Biotechnology Engineering

Biotechnology Engineering is the combination of biology and technology which involves knowing the technological applications that use biological systems or living organisms for creating or modifying products and processes. It is also the research and study of microorganisms, bio-organisms, and cell functions in living beings. The BE course is fascinating as the blend of two domains combines here to provide extensive knowledge and practical rigor along with academic learning through the Biotechnology Engineering syllabus.

Candidates who intend to pursue Biotechnology Engineering must have passed class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as the main subjects. Admission to this course can be made either through entrance exams or on a merit basis. Entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, MHT CET, TS POLYCET, WBJEE, KCET, and others are conducted to provide admission to BE courses.

Biotechnology is a thriving professional path, with demand growing in industries such as pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, agriculture, healthcare, medicine, genetic engineering, and various others. Candidates can evolve into Biotechnologists, Research Associate, Lab Scientist Process Engineer, Biotechnology Engineer, and more after completing this course. They can opt for either an online Engineering in Biotechnology course or an offline course. Well, some of the top biotechnology engineering colleges in India include Anna University, Delhi Technological University, Amity University, and others.

Quick Facts About Biotechnology Engineering

• Candidates from Biotechnology Engineering are taught about DNA, pathogens, and how to make medicines. 
• Biotechnology engineers are in high demand because of the current health crisis caused by COVID-19. They help make drugs, testing methods, and vaccines. 
• Many new research and incubation centers are creating opportunities for those interested in this field.

The biotechnology engineering field is popular amongst many Indian students. If you are looking to make a career in this field, check the essential highlights of this course, like top colleges, list of popular specialisations, entrance exam and salary in the table given below:

Engineering is one of the most reputable careers. Many candidates want to become an engineer and earn a decent salary. Engineering in Biotechnology itself is studied by many Indian students. There are many reasons for choosing this field and some of them are highlighted below:

• The demand for biotechnology engineers will boom as the world's population grows to come back to food, fuel, and agriculture issues. 
• Many professionals from this stream are required to work on environmental issues.
• There are several career opportunities available in this field, for diploma holders, graduates, and postgraduates. Candidates will get good salary packages in various government and private sectors. 
• Candidates who pursue a career in biotechnology benefit from the fact that they may contribute to a variety of sectors and industries. For example, they can work in and contribute to the fields of medicine, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, environmental usage, cell biology, chemistry, and many more. 
• These are a few modern biotechnology sectors that need a large number of human resources and promise a bright future for the next generation. 
• As a result, biotechnology engineering colleges will undoubtedly play a critical role in determining the country's future, not only in terms of scientific research and development but also in terms of employability.

What is the Scope of Biotechnology Engineering?

After successful completion of the Biotechnology Engineering course, candidates are offered jobs in several categories and fields. Some of these include - 

• Environmental Biotechnology
• Medical Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics
• Plant Biotechnology
• Applied Microbiology
   

Online Biotechnology Engineering degree programs offer students the opportunity to earn their degree remotely, without having to attend physical classes on campus. These programs use digital technologies to deliver course content, such as video lectures, online assignments, virtual laboratories, and discussion forums. 

The Biotechnology Engineering online programs have several key benefits, including flexibility in terms of when and where students can access course materials, making it ideal for those with work or family commitments. Additionally, online students have access to digital libraries, databases, and other resources that support their research and studies. Evaluation methods can include online exams, quizzes, and project submissions, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and skills in a virtual environment. Some of the top Online Biotechnology Engineering courses have been listed in the table below.

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There are various engineering streams available for candidates to explore and construct a career. But, many candidates get confused and puzzle between these many options and cannot decide what to choose. Biotechnology Engineering and Biomedical Engineering are one of the two engineering streams that candidates often find similar. But, there is a huge difference between these two streams. To get a fair idea, check the basic differences between these two engineering streams:

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There are several types in this engineering stream that candidates can study as per their interests. The various types of Engineering specialization in Biotechnology are categorized as colours. The four main types of Biotechnology Engineering are: 

Medical Red Biotechnology

Human health and medicine are at the heart of medical biotechnology. Medical biotechnology comprises the development of novel pharmaceutical medications, vaccines, antibodies, and other medical products. The pharmaceutical sector and the medical profession both benefit from red biotechnology. 

Industrial White Biotechnology

Industrial biotechnology has an impact on a variety of industries, including textiles, food, and energy. Its main goal is to utilize technology to develop innovative processes that consume fewer natural resources and energy than traditional techniques. 

Environmental and Agricultural Green Biotechnology

Green biotechnology focuses on agricultural technologies, such as discovering new ways to grow stronger crops or developing new biopesticides to minimize the number of chemicals needed by farmers. The basic purpose of environmental biotechnology is to combine biology and engineering. 

Marine Blue Biotechnology

Marine Biotechnology is the study of marine creatures to exploit them for different human uses, such as the development of novel medications or dietary supplements to improve human health. For diverse purposes, blue biotechnology uses a broad array of marine animals and resources, such as shellfish, algae, and other things. Marine biotechnology has a significant impact on the industrial sector.

