What is Biology
Biology is one of the important branches of science that deals with the study of life, living things and their important processes in detail. It focuses on the evolution of human beings, genetics, cell biology, reproduction processes, chemical bonds and ecology. It involves studying different species, the formation of life, life-sustaining processes and elements, disorders, diseases, and treatments.
In India, around 280 colleges and universities offer Biology specialisation. Some of the popular colleges in India are Presidency College, Loyola College, Sri Venkateshwara College, and St Joseph’s College. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, students can apply to their desired colleges.
After graduation, applicants can explore various career options. Biologist, Horticulturist, and Biochemist are the popular job roles. Biology graduates can contribute to work settings such as hospitals, clinics, academics, and pharmaceutical companies and can also practise privately. The average salary of a Biologist in India is Rs. 4.5 LPA.
The biology field has not only provided large opportunities to the students but has also improved their lives. The growth prospects in the field have attracted many candidates to pursue their courses.
Highlights - Biology Course
Particulars | Values |
Branch Name | Biology |
Degree | |
Duration | UG: 4 years PG: 3 years |
Eligibility | UG: 10+2 in PCB PG: Bachelor’s degree in a similar field |
Admission Process | Admission Examination/ Direct Admission |
Entrance Exam | UG: CUET UG, NEET, AIIMS, IISER Aptitude test PG: CUET PG, JNUEE, PGIMER, JIPMER |
Course Fees | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 13 Lakhs |
Job Profiles | Horticulturist, Biologist, Biochemist, Lecturer |
Average Salary | Rs. 2 LPA- Rs. 15 LPA |
Recruiting Companies | Qiagen, Genentech, National Institutes of Health, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Syngenta, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
Biology is a broad field with numerous specialisations and related areas of study. These specialisations offer various career opportunities in research, healthcare, environmental management, biotechnology, and many other areas. Here are some specialisations and similar fields within biology:
Public Health |
Top Colleges in India Offering Biology
Many educational institutes in India offer Biology courses and their specialisations. To pursue a course in Biology a student has to select a very good and reputed college. Here are a few top colleges where a student can get admission into the Biology courses with their respective fees.
Colleges | Fee Structure |
Rs. 77,000 | |
Rs. 37,500 | |
- | |
Rs. 1.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 7,800 | |
| - | |
- | |
Rs. 4,800 | |
- | |
- | |
- |
Note: The fee structure provided above can be for any particular Biology course (Diploma/ Degree/PGD).
Top Private Biology Colleges in India
Many private colleges in India offer Biology courses. The fee can be significantly higher in a private college as compared to a government institute. Some of the top private Biology colleges are mentioned below along with their fees.
Colleges | Fee Structure (Entire Course) |
- | |
Rs. 13.13 Lakhs | |
- | |
- | |
Rs. 24,100 | |
Rs. 30,000 | |
Rs. 2.03 Lakhs | |
Rs. 3.78 Lakhs | |
Rs. 2.46 Lakhs | |
- | |
Rs. 1.22 Lakhs |
Top Government Biology Colleges in India
Numerous government colleges in India offer Biology courses. Admissions are based on previous academic accomplishments and entrance examination scores. The table below lists some of the top government colleges in India that offer Biology courses.
Colleges | Fee Structure |
- | |
- | |
- | |
- | |
- | |
Rs. 9,000 | |
- | |
- | |
- | |
Rs. 33,800 | |
- |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Biology
Candidates aspiring to pursue Biology courses can apply for undergraduate programmes, postgraduate programmes, diploma courses, and certificate courses. To get admission into these courses, the candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria required by colleges and universities.
Eligibility Criteria for UG Courses
Eligibility criteria are a set of standards that should be followed by candidates. Graduates can apply for Biology undergraduate degrees after completing their 10+2 in the science stream from a recognised board. To be eligible for admission, candidates need to meet the following requirements:
- Candidates applying for UG courses in Biology must have completed 10+2 level or any equivalent level examination from a recognised institute in India.
- The stream in the 10+2 level should be science- Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- The minimum aggregate score is 50 per cent. There may be a relaxation of 5 per cent for the candidate belonging to the reserved category.
- After clearing the entrance examination, final admission is made based on the cutoff score.
Top Entrance Exams for UG Courses
Applicants must clear some entrance examinations for admission to the Biology courses. It is one of the most important qualification requirements. Some of the popular entrance examinations in the field of Biology are discussed below.
Exam Name | Exam Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | NTA | ||
National | NTA | ||
National | All India Institute of Medical Sciences | - | |
National | The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research | - |
Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses
For admission to Biology courses at the PG level, candidates must have graduated from a recognised university with a valid aggregate score. Eligibility details can be found on the official website of the college or the programme brochure. The following requirements are mandatory for a postgraduate degree in Biology.
