UPUMS Saifai
- Exams: NEET PG
What is Microbiology and Virology
Microbiology and Virology - Amidst the current conditions of the global pandemic, we all know the importance of scientists who are capable of learning and implementing the measures required for handling such microorganisms capable of affecting human life. With the advancement in technologies such as electron microscopy and other visual aids, more and more research and studies along with other productive activities are possible in the field of “Microbiology and Virology”.
Keeping in mind the current situation and those that can happen in the future there are a lot of opportunities in the field of “Microbiology and Virology”. Ranging from academics to research and everything in between including labs, industries there are lots of opportunities in this field. With the consideration for the use of Bio-Weaponry in the field of defense, there is a vast opportunity in that field as well.
“Microbiology and Virology” focuses on a lot of details regarding different branches of biology. So, it is of utmost importance that an aspirant student must have deep knowledge in basic biology and a passion for the subject as well. A student will be taught about different forms of Microorganisms and how they affect the surrounding life under different conditions. Virology is a branch of Microbiology that focuses on learning about the different types of viruses present in nature.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Microbiology and Virology
Many institutes offer different courses in “Microbiology and Virology” which allows many students to pursue this career path. Due to this, there are not many competitive exams for this career stream. But reputed institutes in this field have stringent norms for the selection process to ensure the right aptitude in the enrolled students.
Some examples are LPUNEST (Lovely Professional University), Assam CEE (Dibrugarh University), AMUEEE (Aligarh Muslim University), etc.
For Undergraduate Microbiology Courses
The applicant should have cleared +2 with at least 60% marks or above.
Physics, Chemistry and Biology/ Botany/ Zoology should be compulsorily pursued on the 12th.
For Postgraduate Microbiology and Virology Courses
A minimum aggregate of 50% or more in 10th and 12th is a must for all applicants.
Candidates must qualify in the institution level entrance exam.
He or she should have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a similar discipline (microbiology, life science biotechnology, biochemistry)
Microbiology and Virology Entrance Exams
There are no specific or national level exams for Microbiology and Virology but institutional level exams that test different capabilities of a candidate. These exams can differ from one institute to another, and have MCQ or objective type questions or a combination of both. Some institutes will also have Group Discussion as well as Personal Interview and then choose among the candidates depending on their performance.
Common Entrance Test
These are the institution level exams conducted by different institutions for aiding their selection process. These exams are usually made up of MCQ type of questions and have institution-specific cut-off marks, which further refines the selection process. CET’s forms the basis for selection in the most UG and PG courses being offered in the country.
Considered as the most competitive exam for students after completing PG courses in India, the NET exam has a reputation of its own. The ranks earned in NET is used for selection under various programmes. Scoring a good net score can help you acquire a chance to complete your PhD under a highly reputed institution with a good stipend from the government.
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Microbiology and Virology in India and Abroad
With the growth in population, the medical and industrial demands of every country are on the rise, India is no different. With different types of new viruses spreading around the world and the existing viruses mutating at a faster pace, it is only fair that the demand for such professionals also increases. Foreign nations are already invested in Microbiology and Virology to help them be capable of battling the uprising of such conditions.
With more developments in research methods and technology, there are more and more scope and opportunities for research in the field of “Microbiology and Virology”.
Advancement in Oncolytic Viral Therapy
Viral Gene Therapy
Nano Technology
Molecular Diagnosis
Viral Immunotherapy.
Course Fees Microbiology and Virology
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
7.53 K
B.Sc. in Microbiology and Virology at Shri Shivaji Vidya Prasarak Sanstha's Late Karmaveer Dr PR Ghogrey Science College, Dhule
|
1.50 K
B.Sc. in Microbiology and Virology at Government College, Gharghoda
|
6.00 Lakhs
B.Sc.(Hons) in Microbiology and Virology at Amity University, Noida
|
2.90 Lakhs
B.Sc.(Hons) in Microbiology and Virology at Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Science, Allahabad
|
| PG |
4.40 K
M.Phil. in Microbiology and Virology at DBF Dayanand College of Arts and Science, Solapur
|
4.65 K
M.D. in Microbiology and Virology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh
|
1.50 Crores
M.D. in Microbiology and Virology at Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar
|
17.70 Lakhs
M.D. in Microbiology and Virology at Government Cuddalore Medical College, Annamalainagar
|
| DOCTORAL |
1.12 Lakhs
Ph.D in Microbiology and Virology at Career Point University, Kota
|
26.92 K
Ph.D in Microbiology and Virology at Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad
|
6.85 Lakhs
Ph.D in Microbiology and Virology at Amity University, Noida
|
2.50 Lakhs
Ph.D in Microbiology and Virology at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary
|
| DIPLOMA |
12.60 K
Diploma in Microbiology and Virology at Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati
|
3.50 K
Diploma in Microbiology and Virology at Government Bilasa Girls PG College, Bilaspur
|
2.20 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Microbiology and Virology at Amity University, Jaipur
|
1.58 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Microbiology and Virology at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar
|
Course Subjects
The course duration for “Microbiology and Virology” courses are similar to other Under Graduate or Postgraduate courses which is 3 years and 2 years respectively. As the candidates advance to each year they are given the opportunity of learning and experiencing related subjects and laboratory equipment. The subjects that are taught in Microbiology and Virology is:
Tissue Culture Techniques
Virus Antigen Detection
Biostatistics and Computer Applications
Gene Regulation and Recombinant DNA technology
Bioinstrumentation
Viral cell interaction
Microbial Physiology
Virus replication
Molecular Immunology
Viral encephalitis
Fermentation Technology
Veterinary and agricultural viruses
Environmental Microbial Technology
All the above subjects ensure that a pass out student is fit for the available job openings and the ones that will be available in the future.
