MSc Biology: Course Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope
MSc Biology is a PG academic degree which deals with the study of living organisms and pays special attention on their growth, structure, evolution, and ecology. The MSc Biology syllabus offers an in-depth knowledge of genetic reforms that witness structural change and anomalies of living organisms. The duration of this course is 2 years. To be eligible, you need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in BSc Biology or other related field from a recognized university. MSc Biology admissions are majorly based on entrance procedures.
Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more MSc Biology course details.
MSc Biology Course Details: Highlights
MSc Biology is an apt option for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of specializations like Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Anatomy, Marine Biology, etc. Check out some key highlights of the MSc Biology course.
|
Parameters |
Course Details |
|---|---|
|
Level |
Postgraduate |
|
Duration |
2 Years |
|
Eligibility |
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. |
|
Admission Procedure |
Majorly Entrance Based |
|
Entrance Exams |
IIT JAM, CUET-PG, ICAR AIEEA, IISER, etc. |
|
Colleges in India |
BHU, IISc Bangalore, HOU, SOA, etc. |
|
Course Fees |
INR 2,200 to INR 20.76 Lakh |
|
Jobs |
Biologist, Research Associate, Microbiologist, Medical Writer, Biochemist, Quality Officer, Assistant Professor, etc. |
|
Top Recruiters |
Dr Reddy's Lab Ltd., Aurobindo Pharma, Serum Institute of India, Abbott, IIT Madras, National Institute of Biologicals, and more. |
|
Salary |
INR 5 LPA |
Source: Multiple sites on the web, may vary.
Relevant Links for MSc Biology:
Top 12 BSc/MSc Scholarships in India
Obtaining a Master's in Biology can boost your earning potential and lead to a variety of career options. Those who have completed this degree can find employment in the fascinating fields in both the short and long term. The Biology field has something for everyone. You can either pursue your career in research or development, join healthcare services, be in the agriculture or aquaculture field, and more.
The research, development, hospitality, and other sectors are also evolving with advancing technology and the field of Biology has also seen some drastic changes over the years. Hence, the new developments that are being adopted by the field of Biological Science include Advanced Genome Sequencing Solutions, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in data interpretation, Tissue Engineering, CRISPR technology for gene editing, and more. These developments open doors to breakthroughs as well as new employment opportunities for Biology students.
- MSc Biology Eligibility Criteria
- MSc Biology Admission 2025
- MSc Biology Entrance Exams 2025
- MSc Biology Specializations
- MSc Biology Syllabus 2025
- Best MSc Biology Colleges in India
- Popular Private MSc Biology Colleges in India
- MSc Biology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- MSc Biology Course FAQs
- Most Popular Courses
- Course Cutoffs
MSc Biology Eligibility Criteria
MSc Biology eligibility criteria may vary depending on specific college’s requirements, however, the basic requirement each candidate has to fulfil is:
- A bachelor’s degree in BSc Biology or any relevant discipline.
- Secure minimum of 50-60% aggregate score from a recognized university.
- 5% Relaxation is granted for reserved classes such as SC/ST/OBC etc.
- There is no age limit specified as such.
Students also liked topics in MSc Biology:
A candidate who has a bachelor's degree in BSc Biology or any other relevant discipline with a minimum of 50-60% aggregate score from a recognized university is eligible for an MSc in Biology course.
Hi, here's the eligibility criteria to sit for CUET-PG exam for MSc in Botany:
A Bachelor's degree in Life Science subject or any relevant Biology discipline.
Minimum aggregate of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD).
Hope this will help!
MSc Biology Admission 2025
The admission process for every MSc Biology college differs. Here's a general guide to the MSc Biology admission procedure:
- Conduct a lot of research and know the eligibility for the UG and PG courses in your chosen college.
- Look out for whether the admission requires appearing in any entrance; if yes, then choose the exam accordingly.
- Register, prepare, and appear for the exams accepted/ conducted by the colleges and wait for the results.
- Apply to the universities/ colleges by filling out the application/ registration form
- You'll get shortlisted on the basis of your scores.
- Attend the college counselling sessions and fill out the choice forms.
- Pay the fees and get your documents verified before you start with your classes.
Here is the list of some important documents that you should carry during MSc Biology admission process:
- Valid ID Proof (Adhar/PAN Card/Passport, etc.)
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised univerisity.
- Migration Certificate.
- Passport-sized photographs.
