Genetics is a new and flourishing branch of modern biology. With the new innovations in Genetics, scientists are able to modify the processes of death and life. Genetic Engineering has been proved immensely useful in treating congenital diseases in humans. It is also very helpful to increase the agricultural produce of a country. Genetically modified crops have led to Green Revolutions all around the globe. So, many students now want to pursue Genetics and Plant Breeding. This field has tremendous scope in future. If we do not think about the monetary aspects related to its prospects, then also, this field has the potential to revolutionize the world.

What will make you eligible for this course?

To be eligible for M.Sc. in Genetic Engineering and Plant Breeding one has to have a degree in Biotech, or Biology Related streams, like Genetics and Genetic Engineering. Many premier colleges all around the globe offer courses in Genetics and Plant Breeding, IITs being among them.

The Course Structure:

The subjects which are taught in the master’s degree for Genetics and Plant Breeding include Plant Genetics, Breeding Field Crops, Plant Cytogenesis and Quantitative Genetics etc. apart from these core courses, there are many optional courses, which help a lot in the study of the course. Special emphasis is laid on practical aspects of the study. As the subject requires very good equipments and infrastructure, students should be careful in choosing the college they want to take admission to.

What are the Career Prospects?

After the completion of the course the students of Genetics and Plant Breeding can get absorbed in the agricultural sectors. They have brilliant research opportunities also. They can work with global biotech companies. The government also fund researches. Both government and private pharmaceutical companies require Genetic Engineers specialized in Plant Breeding.

Best Institutes for pursuing this course

Many colleges offer a masters degree in Genetics and Plane Breeding, but as said earlier students need to be careful. The top colleges which offer this course are:

• Rajendra Agricultural University
• University of Poona
• Haryana Agricultural University
• Punjab Agricultural University
• University of Chennai