M.Sc Applied Microbiology Master of Science in Applied Microbiology is a post-graduate Microbiology course. Applied Microbiology is the branch of biology that focuses on microorganisms and the effects they have on living organisms. Its Master of Science in Applied Microbiology course covers Food & Dairy microbiology, Recombinant DNA Technology, Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology, Agricultural Microbiology, Microbial physiology, as well as Fermentation technology.
This Master of Science in Applied Microbiology program is focused on the study of advanced studies in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Food Science, and Independent research. The program also provides many research fields such as Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Fermentation Technology, Food Science and Technology and Food Safety and Quality Management. The length of this Applied Microbiology course is two years. It is a job-orienting in nature, which provides numerous opportunities for students after the course is completed.
Course Level |
Postgraduate |
Full-Form |
Master Of Science In Applied Microbiology |
Duration |
2 years |
Type of Examination |
Offline/online ( is dependent on the institution) |
Eligibility |
Graduation with 50% of the aggregate is common in colleges, but many colleges prefer an entrance test before granting acceptance. |
Admission Process |
Most colleges offering the course allow students to take an exam, which is usually followed by discussion groups and an individual interview where their overall ability to perform the course is assessed. The process of admission varies between colleges. |
Course Fee |
The average fee is INR1,00,000 |
Average Salary |
INR 3,50,000 |
Top Recruiting Companies |
Colleges, hospitals, pharmacies food industry |
Job Positions |
Lab technician, researcher, manager, lecturer |
• Students must have completed B.Sc (Hons) or B.Sc with a pattern of 10+2 with at least two of the following subjects: Botany, Zool Biotech, Microbial; Chemistry Industrial Microbiology Bioscience; Environmental Sciences and achieved the minimum of 50% marks overall in the relevant level.
• Certain reputable universities and colleges have an entrance test to be considered for admission.
The top exam entrances in the field of MSc Applied Microbiology with their important dates are listed in the table below:
1. MDUCEE Entry Exam: MDUCEE is conducted by Maharshi Dayanand University for admission to universities.
2. AUCET AUCET Andhra Pradesh University common entrance test is conducted to allow admission to all courses offered at the university.
3. CUET The CUET PG (Central University Common Entrance Test for Postgraduate) is an entrance test for students to postgraduate programs of various types that are offered at central universities in India.
4. BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test) Exam for admission to admission to first-degree integrated programs offered on BITS Pilani campuses located in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.
5. The NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is conducted for admission to five-year interconnected M.Sc programs in basic science at NISER Bhubaneswar as well as UM-DAE-CEBS Mumbai.
6. IIT JAM (Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. ) Test for admission to admission to several M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree, and various post-bachelor's programs in IITs as well as IISc.
7. DUET (Delhi Delhi University Entrance Test) It is a test that is conducted for admission to different undergraduate postgraduate M.Phil as well as PhD programs that are offered through Delhi University.
8. TISS NET (Tata Institute of Social Science National Entrance Test): Entrance test for admission to a variety of postgraduate programs provided through the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Every exam has a distinct syllabus, eligibility requirements and exam format which is tailored to particular academic institutions and disciplines.
The Process of Admission to M.Sc. Microbiology in India starts with fulfilling qualifications, which include having a bachelor's degree in the relevant field. Exams for admission such as IIT JAM are a common thing and are followed by an admissions process, in which applicants submit their personal and academic information. The selection process is determined by merit or examination scores, and there is the possibility of counselling for certain institutions. The verification of documents and the payment of fees ensure admission and the start of classes within this exciting sector.
• Entrance-Based Admission: Colleges and universities typically require students to pass entrance tests such as BITSAT, IPU CET, and CUET PG, among others. Some colleges and universities might conduct entrance tests to determine the most qualified applicants for the program.
• Merit-based admission: Many universities will admit students according to their academic performance. However, these universities could utilize additional selection procedures including personal interviews, to enroll students. In addition, they will adhere to high academic standards to pick the most qualified students.
The steps to follow for MSc in Microbiology admission in 2024 are as these:
Step 1: First ensure that you are qualified for each entrance and take the necessary tests.
Step 2: Take the appropriate examination at a university or college to be accepted to the MSc Microbiology program.
Step 3: The college publishes a list of students who were shortlisted and announces their results once the admissions process is completed successfully.
