MSc Microbiology Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2025, & Top Recruiters

Updated on Dec 15, 2024 07:45 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

The MSc Microbiology career scope is vast leading to many employment opportunities in industries like drug manufacturing, vaccine production, fertilizer production, etc. Microbiology courses focus on the study of living microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, etc., and Microbiologists research and study the physiological, ecological and clinical aspects of these microbes.

BSc Microbiology graduates can pursue an MSc in Microbiology to opt for Mid-level job opportunities like Microbiologist, Clinical Research Associate, Research Analyst, Project Assistant, Nutritionist, etc., in industries such as Healthcare, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, and Environmental Science.

The average salary of a Microbiologist is INR 3 LPA in India. Some popular companies that hire MSc Microbiology postgraduates in India include Biocon Biologics India Limited, Mascot International, Serum Institute of India, Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd, Apollo Hospitals, Cipla, and more.

Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more details on the MSc Microbiology career scope and salary in India.

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What are the career options after completing the MSc?

MSc Microbiology Career: Quick Facts

Here are some stats and facts related to MSc Microbiology career in India:

  • In 2023, the clinical microbiology market in India generated $99.2 million in revenue. It is expected to reach $150 million by 2030. 

  • India has approximately 30 microbial repositories and ranks second in the world for holding microbial cultures. 

  • India has more than 1,100 Microbiology colleges, including 587 private and 265 government institutions. 

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Top Career Profiles for MSc Microbiology Postgraduates

Because MSc Microbiology is relevant in a variety of industries, such as Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, the Food Industry, Research, and Environmental Management, they provide a wide range of career opportunities in India. The increasing significance of microbiological research in many fields is broadening the scope of careers in Microbiology in India.

Furthermore, there are many chances for Microbiologists to benefit society and further their careers as a result of the development of new technologies and the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and healthcare. Here are some top job profile options for MSc Microbiology postgraduates:

Job Profiles Job Description Average Salary
Biomedical Scientists Laboratory and scientific tests are carried out by Biomedical Scientists to aid in disease diagnosis and treatment.  INR 4.2 LPA
Clinical Research Associates Standard operating procedures and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines are followed in every clinical trial by a Clinical Research Associate (CRA).  INR 4.5 LPA
Pharmacologists Pharmacists are in charge of creating new medications, enhancing their efficacy, looking into potential adverse effects, and determining the risk of addiction in patients. INR 5 LPA
Research Assistants They collect & record data, analyze it, prepare presentations, maintain equipment, document research, etc. INR 3.8 LPA
Quality Assurance Officers By creating, putting into practice, and overseeing quality assurance protocols, a quality assurance officer works to ensure the quality of goods and services.  INR 3.4 LPA
Technical Representatives Technical Support Representatives help customers resolve technical issues and grasp how to use hardware, software, and electronic products. INR 3.1 LPA
Microbiologists A Microbiologist investigates the growth, development, and other traits of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae.  INR 3 LPA

Note: The salary information is sourced from Ambitionbox.com.

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Emerging Trends in the Microbiology Field

The integration of technology in Microbiology leads to innovation and trends. Here are some 

  • Microfluidics Technology: It is a new development in microbiology. This area of technology aids in the manipulation of small fluid quantities used in high-throughput screening and single-cell analysis procedures. Exact control over the parameters of experiments is another advantage of this technology. 
  • Environmental Sustainability: The use of microbes for environmental management and conservation is the subject of continuous research and studies. Using microorganisms to improve soil health and remove pollutants from the environment is becoming more and more common. Demand for sustainable agriculture and bioremediation has always existed. 
  • Synthetic Biology: Advances in synthetic biology have made it possible to produce sustainable products like biofuels and bioplastics. In a short time, this field gained popularity among researchers. Some cutting-edge applications include synthetic genetic circuits for programming cellular functions and biosensors for rapid and precise disease diagnosis. 
  • CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing: CRISPR-Cas9, a widely used gene-editing tool, never lags behind the curve. Targeted alterations and modifications in the microorganisms' DNA are made possible by the precise applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 technique.

