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Career as a Microbiologist: Courses, After 12th, Scopes, Jobs, Salary 2023

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Ahana Bhaduri

Senior Content Specialist

Microbilogists are scientists who study microscopic organisms such as Bacteria, Fungus, Virus and Algae etc that can cause various types of infections. Microbilogists track the growth of these organisms in order to study their characteristics, with an aim to prevent any infections as well as diagnose and treat them successfully. Microbiologists study these micro organisms in order to trace how they interact with the different environment is referred to as a microbiologist. 

In order to become a Microbiologist in india, aspiring candidates can pursue Undergraduation and Postgraduation Microbiology Courses such as B.Sc Microbiology or M.Sc Microbiology from any of the top Microbiology Colleges across the country. Entrance to these colleges are usually done on the basis of Entrance Exams such as IPU CET, JNUEEE, CUET etc. Read More: PhD Microbiology

The average Microbilogy course fees usually ranges from INR 20,000-INR 2 LPA. A Microbiologist can land jobs across different profiles such as Industrial Microbiologist, environmental microbiologist, research assistants, clinical and veterinary microbiologists etc. An average microbiologist in India earns a monthly salary of INR 31,1252. However after gaining substantial years of experience, a Microbiologist can earn as much as upto INR 13 LPA.  Read More: Microbiologist Scope in India

Career as a Microbiologist: Quick Facts 

Industry Microbiologists can work in different industries like Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, Chemical, Food and Beverage, Research works.
Eligibility UG Course: Completed 10+2 from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% marks In case of B.Tech candidates should qualify for JEE mains PG course: Completed Graduate degree and qualified the entrance exam
Average Starting Salary Average Starting salary of a microbiologist in India is INR 125,000.
Job Opportunity Candidates after completion of the course can get job in the following positions such as Research Assistant, Environmental Microbiologist, Biomedical Scientists, etc

What does a Microbiologist do

The job of a Microbiologist is unique. It is a profession that continuously requires the individuals to conduct continuous research. This is due to the fact that the genes of the microbes continuously change. The following are the general duties that a microbiologist performs on a daily basis:

  • Microbiologists study the overall characteristics of the different microbes and try to predict the future characteristics of the different harmful microbes to prevent the spreading of diseases.
  • They work on the development of the sterilization process and try to create new drugs or vaccines for fatal diseases.
  • They coordinate with the bio technicians and lab workers so that the accuracy of the results improves.
  • They are responsible for identifying the microbes that are used for the production of foods, thus are involved in food security. 
  • They are also associated with the research of new microorganisms and classify them properly according to their taxonomy.
Types of Micro- Biologist

Types of Microbiologists

There are different types of Microbiologist based on profession are described below:

Research Assistant: This type of Microbiologist assists and helps high level researchers associated with research about microorganisms for creation of solutions or treatment for diseases and many more.

  • The eligibility for the role is at least a graduate degree in Microbiology or related field with a minimum marks of 50-60%. A 2 years experience in related field would be an added advantage
  • The key skills required for this profile are PI Industries LTD, String Bio, KGMU, etc.
  • The average salary of a research assistant is INR 18,000-INR 20,000.

See: BSc Microbiology Top Colleges 

Environmental Microbiologist: The major responsibility of the environmental microbiologist is to study the microorganisms which are created artificially in laboratory conditions.

  • A minimum graduate is required for the position.Some companies prefer master degree holders. An experience of 1-2 years is required.
  • The average salary INR 2,70,000
  • The top companies that hire environmental microbiologist are SWA Environmental Consultants and Engineers, Icon Facilities, etc

Check out: BSc Environmental Science Course

Biomedical Scientists: Biomedical Scientists conduct laboratory experiments so that they find out the solutions and treatment for diseases that can potentially harm humans.

