AIIMS Delhi
- Exams: INI CET
Microbiology
Degrees offered: B.A., B.Sc M.Sc, B.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons), B.Voc., BS, D.M.
What is Microbiology
Microbiology courses deal with the study of all microscopic living organisms. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. Patient learners have a good career in microbiology. Because in life-science degrees students must keep going till PhD to get a good job. We find microbiology in fields like pharmacy, medicine, clinical research, nanotechnology, agriculture, dairy industry and chemical technology. Its use in various fields is raising its demand.
Work or study of microbiologists is interesting as it involves laboratory, computers and fieldwork at times. Microbiologists acquire sublime knowledge about diseases hence do not have the common man’s point of view on diseases. Also, microbiologists contribute to saving lives. They research and find ways to thwart diseases. A career as a microbiologist can be in research and non-research fields.
Eligibility to pursue a degree in microbiology is simple. Many universities offer Microbiology courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Microbiology courses focus on the diversity and activity of microorganisms in their surroundings. The spread of illness is monitored, and the perfect solution is then developed by microbiologists.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Microbiology
For undergraduate level
The candidate must have passed 12th standard with 50 per cent marks (minimum) in science. Some colleges take admission based on scores obtained in qualifying exams.
Some colleges take admissions on a national level, institute level or state level entrance exam. Scholarships are available for students belonging to reserved categories and economically weak sections.
For postgraduate level
B.Sc in a relevant field is required. A minimum of 50 per cent marks in the qualifying examination is essential.
Minimum marks to pass the entrance exam must be obtained. Some universities require this entrance exam score.
Few universities accept students with valid scores in - GATE/JEE/JEST/GMAT.
Microbiology Entrance Examination
The Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) Entrance Exam- Candidates have to fulfil certain conditions to write the IISc exam. Students should have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics as main subjects. A first-class grade/60 per cent in a qualifying examination is essential. Those who apply for undergraduate degrees must possess valid JEE Main, KVPY scores. For postgraduate, candidates should have valid scores in GATE/CEED/CAT/GMAT/JEST. Integrated PhD program requires a postgraduate degree in the relevant field.
University of Calicut Microbiology Entrance Exam- Calicut University offers Postgraduate Microbiology courses in various fields. Microbiology requires 10, 12 with 55 per cent marks or equivalent grade in microbiology. Applications can be filled online through CAP (Centralized Admission Process.)
Assam University Microbiology Entrance Exam- To appear for the Assam university entrance exam, the candidate must possess minimum 45 per cent marks. The mode of examination is offline. After clearing the written exams, students are called for an interview. Final results are based on scores in the written test, graduation score and performance in the interview.
Goa University Microbiology Entrance Exam- Admission is based on scores obtained in the university entrance exam, Goa University Admission Ranking Test (GU-ART) in Microbiology courses. Applications are sent online. Eligibility for the entrance exam is 45 per cent marks in 10 and 12 classes.
Lovely Professional University Microbiology Entrance Exam - B.Sc in Lovely Professional Institute demands 60 per cent marks in 10, +2 with Mathematics, Science and English as subjects. Other than this, merit in the qualifying examination is required. For postgraduate Microbiology courses, 60 per cent marks in bachelor’s degree are needed with merit in qualifying examination.
Mahatma Gandhi University Microbiology Entrance Exam- 55 per cent in bachelor’s degree is essential to appear for Postgraduate entrance exam in Mahatma Gandhi University. CAT-MGU (Common Admission Test) in Mahatma Gandhi University must be cleared.
Scope of Microbiology in India and Abroad
Microbiology is a massive domain with a wide variety of options. The specializations are too many. It’s left to the candidate to choose his/her specialization. Bacteriology, virology, immunology, medical microbiology, food and dairy microbiology are popular areas worldwide.
Microbiologists ensure the food we eat is safe and provide solutions to tackle diseases that kill humans. Microbiology is a major contributor to biotechnology. The range of jobs available to microbiologists is huge as their work is. Many medical and biotech companies invite microbiologists to join them. In abroad, microbiology post studies are done after passing GRE and TOEFL.
Post-doctoral studies abroad have high recognition and yield good pay. Multinational companies, multi-speciality hospitals, food industries, chemical and cosmetic industries hire microbiologists. Research-based career suits candidates with a postgraduate and doctoral degree. Another interesting career in microbiology is a marine microbiologist.
Marine microbiologists work on organisms from the seas and oceans. They work in the field and lab as well. Those who conduct literature searches that are good in the evaluation are suitable. Microbiologists are well-versed in working as a team.
