Eligibility, Courses & Admission Process in Genetic Engineering Colleges
Genetic engineering is a field that blends advanced biology, chemistry, and technology to modify and engineer genes for research, healthcare, agriculture, and industry. For NEET 2025 aspirants interested in research, pharma, or cutting-edge biosciences, pursuing genetic engineering is a promising choice with wide career scope in India and abroad.
Top Genetic Engineering Colleges in India for 2025
India hosts a number of top-tier government and private colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in genetic engineering and allied fields. Most leading institutes provide either a dedicated BTech in Genetic Engineering, BTech Biotechnology with genetics focus, or MSc Genetics/Biotechnology specialisations.
| College Name | Location | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Kharagpur | West Bengal | Government | BTech Biotechnology/Genetic Engg. |
| SRM Institute of Science & Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Private | BTech Genetic Engineering |
| VIT Vellore | Vellore, Tamil Nadu | Private | BTech Biotechnology/Genetics |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | Government | MSc Biotechnology |
| Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Private | BTech Genetic Engineering |
| Career Point University | Aalniya, Rajasthan | Private | BTech Genetic Engineering |
| DAVV - Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | Government | BSc/MSc Genetics |
| LPU Jalandhar - Lovely Professional University | Phagwara, Punjab | Private | BTech Biotechnology/Genetics |
| MSLS Manipal - Manipal School of Life Sciences | Manipal, Karnataka | Private | BSc/MSc Life Sciences/Genetics |
| Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Private | BSc/MSc Biotechnology & Genetics |
| Sharda University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Private | BTech Biotechnology/Genetic Engg. |
| Swami Vivekanand University | Sironja, Madhya Pradesh | Private | Genetics & Allied Courses |
Courses can vary: Some colleges offer BTech in Genetic Engineering specifically, while others focus on BTech Biotechnology with a strong genetics stream or offer BSc/MSc Genetics as core programs. Indian Institutes of Technology such as IIT Kharagpur and select NITs remain prestigious picks.
Entrance Exams and Admission Process for 2025
Admissions generally depend on national or university-level entrance exams. Most prominent ones include:
- JEE Advanced: For IITs such as IIT Kharagpur (Biotech/Genetics specialization).
- SRMJEEE: For BTech Genetic Engineering at SRM Institute of Science & Technology.
- VITEEE: For BTech at VIT Vellore.
- University Entrance Tests: Many private colleges and central universities hold their separate entrance exams.
- CUET, JNU Entrance, or relevant graduate entrance for MSc courses.
NEET is not typically required for genetic engineering BTech/BSc admissions, but having biology strengthens eligibility. Some institutes may also accept JEE Main or equivalent science entrance scores.
What You Study in Genetic Engineering Courses
Coursework is updated and practical-oriented, with core subjects that can include:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Genetic Engineering Techniques (CRISPR, cloning, etc.)
- Cell and Microbial Technology
- Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Genomics
- Genetic Data Analysis
- Plant and Animal Biotechnology
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Seminars, Lab Practicals, Industry Internships
BTech/BSc programmes are usually 4 years, with a growing push for research-based and hands-on laboratory training across top colleges.
Career Opportunities & Salary Expectations after Genetic Engineering
| Role / Sector | Typical Salary (INR, per annum) | Top Hiring Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist / Lab Analyst | ₹4–10 lakh | Govt labs, universities, pharma companies |
| Biotech & Pharma Industry Professional | ₹3–8 lakh | Biocon, Serum Institute, Novozymes, etc. |
| Genetic Counselor / Clinical Genetics | ₹5–12 lakh | Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs |
| Academia/Teaching | ₹3–7 lakh | Colleges, universities |
| Bioinformatics Specialist | ₹4–9 lakh | IT & healthcare tech companies |
The field offers immense growth—MTech, PhD, or global research options are open after a bachelor’s degree. The biotech and pharma sectors rapidly recruit new talent from India’s top institutes.
Distinguishing Between Genetics and Biotechnology Courses
Students often get confused between BTech Genetic Engineering and BTech Biotechnology. Genetic engineering is more niche, focusing on gene manipulation, while biotechnology covers a broader range including fermentation, microbiology, and agricultural technologies. Most top Indian institutes offer genetics as a specialization within biotechnology.
For a detailed difference, you can check comprehensive lists and guides for BTech Biotechnology courses as well.
