Genetic engineering or Genetic Modification can be defined as the manipulation of the genetic material of a live organism. This process involves the utilization of recombinant DNA. Any organism that is developed or created through this method is called as a genetically Modified organism. Those individuals who practice this branch of engineering are called as Genetic Engineers.

There are many colleges in India that offer interested candidates with graduate and postgraduate courses in Genetic engineering. After the course is finished, the students can find jobs with both the private and public sectors as Assistant Engineers. Those who wish to go for higher studies can pursue an M.E or a PhD.  It is also possible for the students to go for academic or research work. The initial salary of the candidates in this field will be as much as Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 20, 000 a month. Professionals in this field may earn approximately Rs. 1 lakh each month.

Qualifying Exam

There are many entrance exams in India that are conducted for the admittance of students into the graduate and postgraduate degree courses in Genetic Engineering. Some of them are All India Engineering Entrance Exams, Indian Institute of Technology – Joint Entrance Exam, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Entrance Exam, Jawaharlal Nehru University Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology entrance Exam, Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, All India Common Entrance Test, SRM University Genetic Engineering Entrance Exam, Assam Joint entrance Test in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) Genetic Engineering Entrance Exam. The candidate will be chosen strictly based on the merit list of the entrance exams.

Who is eligible to apply?

Candidates who wish to go for this course should be residents of India. At the time of applying, they must be no less than 17 years. To be eligible to join the course in genetic engineering, the students should have a pass in 12th class. They should have taken Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics in addition to Genetics as a division of Biology.

How to prepare for exam and interview?

Candidates who are appearing for the written exam must be well prepared in the topic of genetic engineering. They can get ready for the exam by reading journals or text books on the related subject. Reading will help the students to a great extend. This will give them information on what questions to expect. Another option for the students is to download information regarding genetic engineering and its many specializations from the internet. They can also study with friends in groups. All these methods will help the candidate to develop a confidence to attend any question that may come.

At the time of the interview, the candidates must be frank and confident while replying. Also taking a moment to answer each question will be helpful to them as they can plan their answers well at that time.