Course Fees Microbiology
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
6.21 K
B.Sc.(Hons) in Microbiology at Sammilani Mahavidyalaya, Kolkata
|
3.52 K
B.Sc. in Microbiology at Swami Atmanand Government English Medium Model College, Ambikapur
|
6.74 Lakhs
B.Sc M.Sc in Microbiology at School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
|
7.39 Lakhs
B.Sc M.Sc in Microbiology at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
|
| PG |
4.40 K
M.Sc. in Microbiology at Shaheed Udham Singh College of Research and Technology, Tangori
|
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Data not available
|
30.52 Lakhs
M.D. in Microbiology at Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurgaon
|
2.16 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Microbiology at Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bio Engineering, Allahabad
|
| DOCTORAL |
19.50 K
Ph.D in Microbiology at Dayanand Science College, Latur
|
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Data not available
|
8.94 Lakhs
Ph.D in Microbiology at Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University, Jaipur
|
5.14 Lakhs
Ph.D in Microbiology at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana
|
| DIPLOMA |
45.00 K
Diploma in Microbiology at SCPM College of Nursing and Paramedical Science, Gonda
|
---
Data not available
|
84.40 K
Diploma in Microbiology at Mahakaushal University, Jabalpur
|
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Data not available
|
Course Subjects
Undergraduate courses are for three years and six semesters. Detailed topics on Mathematics, Chemistry, English, and Physics are studied. Some of the subjects are:
| Microbial Ecology | Virology |
| Biochemistry | Medical Bacteriology |
| Molecular Biology | Recombinant DNA Technology |
| Cell Biology | Parasitology |
| Enzyme technology | Food Microbiology |
The postgraduate course is a two year course. MSc covers studies of microorganisms and their effects on humans. The syllabus is divided into four semesters.
Syllabus differs from college to college. Few subjects are:
Bioinstrumentation
Recent Trends in Virology
Enzyme Technology
Microbial Genetics
Fermentation Technology
Careers in Microbiology
Microbiology has emerged as one of the most promising careers recently. Mysterious diseases are rising, and it’s the job of the microbiologists to derive solutions. Microbiologist’ profession is hard but rewarding as well. Salary paid is escalated as experience escalates. Ready to learn and willing to work, candidates are welcome for microbiologist posts. Necessary skills have to be developed to land in a career in this domain.
There are opportunities for microbiologists to work in numerous sectors. Microbiology is a field in which you can earn as well as develop the country in a good way.
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Upcoming trends
Due to increasing demand for microbiology in almost every sector, advanced technologies are evolving through research. These are helping lives day-to-day solving life-threatening diseases and problems in the food industry. Clinical laboratory tests are progressing precisely because of recent inventions. Some new technologies in microbiology are:
Molecular Methods- Molecular techniques used in microbiology involve the manipulation and analysis of DNA, RNA, protein and lipids. The benefits of molecular methods are improved sensitivity of detection, the specificity of identification and reduced turnaround time.
Nucleic acid sequencing- Nucleic acid sequencing is the method to determine the sequential arrangement of nucleic acid bases. This allows researchers to identify changes in genes, links with diseases and identify potential drug targets.
Digital PCR- Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction methods are used to directly expand and amplify nucleic acid strands like DNA, cDNA, or RNA. Some of its applications are liquid biopsy, rare sequence detection and gene expression
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Microbiology Job Profiles
Placements play an important role in choosing a particular course. Microbiology has a huge demand for distinguished job profiles. Companies look for individuals who can solve their problems with efficient solutions. Several designations are available, and it depends upon one’s area of interest. Microbiologists are of the following types, bacteriologists, clinical microbiologists, environmental & industrial microbiologists, mycologists, parasitologists and virologists.
They undertake laboratory analysis and monitoring of microbial cultures using special computer software and clinical trials. Recording, analyzing and interpreting data, writing research papers, reports and reviews are part of their job.
Job Profiles | Job Description |
Clinical Microbiologist | Clinical microbiologists study microorganisms that cause infections. They analyze clinical laboratory tests on specimens. They are also called clinical scientists when they research human health. |
Environmental Microbiologist | An environmental microbiologist works on how microorganisms interact with each other. They study the use of microbes to clean up biomedical wastes and assist crop growth |
Industrial Microbiologist | This role has a lot of technical work. In manufacturing high-quality wine/beer, the composition and microbes are studied. |
Mycologist | Mycologist is specialized in researching the field of antibiotics or fabric deterioration. Classification, physiology and growth of fungi are studied. |
Parasitologist | A parasitologist isolates and maintains the cultures of parasites. Behaviour, growth and structure of parasites are studied to know their relationship to humans. |
Virologist | A virologist diagnoses and prevents infection. They undergo research on viruses and their various stages. He/she may be a scientist and a physician as well. |
Top Recruiters for Microbiology
There are huge job demands for microbiologists in multinational companies, food industries, chemical production companies and many more. Higher education institutions, water and biotechnology companies, food and drink, toiletries, petroleum, pharmaceutical industries hire microbiologists.