Also read: BTech Biotechnology Colleges in India
NEET Relevance and Prep Tips for Genetics Aspirants
Genetic engineering topics are strongly rooted in your NEET Biology syllabus. Reviewing genetics, molecular biology, and human health chapters is beneficial for NEET as well as future entrance exams for biotech/genetic programs.
You can get updated details about the NEET Biology Syllabus and prepare smarter with focused practice.
For better college matching, NEET aspirants can use the NEET College Predictor to shortlist biotechnology and genetic engineering colleges as per their score and stream interests.
FAQs on List of Top Genetic Engineering Colleges in India for NEET Aspirants
1. Which university is best for genetic engineering in India?
The best universities for genetic engineering in India include leading IITs and top private institutes. Notable options are:
- IIT Kharagpur (West Bengal) – Known for BTech Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Tamil Nadu – Offers a specialized BTech in Genetic Engineering
- VIT Vellore, Tamil Nadu – Renowned for BTech Biotechnology with genetics specialisation
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi – Well-established MSc Biotechnology program
2. Which IITs offer genetic engineering courses?
IIT Kharagpur and several other IITs offer BTech in Biotechnology or related specialisations covering genetic engineering.
- IIT Kharagpur: BTech/Integrated MSc programs in Biotechnology with genetic engineering modules
- IIT Delhi: MTech and research in biochemical/genetic engineering fields
- IIT Madras: BT-MTech Dual Degree in Biotechnology, focus on genome technology
- Other IITs (such as Bombay, Guwahati): Extensive biotechnology courses
3. What is the eligibility for genetic engineering colleges?
The basic eligibility for genetic engineering colleges in India is:
- Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics
- Minimum 50-60% marks in aggregate (varies by institute)
- Qualifying entrance exams like JEE Main/Advanced (for IITs/NITs), NEET (for some colleges), or individual university tests like SRMJEEE, VITEEE
4. What is the salary of a genetic engineer in India?
The average starting salary of a genetic engineer in India ranges from ₹3–6 lakhs per annum for freshers. With higher degrees or experience, salaries can increase to ₹10+ lakhs per annum. Key factors affecting salary include:
- College or university attended
- Industry sector (pharma, research, biotech companies)
- Experience and higher qualifications
- Location and organisation type (govt, MNC, startup)
5. What entrance exam is required for genetic engineering?
The major entrance exams for admission to genetic engineering courses are:
- JEE Main/Advanced: Required for entry to IITs and some NITs for BTech Biotechnology/Genetics streams
- NEET: Accepted by some government colleges for relevant life sciences courses
- SRMJEEE: For SRM University admissions
- VITEEE: For VIT group institutes
- State-level or university-specific entrance exams
6. What is the difference between B.Tech Biotechnology and B.Tech Genetic Engineering?
B.Tech Biotechnology provides a broad study of living systems and applications in health, agriculture, and industry, while B.Tech Genetic Engineering focuses specifically on genetic modification and manipulation techniques. Differences include:
- Scope: Biotechnology is broader, covering microbiology, bioprocessing, etc.
- Core Subjects: Genetic Engineering emphasizes DNA, gene editing, genomics
- Career Path: Both overlap in pharma, research, diagnostics, but genetic engineers work more on genome editing, gene therapy, and research labs
7. Is genetic engineering a good career in India?
Yes, genetic engineering is a promising and fast-growing career in India, especially with advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and pharma. Career advantages are:
- High research funding and job demand in genomics and biotechnology
- Opportunities in diagnostics, pharma companies, R&D, and teaching
- Attractive salaries after post-graduation or PhD
- High placement rates from top colleges like IITs, VIT, SRM
8. Can I get direct admission in genetic engineering without JEE or NEET?
Yes, some private universities offer direct admission to BTech Genetic Engineering based on 10+2 board marks or their own entrance tests. For example:
- SRM Institute: Through SRMJEEE or Class 12th marks (management quota)
- VIT Vellore: Via VITEEE or direct counseling (limited seats)
- Other private/state universities may have management quota or merit-based direct entry
9. What are the top private colleges for genetic engineering in India?
The top private colleges for genetic engineering in India are:
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu
- VIT Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh
- Amity University, Noida
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Karnataka
10. What is taught in a genetic engineering course curriculum?
A genetic engineering course curriculum covers the following key subjects:
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Genomics and Proteomics
- Genetic Modification Techniques (CRISPR, gene cloning)
- Biotechnology Principles
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Lab practicals and research projects