  • The educational qualification for a Biomedical scientist is a graduate degree. Some companies prefer a master degree with streamlined specializations.
  • The average salary for a biomedical scientist is INR 400,000
  • The top companies that hire biomedical scientist are Polymed, Abbott Laboratories, Sarfarosh Bharat Company, GSK, etc

Clinical & Veterinary Microbiologists: Veterinary microbiologists study about the disease that infects animals. They have a huge impact on the framers and livestock rearers as they create drugs and other clinical solutions for animals.

  • The minimum eligibility criteria for the clinical and veterinary microbiologist is graduate degree in the related field.
  • The top companies that hire clinical and veterinary microbiologists are Suguna Food private limited, Lifecell International Pvt Ltd, etc
  • The average salary of clinical and veterinary microbiologists in India are INR 500000

Industrial Microbiologist: These microbiologists use engineering and scientific principles so that the things made by microorganisms, plant and animal cells can be made useful for creation of products.

  • Graduate in field related to industrial microbiology with experience of 2 years of the practical experience
  • The average salary of Industrial Microbiologist in India is INR 290,000
  • The top recruiters are Kan Biosys Pvt Ltd, Abbott India Limited, PI industries ltd, etc.

See:

Food Technologist: Food Technologists are the one whose duty is to ensure good and healthy development of food. Manufacturing and upgrading of the food manufacturing process are the major responsibilities of a food technologist.

  • THe eligibility criteria for this job profile is a graduate degree with a minimum score of 50%. An experience of 1-5 years is required.
  • The companies that hire food technologists in India are Dabur, HR Devi and associate, Hash Biotech lab Pvt.Ltd.
  • The average salary is INR 250,000

Also Check:

Quality Control: The main purpose of Quality control microbiologists is to ensure that the products strictly adhere with the internal regulations.

  • Graduate degree with a minimum work experience of two years in a related field.
  • The companies that hire quality control microbiologist in India are Cipla, Zydus Cadila, Pepico, Sun Pharma, etc
  • The average salary is INR 299,000

Step to become a microbiologist

The key steps that should be followed in order to become a Microbiologist in India are listed below for your reference,

  • Step 1: Complete class 10
  • Step 2: Take science stream in 10+2 level with Biology
  • Step 3: Prepare for the JEE Mains exam
  • Step 4: Appear in the exam and try to score well
  • Step 5: If qualified choose college according to your preference and take admission.
  • Step 6: Pass the semester with an average CGPA of 7.5.
  • Step 7: Do the internship from a reputed company in the final year
  • Step 8: Appear for the placement drive and select a job in a preferred job role.

How to become a Microbiologist in India

To become a Microbiologist, the candidates have to take science stream and have an aptitude for the study of microorganisms. They should look to prepare well for their 12th exam as the admission in most colleges is based on merit list. Details about each level of education of Microbiology are given below

  • School Level Preparation: The Candidates have to study subjects of science stream in their 10+2 level with compulsory subject as Biology. The candidates have to keep in mind that most colleges admission through merit list so they have to score well. Those preparing for the entrance exam must carefully understand the syllabus and the previous years cut-off score.

How to become a Microbiologist After 12th

After clearing class 12th board exams the crucial steps to be followed to become a Microbiologist are listed below for your reference,

  • UG Preparation: In the UG level candidates have to complete coursework in microbiology including biochemistry or cell biology. Core courses like Microbial Genetics, Microbial Physiology, Environmental Microbiology, Virology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, mathematics and computer science should be done by the candidate. Practice of laboratory is also a major part in which the candidates should have the knowledge to make their career in Microbiology. Candidates should also start preparing for PG admission by taking up preparation courses. Undergo proper internship in the final years so that the candidates can form ideas about which job profile would be suitable for them.
  • PG Preparation: After completion of the UG courses the individual can opt to study PG courses that would improve the prospect of their career. MSc in Microbiology can be pursued by the candidates after completion of B.Sc. Candidates should look to score well in the entrance exam because less than 50 per cent qualifies for the final round.

