Top 7 Biotechnology Entrance Exams
MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams: After the Completion of an M.Sc in Biotechnology, students do not know much more about the career ahead. This keeps them in a state of confusion. They do not know what to do, or which Biotech entrance exam should I take. Looking at the same thing, today we are going to tell you about the M.Sc Biotechnology entrance exams, which you can take after Post graduation.
The potential applications of Life Sciences and biotechnology are enormous, but the right guidance and curriculum are required for a student who wishes to shine in this field. India as a whole is home to some extremely old and famous universities, where students are immersed in a rigorous curriculum and are provided with the necessary guidance to succeed in this highly competitive field, Five Strategies For Become Successful in Biotechnology.
Biotechnology colleges in India are producing hundreds and thousands of Biotechnologists every year. But only a few thousand pass out from a University or College that they can boast of. This is the reason why entry to these few prestigious Universities & Colleges is one of the toughest battles for lakhs of candidates, who annually appear for different biotechnology entrance exams in India.
MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams
Biotechnology is one of the most important sectors for the development of a society. With Biotechnology comes innovation which makes a society progressive and sustainable. In India, Biotechnology is one of the most sought-after professions. Every year lakhs of students appear for various entrance exams in India, like CSIR UGC NET, DBT JRF ICMR, and ICAR Biotechnology entrance exams.
Though CSIR UGC NET is the most popular exam among Life science aspirants, there are several other National Level Biotechnology entrance exams for Undergraduate, Graduate, and 45 MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams that candidates must take to broaden their chances of admission. Here we bring you a list of Top 7 MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exams that Biotechnology aspirants should not miss.
1. CSIR NET JRF/LS (Life Science)
The CSIR UGC NET is a highly regarded biotechnology entrance exam for students in the field. It is conducted twice a year, in June and December, by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for subject areas falling under the Science & Technology faculty. The exam covers Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Successful eligible candidates are awarded Junior Research Fellowship (NET), which is contingent upon their securing admission or placement in a university, national laboratory, or research institution. For Lectureship, qualifying for the CSIR UGC NET is a mandatory eligibility requirement, meaning candidates must pass the exam to be considered for appointment as a lecturer.
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CSIR UGC NET JRF and LS Life Science Exam |
| Conducting Authority | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Purpose | To determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS) in Life Sciences disciplines |
| Frequency | Conducted twice a year (June and December) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Master’s degree in Life Sciences or related fields with at least 55% marks for JRF- 50% marks for LS (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Subjects Covered | Life Sciences including but not limited to: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, etc. |
| Exam Format | ★ Part A: General Aptitude ★ Part B: Subject-specific Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) ★ Part C: Higher-level questions testing analytical skills |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Centers | Across various cities in India |
| Qualifying Criteria | Minimum cutoff marks for JRF and LS Top rankers eligible for JRF with stipend for research |
| Career Opportunities | ★ Research fellowships in prestigious institutions ★ Teaching opportunities as Assistant Professor (LS qualified) |
| Apply Online | https://csirnet.ntaonline.in |
2. ICMR JRF Entrance Examination
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducts a national-level entrance exam in July to select candidates for 150 Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs). The online registration for this exam started for candidates holding an MSc/MA degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST and differently-abled candidates). The upper age limit to apply is 28 years, with a relaxation of up to five years for SC/ST/PH/VH/female candidates and three years for OBC candidates.
Out of the 150 fellowships, 120 will be awarded in the field of biomedical sciences, while the remaining 30 will be in the field of social sciences, which includes psychology, sociology, home science, statistics, anthropology, social work, public health, and health economics.
The ICMR JRF exam will be conducted in various cities across India, including Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Srinagar (J&K), and Varanasi.
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | ICMR JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) Entrance Exam |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) |
| Purpose | To award Junior Research Fellowships in biomedical sciences including life sciences and social sciences related to health research |
| Frequency | Conducted once a year |
| Eligibility Criteria | ★ Master’s degree in any of the biomedical sciences or social sciences (topics relevant to health research) with at least 55% marks for General/OBC category and 50% for SC/ST and physically handicapped candidates |
| Exam Format | ★ Paper 1: Aptitude Test (Section A) ★ Paper 2: Subject-specific Knowledge (Section B) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Exam Centers | Various centers across India |
| Fellowship Benefits | ★ Financial assistance for pursuing research in biomedical/health sciences ★ Opportunity to work in prestigious institutions and research organizations |
| Apply Online | icmr.nic.in |
3. JNU CEEB Entrance Exam:
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi has initiated the online application process for the Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology Programmes (CEEB). The JNU CEEB is conducted for admissions to various biotechnology programs offered by the university, including:
- M.Sc. Agri Biotechnology
- M.Sc. Biotechnology (covering General Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Marine Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Molecular & Human Genetics, and Bioresources Biotechnology)
- M.Tech. Biotechnology courses.
This entrance exam facilitates admission to these specialized biotechnology programs at JNU.