- Candidates aspiring to pursue PG degrees in Biology must have completed their undergraduate programme in the related discipline.
- A minimum of 55 per cent aggregate marks is required in the entrance examination and for SC/ST this requirement varies around 45 per cent to 50 per cent.
- After clearing the entrance examination, candidates are eligible for admission to the programme.
Top Entrance Exams for PG Courses
Many examinations are conducted at national, state, and university levels. Candidates should check the examinations accepted by their preferred institute. Mentioned in the table below are the popular entrance examinations at the PG level.
Exam Name | Exam Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | NTA | ||
National | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | ||
National | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | ||
National | AIIMS New Delhi | - | |
National | Dte General of Medical Services (Army) | - |
Scope of Biology in India and Abroad
The popularity of a Biology course is on the rise. It is a vast field consisting of many sub-disciplines. Due to its broad scope, it has attracted many aspirants. Students can opt for job roles such as ecologists, scientists, researchers, and environmentalists. With the rise in many diseases and health problems, the government has established many medical institutes.
After graduation, students can work at hospitals, clinics, labs, and research institutions. Medical science graduates are one of the highest paid anywhere in the world. They have good career opportunities in academics, industrial research, clinical trials, and environmental conservation.
Course Fees Biology
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
4.88 K
B.Sc. in Biology at Kanahiya Lal Dav PG College, Roorkee
|
---
Data not available
|
29.22 Lakhs
B.Sc.(Hons) in Biology at Ashoka University, Sonepat
|
11.31 Lakhs
BS MS in Biology at Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad
|
| PG |
1.53 K
M.Phil. in Biology at Queen Mary's College, Chennai
|
---
Data not available
|
22.32 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Biology at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
|
6.85 Lakhs
M.Sc Ph.D in Biology at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram
|
| DOCTORAL |
---
Data not available
|
---
Data not available
|
9.00 Lakhs
Ph.D in Biology at Joy University, Vadakkankulam
|
4.04 Lakhs
Ph.D in Biology at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal
|
| DIPLOMA |
16.00 K
Diploma in Biology at Shridhar University, Pilani
|
32.00 K
M.Sc. in Biology at Pondicherry University, Puducherry
|
80.00 K
M.Sc. in Biology at University of Engineering and Management, Jaipur
|
85.00 K
M.Sc. in Biology at Panjab University, Chandigarh
|
Course Subjects
The subjects included in the biology course curriculum provide in-depth knowledge of key aspects related to biological life forms. In this section, we will discuss the undergraduate and postgraduate syllabus of Biology.
Biology Syllabus for UG Degrees
The topics taught in the undergraduate degree in Biology are Botany, Biochemistry, Basics of Zoology, and Biochemistry, and Physiology. In the table below, we have mentioned the B.Sc Biology of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University.
Semester 1 | |
Basics of Botany | Microbiology & Plant Pathology |
Techniques in Microbiology & Plant Pathology | Basics of Zoology |
Cytology, Genetics and Immunology | Cell Biology and Cytogenetics Lab |
Basics of Chemistry | Fundamentals of Chemistry |
Quantitative Analysis | - |
Semester 2 | |
Archegoniate & Plant Architecture | Land Plants Architecture |
Biochemistry and Physiology | Physiological, Biochemical & Haematology Lab |
Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry | Biochemical Analysis |
Semester 3 | |
Flowering Plants Identification & Aesthetic Characteristics | Plant Identification technology |
Molecular Biology, Bioinstrumentation & Biotechniques | Bioinstrumentation & Molecular Biology Lab |
Chemical Dynamics & Coordination Chemistry | Physical Analysis |
Semester 4 | |
Economic Botany, Ethnomedicine & Phytochemistry | Economic Botany, Ethnomedicine & Phytochemistry |
Commercial Botany & Phytochemical Analysis | Molecular Biology, Bioinstrumentation & Biotechniques |
Bioinstrumentation & Molecular Biology Lab | Quantum Mechanics and Analytical Techniques |
Instrumental Analysis | |
Semester 5 | |
Plant Physiology, Metabolism & Biochemistry | Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics |
Experiments in physiology, Biochemistry & molecular biology | Diversity of Non-Chordates, Parasitological and Economic Zoology |
Diversity of Chordates and Comparative Anatomy | Lab on Virtual Dissection, Anatomy, Economic Zoology and Parasitological |
Semester 6 | |
Cytogenetics, Plant Breeding & Nanotechnology | Ecology & Environment |
Cytogenetics, Conservation & Environment management | Evolutionary Biology and Developmental Biology |
Ecology, Ethology, Environmental Science and Wildlife | Lab on Environmental Science, Behavioral Ecology, Developmental Biology, Wildlife |
Biology Syllabus for PG Degrees
In postgraduate degrees, students will learn advanced concepts and techniques. It will also include an internship in the second semester and a thesis in the final semester. Biomolecules, Immunology, Microbiology, and Cell Biology are the important concepts covered in the course curriculum. The syllabus mentioned below is taken from the Central University of Andhra Pradesh.
