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 | ||||
PG | ||||
DOCTORAL | ||||
DIPLOMA |
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
Application Process: 31 Jan, 2025 - 24 Feb, 2025
JEE Advanced
Application Process: 23 Apr, 2025 - 02 May, 2025
GATE
Exam Date: 01 Feb, 2025 - 02 Feb, 2025
CUET PG
Exam Date: 11 Mar, 2025 - 28 Mar, 2025 (Tentative)
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
12 th science practical topics Physics maths and biology 2024-2025
The exact topics for the 12th science practicals in Physics, Mathematics, and Biology for 2025 may vary slightly depending on the specific board or educational institution. However, there are some common and important topics that are likely to be included:
Physics:
- Electricity and Magnetism:
- Optics
- Modern physics
Mathematics:
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Statistics and probability
Biology:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Ecology
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the actual topics may vary depending on the specific board or institution. It is always advisable to consult with your teacher or refer to the official syllabus for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
my subject is maths and i have selected biology by mistake and i submitted the gujcet form how to edit that subject
Hello
To edit your subject selection for the GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test) application , you will need to follow the steps outlined below:
1. Login to the GUJCET Portal : Go to the official GUJCET website and log in with your credentials.
2. Check for the Edit Option: After logging in , check if there is an option to modify or correct your application details . Many exam portals allow candidates to make changes to their application form during a correction window .
3. Contact the Exam Authorities: If the editing option is not available you should immediately contact the GUJCET help desk or the examination authorities. You can find their contact information on the official GUJCET website. Explain your situation and request them to change your subject from Biology to Mathematics.
4. Email or Support Request : If there's no direct phone support , you can send an email or submit a support request through the GUJCET portal requesting them to make the correction .
Check link for more details
https://www.careers360.com/exams/gujcet
Thank you
ALL THE BEST
Neet exam pass krne k bad counselling k tme jb document verify kiye jate h us tme agr 11th class only Pcm se pass ki ho or 12th class Pcm with biology adisnol se pass ki ho to kya addmission nhi milega kisi college m ?
Hello,
NEET counseling primarily considers 12th-grade subjects for medical admissions. If you have passed 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and additional Biology, it may not impact your eligibility.
-
Subject Requirement: NEET requires candidates to have studied Biology in 12th for medical courses. Since you've studied Biology additionally, it may meet the criteria for medical courses.
-
Document Verification: During document verification, ensure you provide proof of subjects studied in 12th.
-
College Rules: Each college may have specific rules; some may accept additional Biology, while others might not.
-
Consult College Authorities: Confirm with the college authorities regarding specific admission requirements.
Hope it helps !
Mere 12th 2024 me eng theory 44 practical 18 total 62 marks or biology theory 23 practical 28 total 51 or physics theory 23 practical 27 total 50 or music theory 22 practical 68 total 90 or phusical education theory 32 practical 29 total 61 but chemistry mera additional me chla gya hai theory me 12 practical 28 total 40 aye h or rt aya h sth me mujhe neet 2025 dena h to kya me de sakti hu ya mujhe rt ka exam dena hoga (me obc se hu)
Hello aspirant,
Chemistry was marked as additional, and you did not pass it, so you may need to retake the exam. To be eligible for NEET, you must pass all three core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). with a minimum of 40% marks for a OBC candidate. If you do not pass Chemistry, you may be unable to sit for NEET until you clear that subject
Because Chemistry is a fundamental subject for NEET, you should pass the Chemistry exam (by re-test or additional exam). To be eligible for NEET, you must pass all of your core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
Confirm the status of your Chemistry subject with your school or board. If it was designated as additional and you did not pass, enquire about how to clear it (for example, through a supplementary or re-test).
Once you have completed all of the needed topics (including Chemistry), you will be able to take the NEET 2025. Make sure you meet the minimum aggregate marks necessary for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology together.
NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance exam in India for undergraduate medical courses (MBBS, BDS, and other associated degrees) in medical colleges around the country. The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers NEET, which is a very important entrance test for aspiring medical students.
The minimum marks required in Class 12 are:
- General category: At least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
- OBC/SC/ST categories: At least 40% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
For more information on NEET examination visit-
https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/neet-2025-latest-news-updates
my 12th overall percentage was 45% but in physics I got 56,chemistry 44 and biology 54 can I get admission in mbbs through neet
Hi Shubha,
To get admission in MBBS through NEET, your eligibility is determined mainly by your overall academic performance, particularly in your 12th-grade subjects, and your NEET score. Here's how it works based on your academic record:
Eligibility Criteria for NEET Admission
1. Minimum Percentage in 12th Grade:
- For General category students, you normally need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology put together in your 12th-grade exams.
- For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the aggregate is 40%.
- Your overall percentage of 45% is below the minimum requirement for general category candidates. However, if you're from a reserved category, you may still qualify for NEET eligibility as long as you meet the category-specific requirement.
2. Subject-Specific Marks:
- Physics-56%, Chemistry-44%, and Biology-54% marks look fairly alright for NEET eligibility so far, provided your aggregate is above the cutoff as of your category.
The score in Biology is satisfactory for NEET eligibility.
3. NEET Examination:
- NEET eligibility does not rely on your board percentage. You are eligible for NEET if you meet the minimum aggregate marks in your 12th subjects.
- Your NEET score will be the determining factor after you get your score in securing a seat in MBBS.
What You Can Do
- If you come from a reserved category SC/ST/OBC, even then, you may be entitled to appear for NEET and be considered for the admissions.
- Coming from the General category, you'd have to pursue other routes like that of reattempting 12th class to get an improved aggregate marks or go for other medical entrance tests whose eligibility criteria differ
Conclusion:
If you are from a reserved category and get the marks that fulfill the eligibility criteria for NEET, then you are eligible to give the NEET exam. But if you belong to the General category, then the percentage in your 12th grade might not fulfill the eligibility criteria for NEET. Check the official NEET guidelines for the latest and accurate eligibility criteria for your category.