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ScienceHealthcare & Life Sciences

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors in India assess inherited conditions, interpret genetic test results, and guide families on reproductive and health decisions. With India's high prevalence of genetic disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and chromosomal abnormalities, trained counselors are increasingly sought across hospitals, fertility clinics, and diagnostic labs. The field is expanding rapidly as genomic medicine becomes mainstream in Indian healthcare.

Salary range
₹4–18 LPA
Job growth
high
Work type
Hospital
Paths to entry
3 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Excel in biology and chemistry board exams; genetics chapters are core to this career
  • Research genetic disorders prevalent in Indian communities and their inheritance patterns
  • Participate in biology olympiads or science fairs with a genetics-themed project

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Genetic Counselor

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

BSc Life Sciences → MSc Genetic Counseling
Science

Most direct route; Amrita Institute and Kasturba Medical College Manipal offer dedicated MSc Genetic Counseling programs.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    BSc Genetics / Life Sciences (3 yr) + MSc Genetic Counseling (2 yr)
  4. Colleges
    Delhi University · Jawaharlal Nehru University · University of Hyderabad
  5. Career
    Genetic Counselor
MBBS → Medical Genetics Specialization
Science

Strongest clinical route; leads to higher-paying hospital genetics department and prenatal diagnostics roles.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    NEET UG
  3. Degree
    MBBS (5.5 yr) + Fellowship / MD Medical Genetics (2–3 yr)
  4. Colleges
    AIIMS New Delhi · Jipmer Puducherry · Kasturba Medical College Manipal
  5. Career
    Genetic Counselor
BSc Biotechnology → MSc Genetics
Science

Well-suited for research-oriented careers in genomics startups, diagnostic labs, and pharma.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG or BITSAT
  3. Degree
    BSc Biotechnology (3 yr) + MSc Genetics / Genomics (2 yr)
  4. Colleges
    BITS Pilani · VIT Vellore · Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
  5. Career
    Genetic Counselor

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
BITSAT
BITS Pilani
Class 12 PCM, 75%+HardMay-Jun
NEET UG
NTA
Class 12 PCB, 50%+Very HardMay
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

DU
University of Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
CUET UGCUET PGMerit-based
JNU
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
CUET PGJNUEE
UoH
University of Hyderabad
Central GovtHyderabad, Telangana
CUET UGInstitute entranceMerit-based
BHU
Banaras Hindu University
Central GovtVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
CUETJEE MainNEET UG
AIIMS Delhi
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
NEET UG
JIPMER
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
Central GovtPuducherry, Puducherry
NEET UGNEET PG
KMC Manipal
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Deemed UniversityManipal, Karnataka
NEET UG
PGIMER
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
Central GovtChandigarh, Chandigarh
Institute entrance
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
VIT Vellore
Vellore Institute of Technology
Deemed UniversityVellore, Tamil Nadu
VITEEEDirect admissionMerit-based
Amrita University
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Deemed UniversityCoimbatore, Tamil Nadu
AEEEJEE MainNEET UG
MAHE
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Deemed UniversityManipal, Karnataka
JEE MainNEET UGMET
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.