Step 4. Candidates who are shortlisted should follow the college-specific admissions procedure.
The last step in admissions is assigning seats to students. To be eligible for the course, applicants must pay the necessary amount and then register at the college of their choice for the academic year in question.
The course is comprised of journal and food microbiology, Recombinant DNA innovations as well as natural science, microbial microbiology of agribusiness, biotechnology the physiology of microbial organisms, and ageing technology. This course is centred around the latest research in minuscule science, subatomic sciences, food science and so on. The course also covers a variety of study areas.
This course is beneficial for anyone who is interested in drug and biotechnology ventures and provides a deeper understanding of microbial physiology, which is how life forms respond in the context of their environment, and the logical results concerning other living and organic organisms and amid fluctuating conditions.
Below is the course comparison of MSc Applied Microbiology and MSc Biotechnology based on career potential, future outlook and various other variables.
Criteria |
MSc Microbiology |
MSc Biotechnology |
Full Form |
Master of Science in Microbiology |
Master's degrees in biotechnology and science. |
Course Duration |
2 Years |
2 years |
Job Opportunity |
Manager in the Food Industry Professor |
Research Scientist, Bio-informant |
Future classes |
Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology, Doctor of Philosophy in Neuro microbiology |
Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology, Post M.D Certificate Course in Biotechnology |
Average Salary |
INR 3,50,000 |
INR 2,20,000 |
Companies for recruiting |
Cipla, Dr Reddy's, Ranbaxy |
Hindustan lever unlimited, Thapar group sunpharma. |
College Name |
Total Fee (INR) |
Manipal University |
2,00,000 |
Amity University |
1,80,000 |
SRM Institute of Science and Technology |
2,20,000 |
Lovely Professional University |
1,50,000 |
Jain University |
1,75,000 |
College Name |
Total Fee (INR) |
University of Delhi |
40,000 |
University of Mumbai |
35,000 |
University of Pune |
38,000 |
Jawaharlal Nehru University |
45,000 |
Banaras Hindu University |
42,000 |
After you have completed an MSc in Applied Microbiology, you have an array of possibilities for careers across a range of sectors. Here are a few possible careers you might take into consideration.
Career Option |
Average Salary (INR) |
Research Scientist |
5,00,000 - 8,00,000 |
Microbiologist |
3,00,000 - 6,00,000 |
Quality Control Analyst |
3,50,000 - 6,00,000 |
Pharmaceutical Sales |
3,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
Food Technologist |
3,50,000 - 6,00,000 |
After the course is completed the student may earn an PHD or PhD in that field or search for a job. Below are some jobs that students can pursue following the completion of their MSc Microbiology Applied Microbiology course:
Job Title |
Description |
Microbiologist |
Conducts research, tests and analyzes the results of microorganisms and their effect on human health. |
Clinical Microbiologist |
Work in medical settings to find and identify microorganisms responsible for illnesses or infections. |
Industrial Microbiologist |
Creates, and then implements microbiological processes within industrial settings such as food processing and pharmaceuticals or biotechnology. |
Environmental Microbiologist |
Investigates the role of microorganisms within the environment, and their role in the ecology and the processes of environmental change. |
Quality Control Microbiologist |
Make sure that products are in compliance with standards of quality by testing for contamination by microbial and implementing procedures to control the contamination. |
Research Scientist |
Conducts independent research at government, academic or private research institutions. |
Biotechnologist |
Make use of microorganisms in the development of products or processes for fields such as medicine, agriculture or energy. |
Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
Inspects for compliance with the rules governing microbiological elements of products or processes. |
Food Safety Microbiologist |
Maintains the safety and hygiene standards in the food industry to avoid the spread of microbial contaminants. |
Public Health Microbiologist |
The focus is on the prevention and control of infectious diseases at a community level by monitoring and intervention. |
These are only some examples, but there could be a variety of jobs available based on the abilities and preferences of the person.
