byGaganDeep
Updated on - 25 May, 2024
M.Sc Microbiology is an academic programme recognized at post-graduate level that focuses on the study of microorganisms. This undergraduate degree program takes two years and entails specific topics such as virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, molecular biology, immunology, and uses of microbiology. In regard to Microbiology, students are taught about the arrangement of microorganisms, their categorization and how to identify them. They know the relationship between the host and microbes and the genomics of microbes, pathogen-host interplay, and drug discovery.
The entrance exams accepted for admissions to M.Sc Microbiology are CSIR NET for JRF, ICMR NET for JRF, GATE in Life sciences, and individual state level tests and entrance tests conducted by a few Universities. It is for this reason that some institutes have introduced exams at the time of graduation and interview as their admission requirements. As per the eligibility criteria the candidate must possess B.Sc/B.Tech in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences or any other relevant fields with minimum 50-55% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Science |
| Duration | Typically 2 years (4 semesters) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in Science (BSc) with majors in Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, or related fields |
| Top Colleges (India) | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, University of Delhi (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Mumbai |
| Entrance Exams (India) | Graduate Aptitude Test for Biotechnology (GAT-B), University/College specific entrance exams |
1. A candidate should have completed their Bachelors degree in any of the Microbiology, Biology or any other life science subjects with not less than 50% marks in aggregate.
2. Institutes may demand CSIR-UGC NET JRF or GATE score as one of the prerequisites for qualifying exams.
3. There are certain colleges in India offering direct admission to the candidate based on merit score card of the respective examination while there are certain colleges which conduct entrance examination.
4. As for the other important points which were left out, it is pertinent to mention that there is a provision of an exemption of 5 percent in the qualifying marks for the candidates belonging to the reserved category.
5. Final year bachelors’ candidates can also apply for the recruitment, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria at a later date for the written examinations.
6. Clear communication skills and analytical skills are desirable additional requirements that some institutes have specified.
1. CUCET – this test is organized by Central Universities for postgraduate admissions including M.Sc Microbiology in central universities.
2. JNUEE – This test is known as Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam, and it is taken by the students who wish to get enrolled in the M.Sc Microbiology course offered by JNU.
3. BHU PET ~ Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test for admission in master of sciences microbiology in Banaras Hindu University.
4. JAM – Joint Admission Test : This test is used for the admission to M.Sc programmes in IISc and other IITs and NITs including Microbiology.
5. Pondicherry University Entrance Examination - Concerns the admission procedure to M.Sc Microbiology of Pondicherry University.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Microbial Diversity and Ecology | Classification of microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya, Viruses, Microbial interactions, Microbial communities in various habitats |
| Microbial Physiology and Metabolism | Microbial growth, Nutrition and cultivation, Microbial enzymes, Cellular transport, Respiration, Fermentation, Photosynthesis |
| Microbial Genetics and Genomics | Microbial genetic material (DNA & RNA), Mutations, Genetic engineering techniques, Recombinant DNA technology, Genomics and Proteomics |
| Immunology | The immune system - Innate and adaptive immunity, Antigens and antibodies, Immunological techniques |
| Virology | Virus structure and replication, Viral diseases, Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases |
| Microbial Pathogenesis | Host-microbe interactions, Mechanisms of microbial infection, Bacterial and viral pathogenesis |
| Industrial Microbiology | Fermentation technology, Microbial production of enzymes, antibiotics, and other products, Bioremediation |
| Food Microbiology | Food spoilage microorganisms, Foodborne diseases, Food preservation techniques |
| Environmental Microbiology | Microbial role in biodegradation, Wastewater treatment, Microbial pollution |
| Research Methodology | Scientific research methods, Biostatistics, Research proposal writing, Scientific communication |
1. Get acquainted with the eligibility criteria where the candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or any related subject and secure at least 50% marks.
2. To participate in the program, you can apply online or with documents before the deadline is over
3. Sit for an entrance examination if available or secure an admission through an interview and/or examination on the basis of merit.
4. Proceed for counseling for seat allocation if one is qualified
5. Chose college and course according to your ease and pay fees for getting admission.
6. All documents should be submitted and the person should join the M.Sc Microbiology for two years.
| Rank | College Name | Location | Estimated Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Delhi (DU) | Delhi | 10,800 - 20,000 |
| 2 | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | 15,000 - 25,000 |
| 3 | University of Mumbai | Mumbai | 12,000 - 22,000 |
| 4 | University of Calcutta | Kolkata | 10,000 - 18,000 |
| 5 | University of Madras | Chennai | 12,000 - 20,000 |
| Rank | College Name | Location | Estimated Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute (Deemed University) | Chennai | 1,00,000 - 1,50,000 |
| 2 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University) | Chennai | 1,20,000 - 1,80,000 |
| 3 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Vellore | 1,50,000 - 2,00,000 |
| 4 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal | 1,30,000 - 1,80,000 |
| 5 | Symbiosis International (SIU) | Pune | 1,00,000 - 1,50,000 |
| 6 | Christ (Deemed University) | Bangalore | 1,20,000 - 1,70,000 |
| 7 | Amity University | Various Campuses | 1,00,000 - 1,50,000 |
| 8 | The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU Baroda) | Vadodara | 80,000 - 1,20,000 |
| 9 | Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed University) | Pune | 80,000 - 1,30,000 |
| 10 | Shoolini University | Solan | 80,000 - 1,20,000 |
| Specialization | Job Titles | Average Salary (₹ LPA) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Microbiology | Microbiologist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst | 4.0 - 7.0 | Conduct research, analyze samples, ensure product safety and quality in various industries. |
| Medical Microbiology | Medical Microbiologist, Clinical Laboratory Technologist | 4.5 - 8.0 | Diagnose infectious diseases, perform tests on clinical samples in hospitals and labs. |
| Industrial Microbiology | Fermentation Technologist, Bioprocess Engineer | 5.0 - 9.0 | Develop and optimize industrial processes using microorganisms for production (e.g., enzymes, antibiotics). |
| Food Microbiology | Food Microbiologist, Quality Assurance Specialist | 4.5 - 8.0 | Ensure food safety, conduct tests for food spoilage and pathogens. |
| Environmental Microbiology | Environmental Microbiologist, Bioremediation Specialist | 5.0 - 8.0 | Study microorganisms in the environment, develop methods for bioremediation (pollution cleanup). |
| Immunology | Immunologist, Research Associate | 5.5 - 10.0 | Research the immune system, develop vaccines and immunotherapies. |
| Virology | Virologist, Viral Diagnostics Specialist | 5.0 - 9.0 | Study viruses, develop diagnostic tests and treatments for viral diseases. |