Careers in Microbiology and Virology
Indian Medical Infrastructure is too small for the population it has, hence more and more projects in the health sector will be commissioned with time. These new institutions will keep making new job opportunities for job seekers in this field.
The Global pandemic such as Covid-19 ensures that the government doesn’t lose focus on the importance of such research, which strengthens the Medical support of the country. The opportunities available abroad are also immense with greater pay and better working conditions. The social infrastructure there can be beneficial in raising a family as well.
The job seekers in “Microbiology and Virology” will have plenty of opportunities academically as well. Given the nature of Microorganisms, they can find jobs in different locations. Microorganisms are found in Air, Water and Land, with their characteristics changing with the slightest change in conditions. This opens up even more room for research in this field.
Upcoming trends
With the upheaval of other industries and their technologies, “Microbiology and Virology” has also benefited from these. Such technological advancements and aids have bridged the gaps in many unexplored ventures in the field. With the current pandemic and the world coming into grips with the shock of such a potent virus, the demand for professionals who can study such microorganisms and help in the prevention of such pandemics are of high demand. Some of the newly developed branches of “Microbiology and Virology” are:
With the increase in the world population and the lifestyle demands, there is a drastic increase in the consumption as well. This in turn, increases the demand for raw material. Also, with this increase in demand, a variety of things needs to be handled efficiently along with the improvement in crop growth, synthesizing new materials using Jute, improving the quality of the Jute and so on. This needs to be done for the betterment of the conventional processes.
Computerized research Methods
Exo Microbiology
Microbial Biotechnology
Astro Microbiology
Bio-Fabrication
With the current outbreak of Covid-19 and recent outbreaks of Ebola and Nipah Virus the importance of more focus and expenditure over the fields of “Microbiology and Virology” is at an all-time high. Research work and the knowledge gained by such professionals have been the guiding light for the Government and Medical Institutions during such conditions.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Microbiology and Virology Job Profiles
A “Microbiology and Virology” Graduate is a highly knowledgeable person who can carry out various job positions without further training. In the limelight of current events, there will be more job opportunities in this field in the upcoming future. There are many research positions available in Government institutions and much more. These career choices are highly rewarding financially as well. Due to the kind of work and their contribution to society, these professionals are treated with the utmost respect.
From lab Assistant to Research specialist there are several job openings available to these graduates depending on their qualifications and work experiences. Even freshers will also have job openings available for them. With the right skill set, you will soon reach higher positions without any delay. Candidates with good interpersonal skills and communication along with good knowledge over the subject will climb up the ladder easily.
Some of the prominent jobs available in Microbiology and Virology field are:
Job Profile | Job Description | |
Research Head | You will guide a bunch of Research associates towards a specified result using the experience you have gained over time. | |
Research Associate | They conduct advanced experiments and studies on different samples. They are also responsible for collecting, preparing, and evaluating specimens and tissue cultures. | |
Virologist | They are appointed for diagnosing, treating and preventing viral diseases and to perform various tests related to them. | |
Assistant Professor | They take up the assistant position of senior professors and help them in their professional activities such as mentoring, research guidance, etc. | |
Bacteriologist | Studies related to different forms of bacterias are carried out by them. | |
Mycologist | They study fungi to see if they could be useful in improving human lives. | |
Research Analyst | They analyze the research data derived from studies and surveys, which are then organized. | |
Cell Biologist | They study the characteristics of cell molecules which helps in finding out different characteristics of the micro-organism under study. | |
Microbiology and Virology: Top Recruiters
Some of the major recruiters in this field are big MedTech companies with an international presence. They are heavily focused on research and production of medicine, research equipment and medicines making the private sector the largest recruiter of such graduates.
The job offers from the government sector are conventional with better hours and perks which will be beneficial to all members of your family.
