Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of unicellular, multi-cellular and acellular microorganisms and their respective impact and contribution to the environment. It encompasses fields including medicine, clinical research, agriculture, nanotechnology, chemical technology, diary, etc. 

No doubt, microorganisms are present everywhere, and the fact that they influence the environment in a multitude of ways makes the research domain fascinating and enthralling. Some contributions of Microbiology to the world can be grouped under the name of dairy products, medicines, vaccines, enzymes and vitamins. 

Moreover, Microbiology pertains to the intervention of microorganisms and their role as indispensable components of the environment. For this exact reason, Microbiology is a buzzword in medical, genetics, immunology and food science. Most of the esteemed colleges and universities in India offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses to the students who wish to pursue their careers as Microbiologists.

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate studies

1. The student must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 60% marks in the respective qualifying examination from a recognised educational board. 

2. The students must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Zoology/Botany as the mandatory subjects in 10+2 or any other equivalent qualifying examination.

3. The Admission process for some institutions can be a subject to entrance tests. The respective institutions conduct these entrance tests at their own level. 

Postgraduate studies

1. The applicant must be a graduate, i.e., possess a Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.) degree with a minimum of 50% marks in the respective qualifying examination administered by the concerned University. 

2. The Admission process for some institutions is subject to entrance tests. The candidates are eligible for applying in these tests considering the fact that they conform to the obligations mentioned in the first point. 

Skillset Required

The structure and growth of industry define the skill set essential for a Microbiologist to incorporate. While the field principally deals with the characteristics of microorganisms, its applications are vast. Therefore, a Microbiologist must conform to specific standards prescribed by the concerned industry. 

Here are some skills you can magnify while pursuing your interests in the field of Microbiology.

Entrance Examinations 

Candidates can appear in both nation-wide and university-specific entrance examinations. 

NEET PG: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Post Graduate is one of the most sought-after entrance exams for it allows admission into numerous private and government medical colleges. 

AIIMS PG: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences conducts this exam for admission into several postgraduate programmes at the AIIMS campuses spread around the country.

JIPMER PG: Jawaharlal Institute of PostGraduate Medical Education & Research conducts this nation-wide for admission into distinct fields concerning Microbiology.

Other Honourable mentions include:

1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) -Entrance Exam

2. University of Calicut - Microbiology Entrance Exam

3. Aligarh Muslim University - Microbiology Entrance Exam

4. Assam University - Microbiology Entrance Exam

5. Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Microbiology Entrance Exam

Note: Admission to undergraduate courses in Microbiology depends upon your sound selection. You can choose direct admission as well as entrance-based admission. Some universities take the entrance exams at their own level.

Duration and Average Fee Range

The undergraduate courses in India comply with the three years term (Six Semesters). On the contrary, the postgraduate courses are mostly restricted to two years (Four Semesters). 

Note: There can be exceptions associated with the postgraduate duration because some institutions offer research-based courses, which can extend beyond the conventional term.

Microbiology is subjected to interminable growth, a fact that aligns various institutions of India into offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, the fees may vary from institution to institution courtesy of distinct methodologies adopted and resources utilised. 

According to various surveys, the course fee for undergraduate courses starts from INR 20,000 and can go beyond the 2.5 lakh mark. For postgraduate courses, the fee ranges between INR 50,000 and INR 3, 00,000.  

Courses

Microbiology is a fast-advancing field of study, something that Indian institutions highly value. As a result, there are several undergraduate and postgraduate courses you can opt from.

Undergraduate Courses (Three years)

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or B.Sc. (Microbiology)

• Bachelor of Science in Applied Microbiology or B.Sc. (Applied Microbiology)

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Microbiology or B.Sc. (Industrial Microbiology)

• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Microbiology or B.Sc. (Clinical Microbiology)

Subjects for B.Sc. (Microbiology)

Postgraduate Courses (Two years)

• Master of Science in Microbiology or M.Sc. (Microbiology)

• Master of Science in Applied Microbiology or M.Sc. (Applied Microbiology)

• Master of Science in Medical Microbiology or M.Sc. (Medical Microbiology)

• Master of Science in Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics or M.Sc. (Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics)

Subjects for M.Sc. (Microbiology)

Career and Scope of Microbiology

Does the study of inconceivably minute and otherwise incomprehensible microbes interest you? We'll tell you—It does. Therefore, you must know the path to a successful career in Microbiology and whether it is the right field for future growth.

Microbiology is growing at swift rates all around the world courtesy of the never-ceasing peculiarities associated with microorganisms. There's so much more to know about these remarkably miniature beings that Microbiologists always find themselves enveloped between research work. Besides, the advent of Technology has diversified the domain of Microbiology—the integration that you'll surely enjoy. 

Distinct roles as a Microbiologist

1. Bacteriologist - Responsible for studying the behaviour of Bacteria, including positive and negative contributions.

2. Mycologist - Responsible for studying the behaviour of fungi and employing the peculiarities of the same to derive useful products.

3. Parasitologist - Responsible for studying parasites. This profile is related to fostering preventive health by hindering the growth of parasites.

4. Virologist - Responsible for studying the structure and developmental processes of viruses and devising methods to limit their growth. 

Other profiles include Environmental Microbiologist, Industrial Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, Pharmacologist, Food Technologist, Physician Associate, Research Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Phycologist and Algologist.

Preferable Industries

Microbiologists serve various industries:

• Food Industry

• Beverage Industry

• Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories

• Environmental Agencies

• Agriculture Industry

• Hospitals

• Pharmaceutical Industries

Status of Salaries in India

The average salary for an entry-level Microbiologist in India ranges between 15-25k per month. Once an individual starts working with a reputable organization of government agency, he/she can expect an immediate hike. Additionally Research Scientists working in the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories earn handsomely. For that, you need to complete your Masters in any one of the aforementioned specializations and pursue a Doctorate.

 

 

Following are the most popular Microbiology Colleges in India. Learn more about these Microbiology colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular Microbiology courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Microbiology.

Following are the most popular Microbiology UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Microbiology PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.