MSc Biology Entrance Exams 2025
MSc Biology admissions are based on both entrance exams and merit procedures. However, most colleges prefer national, state, or university-level entrance exam scores. In the table below, candidates can find some popular MSc Biology entrance exams’ list with details:
|
Exam Schedule |
Exam Date |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Feb 2, 2025 (Conducted) |
|
||
|
13 March - 1 Apr ’25 |
|
||
|
June ’25 |
|
||
|
15 May ’25 |
|
||
|
26 - 30 May ’25 (Phase 1) 22 - 26 June '25 (Phase 2) |
|
Source: Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Quick Links relevant to MSc Biology:
7 Reasons Why to Give CUET PG 2025 Exam
IIT JAM Toppers 2025 List (OUT): Check Subject Wise Topper Name, Marks vs Rank, Cut off Here
CUET Expected Difficulty Level 2025: Is CUET Easy Or Complicated?
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 14 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26 | CUET PG 2026 Application Process ONGOING |
| 01 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26 | IGNOU TEE Dec 2025 exam ONGOING |
| 10 Nov ' 25 - 08 Apr ' 26 | KIITEE 2026 Registration - Phase 1 ONGOING |
| Jan ' 26 | KALSEE 2026 Application Form Start Date TENTATIVE |
| 15 Feb ' 26 | IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day |
| Feb ' 26 | IIT JAM 2026 Response Sheet TENTATIVE |
| Feb ' 26 | IIT JAM 2026 Provisional Answer Key TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 21 Nov ' 25 | ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Final Round Counselling: Last Date to re-submission of documents |
| 21 Nov ' 25 | ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Final Round Counselling: Last Date to Verify re-submitted/remaining documents |
| 21 Nov ' 25 | ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Final Round Counselling: Last Date to submit fee |
The MSc Microbiology entrance exam difficulty can be described in the range of moderate to high. For instance, the CUET PG examination is conducted in numerous streams and master's subjects; therefore, it is tricky to determine the difficulty of the examination subject-wise. The difficulty level of the exam differs widely across various subjects and slots. As compared to other national-level entrance exams like CUET PG, IIT JAM, ISI Admission Test, GAT-B, IISER Entrance exam, JEST, NEST examination, Candidates can expect a moderate to tough exam in comparison to state-level entrance examinations like GNDU, UPCATET, SHIATS, MCAER-CET, RUASAT, and OUAT.
Applicants who want to fill the application form of ICAR AIEEA PG exam. The examination centres where the ICAR AIEEA PG-2024 exam will be conducted are given in Annexure- I hence applicants are advised to refer that before filling the form.
While applying, candidates have to select any four cities of their choice for AIEEA PG 2024 exam. The authorities will efforts to allot city of examination to the candidates in order of the choice opted by them in their application form. However, due to administrative reasons, a different city of nearby area may be allotted.
MSc Biology Specializations
Biology is a vast subject that covers all the aspects of life and living organisms. Students can also opt for specializations under MSc Biology courses in India for the specific subject they want to study:
|
MSc Biology Specializations |
|
|---|---|
|
MSc in Quantitative Biology and Disease Modelling |
MSc in Animal Ecology |
|
Master of Applied Genetics |
MSc in Biology, Aquatic Ecology |
|
Master of Conservation Biology |
MSc in Conservation Biology |
|
MSc in Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences (Research) |
MSc in Plant Science |
|
MSc in Biology (General) |
MSc In Molecular Biology, Medical Biology |
|
MSc in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics |
|
|
MSc in Infection Biology (with specialism) |
|
|
MSc in Chemical Biology |
MSc in Neuroscience |
Source: Multiple sites on the web, may vary.
Relevant Links for MSc Biology courses:
Popular Specializations
- Biology
158 Colleges
- Physics
13 Colleges
- Chemistry
11 Colleges
- Mathematics
11 Colleges
- Biotechnology
8 Colleges
- Biochemistry
6 Colleges
- Bioinformatics
4 Colleges
- Environmental Sciences
4 Colleges
- Fisheries Science
4 Colleges
- Agriculture
3 Colleges
You'll get to study plenty of subjects in the MSc Biology course including Advanced Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Immunology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Plant Biology. Choosing which subject is the best among them completely depends on your interests and future goals.
MSc Biology Syllabus 2025
The course curriculum of MSc Biology is divided into 4 equal semesters following the 2-year degree program. Students, during the program, get to study topics like Mathematical Physics, Mechanics, Numerical Analysis, Theory of Optimization, Cell Biology, and Analytical Chemistry.
