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Biotechnology is a cross-disciplinary subject that combines biology and technology. The growing relevance of this field has opened doors to numerous rewarding careers, such as those in biotechnology engineering or research science. Studying biotechnology engineering develops competencies in genetic engineering, bioinformatics and other relevant areas.
According to a 2030 forecast by Grand View Research, the global biotechnology market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.7% . It is expected to reach $1.68 trillion by 2030. This significant growth in the future indicates numerous job opportunities for biotechnology graduates.
If you are passionate about building a career in biotechnology engineering, this blog provides valuable information. Scroll down and read about various programmes, careers and scope in biotechnology engineering. The blog also discusses the B Tech biotechnology engineering syllabus and the subjects covered under it.
However, you must first understand what biotechnology engineers do. This will motivate you further toward your goal of becoming a biotechnology engineer.
Some of the important roles of a biotechnology engineer include the following.
You must note that undergraduate biotechnology programmes differ from biotechnology engineering programmes. Undergraduate degrees, such as a BSc in biotechnology, focus mainly on scientific theories and biological systems. In contrast, biotechnology engineering is an engineering discipline that requires a BTech, or a diploma in biotechnology engineering. These programmes combine biology with engineering principles.
Also read: “BSc Biotechnology vs BSc Microbiology: Key Differences, Scope, and Career Opportunities”.
If your aim is to become a biotechnology engineer, you must choose an engineering pathway rather than a general BSc biotech course.
You must check the table below for further clarity. It provides the basic course details for biotechnology engineering courses.
| Particulars | Values |
| Field | Biotechnology Engineering |
| Top Courses | Diploma Course - Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering (After Class 10 or 12) Undergraduate Courses - BTech, BE Postgraduate Courses - MTech, Post Graduate Diploma |
| Course Duration | Diploma: 3 Years (After Class 10); 1-2 years (After Class 12) Undergraduate: 4 years Postgraduate: 2 years |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam or Merit-based, depending on the institute |
| Entrance Examination | Undergraduate: JEE Mains, CUET UG, KCET, etc. Postgraduate: Various national-level exams like GATE, state-level and college/university-level exams. |
| Total Average Fee | Rs 4 to 15 lakh |
| Career Options | Research Associate, Biotechnologist, Project Associate, Quality Controller, Biotechnology Engineer, Lecturer, Professor, Advisor, etc. |
Now that you have read about the basic details of biotechnology engineering programmes, you must specifically read what a BTech in biotechnology is.
A BTech in biotechnology is a four-year bachelor's degree programme spread across 8 semesters. Pursuing this course helps you become a biotechnology engineer. You must know that the eligibility criteria for this programme require you to pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology (PCMB) with an aggregate of 50% to 55% marks.
Admissions to this programme are merit-based and through the entrance exams. Some colleges and universities also conduct their own entrance tests. The common national-level entrance exams include JEE Main, CUET, etc. You can also appear in state-level exams, such as KCET.
If you are looking for clear steps on how to become a biotechnology engineer, check out the next section.
You should follow the steps below to become a biotechnology engineer.
1. Finish Your Higher Secondary Education
You must pass your Class 12 with a minimum of 55% marks with PCM or PCMB subjects. Note that scoring well in 10+2 is important for merit-based admission.
2. Apply for a BTech in Biotechnology Programme
Once you have passed Class 12, you can apply for a BTech in biotechnology programme. As mentioned earlier, admission to these programmes can be merit-based or entrance-based, depending on the college.
Students who have done a three-year diploma in biotechnology after Class 10 can get admission through the lateral entry process.
3. Get Your Bachelor’s Degree & Apply for Internships
Finish your four-year engineering degree and apply for internships. You should already know that internships give you practical experience and the opportunity to connect with professionals. You can apply for an internship during the final year of your bachelor’s course.
4. Start Exploring Job Opportunities or Pursue a Master’s Degree
After completing your internship, you can build your resume and start exploring suitable opportunities. If you wish, you can also pursue a master’s degree in biotechnology. Having a master's degree not just strengthens your portfolio but also enhances your chances of getting a good job opportunity. Admission to an MTech programme in biotechnology is available on merit and through entrance exams.
You must know that the M Tech biotechnology engineering syllabus is much more advanced than the BTech biotechnology syllabus. The master’s degree course also includes a specialisation such as bioinformatics and plant biotechnology.
If you are looking for a list of biotechnology engineering subjects and syllabi, glance through the next sections.