Names of top recruiting companies
| Britannia | Lupin |
| Bisleri | Apollo |
| Johnson & Johnson | Cipla |
| Jubilant | Cafe Coffee Day |
| Sun Pharma | Emcure Pharmaceuticals |
Average Salary
It’s very important to know the salary package before enrolling for a course. A few job profiles for microbiologists with average salary are mentioned below.
Job Profile | Salary |
Virologist | Rs. 4-8 lakh p.a. (Approx.) |
Mycologist | Rs. 1-3 lakh p.a. (Approx.) |
Industrial Microbiologist | Rs. 1-3 lakh p.a. (Approx.) |
Food Technologist | Rs. 3-4 lakh p.a. (Approx.) |
Senior Research Microbiologist | Rs. 20 lakh p.a. (Approx.) |
Parasitologist | Rs. 3-4 lakh p.a. (Approx.) |
Required Skillset for Microbiology
He or she must be ready to make a thorough study of microorganisms. Microbiologists thrive on understanding the characteristics and behaviour of microorganisms. Sometimes, they deal with harmful organisms for their research, and it tends to be hazardous. Microbiologists develop many vitamins, enzymes, and hormones.
They pave the way for new approaches to fight diseases. Students should have abundant knowledge of their sciences. Courses in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science may be needed to make data analysis. All programs in microbiology studies contain laboratory equipment. Internships provide quality experiences and win jobs from potential employers.
Analytical, interpersonal, mathematical, speaking and writing proficiency are basic skills for microbiology aspirants. Knowledge about how to use equipment like gas chromatography and electron microscopes must be learnt.
Course Curriculum for Microbiology
Fundamentally, Microbiology courses impart knowledge on basic activities, living and effects of microorganisms. The organisms include fungi, viruses, prions, prokaryotes and protists. The immune system and immunology are studied in detail to know how diseases attack the human body.
Theoretical, as well as practical training, is imparted to candidates. This helps them to perform well in-patient care and prevent infectious diseases that bother society. Basic research is introduced to them in Postgraduate so that they conduct fundamental and applied research.
Also, planning, executing, and teaching medical microbiology is done. Postgraduate programs are mostly self-directed and focus on clinical and academic work. A thesis is required to complete Post Graduation.
Popular Microbiology Entrance Exams in India
Popular Microbiology Colleges in India VIEW ALL
JMI New Delhi
- Fees: ₹ 104,800
VIT Vellore
- Fees: ₹ 160,000
LPU Jalandhar
- Fees: ₹ 504,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Is NEET necessary for microbiology?
Answer :
No, NEET is not compulsory for microbiology. Because NEET is conducted for providing admission to various MBBS and BDS courses. Class 12 with physics, biology, chemistry and English is sufficient.
Question: Are online courses in microbiology worth it?
Answer :
Free online courses are offered with no academic credits or grades. They can be used for gaining knowledge in microbiology. Paid courses are worth and offer certifications and degree.
There are good facilities online like undergraduate certificates, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees via individual classes.
Question: How to prepare for microbiology entrance exams?
Answer :
The students must have prior knowledge about the syllabus and question paper. Mostly question papers are devised for 2-3 hours consisting of objective type questions.
Questions are mainly asked from chemistry, physics, biology and English. A clear understanding of these is necessary.
Previous year’s question papers can be of great help to prepare. Practice mock test papers and know your weakness. Work more on the area that you are weak in and see that you manage time.
Question: What is a Microbiology course?
Answer :
Microbiology teaches the basics of reproduction, morphology and genetics. The course aims at making students learn about molecular methods, infectious diseases and biochemical characteristics. Scientific tools like microscopes, genetics and culture are learnt to use.
Getting a degree in microbiology needs a lot of hard work and patience. The course tends to be very interesting as it involves laboratory and field works. Outcomes of the course would be students will be able to identify how microorganisms are used as model systems to study biology, genetics, metabolism and ecology.
Identify the ways microorganisms play a role in disease and methods used to prevent and treat. Also, microbiology can be an excellent preparatory for students interested in dental, medical and health professional training.
Question: What’s the difference between Biochemistry and Microbiology?
Answer :
In microbiology microorganisms and their characteristics are focused on. It also involves studying the interaction between living organisms and microorganisms. Biochemistry is concerned with biochemical organisms of all living organisms.
The similarity between them is that they both focus on living organisms. Biochemistry involves the study of macromolecules that form an organism. At the same time, microbiology studies the organism as a whole.
Courses Similar to Microbiology
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