The syllabus structure may differ on the basis of the college, you can find a general overview of the MSc Biology Syllabus in the table below:
|
Semester I |
|
|---|---|
|
Biochemistry |
Molecular Biology |
|
Immunology |
Practical |
|
Semester II |
|
|
Microbiology |
Biophysics |
|
Ecology and Evolution |
Practical |
|
Semester III |
|
|
Cell Biology and Genetics |
Molecular Medicine and Virology I: Genomics |
|
Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Research Methodology |
Omics and Molecular Medicine I: Proteomics and Metabolomics |
|
Semester IV |
|
|
Physiology & Developmental Biology |
Omics and Molecular Medicine II |
|
Molecular Medicine and Virology II |
Molecular Medicine and Virology III |
Note - The info is taken from various sources and may vary.
Links helpful for MSc Biology:
Branches of Science and Their Subfields
CUET Preparation Books 2025: Subject-wise Best Books, Study Materials & Preparation Tips
Here are some of the best book options for MSc in Biology:
- Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences by Stephen Polgar.
- Clinical Biochemistry: Metabolic and Clinical Aspects.
- Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology by P.S. Verma.
- Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts.
- Clinically Oriented Anatomy by Keith L. Moore.
- The Teeth of Non-Mammalian Vertebrates by B. K. B. Berkovitz.
The basic difference between both is that Biology is a discipline that covers the study of every living being and Botany is a sub-discipline under Biology that focuses on plants study.
Under Biology, students study about the structure, function, distribution, taxonomy, and evolution of many organisms. Meanwhile, Botany studies about the structure, properties, biochemical processes, classification, and interactions with the environment.
Best MSc Biology Colleges in India
There are more than 150 MSc Biology colleges in India, of which, 63 are private and 53 are government institutions. Along with advanced learning, these colleges offer great placement opportunities, hands-on experience, lab sessions, practical learning, and more. Students can take a look at the tables below to find the top MSc Biology college options:
Best MSc Biology Government Colleges in India
Banaras Hindu University, IISc Bangalore, University of Hyderabad, Panjab University, Kerala University, etc., are some top choices among MSc Biology government colleges in India. You can consider the table below for more similar options:
|
Best Government Colleges |
Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
|
INR 6,662 |
|
|
INR 48,000 |
|
|
INR 14,900 – 46,300 |
|
|
INR 27,830 - 1.22 Lakh |
|
|
INR 3,360 |
|
|
INR 5,00 – INR 1.3 Lakh |
|
|
INR 2.80 Lakh |
|
|
INR 72,670 |
|
|
INR 3,000 - INR 5 Lakh |
|
|
INR 2 Lakh |
Source: Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Suggested MSc Biology readings:
Top DU Colleges in India for Best Placements 2025
NIRF 2024 Rankings - Top 50 Research Institutions in India, Ranks Parameters with Weightage
Best MSc Biology Private Colleges
For MSc Biology Ashoka University, Amity University, Saveetha Institute, BITS Pilani, LPU, etc., are some top choices among private colleges in India. Candidates can consider the table below for more similar options:
|
Best Private Colleges |
Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
|
INR 3.16 Lakh |
|
|
INR 11.28 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1.83 - 2.68 Lakh |
|
|
INR 20.76 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1 Lakh |
|
|
INR 92,000 – INR 3.7 Lakh |
|
|
INR 90,000 |
|
|
INR 1.57 Lakh |
|
|
INR 2.10 Lakh |
|
|
INR 5.25 Lakh |
Source: Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Suggested MSc Biology readings:
Which one is Better, IGNOU or DU Regular?
List of CUET 2025 Colleges in 90-99 percentile; Check Top Universities & Colleges Here
Biology Applications open. Apply Now
There are many MSc Biology colleges in India popularly known for their highest placement records. Here are some good options:
| Top MSc Biology Colleges | Average Salary Offered |
|---|---|
| Sunandan Divatia School of Science Placements | INR 19.2 LPA |
| BITS Pilani Placements | INR 18 LPA |
| BITS Goa Placements | INR 18 LPA |
| BITS Hyderabad Placements | INR 18 LPA |
| IIT Madras Placements | INR 15 LPA |
| IIT Delhi Placements | INR 15 LPA |
| IIT Kharagpur Placements | INR 14.23 LPA |
Note: The information is sourced from official body and may vary.
Popular Private MSc Biology Colleges in India
Biology Applications open. Apply Now
Biology Applications open. Apply Now
MSc Biology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
MSc Biology jobs are available in both private and government sectors. Students can seek employment opportunities in various fields like Healthcare, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food Industries, Wildlife & Fisheries, and more. Interested students can find some top popular job profiles, along with MSc Biology salary and other details in the table below:
|
Job Profiles |
Average Salary |
|---|---|
|
INR 5 LPA |
|
|
Research Associate |
INR 4.7 LPA |
|
Microbiologist |
INR 3 LPA |
|
Medical Writer |
INR 5.8 LPA |
|
Biochemist |
INR 2.6 LPA |
|
Quality Officer |
INR 3.8 LPA |
|
Assistant Professor |
INR 5.7 LPA |
Source: Ambitionbox.com.