Due to the current pandemic situation, the opportunities in the field of Virology is on the rise as more hands are required for meeting the increased demands of each nation. As long as you have the passion for your profession you are good to move into this field.
Key players in this field, recruiting every year are:
Mascot International
Serum Institute of India
Biocon Biologics India Limited
Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd
Pharmaceutical Companies
From Governmental sector Universities, Research centres, Hospitals also recruit depending on the available open positions.
Average Salary
Like any other field, in “Microbiology and Virology” also higher experience will earn you better salaries along with more reputed jobs. Some of the high paying job openings available in the field of “Microbiology and Virology” are given below.
Job Profile | Annual Income |
Research Head | Rs. 6 – 11 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Research Associate | Rs. 2 – 5.5 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Virologist | Rs. 2.4 - 5 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Assistant Professor | Rs. 2.5 - 5 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Bacteriologist | Rs. 2 –4.4 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Mycologist | Rs. 4 – 7.5 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Research Analyst | Rs. 4-9 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Cell Biologist | Rs. 7 - 12 lakhs p.a. (approx.) |
Required Skillset for Microbiology and Virology
“Microbiology and Virology” are very expansive and vast subjects which include lots of learning, which will be hard for an average student. If you are an academic student with enough passion and good memory power this just might be the course for you. The required skill sets are:
Communication- Like every other profession or course, communication is key to success in this field as well. Better communicators are considered for senior positions as they will be efficient in controlling juniors, and also communicating with their subordinates.
Critical Thinking- They should be capable of making efficient decisions while under pressure and working towards a specific goal under a time limit.
Perseverance- The path to success is long and tiresome, so is the case with these courses as you will be working twice as much in your previous courses with all the different subjects and new names of different species of microorganisms.
Course Curriculum for Microbiology and Virology
While the Under Graduate course is widespread and deals with the different branches within Microbiology. The Post Graduate courses are specific to certain subjects and give the candidate the option to choose from a variety of specializations. The academics of these courses are not just limited to theoretical teaching, but also has laboratory sessions and research assignments further making the students capable of different job opportunities available for them. The curriculum is aimed at making the students knowledgeable in the different topics related to Microorganisms such senescence and apoptosis, virus latency and other related subjects along with practical experience required to analyze data and charts related to the course.
Popular Microbiology and Virology Entrance Exams in India
GATE
Exam Date: 01 Feb, 2025 - 02 Feb, 2025
NEET PG
Exam Date: 15 Jun, 2025 (Tentative)
CSIR UGC NET
Application Process: 09 Dec, 2024 - 30 Dec, 2024
NEET SS
Exam Date: 29 Mar, 2025 - 30 Mar, 2025 (Tentative)
CUET UG
Exam Date: 15 May, 2025 - 24 May, 2025 (Tentative)
UGC NET
Exam Date: 03 Jan, 2025 - 16 Jan, 2025
Popular Microbiology and Virology Colleges in India VIEW ALL
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- Fees: ₹ 396000
AIIMS Rishikesh
- Exams: INI CET
Amity University, Noida
- Fees: ₹ 600000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Does being a graduate in Microbiology or Virology help in acquiring a job in the Health sector?
Answer :
There are a handful of opportunities within the health sector for such graduates. These are mostly based on laboratories. These jobs are laboratory technician, laboratory assistant, laboratory head (experience required).
Question: Does the job role on offer pose any hazards to the worker?
Answer :
Some of the jobs do come with a risk component. But these risks are well calculated and required compensations are generously made. In hindsight, jobs are always performed with the required safety equipment mandated by the law.
Question: What is the average salary earned by a professional in this field?
Answer :
The average salary is at 6lakhs p.a. which is great considering the fees paid for the course is much lesser than the annual salary packages on offer.
Question: Is there job security in this field?
Answer :
The job security in this field is high as it is related to the health of the people. Given the nature of the job and considering the numerous contributions made by it to the society, job security can be completely ensured.
Question: Which is better: M.Sc. Virology or M.Sc. Microbiology?
Answer :
If you have a passion for one or the other it is best advised to go with your passion. Otherwise, an M.Sc. in Virology is more recommended due to the fewer number of aspirants pursuing the course and due to the lesser number of institutions offering the same.
Questions related to Microbiology and Virology
Showing 1 out of 1 Questions
143 Views
Im am 12th pass student. Am I eligible for Microbiology and Virology ?
14th Dec, 2021
Hi there ,
Yes ,you are eligible for taking admission Microbiology and virology.
But you must fulfill these requirements:
1)You should have passed you 10+2, higher /senior education with at least 60% or above.
2) You should have studied Chemistry,Zoology/Botany/Biology and physics in your 12th standard.
Most of universities conduct common entrance test .On basis of CET's result students are selected for UG course.
Hope this information will be helpful for you.
All the best for future.
Answer later