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | JNU CEEB |
| Conducting Authority | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
| Purpose | Admission to M.Sc. and M.Tech. programs in Biotechnology |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with specified marks |
| Exam Format | Computer-based test (CBT) with two parts: General Biotechnology and Subject-specific |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Participating Institutions | JNU, University of Allahabad, RGCB Thiruvananthapuram, ICT Mumbai |
| Selection Process | Based on exam performance and merit |
| Apply Online | https://rcb.res.in/DBTPG/ |
4. AIIMS Biotechnology Entrance Examination
The AIIMS entrance examination is a prestigious gateway to the top medical college in India. In addition to the main center in New Delhi, established in 1956, there are six other AIIMS colleges located in various cities across the country. Each year, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) invites applications for admission to M.Sc. courses in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Reproductive Biology, Clinical Embryology, and Nuclear Medicine Technology.
AIIMS has several colleges across India, including AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, and AIIMS Rishikesh. These colleges also offer opportunities for PhD admissions, such as AIIMS Bhopal PhD Degree Admission.
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AIIMS Biotechnology Entrance Examination |
| Conducting Authority | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) |
| Purpose | Admission to M.Sc. and M.Biotech programs in Biotechnology at AIIMS and other participating institutions |
| Frequency | Conducted once a year |
| Eligibility Criteria | ★ For M.Sc. Biotechnology: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields (Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, etc.) with specified marks ★ For M.Biotech: Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or related fields with specified marks |
| Exam Format | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Subjects Covered | Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Centers | Various centers across India |
| Apply Online | https://aiimsexams.ac.in/ |
5. IIT JAM Biotechnology (BT) Exam
The Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM) is conducted to facilitate admissions into various full-time MSc (Two Years), Joint MSc-PhD, MSc-PhD Dual Degree, MSc-MTech, and other Post-Bachelor’s Degree Programmes offered at different IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and Integrated PhD Programmes at IISc (Indian Institute of Science). This test aims to encourage bright students to pursue science as a career option.
IIT JAM is conducted in collaboration with eight zones: IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee. The examination is computer-based (CBT) and covers various disciplines including Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geology, and Mathematical Statistics.
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IIT JAM Biotechnology (BT) Exam |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
| Purpose | Admission to M.Sc. and other postgraduate programs in Biotechnology at IITs and other participating institutes |
| Frequency | Conducted once a year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with specified marks (varies for different institutes) |
| Exam Format | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Subjects Covered | Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Centers | Various centers across India and abroad |
| Apply Online | https://jam.iitm.ac.in/ |
6. TIFR JGEEBILS: Joint Graduate Entrance Exam:
The TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) conducts a national-level entrance exam for biology known as the Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS).
The Graduate Programme at TIFR covers the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer & Systems, Sciences (including Communications and Applied Probability), Science Education.
Through JGEEBILS, candidates can apply for admission to the graduate programmes offered by TIFR in these diverse scientific disciplines.
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | TIFR JGEEBILS (Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology) |
| Conducting Authority | Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) |
| Purpose | Admission to Ph.D. and integrated Ph.D. programs in Biology at TIFR and other participating institutions |
| Frequency | Conducted once a year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree in any field of science with specified marks (varies for different programs) |
| Exam Format | Online test (multiple-choice questions) |
| Subjects Covered | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Centers | Various centers across India |
| Apply Online | https://www.ncbs.res.in/ |
7. DBT JRF Entrance Exam:
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) program was initiated in 2004 to provide fellowships for biotech students pursuing research in universities and / or research institutions in the country. Students are selected through online Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET). 275 fellowships can be awarded every year.
MSc/MTech/MVSc Degree in any of the following discipline: Biotechnology, Agriculture Biotechnology, Animal/Veterinary Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Marine Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Food Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Bio-resources and Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Molecular & Human Genetics, Neuroscience, Or B.E/B.Tech in Biotechnology (4-Year course after 10+2).
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | DBT JRF Entrance Exam |
| Conducting Authority | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India |
| Purpose | Awarding Junior Research Fellowships for pursuing Ph.D. in Biotechnology and allied areas |
| Frequency | Conducted once or twice a year depending on notification |
| Eligibility Criteria | ★ Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, or Medicine (MBBS) with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates) |
| Exam Format | Online test (multiple-choice questions) |
| Subjects Covered | Biotechnology, Life Sciences, General Science |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Centers | Various centers across India |
| Fellowship Benefits | Financial support for pursuing Ph.D. studies, contingency grant, and other allowances |
| Apply Online | https://www.dbtjrf.gov.in/ |
Yes, the above-mentioned examinations are among the top biotechnology entrance exams in India. Success in these exams is achievable with regular practice and dedicated preparation. By studying in an organized manner and practicing consistently, you can improve your performance significantly.
To excel in these entrance exams, focus on the following tips:
- Study the syllabus thoroughly and refer to previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Use recommended textbooks and study materials that cover all aspects of the syllabus.
- Break down the topics into manageable parts and allocate sufficient time to each area during your preparation.
- Stay disciplined and maintain a consistent study schedule to cover the entire syllabus effectively.
- Aim for a deep understanding of the concepts rather than rote memorization.
- Stay updated with current developments in the field of biotechnology through reputable sources.
- Believe in yourself and your abilities. With determination and effort, you can turn the seemingly impossible into achievable goals.
- Aim to crack the exam and secure the government fellowship you aspire to.
- Stay focused, work hard, and persevere toward your dream of succeeding in these prestigious biotechnology entrance exams.