Microbiology Courses

Candidates who wish to become microbiologists in India pursue the B.Sc in Microbiology at the graduate level. An alternate course of B.Tech in Industrial microbiology can also be pursued by the candidates.

B.Sc in Microbiology 

B.Sc in Microbiology is an undergraduate course that deals with the study of microorganisms and their interaction with the environment. This course deals with the use of different cutting edge tools, cultures that are used to explore the genetic fabrics of the microorganisms.

B.Sc in Microbiology Course Details

Course Name Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
Duration 3 Years
Eligibility
  • 10+2 Level with Physics, chemistry and Maths with 50-60% aggregate score.
  • Biology is compulsory
  • Must clear the entrance exam (if any) for the respective colleges or university.
Top Institutes NIMS University, Madras Christian College, Mount Carmel College etc
Average Course fees INR 50,000- INR 200,000
Average salary INR 3,00,000-INR 400,000
Further Study M. Sc in Microbiology

Entrance exam: Microbiologist 

Most of the admission to the B.sc Level is done through the merit list. But some universities prefer to take entrance exams along with a merit list from the class 12 scores.

LPUNEST 2023: LPUNEST is conducted by the Lovely Professional University, for admission to the undergraduate courses.

Important dates: 

Upcoming Events (April session) Dates
Online Registration Starts 1st week of November 2022 – January 20, 2023
Dates of Entrance Examination February 1 – 10, 2023

Assam CEE: Assam CEE is conducted by the Dibrugarh University for admission to the different undergraduate programmes. The entrance exam is conducted through pen and paper mode.

Assam CEE Important dates: 

Event Date (tentative)
Online Application Form starts from Till 4th week of May, 2023
Availability of Assam CEE Admit Card 4th week of June, 2023
Assam CEE 2023 Exam Date 1st week of July, 2023

AMUEEE: AMUEEE is a three hour offline pen and paper mode exam conducted by the Aligarh Muslim University for admission to the undergraduate courses.

AMUEEE Important dates: 

Events Dates (tentative)
AMUEEE 2023 Application Starts To be Notified
Last Date to apply with late fee To be Notified
AMUEEE 2023 Exam To be Notified

Related Course 

Here are some of the related courses that the individual can study about to become a microbiologist

B.Tech in Industrial Microbiology 

This course deals with the study of microorganisms that deals with the production of foods and other industrial products. Admission to the B.Tech Industrial Microbiology is done through JEE Mains or other state or university exam . 

Particulars Details
Duration 4 years
Eligibility Science in 10+2 level with at least 60% score The candidates should also qualify JEE mains
Average course fees INR 1,00,000 - INR 4,50,000
Average Salary INR 290,000

BSc in Applied Microbiology 

As the name suggests this course deals with the study of the microorganisms and how they interact with the environment and the ways it can be used to produce valuable products for the environment. BSc in Applied Microbiology provides the knowledge of microorganism is applied to various fields like human health, industry and agriculture.

Particulars Details
Duration 3 years
Eligibility Science in 10+2 level with at least 70% score
Average course fees INR 5,00,00 - INR 2,00,000
Average Salary INR 200000-300000

BSc in Industrial Microbiology 

This course deals with the effect the microbes have in production of the different industrial products. BSc in Industrial Microbiology imparts detailed lessons in the engineering and scientific principles that work behind the processing of materials by microorganisms.

Particulars Details
Duration 3 years
Eligibility Science in 10+2 level with at least 60% score
Average course fees INR 20,000- INR 1,50,000
Average Salary INR 200000-300000

How to become a Microbiologist abroad 

Candidates can study microbiology course in the foriegn nations such as USA , UK , Canada and Australia. Each country has its own set of regulation and eligibility criteria. The pay package offered by the countries varies significantly from what is offered in India.