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Branches of Science and Their Subfields

Core Microbiology Industries

Technology advancement and a shift toward research and development have led to exponential growth in the scope of MSc Microbiology. In India, numerous industries pay well for an MSc in Microbiology. Several hiring sectors that offer government and private positions following an MSc in Microbiology are listed below:

Core Microbiology Industries
Food Industry Environmental Agencies Agriculture Industry
Pharmaceutical Industry Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories Hospitals

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Top Recruiters for MSc Microbiology Postgraduates

Microbiology course is a highly sought-after discipline of biology with several opportunities in both the public and business sectors. More microbiologists are needed to contribute to clinical research, solve problems in industrial manufacturing processes, and so forth.

The Microbiology scope has expanded dramatically due to a movement towards research and development as well as technological innovation. Here are some top recruiting companies for MSc Microbiology postgraduates in India:

Top Recruiters for MSc Microbiology Postgraduates
Biocon Serum Institute of India AstraZeneca
Panacea Biotec Bharat Biotech Pfizer
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Syngene International Limited Johnson & Johnson
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Divi's Laboratories Dr Reddy's Laboratories

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Top MSc Microbiology Colleges for Placements (in India)

Many MSc Microbiology colleges in India offer great placement opportunities to postgraduates that help them start their career journey. Candidates can find some top MSc Microbiology colleges in India offering the best placement options.

Best MSc Microbiology Colleges Average Package Offered
JIPMER Placements INR 24 LPA
Mumbai University Placements INR 18 LPA
BLDE University Placements INR 17 LPA
Delhi University Placements INR 16 LPA
Saveetha University Placements INR 15.6 LPA
Yenepoya University Placements INR 4.8 - 15 LPA
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University Placements INR 14.86 LPA
Maharishi Markandeshwar University Mullana Placements INR 14.4 LPA
Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Placements INR 13.38 LPA
IIT Kharagpur Placements INR 12.5 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

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MSc Microbiology Career FAQs

Q. Which skills are required to get a job after MSc Microbiology?

A. To succeed after earning an MSc in Microbiology, one must have both hard and soft skills. Graduates can choose from a wide range of employment and postsecondary educational options. Among the abilities are the following:

  • Ability to Make Decisions
  • Social Competencies
  • Analytical Proficiency
  • Solving Issues
  • Communication abilities
  • Collaboration and research abilities
  • Effective Time Management 

Q. What is the salary of a Microbiologist in India?

A. The Microbiology salary in India can vary depending on experience, education, location, and the type of industry or organization. However, the average salary of a Microbiologist in India is:
•    Entry-Level: INR 2.5 - 4 LPA
•    Mid-Level: INR 4 - 6 LPA
•    Senior-Level: INR 6 - 10 LPA

Q. Which are the top job profiles in Microbiology field?

A. Here are some of the top job profiles under Microbiology field:

Job Profiles Job Description
Clinical Microbiologist Clinical Microbiologists are professionals who specialise in analysing and identification of microorganisms that cause diseases. They conduct laboratory tests to diagnose and treat infectious diseases.
Biotechnologist Biotechnologists work in biotechnology companies to develop and produce biotechnological products using microorganisms, such as enzymes, antibiotics, and vaccines. They develop and improve existing products or processes.
Mycologist Mycologists are professionals who study the fungi. They research in detail about the fungi such as their genetics, biochemical nature, and their effect on the environment. They understand the diversity and evolutionary relationship among fungal species.

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Q. What is the average salary offered to a M.Sc Microbiology student?

A. The salary after completing an MSc Microbiology in India depends on the job role, industry, location, employer, individual skills and experience, and economic conditions. 

