entrance exam that is conducted to get admissions in M.Sc. Genetics. A cut off is released, and accordingly, students are admitted.
Common Entrance Test of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University- The CET of HAU, Hisar is conducted in July. Students need to appear in the entrance examination, and then a merit list is prepared based on the cutoff of that year.
Merit-based/ Entrance based admissions- Calicut University, Dayanand Sagar University and Oxford College of Science offer B.Sc. Genetics courses. The admission criterion varies from one college to another. Some colleges conduct their own Entrance exams while others just allow admissions based on the merit at 10+2 level.
The recruitments in genetics are both from the private and public sector. However, the public sector acts as the dominant one. One can get jobs in various national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and also work as an animal breeder. Along with that, one can also apply in various educational institutions as an assistant professor or may even work on a project in government recognised labs.
Apart from that, there are innumerable private-sector job opportunities, including hospitals, pharmaceutical industries and genetic engineering industry. One can also work as a genetic counselor in various NGOs to assist families and individuals about many inherited disorders.
The course scope in India is already very popular, and in the near future, it will increase further at a greater pace. Even abroad, one can get high payable jobs along with pursuing the research work in various international labs.
Course Fees Genetics
Minimum Fees
Maximum Fees
Private
Government
Private
Government
UG
1.23 Lakhs
B.Sc. in Genetics at AWH Special College, Calicut
---
Data not available
6.88 Lakhs
B.Sc.(Hons) in Genetics at Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore
---
Data not available
PG
31.00 K
M.Sc. in Genetics at KP Higher Education Institute, Jhalwa
---
Data not available
7.18 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Genetics at Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal
2.73 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Genetics at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
DOCTORAL
---
Data not available
1.37 Lakhs
Ph.D in Genetics at College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad
66.00 Lakhs
D.M. in Genetics at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
2.56 Lakhs
Ph.D in Genetics at Prof Rajendra Singh University, Prayagraj
DIPLOMA
40.00 K
M.Sc. in Genetics at Dr GY Pathrikar College of Computer Science and Information Technology, Aurangabad
---
Data not available
3.50 Lakhs
Diploma in Genetics at Amity University, Noida
---
Data not available
Course Subjects
In this section, we will discuss the Genetics syllabus offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, candidates are advised to check the syllabus on the official website of the desired institute.
Genetics Syllabus for UG Courses
Discussed below is the BSc Genetics syllabus of Nizam University. Some of the subjects offered include Environmental Science, Gender Sensitisation, and Genetic Analysis in Model Organisms.
Semester 1
Environmental Science/Basic Computer Skills
English
Second Language
Optional-1
Optional-2
Optional-3
Semester 2
Gender Sensitization
English
Second Language
Optional-1
Optional-2
Optional-3
Semester 3
Cytogenetic Analysis
Genetic Analysis in Modern Organisms
English
Second Language
Optional-1
Optional 2
Optional 3
-
Semester 4
Biophysical and Molecular Biology techniques
DNA Technology in Health Care and Transgenics
English
Second Language
Optional-1
Optional-2
Optional-3
-
Semester 5
English
Second Language
Basic and Applied Genetics
Optional 1
Optional 2
Optional 3
Semester 6
Project in Genetics
English
Second Language
Optional 1
Optional 2
Optional 3
Genetics Syllabus for PG Courses
At the postgraduate level, the syllabus becomes more advanced and practical. In the table below, we have discussed the MSc Genetics syllabus offered by Delhi University.
Semester 1
Introduction to Genetics
Chromosomes, Genes, and Genomes
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Experiments in Genetics-1
-
Semester 2
Population's evolutionary and quantitative genetics
Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
Regulation of Gene Expression
Recombinant DNA Technology
Experiments in Genetics-2
Semester 3
Microbial Genetics
Human Genetics
Plant Genetics and Breeding
Plant Tissue Culture and Transgenic Technology
Experiments in Genetics-3
-
Semester 4
Developmental Biology and Immunology
Project Work
Careers in Genetics
As the population is increasing, so is the quest to explore our Human Genome. There are so many internationally and nationally recognised projects that are working to interpret various human genes and how they can be manipulated to serve the best to us. To satisfy various human needs, many genetically modified Crop projects have been initiated to come out with genetically improved varieties.
Other than industries, the act of imparting knowledge and working as a professor is also in high demand these days. Diversified work opportunities attract students out there. The future prospects of Genetics are quite well established for employment generation.
Upcoming trends
With a constant increase in awareness related to various health issues, people are getting more interested in this field to understand the biology of the bodies. Moreover, various Vaccination programmes are also based on studying the Genetics of a particular organism and pave the way in advance Research with special instruments. Be it public sector or private sector, this field has already reached the top position and will remain so because of increasing human population and the need to resolve various complexities.
Genetics can be integrated with different fields and can do wonders for mankind. Some of the fields that can work with the integrative approach with Genetics are mentioned below.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Modified Crops (GMO)
Cell biology
Biostatics
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Genetics as a discipline is widely explored in different areas such as Animal Breeding industries, educational institutions, horticulture sector, healthcare centres and agricultural firms, forensic departments, biotechnology, and pharmacy industries. The most interesting point is the diversification in job profiles; one can work at Educational institutes, in labs pursuing research, in the pharmaceutical industries and even in the agricultural sector. Due to its wide diversification in job profiles, it won’t lead to a monotonous life and helps to gain further exposure to widen our skills.
A Forensic Scientist analyses various forensic elements from a crime scene and then provides evidence by compiling many reports.
Genetic Counselor
A Genetic Counsellor provides information and assists family and health centres about the risk of inheriting various disorders.
Biotech Sales Engineer
A Biotech Sales Engineer ensures high quality of Genetic Engineering and collaborates with different brands by analysing their biotech products.
