MSc in Plant Biotechnology is a two-year postgraduate degree programme. Plant Biotechnology is a branch of science that modifies plants for human use using engineering methods. Plant science, plant agriculture, and plant biology are a few of the plant biotechnology specialisations. Students gain knowledge of plant physiology, breeding, and pathology at the molecular level in this MSc degree programme.
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M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology Course Details
M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology Eligibility Criteria
M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology Admission
M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology Syllabus
Scope of M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
MSc Plant Biotechnology course offers graduates job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 5 Lakhs. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent are eligible to apply for this course. There are various career opportunities after pursuing M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology such as research scientists, biotechnologists, plant tissue culture specialists, bioinformaticians, and product development scientists.
M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology Course Details
Particulars
Values
Degree Name
M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
Degree Type
Master of Science
Degree Duration
2 years
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 50 per cent.
Admission process
Merit-based or can be based on entrance test results
Average Salary
Rs. 5 Lakhs
Job Profiles
Research Scientists, Biotechnologists, Plant Tissue Culture Specialist, Bioinformatician, Product Development Scientist
Top Recruiters
Agriculture and Seed Companies, Biotechnology and Life Sciences Companies, Government Research Institutes, International Agricultural and Biotech Organisations, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Companies
M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who wish to pursue M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology must fulfil the required eligibility criteria of the programme. These admission conditions can be different for various colleges, however, most of the institutes require the same eligibility conditions to be fulfilled. Some basic admission requirements are as follows:
Individuals are required to complete their BSc degree in a relevant field like Chemistry or Biochemistry.
Students must obtain a minimum of 50 per cent in their respective bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
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The admission process to pursue M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology varies by institute. Candidates are advised to check the admission process of the programme on the official websites of various colleges to get the exact information. However, a general framework of the procedure to be followed is provided below.
Candidates are required to either visit the institute or fill out the application form through the college’s official website.
They must submit the relevant documents along with the application form.
The candidate's merit is the only consideration in the admissions process.
To get admission, applicants must satisfy the cutoff score for admission to certain colleges.
Some universities may also choose to conduct personal interviews.
The M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology cut-off is dependent on a group of factors such as determining a student's merit and the number of applicants. Admission to the college is provided to those who score above the cut-off percentage, rank, or marks. Each college's cutoff depends majorly on the merit examinations and the number of students who apply for the programme.
Required Skills for M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
To excel in M.Sc. In Plant Biotechnology, individuals should possess a combination of different skills and qualities. Some key skills that candidates should ideally possess to pursue the degree are:
Knowledge of Food Chemistry & Microbiology
Attention to Detail
Strong Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Ability
Technical Proficiency
Communication Skills
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The MSc in Plant Biotechnology course curriculum varies from one college to another. However, the major subjects in the programme are covered in almost all institutes. In the table below, we have added the M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology syllabus provided by Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam, Kerala.
Semester 1
Semester 2
General Biochemistry
Principles of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology
Microbiology and Immunology
Plant Pathology
Bioanalytical Techniques
Biomass and Bioenergy
Plant Developmental Biology
Laboratory course II
Laboratory course I
-
Basics of Plant Tissue Culture
-
Semester 3
Semester 4
Plant Metabolism
Research Methodology and Biostatistics
Tissue Culture Techniques for Crop Improvement
Genomics and Proteomics
Biotechnology, Environment And Intellectual Property Rights and Patenting
Transgenic Techniques for Crop Improvement
Bioprocess Technology and Engineering
Laboratory course IV
Laboratory course III
Project or Dissertation
-
Viva Voce
Scope of M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
Biotechnology is becoming important in agriculture, environmental management, and the bio-economy. The scope of an M.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology is vast and expanding. This area of study combines genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology with plant science with the goal of enhancing crop productivity, plant breeding, and resistance to environmental challenges.
Graduates can look for jobs in fields such as Research and Development, Agricultural Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals and Food Security and Nutrition. This field is quite dynamic, constantly evolving and forward-looking, with opportunities to work in.
Career Options after M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
Graduates have a wide range of employment options in plant biotechnology. Promising opportunities exist in academia and research and in the public and private sectors. We have provided below major career options that they can opt for right after successful completion of M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
Research Scientists conduct research on genetic modification, plant breeding, and molecular biology to develop new plant varieties with improved traits like disease resistance, drought tolerance, or enhanced nutritional value.
Biotechnologist
Biotechnologists develop genetically modified crops with enhanced traits such as pest resistance, higher yield, or improved nutritional content.
Plant Tissue Culture Specialist
Plant Tissue Culture Specialists develop plant propagation techniques through tissue culture, micropropagation, and in-vitro plant regeneration for commercial plant production and conservation of endangered species.
Bioinformatician
Bioinformaticians utilise bioinformatics tools and computational biology techniques to analyse plant genomes, study gene functions, and assist in crop improvement programmes.
