How to Become a Geneticist, Courses, Jobs, Scope, Salary

One of the most titled, timetaking and tough jobs for a science student is to pursue a career as a geneticist. It takes 6-8 years or even more to become an established geneticist in a respective field. Each year around 10,000-15,000 students aspire to become a geneticist. 

Some of the top courses that can be pursued to become a Geneticist are BSc Biology, BTech Genetics Engineering, MSc Biology, MTech Genetics Engineering etc. Colleges such as SRM Engineering College, Sharda University, Chandigarh University, Jain University etc offers courses in BTech Genetics Engineering. Admissions to these colleges are done both on the basis of entrance exams as well as on the basis of merit as well.

Geneticists are professionals who study genes from plants, animals, and humans to determine how they interact with each other, evolve, and duplicate. A Geneticist can earn a salary ranging from INR 3 LPA to INR 8 LPA depending on the specialization and experience. Some of the many organisation that hire graduates who wish to pursue a career as a geneticist are Centre for Human Genetics, healthcare industry and researchers.

All about Career as a Geneticist

Some quick facts to look at before discussing further about it in-depth:

Industry Science
Eligibility 10+2 and Qualified in an entrance exam
Average Salary INR 6-10 LPA
Job Opportunity Clinical Labs, Research Centers, Healthcare centers, Educational Institutions, Human Genome Projects, Life science centers etc.

What does a Geneticist do? 

Geneticists study qualities and heredity and other acquired attributes went down through ages of humans, plants and other living organisms. They study living organic entities, from individuals and animals to crops and microorganisms.

They conduct experiments to decide the starting points and administer laws of specific acquired attributes, like ailments, and search out determinants (such as disease resistance) liable for these qualities. 

Some of the main tasks of a geneticist include:

  • Conducting lab research and tests 
  • Removing DNA or performing demonstrative tests 
  • Deciphering, evaluating or supporting genetic lab results 
  • Documenting their cycles and results 
  • Dissecting generic information to reach determinations and publish research 
  • Conveying results of discoveries, for example at conference or in scientific journals 
  • Overseeing or coordinating work by different geneticists, scholars, specialists or biometricians chipping away in genetics research projects 

Types of Geneticists 

A career as a Geneticist can be challenging but offers a lot to explore. Professional certification post bachelor’s degree can help your career to boost start directly as a Geneticist. 

Some of the major types among the Geneticists are listed below.

Genetic Counselors

Genetic counselors are specialists who counsel families, local areas and people about genetic diseases and examine disease management options with them. They disclose to them about the risks related with a disease. They identify and interpret the risks associated with inherent genetic disorders. Genetic counselors also help the families and their clients to medically adapt to the medical diseases and problems that might come in their way.

Research Scientist 

They are the professionals who are capable of gathering scientific information and setting up experiments to direct scientific experiments in controlled conditions. Research scientists also design, undertake and analyse information from laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials. There are various specializations available in different disciplines such as neurosciences, undeveloped cell research, genomics, microbiology and so forth to plan and carry out investigations and deliver quality research and data.

Plant Breeder 

A plant breeder is an individual who considers qualities of seed and attempts to improve the attributes of plants. Plant breeders undertake scientific research projects and study plants and crop-based agriculture to improve plant breeding techniques and develop new strains of crops. They carry out their insight into hereditary qualities for the intersection of plants and ensure to keep the plants’ yields disease free and assist them with ensuring pests and insects.

Steps to Become a Geneticist 

To become a Geneticist, you have to make a strategy. Below we have given some steps which will give you an idea about what points to consider while preparing yourself for this career.

Decision Making 

Before starting your career in the domain of genetics, you must make sure that you are well prepared. As this proves to be a one time decision for you because there will not be any second chance after that.

Subject Choices 

After completing the schooling the first and the foremost step is to choose the correct subject in graduation and higher studies. Students must have taken Physics, Chemistry Biology or Mathematics in their 10+2 as this will be helpful for them in higher studies.

Entrance Exam Preparation

GSAT, DUET are some entrance exams conducted for Admission in Genetics Courses. They must revise their schooling subjects thoroughly as most questions come from 10+2 subjects.