• Bottling Industries
• Food, Beverage Industries
• Hospitals in Pathology/Cytology Laboratories
• Hotels Employ Microbiologists
• Pharmaceutical
• Swimming Pools
• Water Processing Plants
The amount of money earned by those with an MSc in Applied Microbiology varies depending on aspects like job title or experience as well as the place of work. Basic positions, such as Microbiologists or Quality Control Technicians typically pay from INR 300,000 up to INR 600,000 per year in India. Experienced or specialist positions like research scientists or regulatory affairs specialists could command more lucrative salaries, ranging between INR 400 to INR 1,200,000 per year. Here's a look at the potential earnings for people who hold an MSc or PhD in Applied Microbiology in India:
Job Title |
The Salary Average (per annum) |
Microbiologist |
INR 300,000 - INR 600,000 |
Clinical Microbiologist |
INR 400,000 - INR 800,000 |
Industrial Microbiologist |
INR 400,000 - INR 800,000 |
Environmental Microbiologist |
INR 300,000 - INR 600,000 |
Quality Control Microbiologist |
INR 300,000 - INR 600,000 |
Research Scientist |
INR 400,000 - INR 1,000,000 |
Biotechnologist |
INR 400,000 - INR 800,000 |
Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
INR 500,000 - INR 1,200,000 |
Food Safety Microbiologist |
INR 300,000 - INR 600,000 |
Public Health Microbiologist |
INR 400,000 - INR 800,000 |
In India, many top recruiters employ professionals who have an MSc in the field of applied Microbiology. Here are some of the most prominent ones from various industries:
Sector |
Companies/Institutions |
Pharmaceutical Companies |
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Cipla, Biocon |
Biotechnology Companies |
Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Syngene International |
Research Institutes |
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), National Institute of Immunology (NII) |
Food and Beverage Industry |
Nestle India, Amul |
Environmental Agencies |
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) |
Academic Institutions |
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs) |
Diagnostic Laboratories |
Dr. Lal PathLabs, SRL Diagnostics |
Candidates who have completed an M.Sc. Applied degree in Microbiology may apply for the position of Junior Research Fellow in the Microbiology division of the College of Basic Sciences and Humanities. The compensation for this post is the sum of Rs. 16, 000/- each month. They are also able to join the Institute of Bio Resources and Sustainable Development as a Senior Technical Assistant and receive a monthly salary of the equivalent of Rs. 10, 000/- each month. It is also possible for them to become a Research Associate at Research Institutes like Panacea Biotech. Drug companies that offer the opportunity to work for microbiologists for postgraduates include:
• Emcure Pharmaceuticals
• Wockhardt Limited
• Shantha Biotech
• Cipla
• Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Lupin Pharmaceuticals
• Dr.Reddy's,
• Ranbaxy
1. What is the primary focus of an MSc in Applied Microbiology?
• Answer: An MSc in Applied Microbiology focuses on the practical application of microbiological principles in fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science.
2. What are the typical admission requirements for an MSc in Applied Microbiology?
• Answer: Admission requirements often include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, microbiology) with a strong emphasis on microbiology-related coursework, letters of recommendation, and sometimes relevant work experience.
3. What career opportunities are available to graduates with an MSc in Applied Microbiology?
• Answer: Graduates can pursue careers in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and beverage, healthcare, environmental monitoring, and academia.
4. What laboratory skills are typically developed during an MSc in Applied Microbiology?
• Answer: Students typically develop skills in microbial culture techniques, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and various analytical methods used in microbiology.
5. How long does it take to complete an MSc in Applied Microbiology?
• Answer: The duration of the program is typically 1-2 years of full-time study, depending on the university and country.
6. What research opportunities are available to students pursuing an MSc in Applied Microbiology?
• Answer: Students often have the opportunity to conduct research in areas such as microbial genetics, environmental microbiology, microbial biotechnology, and microbial ecology.
7. What are some of the core courses offered in an MSc in Applied Microbiology program?
• Answer: Core courses may include Microbial Physiology and Metabolism, Microbial Genetics, Industrial Microbiology, Bioremediation, and Bioinformatics.
8. How does an MSc in Applied Microbiology differ from a traditional MSc in Microbiology?
• Answer: An MSc in Applied Microbiology typically has a stronger focus on practical applications of microbiology in various industries, whereas a traditional MSc in Microbiology may have a more research-focused curriculum.
9. Are there any specific skills or qualifications that can enhance the job prospects of graduates with an MSc in Applied Microbiology?
• Answer: Additional qualifications such as certifications in specific laboratory techniques or experience with regulatory compliance can enhance job prospects.
10. What are some current trends or advancements in the field of Applied Microbiology that students should be aware of?
• Answer: Current trends include the use of microbiomes in various applications, the development of novel antimicrobial agents, and the application of synthetic biology principles in microbial engineering.
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