How to Become a Microbiologist in USA 

The following are the eligibility criteria to become a microbiologist in USA

Eligibility: The eligibility criteris for pursuing Microbiology Courses in USA are listed below,

  • The candidates should have completed their high school or equivalent (10+2) with a minimum grade B.
  • The candidates coming from the non native english countries should pass the TOEFL or the IELTS
  • The candidates have to take the SATs in case of some universities.
  • The candidates also require to produce a letter of recommendation from a teacher or competent authorities in some cases.

Colleges: The list of colleges offering BSc Microbiology Courses are:

College Names Average Annual Fees
University of South Florida  INR 22.35 L
San Diego State University  INR 32 L
San Francisco State University  INR 16.30 L
University of Arizona  INR 37.80 L
The University of Texas INR 18.50 L

Average salary: The average salary of a microbiologist in the USA is UDS 49,000.

How to Become a Microbiologist in UK 

The following are the eligibility criteria to become a microbiologist in the UK

Eligibility: The eligibility criteris for pursuing Microbiology Courses in UK are listed below,

  • The student studying at the A level (Score : A*AA- ABB) or International Baccalaureate (Score : 34-38 points, with 7, 6, 6 – 6, 5, 5 in Higher Level (HL) subjects) would be provided admission directly to the first year.
  • Candidates scoring 85-90% in their 10+2 level would be provided direct admission in the first year. Those scoring 70% have to complete integrated foundation courses.
  • Candidates have to appear for english language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
  • Some colleges require the ATAS certificate.

Colleges: Some of the colleges in UK are

College Names Average Annual Fees
University of Leeds INR 25 L
University of Strathclyde INR 24.50 L
University of Aberdeen INR 25 L
University of Surrey INR 26.70 L
University of Reading  INR 28.20 L

Average Salary: The average salary of a microbiologist in the UK is GBP 24,000 per annum.

How to Become a Microbiologist in Canada 

The following are the eligibility criteria to become a microbiologist in Canada

Eligibility: The eligibility criteris for pursuing Microbiology Courses in Canada are listed below,

  • The candidates should have passed the 10+2 or other equivalent exam.
  • Candidates should submit the score of english proficiency test to the respective college authorities (Minimum score required IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL CBT: 237, TOEFL IBT: 97)
  • Some colleges can take their own entrance or interview test.

Colleges: The colleges in Canada are

College Names Average Annual Fees
McGill University  INR 25.33 L
University of Saskatchewan  INR 11 L
University of Guelph INR 16 L

Average salary: A microbiologist in Canada earns CAD 60,310 per annum.

How to Become a Microbiologist in Australia 

Eligibility: The following are the eligibility criteria to become a microbiologist in Australia 

  • The candidates need to pass the 10+2 or other equivalent exam. The universities in Australia mainly prefer school graduates from ICSE or CBSE boards. The cut off percentage varies from institution to institution.
  • The candidates need to take at least one of the english language proficiency tests such as IELTS, PET, TOEFL.
  • The average score varies required in the english language test for the different entrance exam are IELTS: 6-6.5, TOEFL: 70-80, PET : 50-60

Colleges: The colleges in Australia are

College Names Average Fees
University of New England INR 18.37 L
University of Sydney  -
Western Sydney University  INR 18.60 L
The University of Queensland INR 25.30 L
Griffith University INR 20.50 L

Average salary: An average microbiologist in Australia earns AUD 58,000.