Selecting Correct Colleges

  • If you are aiming to get admission in top genetics colleges then you will have to score very good marks in intermediate and Entrance. If your marks are low then you end up getting only a private college, which accepts your qualifying marks. Experts and professionals say it is always good to pursue courses in government colleges as they have the best facilities.

  • Appearing for Entrance and taking admission in the best college is just the beginning of your journey. This journey is a 3-4 year long journey that has to be completed with consistency and patience. The 3-4 year genetics course consists of several theoretical classes.

Pursue an Internship

After completing your Bachelor or Master degree, every student has to do an internship. Usually after completion of the course, most of the students are offered internships in different Organizations, but if anyone wants then they can go for Higher studies as well.

How to Become a Geneticist in India? 

Becoming a Geneticist in India is a challenging job. Students who wish to pursue this career, must train their mind to face certain issues and start preparing for the entrance exams right after their secondary class (10th). They must choose the right subjects in their senior secondary level, prepare for Graduation and pursue a Bachelor degree in Genetics or any related field.

School Level Preparation 

Students right after clearing class 10th can pursue subjects in the Science stream with physics, chemistry, biology or mathematics as their compulsory subjects. This would help them get the correct ideas right from the ground level and form their fundamentals in the Science stream and learn about genetics through Biology. However, students must qualify in the entrance exam to pursue the courses.

Undergraduate Preparation 

After qualifying 10+2, candidates need to have at least 60-65% to get admitted to a good college and complete a 3 years graduation degree. It is recommended that post your graduation, you should enroll yourselves for a genetics certification like Certificate in Geneticist etc.

Postgraduate Preparation 

After completion of the Under graduation course and before opting for a job or higher studies, it would be beneficial if you gain a professional level degree along with training to secure yourself for a better salary package.

Courses to become a Geneticist 

To pursue a career as a Geneticist, aspirants can follow any of the following undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses.

BTech in Genetics Engineering 

BTech in Genetics Engineering is a 4 years Undergraduate Course. In this course students are instructed to progress and proficient approaches to foster organic entities more qualified to address natural difficulties and the requirements of current medication.

Particulars Details
Duration 4 years
Eligibility 10+2 Level with Physics, chemistry and Maths with at least 50% aggregate score. 
Average Course Fee INR 80,000-1,50,000 per semester
Average Starting Salary INR 3-6 LPA

BSc in Genetics 

BSc in Genetics is a 3-years course which basically covers in-depth information on genetics transportation from one generation to another generation. This course gives students a basic idea about the experience of variation and heredity in living bodies

Particulars Details
Duration 3 years
Eligibility 10+2 Level with Physics, chemistry and Maths with at least 50% aggregate score
Average Course fees INR 30,000-2 Lakhs
Average salary  INR 2-5 LPA

BSc Biology 

BSc in Biology is a 3-year full-time undergraduate course wherein a student focuses on the organisms, biological systems and things driven from them. The students are taught about ecology, biodiversity, botany and genetics

Particular Details
Duration 3 years
Eligibility 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects
Average Course Fee INR 50,000- 3 LPA
Average Starting Salary INR 2-8 LPA

MSc Biology 

MSc in Biology is a 2 year long postgraduate degree in which students pursue the study of living organisms, along with special emphasis on the growth structure, evolution and ecology. The course also deals with disciplines like geneticists, taxonomy and Origin of such species.

Particular Details
Duration 2 years
Eligibility Candidates must have completed their bachelor with at least 50% from a recognised university
Average Course Fee INR 15,000- 1 LPA
Average Starting Salary INR 3-5 LPA

MSc Genetics 

M.Sc. Genetics is a specific postgraduate course for students who are looking to get a postgraduate degree in genetics. Master's in genetics is about investigations on living organic entities down to their hereditary level. Students will learn about the different methods, techniques that are associated with playing out a hereditary level examination or to consider the genomic cosmetics of a specific living being.

