Microbiologist Scope in India: Types, Salary, Top Companies and Required Skill Set 2023

Microbiology refers to the study of microscopic organisms; such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with the help of fundamental research in biochemistry, physiology, cell biology and ecology. Microbiologists undertake research, document and report their findings and monitor laboratory work. They also perform laboratory analysis, tests on samples and also study various cultures of microorganisms and their interaction with the environment.

In order to become a Microbiologist, the aspirant must build a strong foundation of sciences, particularly biology and biochemistry. Along with this, aspirants must also have an excellent knowledge of microscopes and other equipment used in the field of microbiology.

Some of the top colleges in India that offer Microbiology courses are Amity University, Bharath University, Chennai, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Jiwaji University, etc. These universities offer a number of courses in microbiology such as BSc in Microbiology, BSc Genetics, MSc in Medical Microbiology, etc. 

Microbiology has emerged as a booming science in recent times and its scope in India has increased. Eligible candidates with a degree in microbiology are in demand in various branches such as medicine, pharmacy, food agriculture, environment and many more.

What Does A Microbiologist Do?

A microbiologist is tasked with investigating all aspects related to the growth of microscopic organisms, undertaking analysis and preparing reports related to their findings. Broadly, the jobs and responsibilities of a microbiologist include the following:

  • Conducting Research: Microbiologists conduct research on microscopic organisms using a variety of identification methods, aspects related to their growth and survival and their interaction with the outside environment. They also record, analyze and interpret data.
  • Collection of Samples: Microbiologists collect samples containing microorganisms from a variety of different locations.
  • Provide Laboratory Services: Microbiologists comply with health departments, physicians and pharmaceutical companies to provide the required information for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Develop Pharmaceutical Products: Microbiologists are also responsible for developing drugs, vaccines, other pharmaceutical products, sterilization processes and testing processes. They develop new techniques and plan methods to prevent the spread of new diseases
  • Investigate Issues: They investigate issues that come up during research, collection of samples or maintenance of records.
  • Maintain Records: It is also one of the duties of a microbiologist to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of activities conducted in the laboratory and keep with the new research being conducted in the field of microbiology
  • Monitoring of Laboratory Activities: Microbiologists monitor and supervise the activities being conducted in the laboratory.

Check: Medical Courses in India

Types of Microbiologists

Job Profile Job Description Average Annual Salary
Biotechnologist They undertake innovative research in areas such as quality control, quality certification and data innovation. INR 4,95,315
Food Technologist It is the job of a food technologist to come up with new foods and flavours using prototypes. They also identify, monitor and report on various aspects related to the quality of food materials. INR 4,17,785
Biomedical Scientist They undertake scientific experiments, usually in a laboratory and also design experiments and sometimes supervise them as the “primary investigator”. INR 3,95,054
Clinical and Laboratory Technologist They conduct research on human bodily fluids using scientific analysis. They are also responsible for the collection of samples. INR 4,00,810

Check: Top BSc in Microbiology Colleges In India

Skills Required to Become a Microbiologist

Candidates aspiring for the field of Microbiology must have a strong foundation of Biomedical and Biochemistry. They must also possess strong analytical and mathematical skills. A deep understanding of laboratory procedures and techniques is needed as well.

Below is a list of popular skills sought in aspiring candidates:

Research Analysis Documentation
Quality Control/Quality Assurance GMP Compliance
Molecular Biology Analytical Skills
Aseptic Processing Interpersonal Skills
Good Laboratory Practices Interpretational Skills
Writing Procedures Teamwork Skills

Check: BSc Biochemistry Course

Salary of a Microbiologist in India

According to PayScale, the annual average salary of a Microbiologist in India is INR 3,11,254. Below is a breakdown of the average salary of a microbiologist in India:

Base Salary INR 1,23,000 - INR 10,00,000
Bonus INR 2,000 - INR 1,97,000
Profit Sharing INR 100 - INR 1,00,000
Commission INR 1,30,000
Total Pay NR 1,38,000 - INR 10,00,000

Organization Wise Salary

Name of the Organization Average Annual Salary
Government Sector INR 3,60,000-INR 4,80,000
Private Sector INR 3,00,000

City Wise Salary

City Name Average Annual Salary
Mumbai INR 3,27,092
New Delhi INR 7,96,593
Pune INR 2,58,263
Ranchi INR 2,65,963
Bengaluru INR 2,86,153
Kolkata INR 2,11,596
Chennai INR 2,31,098

Experience Wise Salary

Level of Experience Average Annual Salary
Entry Level (Less than 1 year) INR 2,96,000
Early Career (1-4 years ) INR 3,02,000
Mid Career (5-9 years) INR 4,13,803
Experienced Career (10-19 years) INR 6,11,561
Late Career (20+ years) INR 30,00,000

Check: MSc Biochemistry

Top Recruiters for Microbiologists in India

Some of the top recruiting companies that hire Microbiologists in India are provided in the table below:

Pfizer Wize Enterprise
Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd. PI Industries Limited
Krauter Healthcare Limited Bioreserve
Mascot International Aurobindo
Cisco System Cipla Inc.

Check: Top Biochemistry Colleges In India

Microbiologist Scope in India

In recent times, the scope of microbiology has increased in India and many new job opportunities are emerging in the fields of pharmacy, food technology, agriculture and many more. 

Some of the highest paying recruiters in India are Aurobindo, Cipla and Pfizer. Some of the popular courses for higher education in Microbiology are BSc Microbiology, MSc Microbiology and Medical Microbiology which are discussed below:

Scope of BSc Microbiology in India

BSc in Microbiology is an undergraduate course that deals with the use of various scientific technologies that are used in Microbiology and the study of various cultures.