Benefits of Career as a Microbiologist 

Some of the key benefits of pursuing a Career as a Microbiologist are listed below for your reference,

  • Salary: A microbiologist in India earns an average salary of INR 309,000. The field is comparatively new and thus provides the candidates with a niche career option. The salary of microbiologists in India can shoot upto INR 600000 after 10 years of experience.
  • Job Security: A microbiologist in India can secure jobs under different specialisations in India such as Research analyst, Biomedical scientist, industrial microbiologist , etc. However, there is no real job security in the career of a Microbiologist. The microbiologist has to be extremely careful while working in the laboratory. Any mishap can lead to the loss of jobs for the technician.
  • Positive Impact of the Career: The microbiologists are involved with the study of microorganisms and their different characteristics. The use of the cutting edge technologies to observe the test and culture medium can improve the career skill set of the individual. Also, the prospect of getting involved in the creation of a new vaccine or vial solutions can have a positive impact on the career of the microbiologist.
  • Higher Studies: There are various higher studies options available to the Microbiologists. The UG candidates can go for PG courses. They can also go for PhD after the completion of PG courses. The individual can also pursue higher education abroad.
  • Unique Experience: The microbiologists have the unique experience in the creation of the new vaccines that can prevent the spread of diseases and save millions of lives. Microbiologists study the property of microbes that help in production of different foods and related products. They have the unique experience of contributing to the food security of millions of people. The individuals in this field have the scope to carry out various challenging jobs that can increase their job engagement.

Check:

Top Recruiters for microbiologist in India 

The following companies are the top recruiters for Microbiologists

Bharat Biotech Biological E.Limited Bartronics Bioreserve GVK Bioscience Pvt Ltd
Ocium Biosolutions Wize Enterprise DNA Xperts Private Limited PI Industries Ltd Trimurti Corn Agro foods
Sarfarosh Bharat company Novartis Solitaire Infotech Solutions Cisco System AI engineers

Salary of a Microbiologist 

The starting salary in India is between INR 15,000 to INR 25,000. The salary differs on the basis of type of jobs and on the basis of company.

Average Annual Salary 

The average salary based on government and private organizations are,
Name of Organization Average Annual Salary
Government organizations INR 4.80 L
Private Organizations INR 3 L

Specialization-wise Salary

The salary based on different specialization are
Specializations Average Annual Salary
Research analyst INR 3.87 L
Environmental biologist INR 5.31 L
Biomedical Scientist INR 4 L
Clinical & Veterinary Microbiologists INR 5.06 L
Food Technologist INR 4.12 L
Industrial Microbiologist INR 2.90 L
Quality Control INR 3.02 L

Experience-wise Salary

Experience wise salary of the microbiologists are
Experience Salary (per annum)
Entry level INR 3 L
Mid- level INR 4.20 L
Top Level INR 30 L

Career as a Microbiologist: FAQs

Ques. Is microbiology a good career?

Ans. Microbiology provides a niche career choice for the aspirants in India. With a graduate degree in microbiology one can become a research assistant in a laboratory, food technologist at a big FMCG company, an industrial microbiologist and many more.

Ques. Are Microbiologists in demand?

Ans. Yes. The demand for microbiologists is projected to grow by 3% within 2029, globally.

Ques. How much is the salary of a microbiologist?

Ans. A microbiologist in india gets an average salary INR 309,000

Ques. Can I get job after BSc microbiology?

Ans. Yes. After completion of the BSc course the graduate can land a job in different positions such as Research assistant, industrial microbiologist, food technologists, etc.

Ques. How long does a PhD in microbiology take?

Ans. It generally takes 3-5 years. The candidates have to make a presentation and write a thesis or dissertation about a particular topic along with lab reports and research and classes.

Ques. What are the negative impacts of the career in Microbiology?

Ans. There are various positive impacts of this career but on the other hand, there are some negative impacts also. There are many harmful materials inside the labs which would harm people. Also, competition in the market for getting jobs in this field is increasing day by day.

Ques. What are the books and study material to become a Microbiologist?

Ans. There are various books about Microbiology. Some of them are Brock Biology of Microorganisms by Michael T. Madigan, Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple by Mark Gladwin, Prescott’s Microbiology by Joanne Willey, Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology by Patricia Tille.

Ques. Mention the countries to make career in Microbiology?

Ans. Countries which are best for studying Microbiology courses are USA, Australia, Canada, UK, Finland, Lebanon, Ireland, New Zealand in which students interested in Microbiology can make their career in it. Check out the eligibility criteria above for the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.