You already know that the BTech programme in biotechnology engineering is divided into 8 semesters. The semester-wise B Tech biotechnology engineering syllabus is mentioned below.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Engineering Mathematics – I | Engineering Mathematics – II |
| Engineering Physics / Chemistry | Engineering Chemistry / Physics (any one that was not taken in semester 1) |
| Basics of Electrical & Electronics Engineering | Basic Mechanical Engineering |
| Engineering Graphics | Biology for Engineers |
| Computer Programming (C/C++/Python) | Material Science |
| Environmental Science | Engineering Mechanics |
| English / Communication Skills | Chemistry/Physics Lab |
| Physics/Chemistry Lab | Biology Lab |
| Engineering Workshop Practice | Programming Lab |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Biochemistry | Molecular Biology |
| Microbiology | Enzyme Technology |
| Cell Biology | Genetic Engineering |
| Thermodynamics in Biological Systems | Heat and Mass Transfer |
| Biostatistics | Bioinformatics |
| Instrumentation and Analytical Techniques | Immunology |
| Biochemistry Lab | Molecular Biology Lab |
| Microbiology Lab | Genetic Engineering Lab |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
| Bioprocess Engineering | Animal Biotechnology |
| Downstream Processing | Environmental Biotechnology |
| Industrial Biotechnology | Metabolic Engineering |
| Plant Biotechnology | Bioethics and IPR |
| Bioreactor Design | Nanobiotechnology (Elective) |
| Bioprocess Engineering Lab | Animal Biotechnology Lab |
| Plant Biotechnology Lab | Environmental Biotech Lab |
| Mini Project / Seminar | |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
| Medical Biotechnology | Project Work / Thesis |
| Food Biotechnology | Seminar and Viva |
| Tissue Engineering | Professional Elective (e.g., Synthetic Biology / Proteomics / Biosensors) |
| Computational Biology (Elective) | |
| Biopharmaceutical Technology | |
| Industrial Training / Internship |
The table below helps you know the main subjects of BTech in the biotechnology engineering syllabus.
| Biotechnology Engineering Subjects List | Focus of the Subject |
| Medical Biotechnology | Human health, diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines |
| Industrial Biotechnology | Use of microorganisms and enzymes in industrial processes |
| Environmental Biotechnology | Biotech applications for environmental sustainability |
| Plant Biotechnology | Genetic and molecular techniques to improve plants |
| Animal Biotechnology | Animal genomics, transgenics and reproduction |
| Computational Biotechnology / Bioinformatics | Data analysis and modelling in biological systems |
| Food Biotechnology | Enhancing food quality and shelf life using biotech |
The biotechnology field has expanded its scope over time. It has reached healthcare, agriculture, waste management and more areas. Also, the post-COVID era has clearly demonstrated the necessity and opportunity for skilled biotechnology engine ers.
Pursuing a degree in biotechnology engineering not only offers you an attractive career path but also the opportunity to contribute to human welfare. The ongoing need for new drugs, diagnostic methods and vaccines means you’ll find biotechnology expertise in constant demand. With more research and incubation centres emerging, you are likely to see a wider range of career opportunities as a biotechnology engineer.
If you’re exploring what comes next after biotechnology engineering, you’ll find a range of roles that match different interests and skills. You might consider positions such as bioprocess engineer, biotechnology consultant, bioinformatics analyst, clinical researcher, or research biochemist. You may also move into roles such as a geneticist or a regulatory affairs manager.
Biotechnology engineering has a wide scope in India and abroad. The steady expansion of the field promises a variety of roles in healthcare, agriculture, research and sustainability. Many relevant new areas, such as gene editing and bioinformatics, are also emerging. This further strengthens the demand for skilled biotechnology professionals.
If you want to pursue an impactful biotechnology course from a renowned institution, visit JAIN (Deemed-to-be University),Faculty of Engineering & Technology (JU-FET) today.
A1: Biotechnology engineering is the combination of biology and technology. Biotechnology engineers use modern technology to create products, devices, and materials that improve human health and life.
A2: If you want to pursue a BTech degree in biotechnology engineering, you must pass Class 12 with a minimum of 50% to 55% marks. You should also pass the relevant entrance exam. Some institutions offer admission on the basis of your Class 12 marks, while others require passing the entrance exam.
A3: Biotechnology engineers must develop technical and analytical skills. They must have strong knowledge of biology, biochemistry and other relevant subjects. They must also cultivate critical thinking and good communication skills .
A4: Biotechnology engineering offers a broad scope and a variety of job opportunities. Common roles include biomedical research scientists, clinical engineers and biotechnology engineers.
A5: The average salary of Biotechnology engineer in India is INR 20,000 to 30,000 per month .
A6: Yes. You can get a job after completing the biotechnology course. However, you should first gain practical exposure through internships. Pursuing internships gives real-world exposure and strengthens your portfolio.
A7: Yes. Biotechnology engineering is in high demand both in India and abroad. Biotechnology engineers can explore employment opportunities in healthcare, medical device manufacturing, the pharmaceutical sector and research and development.