Eligibility Candidates must have passed class 12th with an aggregate of 50%-60% marks and subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology as compulsory.
Average Course Fee INR 50,000 - INR 2,00,000
Average Salary after BSc Microbiology INR 3,00,000 - INR 4,00,000
Jobs after BSc Microbiology Clinical Research Coordinator, Quality Control Microbiologist, Senior Business Analyst, etc.

Scope of MSc Microbiology in India

MSc Microbiology is a postgraduate course in microbiology which combines the discipline in chemistry and biology.

Eligibility Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and an aggregate of at least 50%.
Average Course Fee INR 20,000 - INR 1,00,000
Average Salary after MSc Microbiology INR 3,50,000 - INR 7,00,000
Jobs after MSc Microbiology Research Analyst, Research Assistant, Pharmacologist, etc.

Scope of Medical Microbiology in India

MSc in Medical Microbiology is opted by students who have specialized in subjects like Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry etc.

Eligibility Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology with an aggregate of at least 55% (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
Average Course Fee INR 5,000 - INR 3,00,000
Average Salary after Medical Microbiology INR 1,00,000 - INR 10,00,000
Jobs after Medical Microbiology Biomedical Scientist, Science Writer, Medical Representative, Researchers, Clinical Laboratory Technician, etc.

Microbiologist Scope in India: FAQs

Ques. Which are the top colleges for microbiology courses in India?

Ans. Some of the best institutes for microbiology courses in India are:

  • Madras Christian College, Madras
  • Chennai Presidency College, Chennai
  • AIIMS Delhi, Delhi
  • Manipal University, Manipal
  • King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
  • Jawaharlal Institute of PostGraduate Medical Education and Research, Pudicherry

Ques. Which is the highest paying career in Microbiology?

Ans. The highest paying career in Microbiology is that of a Biomedical Scientist, which pays an average annual salary of INR 5,81,325.

Ques. What is the curriculum of BSc. Microbiology?

Ans. Subjects included in the curriculum of BSc Microbiology are General Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Microbial Genetics, Molecular Biology.

Ques. What is the exam pattern for AIIMS Entrance Exam for Microbiology postgraduate courses?

Ans. The paper will comprise 7 sections of MCQs containing 200 questions in total, testing candidates on their knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology.

Ques. What are the typical working hours of a microbiologist?

Ans. A microbiologist is required to work in an office as well as a laboratory. While office hours are around 9 hours, laboratory work requires overtime and night-shifts.

Ques. Can microbiology be done after MBBS?

Ans. Yes, candidates may opt for an MD in microbiology as a paramedical subject after completing MBBS.

Ques. Is Mathematics a mandatory subject for Microbiology?

Ans. Mathematics is not a mandatory subject for admission to courses in Microbiology. Biology is the mandatory subject.

Ques. Which are some popular career choices in Microbiology?

Ans. Some of the popular career specialisations in Microbiology are Biomedical Scientists, Research Analyst, Virologist, Food Technologist. These are also some of the highest paying career options in Microbiology.

Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] (Microbiology) : 3 answered questions

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Ques. What are the minimum cutoff marks required for studying microbiology hons in Kolkata in colleges like Scottish Church College and Lady Brabourne College?

● Top Answer By Bhoomika Sinha on 12 Sept 22

Ans. Based on the trends of last few years, Lady Brabourne College cutoff for Microbiology stays quite high, above 90%. Shortlisted candidates need to go through an interview, in order to get admission at LBC.  The cutoff criteria are similar for Scottish Church College as well. Admission to Scottish Church is based strictly on merit. Read more
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Ques. Which one is better for a BSc in microbiology Ram Lal Anand College or Swami Shraddhanand College?

● Top Answer By Veena Dutta on 04 Oct 21

Ans. The better choice would definitely be Ram Lal Anand College after what I have learned from my friends studying there. The campus might not be as extravagant as other colleges, but if you want to study microbes, Ram Lal Anand College is the best choice. The reasons to choose this college over Swami Shraddhanand College are as follows: The best microbiology course offered by Delhi University. It is a really underrated college. Thus you may not hear about it in discussions. The students from this college have got their research papers printed in international papers. The faculty is highly experienced at the University of Delhi in Microbiology and they guide you at every single step of your course. Categories B.Sc. Microbiology at Ram Lal Anand College Swami Shraddhanand College Course Fee 36,465 36,225 Placement Percentage 60-75% - Highest CTC 16 LPA 12 LPA Average CTC 5 LPA 3.5 LPA So I would say Ram Lal Anand College over Swami Shraddhanand College any day. But ultimately it is your choice, make an informed decision and choose the one that satisfies your requirements.Read more
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Ques. What is minimum marks to get bsc in microbiology in st. Xavier's autonomous college in kolkata? Is there any chance of getting admission with 60%?

● Top Answer By Rupkotha Banerjee on 28 Feb 22

Ans. The basic eligibility requirement for securing admission at St. Xavier’s College Kolkata is 60% aggregate marks, along with 60% marks in Biology and Chemistry separately.  The cutoff score is calculated by adding Aggregate percentage, Biology percentage, Chemistry percentage. The cutoff is calculated out of 300. If you are a CBSE/ISC student, having a score above 285 should get you a seat. For WBCHSE, a score of 275 should do. Cutoffs for other state boards are higher. Read more
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