Ques. Which period is known as ‘the golden age of Microbiology’?

Ans. The period which is known as ‘the golden age of Microbiology’ varies between 1850 to 1915. It is so because in these years, many agents of micro diseases were discovered. Many agents of infections and diseases were identified also.

Ques. What are microorganisms and what are not in Microbiology?

Ans. Microorganisms are those which cannot be seen with naked eye. We can see them with the help of Microscope. Bacteria, Fungi, Archaea are Microorganisms. On the other hand, Virus and Prions are not Microorganisms, they are non-living beings.

Ques. What are known as Virologists in Microbiology?

Ans. Virology are the microbiologists whose job is to study about the viruses that affect humans, plants, animals, etc. They make vaccines so that the virus can be destroyed. As we know, COVID-19 is also a virus belonging to the family of coronavirus. For this type of virus, the vaccines are made by the Virologists.

Ques. What is the exam pattern for AIIMS PG 2023 Entrance Exam for Microbiology?

Ans. It is a 3-hour test containing 7 types of MCQs in it. The medium of paper is English and it contains 200 questions in it. It is an online exam which is conducted in 68 cities.

Ques. What are the working hours for a Microbiologist?

Ans. The working hours for a Microbiologist doing an office job is 9 hours. Whereas, to work in a laboratory, they have to do night shifts and overtime. For this, they have to work 24*7 all the time.

Ques. Is there scope in India or abroad for Microbiology?

Ans. This would be better known by whether the person is ready to change his own or not. If he/she is ready to do so, then they can go abroad to study to gain more knowledge. But in India, there are more specializations to choose, by which the candidates can get an option to make a wider choice.

Ques. What if we choose other career than Microbiology?

Ans. Any other career basically does not include the laboratory work. People who would like to do work in labs can choose Microbiology. Moreover, the expected salary of a Microbiologist is higher than other jobs.

Ask your question

Answered Questions

BS

Bhoomika Sinha

12 Sept 22

Based on the trends of last few years, Lady Brabourne College cutoff for Microbiology stays quite high, above 90%. Shortlisted candidates need to go through an interview, in order to get admission at LBC. 

The cutoff criteria are similar for Scottish Church College as well. Admission to Scottish Church is based strictly on merit. 

...Show More

VD

Veena Dutta

04 Oct 21

The better choice would definitely be Ram Lal Anand College after what I have learned from my friends studying there.

The campus might not be as extravagant as other colleges, but if you want to study microbes, Ram Lal Anand College is the best choice.

The reasons to choose this college over Swami Shraddhanand College are as follows:

  • The best microbiology course offered by Delhi University.
  • It is a really underrated college. Thus you may not hear about it in discussions.
  • The students from this college have got their research papers printed in international papers.
  • The faculty is highly experienced at the University of Delhi in Microbiology and they guide you at every single step of your course.
Categories B.Sc. Microbiology at Ram Lal Anand College Swami Shraddhanand College
Course Fee 36,465 36,225
Placement Percentage 60-75% -
Highest CTC 16 LPA 12 LPA
Average CTC 5 LPA 3.5 LPA

So I would say Ram Lal Anand College over Swami Shraddhanand College any day. But ultimately it is your choice, make an informed decision and choose the one that satisfies your requirements.

...Show More

RB

Rupkotha Banerjee

28 Feb 22

The basic eligibility requirement for securing admission at St. Xavier’s College Kolkata is 60% aggregate marks, along with 60% marks in Biology and Chemistry separately. 

The cutoff score is calculated by adding Aggregate percentage, Biology percentage, Chemistry percentage. The cutoff is calculated out of 300. If you are a CBSE/ISC student, having a score above 285 should get you a seat. For WBCHSE, a score of 275 should do. Cutoffs for other state boards are higher. 

...Show More

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