What is Genetic Engg.?
Genetic Engineering deals with genes: how they are copied, switched on and off, inherited and changed. You learn molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, genomics, gene expression, molecular diagnostics and genome editing with CRISPR, along with enough engineering, statistics and bioinformatics to work with large DNA data sets. Applications include gene therapy, genetic testing, vaccines, GM and gene-edited crops, and research tools.
How it differs: it is a narrower, more specialised version of Biotechnology. A biotech B.Tech covers genetic engineering plus bioprocessing, enzymes and plant design; a genetic engineering B.Tech goes deeper into DNA and less into factory-scale engineering. It has little in common with Biomedical Engineering, which is about medical devices.
Because only a few universities (for example SRM, which offers it as Biotechnology with specialisation in Genetic Engineering, and Sharda University) run this programme, students aiming for IITs or NITs usually choose Biotechnology or Bioengineering and take genetic-engineering electives. Research careers in this field almost always need an M.Tech, M.Sc or PhD.
Who is this course for?
- Students fascinated by DNA, heredity and gene editing
- Those planning on research, an M.Sc/M.Tech or a PhD
- People who enjoy precise, detailed lab work
- Students interested in genetic testing, personalised medicine or crop improvement
- Those who like combining biology with statistics and bioinformatics
- Students with PCB who want a B.Tech and a private university that accepts it
What you study
- Year 1
- Mathematics / Biomathematics
- Physics and Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Programming
- Basic Engineering
- Communication Skills
- Year 2
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Principles of Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Biostatistics
- Analytical Techniques
- Year 3
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Genomics and Proteomics
- Gene Expression and Regulation
- Immunogenetics
- Bioinformatics
- Plant and Animal Genetic Engineering
- Year 4
- Genome Editing (CRISPR) and Gene Therapy
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Bioethics, Biosafety and IPR
- Bioprocess basics
- Internship
- Project
Specialisations and electives
Genome editing and gene therapyMolecular diagnostics and genetic testingGenomics and bioinformaticsPlant genetic engineeringAnimal and medical geneticsPharmacogenomicsSynthetic biology
Eligibility & admission
- Class 12 (10+2) pass with Physics and Chemistry plus Mathematics or Biology; SRM asks for at least 60% aggregate in PCM, PMB or PCB.
- Each university sets its own minimum marks and entrance test; check the current brochure.
- No upper age limit at most universities.
- IITs and NITs do not offer a separate B.Tech in Genetic Engineering; for them you need PCM and JEE, and you would join Biotechnology or Bioengineering instead.
How admission works
- Choose PCM or PCB in Class 11–12 (PCMB keeps every option open).
- Shortlist universities that actually run the programme and check that it is UGC/AICTE recognised.
- Write the university's entrance test (for example SRMJEEE) or apply on merit where allowed.
- Attend the university's counselling and choose Genetic Engineering (or the genetic engineering specialisation).
- Pay the fee and submit marksheets, ID and category documents for verification.
Entrance exams
SRMJEEEfor SRM's B.Tech Biotechnology with specialisation in Genetic Engineering
Sharda University admission test / meritfor Sharda's B.Tech Genetic Engineering
JEE Main / JEE Advancedif you prefer the Biotechnology route at NITs and IITs
GATE (BT) / IIT JAM (Biotechnology)for M.Tech or M.Sc after graduation
CSIR-NET / DBT-JRFfor research fellowships and PhD positions
Planning to study Genetic Engg.?The AISEE merit scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition fees at participating colleges. One online exam, results by rank.
Apply for AISEE-2027
Top colleges for Genetic Engg.
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai (Kattankulathur) | Private deemed university; B.Tech Biotechnology with specialisation in Genetic Engineering; also M.Tech |
| Sharda University | Greater Noida | Private university; B.Tech Genetic Engineering (Department of Genetic Science and Engineering) |
| Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | Private deemed university; listed as offering B.Tech Genetic Engineering (confirm current intake) |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Research Assistant / AssociateRuns cloning, PCR and gene-editing experiments in university or company labs.
Molecular Diagnostics TechnologistPerforms genetic and infectious-disease tests in diagnostic labs.
Genomics Data AnalystProcesses sequencing data and reports variants for clinical or research use.
Genetic Counselling Support (with further training)Helps explain genetic test results to patients and families.
Plant Breeding / Agri-biotech AssociateSupports development of improved and gene-edited crop varieties.
Quality Control AnalystTests biologic products and vaccines in pharma and biotech plants.
Top recruiters & sectors
Serum Institute of IndiaBioconBharat Serums and VaccinesDr. Reddy's LaboratoriesPanacea BiotecMedGenome and other genomics labsThermo Fisher ScientificSeed and agri-biotech companiesICAR, ICMR and CSIR institutesUniversity research labs
Salary
With a B.Tech alone, freshers usually start at ₹3–6 LPA (approx.) as lab, QC, diagnostics or data roles. Genomics analysts with strong coding skills can earn more.
Pay rises sharply with higher qualifications: scientists with a PhD or experienced professionals in genomics, cell and gene therapy or regulatory roles often earn ₹10–25 LPA (approx.). Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
Genetics is moving fast: affordable sequencing, the Genome India project, India's first approved CAR-T cell therapy and the 2025 release of gene-edited rice varieties show how genetic engineering is reaching patients and farms. Diagnostics labs, genomics startups and biopharma are the main growth areas.
However, the number of B.Tech-level jobs is limited and research roles expect higher degrees, so this branch suits students who are committed to the field and ready for further study. Students unsure of their interest should consider a broader Biotechnology B.Tech.
After this course
- M.Tech Genetic Engineering or Biotechnology (GATE BT)
- M.Sc Genetics, Molecular Biology or Biotechnology (IIT JAM, CUET-PG)
- MS/PhD abroad in genetics or genome engineering
- PhD with CSIR-NET or DBT-JRF fellowship
- Genetic counselling programmes
- MBA in life-science business
Genetic Engg. FAQs
Do IITs offer Genetic Engineering?
No IIT or NIT offers a separate B.Tech in Genetic Engineering. You can study the subject through Biotechnology, Biological Engineering or Biosciences and Bioengineering programmes and their electives.
Can I study Genetic Engineering with PCB?
Yes, at some private universities such as SRM, which accept PCB for this programme. Check each university's rules because some require Mathematics.
Is Genetic Engineering better than Biotechnology?
It is more specialised, not better. Biotechnology keeps more career options open, while Genetic Engineering suits students sure they want to work with DNA and genomics.
What is the salary of a genetic engineer in India?
Freshers with a B.Tech usually earn about ₹3–6 LPA. Those with a PhD or experience in genomics, gene therapy or diagnostics can earn considerably more.
Do I need a master's or PhD?
For research and scientist roles, usually yes. Diagnostics, QC and data roles hire B.Tech graduates.
AISEE - 2027 Online Scholarship Application Available 