Assistant professor
An Assistant Professor assists the professor and teaches students at the Graduate level. He also pursues research in further division of Genetics.
Cytogenetic Technologist
A Cytogenetic Technologist analyses the body fluids, blood, tissue and other genetic materials to find out the presence of Genetic diseases using a microscope and Medical imaging apparatus.
Animal Breeder
An Animal Breeder works in order to improve the certain characters in animals and also develops new breeds, keeping existing traits in mind.
Genetic Laboratory Technician
A Genetic Laboratory Technician works in the Genetics lab and makes sure to check the sterility and cleanliness of the apparatus that are used to conduct research.
Top Recruiters
Tata Memorial Centre
AIIMS
Indian Society of Cell Biology
Delhi University
Bcs- Insilico biology
Apollo hospitals
Indian Council of Medical Research
DNA Labs India
Data Cancer Genetics Limited
MapMyGenome and other testing Genetics companies
Indian Agriculture Research Institute
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
Average Salary
Discussed below are the salaries offered in different job roles in Genetics. The average salary differs depending on various factors such as the skills and experience of the graduate, the location of work, and the stature of the firm. In the table below, we have discussed the average salary of some of the popular job roles.
Job Profile
Average Salary
Forensic Scientist
Rs. 5.3 LPA
Genetic Counselor
Rs. 4.7 LPA
Biotech Sales Engineer
Rs. 3.3 LPA
Assistant Professor
Rs. 5.8 LPA
Cytogenetic Technologist
Rs. 2.7 LPA
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Required Skillset for Genetics
Recruiters basically look for various common skills while recruiting the Genetics experts. This field being diverse emphasizes on various skill sets. Some of them are mentioned below.
Good Communication Skills
Knowledge of Basic Concepts
Teamwork
Time Management
Course Curriculum for Genetics
The course offers B.Sc. degree in various reputed colleges. It is a full time course with a duration of 3 years that offers theoretical knowledge along with conducting various projects. It has an overall six semesters in the entire course. However, many students prefer to go for higher studies to further increase employment opportunities. Many entrance tests are being conducted by various Universities for the residential Master level degree. It is for 2 years with 4 semesters. In the final year, one has to do the thesis work that gives some insights about how Research actually takes place.
To quench the desire of doing Research, some of the students also get enrolled in various PhD programmes by appearing in National Eligibility Test (NET)
Question: Is it possible to do research side by side along with teaching?
Answer :
Yes, it is absolutely possible. Many students even do that. You can appear in the National Eligibility Entrance Test, and you can work as an Assistant Professor in any reputed College, side by side you can also pursue research in your favourite aspects of Genetics.
Question: Isn’t working in the Forensic Department quite tedious?
Answer :
It completely depends on one’s interest. If you are truly passionate to work in the Forensic Department, then you will never get bored and even exhausted. The working hours are quite similar to other fields of Genetics, so it isn’t tedious provided you are genuinely interested.
Question: Can humanities students apply for Genetics course?
Answer :
It is to be noted that students with the background in biological sciences/ life sciences/ pharmacology/ chemical sciences/ physical sciences can only apply. So, humanities students can’t apply for further studies in Genetics as it needs basic conceptual knowledge of the key aspects of Genetics.
Question: What would be the future prospects of Genetics in India?
Answer :
Even today, Genetics, as a field, has gained tremendous recognition because of its wide usage in studying complex organisms. In the near future, the job prospects of Genetics will keep growing in India as well as abroad.
Question: What is the duration of work in the field of Genetics?
Answer :
It completely depends on the kind of job profile that one is working in. However, it’s more or less similar with some variations in different institutes. It’s approximately 7-8 hours per day. Even side by side, one can also pursue teaching as a career.
Yes, an MSc in Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Genetics is a good option after a BSc MLT because it's a growing field with strong career prospects in the booming fertility sector, such as becoming an embryologist or IVF lab manager.
Hello, Yes, you definitely have a chance of getting admission with an All India Rank of 1990 (UR), but it will be highly competitive for a top-demand subject like Genetics and Plant Breeding (GPB).
You are unlikely to secure a seat in the premier institutes (like IARI or top-tier State Agricultural Universities) in the first or second rounds. However, your best opportunity will be in the final and mop-up rounds of counselling. Seats frequently become vacant as other candidates upgrade or accept state quota admissions.
Your strategy must be to apply for every single university offering GPB during the choice-filling process, including newer or more remote colleges, to maximize your probability. You should also consider filling in choices for related subjects like Plant Biotechnology or Seed Science & Technology, where your rank would give you a much stronger chance of admission.
I hope you found this information helpful and for any study related queries you can ask in careers360 app, Have a great day!
If you’re a PCMB student interested in Genetics and Biosciences research, you can go for B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, or Life Sciences. After that, pursue M.Sc. and PhD for a research career.
Here I List out some top Government Colleges:
Delhi University (Miranda House, Hindu College, Daulat Ram College)
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
IISERs (all campuses)
AIIMS (for Biomedical/Biosciences research)
University of Hyderabad
Entrance Exams: CUET-UG, IISER Aptitude Test, BHU UET, or institute-level tests.
Focus on Biology and Chemistry to get into top research-oriented programs.
That’s a great and forward-thinking career goal. Clinical Genetics is a specialized field, and you are right, not many institutes in India offer a direct MD in Genetics. Most students take an MD in Pediatrics or Internal Medicine first, then super-specialize in Genetics. If you’re aiming abroad, countries like the US, UK, or Canada offer structured residency and fellowship programs in Medical Genetics. You’ll likely need to clear exams like USMLE, PLAB, or MCCQE, depending on the country. Meanwhile, try to do research, electives, or internships in genetics-related areas. It’ll strengthen your profile and help confirm your interest.
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