Semester 1 | |
Biomolecules and Biochemistry | Cell Biology |
Microbiology and Microscopy | Biophysics and Structural Biology |
Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology | Lab-1 |
Semester 2 | |
Immunology | Molecular Biology |
Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing | SEC: Academic Writing |
Internship | Signal transduction and cancer biology |
Biostatistics and Bioinformatics | Lab-2 |
Semester 3 | |
Plant Physiology | Animal physiology |
Genomics and Proteomics | SEC: e-Resources |
Developmental Biology | Metabolomics and Metabolic Engineering |
Lab-3 | - |
*Semester 4 will include project work or dissertation
Careers in Biology
Biology has always been and always will be one of the most important career options for science students. It is directly related to humans, our environment, and other life forms. With significant research projects being organised in different fields of Biology, attractive career opportunities are available to the students, both in private sector companies as well as public sector entities.
The graduates can work as researchers, botanists, ecologists, and biochemists. They can also earn handsome salary packages after gaining significant experience.
Doctor: A doctor is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats people with health issues. The specialisation will decide what will be the field of speciality as a doctor for example a physician, a surgeon, a veterinary doctor and so on.
Lecturer: Lecturers are highly educated professionals responsible for teaching medical science and Biology in colleges and institutes. They impart theoretical and practical knowledge to students.
Biochemist: Biochemists research and help in producing various medicines, solutions and other medical equipment. Their work is essential in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Ecologist: Ecologists research the relationship between living organisms and the environment. They also survey local communities and spread awareness related to ecological issues.
Botanist: Botanists research and study about plants and their interaction with the environment. Their work is essential in developing sustainable practices and discovering new plant-based resources.
Upcoming trends
The field of biology is rapidly evolving, with several emerging trends shaping its future. Here are some of the key upcoming trends in biology:
- CRISPR and Gene Editing
- Synthetic Biology
- Single-Cell Genomics
- Microbiome Research
- Immunotherapy
- Epigenetics
- Systems Biology
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Upon successful completion of Biology courses, students get a great number of career options. The choices vary from being professional medical doctors in hospitals and clinics to professors in colleges and universities. Choices of jobs also vary in terms of the specialisation a student opts for in his course.
Top Recruiters:
- Qiagen
- Genentech
- National Institutes of Health
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Becton, Dickinson and Company
- Syngenta
- Pfizer
- Johnson & Johnson
Average Salary
Many career options are available for the graduates. The salary will depend on some factors such as the location of the company, the skills and experience of the candidate, and the job profile chosen by the candidate. In the table below, we have mentioned the popular job profiles along with their respective salaries.
Job Profiles | Average Expected Salary |
Horticulturist | Rs. 5.2 LPA |
Biological Scientist | Rs. 6 LPA |
Biochemist | Rs. 2.6 LPA |
Lecturer | Rs. 4 LPA |
Source: Ambition Box
The salary figures mentioned anywhere in these articles are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Biology
Candidates require certain skills to fully benefit from the course. These skill sets will help them grow both personally and professionally. Listed below are some of the important skills required by the students.
- Analytical Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Interest and Aptitude in Biology
- Attentiveness
- Research skills
Course Curriculum for Biology
The biology course curriculum is mostly focused on living organisms and the environment. The course contents vary according to the level of specialisation, the focus is on intricate biological processes in a living organism to ecology. Topics included in the course curriculum provide knowledge regarding various aspects of organisms and their respective environment.
Students can acquire knowledge regarding various essential topics like genetic research, human anatomy, cell reproduction, evolutionary processes, homeostasis, biochemical reactions, energy production, disorders, diseases, life-sustaining components, and different species of living organisms.
Popular Biology Entrance Exams in India
JEE Main
Exam Date: 01 Apr, 2025 - 08 Apr, 2025
NEET
Application Process: 07 Feb, 2025 - 07 Mar, 2025
JEE Advanced
Application Process: 23 Apr, 2025 - 02 May, 2025
GATE
Declaration of Result: 19 Mar, 2025
IISER Aptitude Test
Application Process: 05 Mar, 2025 - 15 Apr, 2025
CUET PG
Exam Date: 13 Mar, 2025 - 31 Mar, 2025
CUET UG
Exam Date: 15 May, 2025 - 24 May, 2025 (Tentative)
Popular Biology Colleges in India VIEW ALL
IIT Delhi
- Fees: ₹ 102750
JNU Delhi
- Fees: ₹ 658
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
- Fees: ₹ 213000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What are the eligibility criteria for a PG diploma course in Computational Biology?
