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

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.

Now
Science Stream
Exams
CUET UG
Degree
B.Sc Microbiology (3 yr) + M.Sc Microbiology (2 yr)
Colleges
University of Delhi · Banaras Hindu University · Savitribai Phule Pune University
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.

Now
Science Stream
Exams
CUET UG or BITSAT
Degree
B.Sc / B.Tech Biotechnology (3–4 yr)
Colleges
BITS Pilani · Manipal Institute of Technology · SRM University
Career
Microbiologist

MBBS / BDS → Microbiology Specialty (MD Microbiology)

Science

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

Now
Science Stream
Exams
NEET UG
Degree
MBBS (5.5 yr) + MD Microbiology (3 yr)
Colleges
AIIMS New Delhi · AIIMS Bhopal · AIIMS Jodhpur
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.

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

Entrance exams

Exam	Eligibility	Difficulty	Window
BITSAT BITS Pilani	Class 12 PCM, 75%+	Hard	May-Jun
NEET UG NTA	Class 12 PCB, 50%+	Very Hard	May
CUET UG NTA	Class 12 (any stream)	Medium	May-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

Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan

BITSAT

Manipal Institute of Technology

SRM University

Jamia Hamdard Delhi

Amity University Noida

AIIMS New Delhi

AIIMS Bhopal

AIIMS Jodhpur

Central GovtJodhpur, Rajasthan

AIIMS Allied Health Exam

Maulana Azad Medical College

Seth Gs Medical College Mumbai

IIT Bombay

Central GovtMumbai, Maharashtra

JEE Advanced + JoSAA

IIT Delhi

Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi

JEE Advanced + JoSAA

IIT Kharagpur

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.