How To Become A Microbiologist In India

The world is filled with tiny organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These are bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and more. These have a significant impact on our environment. Some are good, and some are dangerous. A whole branch of Science is dedicated to studying these microorganisms and how they affect our surroundings. This branch is called Microbiology.

The average salary of Microbiologists in India is from 1L - 15L per annum, depending on the chosen sub-career.

Here are the highly-paying career options for Microbiologists:

1. Microbiologist: A Microbiologist looks at microscopic forms, microorganisms, and their life processes. A microbiologist can work in hospitals, education, agriculture, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

2. Immunologist: An immunologist studies how the immune system works and tries to cure disorders. They also find ways to cure allergies and protect the immune system.

3. Mycologist: Mycology is the study of different kinds of fungi. This is to understand the positive and negative impact that they could have on the human body.

4. Pharmacologist: A Pharmacologist studies the effect of medicines and other drugs on human beings and animals. They conduct research to aid the development and discovery of new helpful drugs.

5. Food Technologist/Scientist: A Food technologist ensures that products produced in the market are up to the quality expectations or not.

   Are you interested in making a career out of microbiology? Let us go through the pros and cons first.

Pros

• Various Specialisations in the field of biology.
• Flexible working conditions.

Cons

• The job market is highly competitive.

• There is potential to be exposed to hazardous materials.

  You can become a microbiologist in India with the required qualification and research credentials. This is what you need:

• Begin with a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology. This is the first step.

• Apply and take part in research internships. These can be entry-level but need to focus on microbiology. A research internship is essential to gain the right skillset to become a Microbiologist.

• A Master's Degree in Microbiology is considered the minimum education qualification. Look for the field that interests you and choose a specialisation.

• You can also continue your studies by pursuing a PhD.

To apply for a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, you need to

1. Have passed 12th grade (PCB) with at least 50% or more.

2. Some colleges have entrance exams that you will need to pass to gain admission.

   Here are the courses Bachelor's, Master's and Specialisation courses you can opt for:

Bachelor's Courses

• BSc in Clinical Microbiology
• BSc in Industrial Microbiology
• BSc in Food technology
• BSc in Microbiology
• BSc Genetics
• BSc in applied Microbiology
• BSc in Microbiology and molecular biology

Master's Courses

• MSc in applied microbiology
• MSc in Microbiology
• MSc in Microbial genetics and Bioinformatics
• MSc in Medical Microbiology
• MSc in biomedical sciences
• MSc in biomolecular sciences
• MSc in infection, immunity and human diseases
• MSc in parasitology
• MSc in immunology and immunotherapy

Specialisations

• Microbial genetics

• Nano Microbiology

• Agricultural Microbiology

• Industrial Microbiology

• Water Microbiology

• Environmental Microbiology

• Generation Microbiology

• Pharmaceutical Microbiology

• Veterinary Microbiology

• Cellular Microbiology

• Evolutionary Microbiology

• Soil Microbiology

  Does Microbiology as a career sound interesting? To find out if you are a good fit, take the career test at Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation). You can also appear for mock tests to help you improve your 12th-grade marks. Check out internships to strengthen your career here.

  All the best!