Particular Details
Duration 2 years
Eligibility
  • Students should finish their graduation in Botany, Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, and Biomedical Sciences, etc with at least 55% from a recognised University. 
  • The students may need to sit for an interview round additionally after the entrance test.
Average Course Fee INR 1- 4 lakhs
Average Starting Salary INR 3 - 6 LPA

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding 

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding is a 2 year Postgraduate degree program. In this course students get advanced knowledge of methods of development of yields and plants by embedding attractive qualities to them and the use of hereditary qualities in saving the environment while tending to the developing requirement for food security.

Particular Details
Duration 2 years
Eligibility Candidates must have completed their bachelor with at least 50% from a recognised university
Average Course Fee INR 1-4 Lakhs
Average Starting Salary INR 3-6 LPA

PhD in Human Genetics 

PhD in Human Genetics is a 3-5 year doctorate level program. It is the study of qualities, heredity, varieties and changes in the human population, basics of chromosomal constructions including isolation and recombination, Patterns of inheritance etc.

Particular Details
Duration 3-5 years
Eligibility
  • Applicants must complete the graduate degree or M.Phil in science or any significant field from any recognised college or university.
  • Applicants are needed to have at least 50% marks in Master's Course.
Average Course Fee INR 40,000-4 Lakhs
Average Starting Salary INR 4-8 LPA

How to Prepare for the Entrance Exams? 


To clear the entrance test you must start preparing while pursuing your senior secondary. The following are some tips which help in your preparation.

First, check the entrance exam paper patterns and syllabus.

  • Go through the higher secondary books thoroughly to clear your concepts, especially biology and chemistry subjects.
  • Follow the timetable strictly to complete the entrance test preparations on time.
  • Check the guidelines of entrance exams, which may differ from institute to institute.
  • Prepare individual notes for each subject
  • It is important to manage time also. Manage your study time. Keep yourself stress free and enjoy your free time.

How to become a Geneticist Abroad

Apart from India, Genetics courses and the scope of pursuing a career as a geneticist are available in many countries such as The United States, Canada, UK and Australia 

Education Requirements -

  • A Bachelor's degree in Genetics is required for an entry-level position as a Geneticist, and a Master's degree or a M.Tech with a focus in Genetics Engineering is considered necessary for advanced positions. 
  • A Bachelor's degree is typically completed in 3-4 years
  • English Proficiency Tests like IELTS or PTE or TOEFL are mandatory to become a geneticist abroad.
  • Along with your degree, marksheets, resume and the necessary exams, a Letter of Recommendation is also compulsory.

How to Become a Geneticist in UK 

  • Universities in the UK are probably the most exceptionally respected in the world, and for valid justifications. 
  • A portion of the world's most exceptionally respected exploration happens in British colleges, which are routinely highlighted in worldwide rankings. 
  • While concentrating in the UK, you will actually want to create an exceptionally multicultural climate with high odds of seeking rewarding professions after graduation. 
  • The education in the UK is intended to energize novel thought age, empowering singular research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.

Top Colleges to Pursue Geneticist Courses in UK 

How to Become a Geneticist in Australia

  • By studying in Australia you will exploit the great student environment both inside and outside study halls. 
  • Notwithstanding the absolute best business and designing schools in the world, you will actually want to investigate an extraordinarily created country that actually holds its wild side with its warm environment, lovely sea shores, and the Great Outback, with more than 500 public parks. 
  • Numerous Australian universities offer Internship and work situations, getting ready students almost immediately for the job market.

Top Colleges to Pursue Geneticist Courses in Australia 

Benefits of Career as a Geneticist 

After seeing such growth and globalization of genetics over the years, hiring a Geneticist added value to the organization. The following are some of the benefits of a career as a Geneticist.

Salary 

Being a Geneticist is not just a challenging career, but also has its perks like satisfying salary, flexibility, learning opportunity, people-orientation, and the most important exploring various things about organisms.

Job Security 

Being a geneticist is considered one of the most secure jobs and they can shift or work in their specialization field from any laboratory in the world

Positive Impact 

The Positive impact of the career of having a Geneticist in the industry will not only help in developing new things about genes of plants and living organisms.

Higher Studies

The career of a Geneticist is ever-evolving, you have to be updated with the market trends, Bachelor is the first step in this field. You can also go for a professional level of courses along with gaining experience in the same Specialization.

Even after this, if you feel like you need expertise on your skills, you can always go for the Master or doctorate degree.