Here's a general idea of the level-wise annual salary range for MSc Microbiology graduates in India:

  • Entry-Level: INR 2.5-4.5 LPA
  • Mid-Level: INR 5-8 LPA 
  • Senior-Level: INR 8-15 LPA

Q. Which industry offers the highest salaries to MSc Microbiology postgraduates?

A. The salary package depends on various factors like the company's geographical location, employer, candidate's relevant experience, skillset, etc. However, here's a general idea of average salary offered by the respective industries:

Industry Average Annual Salary (INR)
Research Institutions 3-5 lakhs
Pharmaceutical Companies 4-7 lakhs
Healthcare Institutions 3-6 lakhs
Food Industry 3-5 lakhs
Environmental Consulting Firms 3-5 lakhs
Biotechnology Companies 4-7 lakhs

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Popular MSc Microbiology Specializations

Following are the most popular MSc Microbiology Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular MSc Microbiology Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MSc Microbiology Colleges in India. Learn more about these MSc Microbiology colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
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1 Course
5.0
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3.16 L - 3.4 L
3.3

Microbiology Applications open. Apply Now

1.6 L
3.8
4.3
4.0

Popular Private MSc Microbiology Colleges in India

2.38 L - 2.48 L
4.3

Microbiology Applications open. Apply Now

2.1 L
5.0
1 Course
1.6 L

Microbiology Applications open. Apply Now

1.45 L
2.0

Microbiology Applications open. Apply Now

3.64 L

Microbiology Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1 L
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

In the first semester of the M.Sc. Microbiology programme at Krupanidhi Group of Institutions, the following subjects are offered:

*Bacteriology and Virology

*Eukaryotic Microbiology

*Microbial Physiology

*Microbial Techniques & Bioinstrumentation

*Biostatistics & Bioinformatics

D

Dinesh L

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, you can get admission to IIT Kharagpur for M.Sc. in Microbiology through the IIT JAM exam.

Eligibility:

  1. Bachelor's Degree: You need a B.Sc. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field with at least 55% marks.
  2. Subject Requirements: Ensure your undergraduate subjects align with

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Several oranizations in Kolkata actively recruit Microbiology professionnals, Here are some of the notable ones: 

Top Recruiters 
DeloitteWipro
InfosysACCENTURE
TCSMicrosoft
Google L&T Infotech
IDBI BANKHDFC BANK
CapGeminiFlipkart

V

Vikram Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Yes, BSc in Microbiology offered by Sandip University is inclusive of laboratory subjects. These courses help students learn the practical application of theoretical concepts. Listed below are some of the lab subjects included in the syllabus:

  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Microbial Enzyme Technology
  • Pharmac

...more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Here's the admission criteria for MSc Microbiology at DU:

EligibilityCourse RequirementsMarks Requirements
For Entrance BasedB.Sc. (General) or B.Sc. (Hons) or an equivalent Undergraduate Degree in any branch of Life Sciences/ Medical Sciences/ any branch of Biology60% or above marks in qualifying exam
For Merit BasedB.Sc. (Hons.) in Microbiology from the University of Delhi (after 10+2+3) 60% or above marks in qualifying exam

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some of the best MSc Microbiology books recommended to students for better understanding of Microbiology field:

  • Microbiology: An Introduction by Gerard J. Tortora.
  • Brock Biology of Microorganisms by Michael T. Madigan.
  • Prescott's Microbiology by Christopher J. Woolverton.
  • Foundations in Microbi

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, here are some of the best distance college options for MSc Microbiology in India you can consider:

MSc Microbiology Distance CollegesTuition Fee
Annamalai University Distance EducationINR 18,500
Kashmir University, Directorate of Distance EducationINR 40,000
Kashmir University-
Wisdom School of Management for Distance Education 

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

For an MSc in Microbiology, subjects like Molecular Biology, Immunology, Genetics, Biotechnology, and Environmental Microbiology are ideal. These areas provide in-depth knowledge on microbial processes, disease mechanisms, and applications in health and industry, offering strong career opportunities

