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Biomedical Engineering is a discipline that combines principles from both biology and engineering to develop innovative healthcare technologies. It is a specialised field of study in India that is highly sought after by many engineering aspirants. The study can be pursued at undergraduate (B.Tech/B.Sc), postgraduate (M.Tech), and doctoral (PhD) levels in India. This blog is a complete guide on the Biomedical Engineering courses eligibility, syllabus, scope and salary in India. Going through the blog can help aspirants understand the field before pursuing it.
Biomedical Engineering finds its applications in various fields of healthcare. It is used in developing medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutic systems, patient monitoring, and biomedical research. Biomedical Engineering courses mostly include subjects like Engineering Mathematics, Physics, Human Anatomy, Biomechanics, Medical Imaging Techniques, and Computer Programming. The total fee range for a B.Tech Biomedical Engineering course in India is around ?8 to ?11 lakh in private colleges. Government colleges typically charge anywhere between ?2 to ?8 lakhs for the entire course.
Biomedical Engineering is offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and PhD levels in India. Below are the various Biomedical Engineering qualifications and their duration details.
| Course Name | Course level | Duration |
| B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering | Undergraduate | Four years |
| B.Sc in Biomedical Engineering | Undergraduate | Three years |
| Diploma in Biomedical Engineering | Diploma | Three years |
| M.Tech in Biomedical Engineering | Postgraduate | Two years |
| PhD in Biomedical Engineering | Doctoral | Three to Five years |
The eligibility criteria for Biomedical Engineering vary slightly depending on the course level:
For the undergraduate (B.Tech) course in Biomedical Engineering:
For the postgraduate (M.Tech) course in Biomedical Engineering:
The scope for Biomedical Engineering in India is very promising. There is a growing need for innovative solutions in the medical device market and healthcare. Biomedical engineers have diverse opportunities in medical device design, biomaterials, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and healthcare IT. There is also a global demand for Biomedical Engineers across industries. The average salary for entry-level Biomedical Engineers is around ?5 to ?7 lakhs per annum. With experience, individuals can earn about 17 to 20 lakhs per annum.
B.Tech Biomedical Engineering is a four-year undergraduate programme divided into eight semesters. A B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering provides foundational knowledge in concepts of biology and engineering principles. It teaches students to design and develop medical equipment, prosthetic devices, imaging systems and healthcare software that impact the healthcare industry and its technologies. The degree opens up various roles for students, including Biomedical Engineer, Clinical Engineer, Regulatory Affairs Officer, R&D Engineer, Medical Device Designer and more.
Some of the Biomedical Engineering subject lists include:
Below is the semester-wise B.Tech Biomedical Engineering syllabus:
| Semester I | Semester II |
| Mathematics-I Engineering Mechanics Chemistry Basics of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Engineering Graphics |
Environmental Science Material Science Thermodynamics Introduction to Programming Elements of Electronics Engineering |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Electron Devices and Circuits Strength of Materials Biomathematics & Biostatistics Electric Circuit Analysis C++ and Data Structures |
Dynamics of Biofluids Medical Instrumentation Biophysical Signals & Systems Engineering Economics & Management |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Biomechanics Microprocessors and applications Signals and Systems Control Systems Engineering Biomedical Instrumentation |
Embedded Systems in Medicine Digital Image Processing Analytical & Diagnostic Equipment |
| Semester VII | Semester VIII |
| Biomaterials Principles of Radiological Equipment Hospital Safety and Management Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation |
Bio Telemetry Internhsip Final Project and Viva Voce |
The course also includes lab work and training to provide practical experience to students.
M. Tech Biomedical Engineering is a two-year postgraduate programme that is divided into four semesters. The course helps students learn advanced-level skills in engineering and biological principles. It allows in-depth specialisation options in areas such as biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, and bioinformatics. After completing an M.Tech in Biomedical Engineering, graduates can find opportunities in medical device companies, healthcare institutions, hospitals, and research organisations.
Below is the semester-wise M. Tech Biomedical Engineering syllabus offered by most colleges:
|
Semester I |
Semester II |
|
Biomedical Signal Processing |
Principles of Radiology |
|
Semester III |
Semester IV |
|
Elective - III |
Dissertation - II |
Some institutions may choose to offer the following M.Tech specialisations:
A Diploma in Biomedical Engineering is a three-year programme that offers foundational knowledge in biomedical instrumentation, healthcare technology, and medical equipment maintenance. Aspirants can pursue the qualification after completing class 10 education. Diploma holders can work as Biomedical Technicians, Service Engineers, or Medical Equipment Operators at hospitals, diagnostic labs or healthcare companies.
| Semester I | Semester II |
| Engineering Mechanics Mathematics - I Engineering Graphics Basic Electronics |
Applied Chemistry Mathematics - II Basic Biology Digital Logic Design |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Analog Electronics Life Sciences Basics of Bio Transducers Analogue Electronics Lab |
Biomechanics Diagnostic Instrumentation Microprocessor and Assembly Language Minor Project |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Medical Imaging Techniques Microcontroller and Interfacing Therapeutic Instrumentation Summer Internship - I |
Biomedical Signal Processing Programme Elective - I Rehabilitation Engineering Training and Project Work |
Below is the list of some national, state and institutional-level exams for gaining admission into engineering courses.
Biomedical Science and Biomedical Engineering are both fields of science that aim to improve human health. However, they differ in their focus and approach. Below is a Biomedical Engineering vs Biomedical Science table to understand their differences.
| Aspect | Biomedical Science | Biomedical Engineering |
| Definition | The field of health science focuses on drug development and disease research. | Specialised engineering field creating technologies for health treatments. |
| Focus | Research diseases like hepatitis and cancer and develop treatments. | Design diagnostic tools, prosthetics, implants, and tissue engineering technologies. |
| Programme Duration | Usually offered as a four-year Bachelor of Science degree. | Offered as a four-year Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree. |
| Subjects Covered | Human health, diseases, anatomy, physiology, and molecular biology. | Engineering Chemistry, Human Physiology, Biomaterials, Artificial Organs, Biomechanics, Bioinstrumentation, and Medical Imaging. |
To become a Biomedical Engineer in India, one must complete a 10+2 education with a PCM or PCB combination. Then pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in B.Tech/ B.E. Biomedical Engineering. This opens up opportunities in various roles like Biomedical Engineer, Clinical Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, and Quality Engineer. Graduates can even pursue further education through a Master's or PhD to enhance career opportunities.
In conclusion, Biomedical Engineering is a rewarding career path for those interested in biology and engineering to contribute to patient care and medical innovation. It can be a great choice for finding job opportunities in health companies, IT, hospitals, and diagnostic labs in India. There is also a growing global demand with strong financial prospects for those interested in the field.
A1. Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary Engineering programme that deals with developing innovative technologies and devices to improve human healthcare.
A2. Yes, Biomedical Engineering is considered a good course in India, due to the expanding advancements in the healthcare sector. Graduates find diverse career opportunities with high salary potential across hospitals, healthcare companies, and diagnostic labs.
A3. The scope for Biomedical Engineering in India is growing due to the increasing need for technological advancements in patient care. Biomedical engineers are eligible for jobs in medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, hospitals, and healthcare IT in India. There is also a global demand for biomedical engineers across the healthcare industry.