Unique Experience 

Geneticist as a career is very challenging. Earning unique experience by identifying, assessing, managing risks, and gaining a vivid set of knowledge will help you to grow in your career and to make you ready for the next step.

How to Become a Geneticist: Top Recruiters 

Aspirants who pursue a career as geneticist have a lot of scope in the healthcare industry and research labs. Some of the top employment areas and recruiters are:

Research Centres Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine
Animal Care Centres  Tata Institute for Genetics and Society
Laboratories  Centre for Human Genetics
Agriculture Sector Cancer Genetics Incorporation

Skills Required to Become a Geneticist 

To become a Geneticist you must hold some useful skills required in this career. The following are some skills for the Geneticist career.

Analytical skills Perseverance
Critical-thinking skills Problem-solving skills
Interpersonal skills Time-management skills
Math skills Communication skills

Salary of a Geneticist in India 

The starting salary of a Geneticist in India varies from INR 6,00,000 to INR 10,00,000. The salary value may depend on the organizations and how much experience an individual has.

Average Annual Salary: Sector Wise 

Name of Organisation Starting Average Annual Salary
Government INR 6-8 LPA
Private INR 4-7 LPA

Specializations Wise Salary 

Specialization Starting Average Salary
Plant Breeder INR 5-7 LPA
Research Scientist INR 6-9 LPA
Genetic Counselors INR 4.5-7 LPA


Experience Wise Salary 

Experience Salary
Fresher INR 4-6 LPA
Experienced INR 6-10 LPA

What After Genetics Courses 

Bachelor in Genetics is just the basic general study of genetics, there is more to it. After completing the bachelor course, the students will go for internships in various organisations and labs. But, there are many other career pathways that they can pursue as well. 

Higher Education 

Bachelor in Genetics which is just the basic level Course. Then students can go for further studies by pursuing post graduation as well as PhD in Genetics.

Start Practicing 

If you think that after getting a Bachelor degree in Genetics is enough and you do not want to study more than you can simply continue your practicing. Doing a graduation and post graduation means that you can specialise in the Specialization of your choice, but even without a specialising you can work as a Geneticist.

How to Beocme a Geneticist: FAQs 

Ques. What subject is best for a Geneticist?

Ans. To pursue a career as a Geneticist, the minimum eligibility criteria is 10+2 passed in Science stream. They must have a UG or PG degree to start working as a Geneticist.

Ques. What is the total fee for the course Geneticist Courses ?

Ans. The average fee for Geneticist Courses varies between INR 40,000 to INR 6,00,000 per year depending on the courses.

Ques. Is there any Entrance exam conducted for admission in the Certificate in Insurance Services course?

Ans. Yes there are some entrance exams like JET, DSAT conducted for admission in this course. Some colleges may conduct their own Entrance Examinations for this program.

Ques. Name some top companies which I can choose to pursue?

Ans. Some of the companies are Centre for Human Genetics, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Cancer Genetics Incorporation

Ques. Do I have to do any other course along with this certification program?

Ans. No, after completion of this course you will be able to start pursuing a Geneticist. There is no need to do any other courses in particular. With a bachelor degree you can find lots of opportunities in the medical sector. Instead you can continue higher studies in Post Graduate or PhD level to become a geneticist.

Ques. What is a Geneticist 's salary in India?

Ans. The average salary of a Geneticist varies between INR 6,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 per year. This is the average starting salary, but it may differ depending on the types of jobs and with Experience.

Ques. Is genetics a good career?

Ans. One can seek Genetics as a career by doing courses like Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral certificate. Genetics is a wide field and it has pertinence in malignant growth research, evaluating infant abandons, Nutrigenomics, DNA test examination, and so on The field of hereditary qualities permits you to work in clinical just as logical exploration

Ques. What do geneticists do daily?

Ans. Consistently, Geneticists regulate or directly craft by different geneticists, researcher, professionals, or biometricians dealing with hereditary qualities research projects. They survey, support, or decipher hereditary research center outcomes.Assess, analyze, or treat hereditary infections.

Ques. What do geneticists study?

Ans. Genetics is a part of science that studies the inheritance of physical and behavioural characteristics of living things, and how these characteristics have gone down through ages. Geneticists study qualities and the study of heredity.

