The biotechnology sector in India is rapidly developing at a great pace. A thriving career awaits students in the biotechnology sector, where professionals harness cellular and biomolecular processes to develop different techniques and products that help improve our lives and the overall health of the planet. In recent years, students are showing great interest towards the field of biotechnology. Biotechnology, along with its different subfields, offers a wide range of career opportunities.
To enter the biotechnology sector, you need to plan your career from your school. You must complete your class 12 with subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. After finishing your education, you can opt for suitable undergraduate courses like BSC or Btech in biotechnology from universities, spread all over the country.
Eligibility criteria for admission to these undergraduate courses vary from university to university. However, for most undergraduate courses, you must sit the following entrance exams:
1= The joint entrance examination for IIT
2 = All India Engineering Entrance Examination to gain admission in different NITs and regional engineering colleges.
In addition to these exams, engineering colleges also conduct their own engineering exams. Those who are interested in higher studies can opt for an MBA in biotechnology. For the Master’s program, you must have a graduate degree in biotechnology or any other subject related to biological science. In addition, a graduate degree in subjects such as biology, chemistry, botany, pharmacy, or zoology is also acceptable for master’s programs.
After the graduate program, you can apply for the PhD in biotechnology.
The Best Universities Offering Biotechnology Courses In India Are:
1= All IITs (Indian Institute of Technology)
2= All NITs (National Technological Institute)
3=PSG Faculty of Technology
4 = Thapar University
5= BMS Faculty of Engineering
6= University Institute of Engineering and Technology
7= Acharya Institute of Technology
8= Faculty of Engineering MVJ
Job prospects in biotechnology.
Biotechnology is a very broad field, which incorporates different subfields. In addition, there is a growing demand for biotechnology experts in a diversified variety of industries and sectors. Below are some of the common areas, where there is a high demand for biotech experts:
1= Agriculture
2= animal husbandry
3= Environmental Protection
4= Genetic Engineering
5= Health Care
6= Doctor
7= Design and manufacture of drugs
8= Research and Industrial Development
In addition, career opportunities in biotechnology are immense. Those who are specialized in various subfields can easily find biotech jobs in both private and government divisions. If you have a graduate degree in biotechnology, you can explore opportunities in a wide range of industries. There are several reputed biotechnology colleges and institutes in India where you can also find teaching jobs. There is an equal demand for biotechnologists in foreign countries, especially the US and the UK.
Unmatched opportunities exist in the textile, cosmetic and chemical sectors.
Some of the leading biotech companies located in India are:
1= All India Biotechnology Association (AIBA), New Delhi
2= Biotech Consortium India Limited, New Delhi
3= Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Kerala (RGCB)
4= Amersham Pharmacia Biotech Asia Pacific Ltd., Chennai
5 = BrainWave Bioinformatics Ltd., Chennai
6= Aristo Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mumbai
7= Catalyst Pharma Consulting, Mumbai
8= Thapar group
9 = Indian Vaccine Corporation
10 = American Indian hybrid seeds
11 = Excel Industries Limited, Mumbai
12 = Bincon India limited
13= bicol
14 = Hindustan Antibiotics
15= Sisco SA Research Laboratories. Ltd., Mumbai
16= Hi-tech Bio Laboratories, Pune
17= Pyramal Health
18 = Hindustan Lever
19= Solar pharmacy
20= Cadila
21 = Dr. Reddy Laboratories
Recently, the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology has opened applications for different jobs in biotechnology.
Biotech job roles you can take on are research scientist, research associate, personal marketing, business development officer, sales representative, biotech engineer, and laboratory technician. After multimedia, biotechnology ranks second in terms of career opportunities.
salary packages
On average, a biotechnologist can earn around Rs 3-5 lakh/year. If you hold higher education degrees, then your salary would be much higher. Also, if you have done your education in reputed universities like IIT, the package of it as new could even reach Rs 20-30 lakh/year.
Scope of biotechnology
Under its ‘Make In India’ campaign, the government has decided to boost the country’s biotech sector. Also, the Department of Biotechnology has established several biotechnology parks in different parts of the country, where there is a constant demand for competent professionals. There are several foreign investors who have invested in the Indian biotech sector such as Limagrain (France), Mylan Inc. (USA), Hospira (USA) and Fresenius (Singapore). According to market reports, the Indian biotech sector will grow by around 30% and reach $100 billion by 2025. Various other tax incentives such as 100% rebate on own R&D initiatives, 150% tax deduction % for research and development expenses, etc. ; It will boost the growth of the sector and, therefore, more job opportunities will be generated in the field.