Answer :
Candidates must have passed the 10+2 level or equivalent level examination from any recognised board/university in India. The stream in the higher secondary level must be science - Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The minimum mark required in the +2 level is 50 per cent. For students belonging to the SC/ST category, the minimum mark requirement is 45 per cent.
Question: What is the age limit for UG courses in Biology?
Answer :
The lower age limit for appearing for courses like MBBS is 17, and the upper limit is 25. For NEET entrance, the lower age limit is 17, and the upper age limit is not specified.
Question: What are some of the best colleges for pursuing a Biology course?
Answer :
Some of the best colleges to pursue Biology courses are AIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, Jain University, Manipal University, ICFAI University, ITDC Lucknow and many more.
Question: What are the total marks for the NEET UG paper?
Answer :
The maximum mark of the NEET UG paper is 720.
Question: What is the NEET score required to get into very good medical colleges in India?
Answer :
A score of 600 or above is required to get admission to the top medical college in India.
Questions related to Biology
Showing 4661 out of 4661 Questions
6 Views
I passed my exam from PCB science stream . I am very bad in chemistry but I like biology and physics but without numericals. I want to teach any class any class is suitable for me please guide me which class and which subject..? I like every subject except math and physics numerical
21st Feb, 2025
Hello Neha,
Since you like Biology and Physics (without numericals) and want to teach, consider these options:
-
Primary (Classes 1-5)
– You can teach EVS, Science, and General Studies as these subjects have minimal numericals.
-
Middle School (Classes 6-8)
– Opt for Biology and General Science (Physics here has fewer numericals).
-
High School (Classes 9-10)
– Biology is a good choice since Chemistry has equations and Physics includes calculations.
-
Higher Secondary (11-12)
– Best for Biology, as Physics and Chemistry are more numerical-heavy.
Since you like teaching and theoretical subjects, Biology for Classes 9-12 would be ideal. You can also consider Social Science for lower grades if you enjoy it.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Answer later 6 Views
I had taken commerce in class 9th and 10th without maths and then I took physics chemistry biology in class 11th then am I eligible for mbbs admission???
21st Feb, 2025
hi ,
Yes, you are eligible for MBBS admission as long as you meet the following criteria:
1. NEET-UG Eligibility Criteria (As per NMC & NTA)
-
Class 12 subjects:
You must have studied
Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), and English
in Class 11 & 12.
-
Minimum marks required:
- General category: At least 50% aggregate in PCB
- OBC/SC/ST category: At least 40% aggregate in PCB
-
PwD category:
At least
45% aggregate
in PCB
- Age limit: You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026 (for NEET 2026).
- NEET Exam: You must qualify NEET-UG to get admission into any MBBS course.
hope this helps
6 Views
I am currently studying in 12th grade under the CBSE board, having six subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Painting, and Computer Science, as an additional subject. If I fail in Physics but pass in all other subjects, will I still be considered to have passed in 12th grade? And will I still be eligible for a medical college
21st Feb, 2025
Under the CBSE board, a student is considered to have passed Class 12 if they pass at least five subjects, including the required ones. Since you have six subjects, if you fail in Physics but pass in Chemistry, Biology, English, Painting, and Computer Science, you will still be considered passed because your additional subject (Computer Science) will replace the failed subject. However, for medical college admission, you must pass Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as per NMC eligibility rules. Since Physics is mandatory, you would need to clear it in a compartment exam to be eligible for NEET and MBBS admission.
7 Views
I am currently studying in 12th grade under the CBSE board, having six subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Painting, and Computer Science, as an additional subject. If I fail in Physics but pass in all other subjects, will I still be considered to have passed in 12th grade?
21st Feb, 2025
Yes, if you fail in Physics but pass all other subjects including Chemistry, Biology, Painting, and Computer Science (your additional subject), you will still be considered to have passed 12th grade under the CBSE board.
According to CBSE rules, you only need to pass five subjects to be considered passed in 12th grade.
Even though you are taking Computer Science as an additional subject, your result in that subject does not affect your overall passing status.
If you want to improve your Physics grade, you can appear for a compartment exam in that subject later.
8 Views
Sir.... Mai up board se hu... Maine class 12th PCM se 2024 me ki thi... Aur aab mai 2025 me single subject Biology private se kar rhi hu... Kya mai Bsc nursing ke liye eligible hu??
17th Feb, 2025
Hello
Yes, you can pursue BSc Nursing after completing your 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) in 2024 and giving the biology exam as a private candidate in 2025.
Most BSc Nursing programs require candidates to have studied Biology in their 12th grade. Since you'll be completing the biology exam, you'll meet the eligibility criteria for BSc Nursing.
Ensure that the university or college you are applying to accepts private candidates for the biology exam and confirms the eligibility criteria for admissions.
