What qualifications do you need to study Genetics?

The study of how living organisms inherit and pass on their traits such as eye color, blood type, or illness susceptibility is known as genetics. Genetics is an exciting and rapidly evolving field with numerous applications in health, agriculture, biotechnology, and other fields. If you want to pursue a career in geneticist, you might be wondering what qualifications you need to study this subject. In this blog post, we will cover the following topics:

• Which entrance exams do one need to qualify for genetics?
• Eligibility criteria for genetics
• Best colleges for genetics
• Career options (Jobs and Salaries)

Who is a Geneticist?

A geneticist is a scientist who studies the inheritance of traits and characteristics in living beings. A geneticist can work on various aspects of genetics, such as molecular genetics, population genetics, medical genetics, plant genetics, and animal genetics.

A geneticist can work in various settings, such as research institutions such as IISERs, NISER, hospitals, forensics, agricultural companies, horticultural companies, universities, genetic engineering companies, the biotechnology industry, pharmaceutical industry.

Best Colleges for Genetics:

Choosing the right college can significantly impact your learning experience. Here are some of the top-rated institutions offering genetics programs:

1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-

IISc is one of the most prestigious and reputed institutions in India that offers various courses and research programs in science and engineering, including genetics. IISc offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (Research) program in Biological Sciences, which covers various aspects of genetics, such as molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, etc. To get admission to IISc, you need to qualify IISER Aptitude Test (IAT exam).

2. IISERs-

All IISERs offer a Bachelor of Science (BS-MS) dual degree in Biology, which includes a strong focus on genetics. The curriculum covers courses like introductory genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biostatistics, and more. Some IISERs, like IISER Pune and IISER Mohali, offer dedicated programs in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology. These programs involve more specialized coursework and research opportunities in these fields. IISERs take admission through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT exam).

3. NISER-

NISER offers an Int. MSc degree in Biology with a specialization in Genetics and Genomics. This program focuses heavily on genetics and related fields like genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. The curriculum includes courses like advanced genetics, population genetics, evolutionary genetics, human genetics, and more. NISER also has strong research programs in genetics and genomics, with opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research projects. NISER takes admission through the NEST exam, and every student gets about Rs. 4 lakhs of full scholarship with fees being less than Rs. 20,000 in the entire year for the general category, and even a lesser fee for other category students.

4. National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)–

Offers a vibrant research environment and a diverse range of genetics courses. It has four major divisions: molecular biology and genetics; cellular organisation and signalling; neurobiology; and ecology and evolution. The entrance exam for these programmes is the TIFR Nationwide Entrance Examination (GS-2024) for Biology, also known as the Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS).  

5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)–

It offers a prestigious Bachelor of Science program in Genetics with a focus on practical training.

BHU offers a three-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Hons.) program in Genetics, which covers various aspects of genetics, such as classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, etc. 

The admission process may vary depending on the specific program you’re interested in:

• M.Sc. Biotechnology: This program offers courses in molecular genetics, genetic engineering, and other related fields. It accepts students through the DBT-sponsored Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology (GAT-B).
• M.Sc. Plant Breeding and Genetics: This program focuses on plant genetics and breeding. It might have its entrance exam or consider BHU PET scores.

What entrance exams do you need to take?

To study genetics at the undergraduate level, you need to have a strong background in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Depending on the college or university you want to apply to, you might need to take one or more entrance exams to demonstrate your aptitude and knowledge in these subjects. Some of the popular entrance exams for geneticist courses in India are:

1. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)-

• The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) that opens doors to undergraduate programs in medical and allied sciences, including geneticist. While genetics is a subject covered in the NEET syllabus, it is not a direct pathway to becoming a genetic engineer. To become a genetic engineer, one typically must pursue a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biotechnology, geneticist, or molecular biology. 
• NEET is a three-hour exam that consists of 180 multiple-choice questions from physics, chemistry, and biology. 
• The exam is held once a year, usually in May or June. 

2. JEE Mains-

• The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is a national-level exam conducted by the NTA for admission to various engineering and technology courses, including genetic engineering, genetics, and biotechnology.
• In India, premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) provide B.Tech programs in Genetic Engineering. National Institutes of Technology (NITs) also offer related programs like Biotechnology. Several private universities, including SRM, VIT, and Manipal Academy, further contribute to this field by offering B.Tech programs in Genetic Engineering.
• JEE Main is a three-hour exam that consists of 90 multiple-choice questions from physics, chemistry, and mathematics. 
• The exam is held twice a year, usually in January and April. 

3. CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test)-

• This newly introduced exam serves as a gateway to various undergraduate programs offered by central universities, including genetic programs like biotechnology, plant sciences or life sciences.
• The exam duration is 2 hours and the question paper consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the subjects relevant to the course applied for. 
• It is conducted once a year, usually in June or July. The exam is held in online mode (computer-based test) across various cities in India. 

4. State-Level Entrance Exams-

• Apart from the national-level exams, some states or universities also conduct their entrance exams for admission to geneticist courses in undergraduate programs.
• For example, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) conducts the Undergraduate Entrance Test (UET) for admission to its B.Sc. (Hons.) Genetics courses such as classical geneticist, genomics, molecular geneticist, cytogenetics, biotechnology, evolutional genetics and many more.
• The two-hour exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions from physics, chemistry, biology, and general awareness. 
• The exam is held once a year, usually in April or May. 

What is the eligibility criteria?

1. UG Level-

• To be eligible to study genetics at the undergraduate level, you need to have completed your 12th-grade or equivalent examination from a recognised board or council with a minimum of 60% for general and OBC, 55% for others.
• You also need to have studied physics, chemistry, and biology as compulsory subjects in your 12th grade. Some colleges or universities might also require you to have studied mathematics or biotechnology as optional subjects. 
• You also need to have qualified for the relevant entrance exam for the course you want to apply to, as mentioned above.

2. PG Level-

• To study geneticist at the postgraduate level, you need to have completed your bachelor’s degree or equivalent examination in genetics or a related field, such as biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, zoology, botany, etc. from a UGC-recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. 
• You also need to have qualified for the relevant entrance exam for the course you want to apply to, such as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM), the Combined Biotechnology Entrance Examination (CBEE), etc.

3. PhD Level-

• To study genetics at the doctoral level, you need to have completed your master’s degree or equivalent examination in geneticist or a related field from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. 
• You also need to have qualified for the relevant entrance exam for the course you want to apply to, such as the National Eligibility Test (NET), the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), etc. You also need to have a valid research proposal and a supervisor who is willing to guide you in your research.

What after BSc, MSc, PhD?

After completing your degree in geneticist, you have a variety of career options to choose from, depending on your level of education, skills, and interests. Some of the common career paths for genetics graduates are:

1. Research Scientist-

As a research scientist, you can work in academic institutions, research organizations, or biotechnology companies, where you can conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish your findings in scientific journals or patents. To become a research scientist, you need to have a Ph.D. in genetics or a related field, and preferably some postdoctoral experience. 

2. Genetic Counselor-

As a genetic counsellor, you can work in hospitals, clinics, or genetic testing laboratories, where you can provide information, guidance, and support to individuals or families who have or are at risk of having genetic disorders or conditions. To become a genetic counsellor, you need to have a master’s degree in genetic counselling or a related field, and preferably some clinical experience. 

3. Genetic Engineer-

As a genetic engineer, you can work in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or agricultural companies, where you can design and modify the genetic material of living organisms, such as bacteria, plants, animals, or humans, for various purposes, such as producing drugs, vaccines, enzymes, hormones, etc. To become a genetic engineer, you need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in genetic engineering or a related field, and preferably some industrial experience. 

4. Genetic Teacher or Professor-

As a genetic teacher or professor, you can work in schools, colleges, or universities, where you can teach geneticist or related subjects to students, as well as mentor and supervise them in their academic or research projects. To become a genetic teacher or professor, you need to have a master’s or PhD degree in geneticist or a related field, and preferably some teaching experience. 

These are some of the common career paths for genetics graduates, but there are many other options available, such as forensic geneticist, bioinformatician, patent attorney, science writer, etc. You can also pursue higher studies or specialization in genetics or related fields, such as molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, etc.

Jobs and Salaries:

The field of geneticist offers exciting career opportunities with promising salary prospects. Here are some examples:

• Research Scientist: Average Salary: Rs. 6-14 lakhs per annum
• Genetic Counselor: Average Salary: Rs. 2-6 lakhs per annum
• Genetic Engineer:  Average Salary: Rs. 5-6 lakhs per annum
• Professor/Lecturer: Average Salary: Rs. 7-12 lakhs per annum (depending on experience and university)

Conclusion:

Genetics is a rewarding and exciting field that can help you understand the secrets of life and improve the quality of life for yourself and others. If you want to study geneticist, you need to have a strong foundation in science and mathematics, as well as a keen interest and curiosity in biology. You must also prepare well for the entrance exams and admission process of the colleges or universities that offer genetics courses. After completing your degree in geneticist, you can choose from a variety of career options that suit your skills and goals. 

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