Genetic Engineering is an advanced branch of science dealing with various techniques that helps in changing the genetic material in the DNA code in a living organism. It also deals with extracting the DNA out of one organism. Genetic engineers can specialize in plants, animals, and human beings.  Genetic engineering in plants and animals help to increase resistance to disease or damage, to improve certain natural characteristics of value, and to develop new characteristics etc. It also helps in changing the size, colour, texture etc of plants. Genetic engineering in human beings helps in correcting severe hereditary defects by replacing the defective or missing genes in cells by normal genes.

Course Details

The candidates can pursue B.Sc., M.Sc., and PhD courses in Genetic Engineering. A few graduation and post graduation courses available in GE are

• B.S.C forensic science
• B.Sc in genetic engineering
• M.Sc. biotechnology
• M.Sc. applied genetics
• M.Sc.Medical Microbiology
• B.Sc Biotechnology
• BE (Bachelors of Engineering) in agriculture
• B.Tech in bioinformatics
• BSc (Bachelors of Science) in Genetics
• BSc (Bachelors of Science) in Microbiology
• B.tech in genetic engineering
• BSc (Bachelors of Science) in Biochemistry
• BSc (Bachelors of Science) in Agriculture

Eligibility Criteria

For any graduate course, the aspirant has to complete 12th standard with Physics, Biology, Mathematics, and Chemistry. To admit to B.E/B.Tech, the candidates have to clear the entrance exam also. For any post graduation course, the aspirants must have completed their B.Sc. degree from a recognized University with at least 50% marks. They must have taken any Biological Science subjects like Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Nutrition (or) Home Science, Biochemistry, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology or Medicine in graduation.

Institutes that offer Genetic Engineering courses

There are many colleges or universities in India that offer various Genetic Engineering courses. A few of them are listed below.

• Amravati Uaniversity
• Bose Institute
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
• Kurukshetra University
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• Punjab Agricultural University
• University of Kerala
• University of Mysore
• School of Life Sciences
• Osmania University
• Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
• Jadavpur University

Career Opportunities

There are various sectors in India that give employment to genetic professionals and engineers. They are offered in semi-government and private sectors, research and development departments of government, medical and pharmaceutical industries, and agricultural sectors. The best career prospects to genetic engineers are offered by government organizations in the stream of pharmacy and biotechnology.

A few sectors that offer opportunities to genetic engineering candidates are:

• Agriculture
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Food product manufacturers
• Chemical and allied industries
• Aquaculture
• Biotechnology Parks
• Government and private universities
• Trade organization
• Research institutes and Research labs

Some of the government organizations that offer genetic engineers are:

• Centre for DNA Fingerprint and Diagnostics, Hyderabad
• National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi
• Institute of Geonomic and Integrative Biology, Delhi
• Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre, Chandigarh

Salary Package

A Masters Degree holder in Genetic Engineering can earn a starting salary ranging from Rs. 20000 to Rs. 30000 per month depending on the profile and area of work. Genetic Engineers with doctoral degrees can earn up to Rs. 30000- 40000 per month.