Ques. How is math used in Genetics?

Ans. In applications to Genetics, these algebras regularly have a premise comparing to the hereditarily various gametes, and the structure constant of the polynomial math encodes the probabilities of creating posterity of different sorts. The laws of inheritance are then encoded as logarithmic properties of the variable based math.

Master of Science [M.Sc] (Biology) : 5 answered questions

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Ques. How do I prepare for the JNU life sciences MSc entrance examination?

● Top Answer By Mahak Chatterjee on 04 Aug 23

Ans. You can crack the JNU Entrance examination for a master's using an appropriate study strategy and consistency. The competition level is a bit high, so you need to put in be extra effort during the preparation. Initially, you should have a clear have knowledge of all the basics and theories. It is better to get a fair idea of the previous year's question pattern. Some of the broad topics include Mendelian Genetics. Developmental Biology Classification of the living world. Bergey’s Manual. Immunology Transcription, Translation, and Replication  Biology Biotechnology Environmental Science Bioinformatics Genetic Engineering Cell Biology Microbiology They follow an objective question pattern, so practice the papers both online and offline.Read more
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Ques. How is the MSc in life sciences in NIT Rourkela?

● Top Answer By Sudeeksha Verma on 17 Aug 23

Ans. The Life Sciences Department at NIT Rourkela has improved immensely and is growing at an impressive pace. Here are a few features of the department of Life Sciences at NIT Rourkela- The Life Sciences curriculum is improved and covers all the topics related to modern developments in this field.  The department has a well equipped laboratory to facilitate research work. Research work at the department and at NIT Rourkela as a whole, is really good. The Life Sciences faculty is very supportive and you can ask for their guidance wherever you need it. Students are encouraged to perform research. People have the misconception that basic sciences are not good at NIT R because it is a technical institute. This is not true at all. If you wish to go for research in Life Sciences, NIT Rourkela is a good option. Thus, an MSc. in Life Sciences from NIT Rourkela is a good choice.Read more
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Ques. Which is better, metallurgy at NIT Warangal or an MSc in Biology at BITS Goa?

● Top Answer By Tezal Dahiya on 16 Aug 23

Ans. Both Metallurgy at NIT Warangal and MSc in Biology at BITS Goa are great programs offering a plethora of opportunities and exposure to its students. But the choice between the two is a very personal matter as both the branches are very diverse in the opportunities they offer. So Go for NIT Warangal if you are interested in Metallurgy Go for BITS Goa if you are ready to Study Biology along with BE Degree. However, you need to bear in mind the fact that BITS Goa is expensive and the fees is very high around 25 lakhs while NIT Warangal's total fees are less than 10 Lakhs.Read more
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Ques. Should I join IISC or JNCASR for integrated MSC-PHD in biology?

● Top Answer By Seenu Arora on 05 Nov 22

Ans. Both are excellent institutions, but the experience will differ between the two. Whereas IISc is much larger and has a more vibrant student community, the smaller batches in JNCASR allow for more attention and a better chance of getting into at least one of their preferred labs. IISC is smack dab in the middle of a commercial area (well, actually, the commercial areas grew around IISc, but let's not get into that). JNCASR is less centrally located and more of a sleepy campus. It's a completely different story after the second year when the pressure is intense and lab work can be extremely demanding.  There are no holidays for students (not even Sundays or national holidays like the 15th of August or the 26th of January, but there is a flag hoisting event so you get off work for at least an hour) and most P.I.s do not allow paid leave of more than two weeks per year. This is not to say that there isn't any fun on campus. Most of the rules governing on-campus life are lax, and the guards and staff are laid-back and don't make a fuss when asked to overlook a few things.Read more
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Ques. Is Mount Carmel College good for life science?

● Top Answer By Tripti Bansal on 17 Aug 22

Ans. Mount Carmel College is good for Life Science courses. It is an autonomous college and follows an updated curriculum. The institute has a good Life Science faculty base. The faculty members are supportive and friendly.  Mount Carmel puts a lot of emphasis on practical-based learning. Life Science conducts various excursions, seminars, and workshops, around the academic year.Read more
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