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ScienceLife Sciences / Biotechnology

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms to advance medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. In India, demand is growing across pharma giants like Sun Pharma and Cipla, ICMR research labs, food safety bodies like FSSAI, and biotech startups. The field spans clinical diagnostics, vaccine development, fermentation technology, and biosafety research.

Salary range
₹3–20 LPA
Job growth
high
Work type
Office | Field | Hospital
Paths to entry
4 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Score well in Science and Maths in board exams to keep PCB stream open
  • Participate in school science exhibitions with microbiology projects (e.g., yogurt fermentation)
  • Explore NCERT Biology chapters on microorganisms and disease thoroughly

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Microbiologist

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

B.Sc Microbiology → M.Sc → Research/Industry
Science

Most state universities admit via their own merit lists or CUET UG; M.Sc opens doors to ICMR, CSIR labs, and pharma R&D.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    B.Sc Microbiology (3 yr) + M.Sc Microbiology (2 yr)
  4. Colleges
    University of Delhi · Banaras Hindu University · Savitribai Phule Pune University
  5. Career
    Microbiologist
B.Sc Biotechnology → Specialise in Microbiology
Science

B.Tech Biotechnology at BITS or NITs offers stronger industry placements in biopharma and food-tech.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG or BITSAT
  3. Degree
    B.Sc / B.Tech Biotechnology (3–4 yr)
  4. Colleges
    BITS Pilani · Manipal Institute of Technology · SRM University
  5. Career
    Microbiologist
MBBS / BDS → Microbiology Specialty (MD Microbiology)
Science

MD Microbiology is hospital-based; leads to clinical microbiology, infection control, and academic posts.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    NEET UG
  3. Degree
    MBBS (5.5 yr) + MD Microbiology (3 yr)
  4. Colleges
    AIIMS New Delhi · AIIMS Bhopal · AIIMS Jodhpur
  5. Career
    Microbiologist
B.Sc → GATE → M.Tech / PhD in Microbial Biotechnology
Science

GATE Biotechnology/Life Sciences opens IIT and IISc postgraduate programs with stipends; ideal for research careers.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    B.Sc (3 yr) + GATE + M.Tech / Ph.D (2–5 yr)
  4. Colleges
    IIT Bombay · IIT Delhi · IIT Kharagpur
  5. Career
    Microbiologist

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.

University of Delhi
Banaras Hindu University
Savitribai Phule Pune University
Miranda House Delhi
Fergusson College Pune
VIT Vellore
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
Manipal Institute of Technology
SRM University
Jamia Hamdard Delhi
Amity University Noida
AIIMS New Delhi
AIIMS Bhopal
AIIMS Jodhpur
AIIMS Jodhpur
Central GovtJodhpur, Rajasthan
AIIMS Allied Health Exam
Maulana Azad Medical College
Seth Gs Medical College Mumbai
IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay
Central GovtMumbai, Maharashtra
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIT Kharagpur
IIT Madras
IIT Madras
Central GovtChennai, Tamil Nadu
JEE Advanced + JoSAAIISER Aptitude Test
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.