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The salary package depends on various factors like the company's geographical location, employer, candidate's relevant experience, skillset, etc. However, here's a general idea of average salary offered by the respective industries:

IndustryAverage Annual Salary (INR)
Research Institutions3-5 lakhs
Pharmaceutical Companies4-7 lakhs
Healthcare Institutions3-6 lakhs
Food Industry3-5 lakhs
Environmental Consulting Firms3-5 lakhs
Biotechnology Companies4-7 lakhs

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes you can visit 

B

Bhawani Bishnoi

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates are required to have passed the Class 12 or equivalent exam in the Science stream preferably biology as one of the subjects to be eligible for admission at DU. The minimum score is generally 50-60%. Talking about the admission procedure, includes steps like:

  • Application Process,
  • Entrance Ex

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Comparatively, the placements for B.Sc. in Microbiology at SSSUTMS are moderate and mainly cater to entry-level positions at laboratories, health care centers, research institutes, and industries dealing with biotechnology. The graduates would be recruited for clinical labs, pharmaceutical companies

...more

K

KUMKUM BASWAL

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some of the top job profiles under Microbiology field:

Job ProfilesJob Description
Clinical MicrobiologistClinical Microbiologists are professionals who specialise in analysing and identification of microorganisms that cause diseases. They conduct laboratory tests to diagnose and treat infectious diseases.
BiotechnologistBiotechnologists work in biotechnology companies to develop and produce biotechnological products using microorganisms, such as enzymes, antibiotics, and vaccines. They develop and improve existing products or processes.
MycologistMycologists are professionals who study the fungi. They research in detail about the fungi such as their genetics, biochemical nature, and their effect on the environment. They understand the diversity and evolutionary relationship among fungal species.

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some of the top Microbiology college options providing the best placement options in India:

Best Microbiology CollegesAverage Package Offered
Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal SciencesINR 65 LPA
Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research CentreINR 25.45 LPA
JIPMER PuducherryINR 20 LPA
University of Mumbai [MU]INR 18 LPA
BLDE UniversityINR 17 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

If candidates are preparing for Microbiology course entrance exams in India, they will want to refer to reliable and comprehensive textbooks to cover the syllabus effectively. Here are some recommended books for Microbiology course entrance exams in India:

BooksAuthorsDetails
Prescott's MicrobiologyJoanne Willey, Linda Sherwood, and Christopher J. WoolvertonThis is a widely used and highly regarded microbiology textbook that covers all the essential topics in Microbiology. It's suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate entrance exams.
Brock Biology of Microorganisms Michael T. Madigan, Kelly S. Bender, Daniel H. Buckley, and W. Matthew SattleyAnother comprehensive Microbiology textbook that provides in-depth coverage of microbiological concepts. It's a valuable resource for competitive exams in India.
Pelczar's Microbiology K. C. Anand, C. K. Jayaram Paniker, and N. AnanthanarayanThis is a well-known microbiology textbook that is widely used in Indian universities. It covers the core concepts of microbiology and is a good resource for entrance exams

Note: The information is taken from external

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Microbiology is a massive domain with a wide variety of options. There are various specialisations and it is up to the candidate to choose their specialisation. Bacteriology, virology, immunology, medical microbiology, and food and dairy microbiology are popular areas worldwide.
Microbiologists ensur

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Fundamentally, Microbiology courses impart knowledge on basic activities, living, and effects of microorganisms. The organisms include fungi, viruses, prions, prokaryotes, and protists. The immune system and immunology are studied in detail to know how diseases attack the human body.

Theoretical, as

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Students pave the way for new approaches to fight diseases. All programmes in microbiology studies contain laboratory equipment. Internships provide quality experiences and win jobs from potential employers. Microbiologists specialise in understanding the characteristics and behaviour of microorgani

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Due to the increasing demand for microbiology in almost every sector, advanced technologies are evolving through research. These are helping lives day-to-day solving life-threatening diseases and problems in the food industry. Clinical laboratory tests are progressing precisely because of recent inv

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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