Product Development Scientist
Product Development Scientists work with biotech or agritech companies in developing new plant-based products such as biofertilizers, biopesticides, plant-based vaccines, or other plant-derived pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Top Recruiters
MSc Plant Biotechnology graduates are in high demand across various sectors. Some of the top recruiters in the field of Plant Biotechnology include:
Agriculture and Seed Companies
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Companies
Government Research Institutes
International Agricultural and Biotech Organisations
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Companies
Benefits of M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology gives an improved understanding of the Plant Biotechnology field who are interested in using cutting-edge science and technology to enhance plants, agriculture, and sustainability. The candidates gain in-depth knowledge in subjects like molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and plant physiology. This equips graduates with a broad understanding of the science behind plant development and genetic manipulation.
With an increasing global population comes a growing need for biotechnology solutions to combat pests, illnesses, and environmental challenges (such as salt and drought) as well as to increase agricultural yields and improve nutrition. Recent graduates can help address these important issues. Plant biotechnology plays a key role in promoting sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical inputs.
Expected Salary after M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology
The salary offered to M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology graduates vary depending on their skills and knowledge. Employers seek candidates with previous relevant experience. Those who have done internships in the same are preferred over freshers. Below are some of the high-paying job profiles and their corresponding yearly average salaries:
Role
Average Salary
Research Scientists
Rs. 10 LPA
Biotechnologists
Rs. 4.5 LPA
Plant Tissue Culture Specialists
Rs. 13.4 LPA
Bioinformaticians
Rs. 5.16 LPA
Product Development Scientists
Rs. 6.5 LPA
Source: Glassdoor
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Plant Biotechnology is a graduate-level programme that focuses on using biotechnology methods on plants. Students who complete this course will be prepared to handle issues related to agriculture, food security, environmental sustainability, and the creation of bio-based goods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the various skills required for graduates to pursue M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology?
A:
The various skills required for graduates to pursue M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology are Knowledge of chemistry & microbiology, attention to Detail, Strong analytical skills, problem-solving Ability, technical proficiency and good communication Skills.
Q: What are the various career options for graduates of M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology?
A:
The various career options for graduates of M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology are Research Scientists, Biotechnologists, Plant Tissue Culture Specialist, Bioinformatician, Product Development Scientist and various other roles.
Q: Who are the top recruiters after completing M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology?
A:
Agriculture and Seed Companies, Biotechnology and Life Sciences Companies, Government Research Institutes, International Agricultural and Biotech Organisations, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Companies are some of the top recruiters.
Q: What is the average salary offered to graduates of M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology?
A:
The average M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology salary that a graduate can earn is Rs. 5 LPA.
Q: What is the minimum required eligibility to enrol in a M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology course?
A:
Individuals are required to complete B.Sc. in any relevant field with a minimum of 50 percent of marks from a recognised university.
Yes, you can pursue an
MSc in Aquaculture
after completing a Food Technology course, but it depends on the university and its eligibility criteria. Some universities may allow students from related fields like Food Technology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences. Others may prefer candidates with a background in Fisheries, Zoology, or Aquaculture.
It’s best to check the specific eligibility requirements of the university or institute where you want to apply. You may also need to complete certain bridge courses or prerequisites in aquaculture.
Yes, you can apply for several FSSAI-related posts, but it depends on the specific post and its eligibility rules.
For FSSAI recruitment, different posts require different educational backgrounds. M.Sc. Food Science and Nutrition is generally considered a relevant qualification for many food-safety-related roles, but B.Sc. Zoology alone does not meet the criteria for most positions.
Here is how it works:
• For the Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) post, the required qualification usually includes a degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Dairy Technology, or related fields. Nutrition and Food Science are considered relevant for this post, so your M.Sc. fits the requirement. Your B.Sc. Zoology does not create any issue because the highest qualification is considered.
• For Technical Officer roles, they also accept specialization related to food science, food safety, biochemistry, microbiology, and allied fields, so your M.Sc. Food Science and Nutrition again makes you eligible.
• For Assistant or Administrative posts, any graduation is accepted, so you are eligible through B.Sc. as well.
In short, because you hold an M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition, you meet the qualifications for CFSO and several other technical posts. Make sure to check the exact notification when applications open, as requirements may slightly change from one cycle to another. All the best.
Entrance exams for MSc Biotechnology are usually conducted once a year, and most universities hold them between April and July. If you are completing your BSc Biotechnology in March 2026, you will be eligible to apply for the 2026 admission cycle. National-level exams like CUET PG generally open applications around December to January, with exams held in March or April. Many universities such as state universities, central universities and private institutes also conduct their own entrance tests, usually after your final semester exams.
You should start checking notifications from December 2025 onwards, as most application forms are released in the first few months of the year. You can apply even if your final results are not declared, as universities allow provisional admission based on a final pass in graduation. Make sure to follow the timelines of the specific university where you want to join MSc Biotechnology. All the best.
Hello,
To prepare for the AIIMS MSc Biotechnology entrance exam, focus mainly on your BSc subjects such as Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Biotechnology. You should study standard reference books like Lehninger for Biochemistry, Kuby for Immunology, and Prescott for Microbiology. You can also download and practice previous AIIMS MSc Biotechnology papers to understand the pattern and difficulty level. Solving sample questions and giving mock tests regularly will help improve your speed and accuracy. A proper study plan, along with revision of important concepts and continuous practice, will increase your chances of scoring well in the exam
Hope this helps you.
Master's programs in Sustainability Science and Practice; Climate Change Science and Practice; Urban Economic and Infrastructure Development; Human Development Policy and Practice