Relevant Links for MSc Biology:
Career scope & job opportunities after BSc Biology course
MSc Biology Top Recruiters
An MSc Biology student can foresee their career in several fields. Numerous Multinational Corporations, Research Centers, Food Industries, and Healthcare Companies hire Biology students for multiple job roles. Check out some of the top recruiters for MSc Biology students can seek employment options from:
|
MSc Biology Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
|
Dr Reddy's Lab Ltd. |
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals |
|
Aurobindo Pharma |
Mankind Pharma |
|
Serum Institute of India |
Aragen Life Sciences Private Ltd. |
|
Abbott |
Regency Hospital |
|
IIT Madras |
Alkem Laboratories |
|
National Institute of Biologicals |
Dr Lal Pathlabs |
Source: Multiple sites on the web, may vary.
Relevant Links for MSc Biology:
State Universities Vs Deemed Universities: Which are Better?
Once you complete your MSc Biology degree, it will open doors to a variety of career opportunities in numerous fields. The salary package of a designation is decided based on your relevant experience, skillset, location, and the company hiring you for that specific role. However, being a Research Associate/Assistant Professor/Forest Officer/Microbiologist/Medical Writer, etc., can help you get a good salary package.
There are numerous private and government organizations hiring Biological researchers for various job roles. Here are some top companies you can seek employment from:
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
- Serum Institute of India Ltd.
- Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.
- Bharat Biotech
- GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.
MSc Biology Course FAQs
Candidates can refer to this section for MSc Biology Course FAQs.
MSc Biology is a 2-year postgraduate degree program that involves the study of living beings and the environment where they live. It includes everything from the growth of a living form to its evolution, structure, ecology, etc. This study helps fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research, etc., in many ways.
Though every branch of Biology leads to numerous research and breakthroughs, in my opinion, Microbiology, Genomics & Genetics, Neuroscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry are some of the branches advancing at a pace, creating new scope for research and employment.
MSc Biology or Master of Science in Biology is a 2-year-long postgraduate degree program specially designed to study all living beings, from humans to microorganisms on our planet. Biology subject is vast enough to hold countless specializations from Biotechnology to Agriculture and more. MSc in Biology students can foresee their careers in plenty of fields including Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Veterinary, Research, Food Industry, and more.
There are several reasons why choosing MSc Biology as a Master's programme can be beneficial for a Science student. The scientific study of Biology adopts a broad perspective to understand how all living things and nonliving objects interact with one another. Students who opt for MSc Biology are better able to get the diverse ways that people live.
MSc Biology students are also hired by government organizations like WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, etc., and by MNCs like Coca-Cola, Parle Agro, Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Mankind Pharma, and more, which can help shape their career in the right direction.
The world is technologically advancing, leading to affecting every other sector. The Biology field is no expectation, hence research and development, healthcare, etc., sectors are adapting to these changes. Here are some innovative trends taking place in the Biology field generating more employment opportunities.
Genome Sampling and Analysis Solutions: To speed up the Sequencing, mapping, and editing of the genome process, advanced genome sampling and analysis solutions are being developed to help the biotech, pharma, and life sciences solutions.
Proteomics: Current protein analysis solutions face a wide range of limitations such as high complexity in analysis, false positivity, low reproducibility, and much more. Hence, Proteomics will help in computing and algorithms to create software solutions that assist in identifying biomarkers and treating rare diseases.
Biological Modeling Software Solutions: This will use advanced algorithms, high-performance computing, cloud computing, and more to broaden the scope for Research and Development in Therapeutics, Drug Development, Genetics, etc.
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- Integrated M.Sc.+ Ph.D. in Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science
- B.S. + M.S in Biological ScienceIIT Madras - Indian Institute of Technology
- Integrated M.Sc. in Biological SciencesBITS Pilani - Birla Institute of Technology and Science
- B.S. + M.S.IISER Pune - Indian Institute of Science Education & Research
- B.S. in Biological Science + M.S. in Biological ScienceIISER Kolkata - Indian Institute of Science Education & Research
- M.Sc. in Applied Micro Biology and BiotechnologyBanasthali Vidyapith
- M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyTezpur University
- M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyPondicherry University
- M.Sc. in ZoologyUtkal University
- M.Sc. in BotanyAllahabad University
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Genetics, Stem cell Biology, Immunochemistry, Neurobiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, and Cancer Biology are some great fields of Biology that have a lot of scope in the research sector. The integration of technical advancements in these fields is creating new and better job opportunities, along with advanced learning options.