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For admission into the biotechnology engineering course, candidates have to follow the eligibility criteria set by the respective institute. The criteria work as a benchmark that is used by the institutes to scan the candidates for this engineering course. The eligibility criteria of courses depend and vary from institute to institute. Therefore the eligibility criteria for this course at different levels are mentioned in the headers below: 

 Eligibility Criteria for Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering

The eligibility criteria for the Diploma in this course have been listed below: 

• The duration of the Diploma in this Engineering discipline is 3 years.
• Candidates will have to pass class 10 or equivalent exams from a recognized board with a score of at least 45% aggregate or as asked by the institution to be eligible for this diploma course. 

 Eligibility Criteria for BTech or BE in Biotechnology Engineering

The eligibility criteria for BTech or BE in this Engineering course have been listed below: 

• The duration of the BTech in this course is 4 years.
• Candidates are required to pass class 10+2 or its equivalent with a score of at least 50% aggregate from any recognized board. A relaxation of 5% is given to the candidates belonging to the reserved categories. 
• They should have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as their compulsory subjects in class 10+2. 

 Eligibility Criteria for MTech in Biotechnology Engineering 

The eligibility criteria for the MTech programme in this course have been listed below: 

• The duration of the MTech in this course is 2 years.
• For admission to MTech in this Engineering, candidates should have passed their graduation degree with any of the BTech./BE of Biotechnology/ B. Pharm. /MSC in Bioscience from any recognized university with a score of at least 50% aggregate. 
• Students also need to clear the GATE examination. 

 Eligibility Criteria for MPhil in Biotechnology Engineering

The eligibility criteria for MPhil in this Engineering course have been listed below: 

• For admission to MPhil in this course, candidates should have completed post-graduation with relevant marks from a recognized university.
• Candidates should have scored at least 65-70% aggregate.

Required Skill Set for Biotechnology Engineering

There are certain skills that a candidate must possess to become an outstanding Biotechnology Engineer. To pursue a degree in Biotechnology Engineering, candidates must be well equipped with the following skillset: 

• Teamwork
• An investigative mind
• Innovative thinking
• Analytical skills
• Complex problem-solving
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisational skills
• Project management

Technical Skills That Make You The Best Biotechnology Engineer

Candidates who want to stand out from the crowd in this field should also adapt and learn technical skills. If you get expertise in these technical skills, it will enhance your resume. Adding to that, you will find a reputable job with good salary packages in top recruiting companies. Some of the top technical skills for Engineering in Biotechnology students are: 

Tissue Culture

In any biological or biomedical research facility, tissue culture is one of the most extensively utilized procedures. Tissue culture is often used to describe the growth of animal cells and tissues, whereas plant tissue culture is used to describe the growth of plants. 

Molecular (Gene) Cloning

Molecular cloning, often known as gene cloning, is a molecular biology technique for assembling recombinant DNA molecules and controlling their replication in host organisms. 

Western Blot

It is a common molecular biology method for detecting and analyzing proteins that may bind to certain antibodies. Western blot is a technique for demonstrating distinct features of proteins isolated from cells from a complicated mixture of proteins depending on molecular weight.

Flow Cytometry

It is a laser- or impedance-based technique that involves suspending cells in a stream of fluid and passing them through an electronic detection system. It is used in cell counting, cell sorting, biomarker detection, and protein engineering.

Besides these technical skills, other similar kinds of skills are: 

• Confocal Microscopy
• Mass Spectrometry
• Gel Electrophoresis
• ELISA

The admission process for this engineering field is done through an entrance examination. Different colleges and universities have different entrance examination sets that candidates need to pass and score a rank to get admission. Go through the list of the most popular Biotechnology Engineering Entrance Exam: 

JEE Main

Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is conducted to select candidates for the engineering programme in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. If candidates want to pursue Engineering in Biotechnology from these institutes, they need to clear the JEE Main entrance examination. 

JEE Advanced

JEE Advanced is the next stage of JEE Main exam. Candidates who clear JEE Mains are eligible for the advanced entrance. The JEE Advanced exams are conducted to select qualified candidates for admission to IITs. Candidates who want to pursue this engineering stream at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) should clear the JEE Advanced examination. 

GATE

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level engineering exam conducted to test candidates' knowledge of undergraduate subjects. Candidates who desire to enroll in master's programmes in IITs and NITs should qualify for this examination. The GATE exam score is valid for recruitment purposes of Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). 

VITEEE

Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) is a single entrance exam for VIT Vellore, VIT Chennai, VIT Bhopal, and VIT Andhra Pradesh. This test is held on two campuses, one in Chennai and the other in Vellore. The admissions process is entirely based on the results of the VITEEE entrance exam. Candidates who want to take biotechnology engineering admission in these colleges should clear this entrance exam. 

KCET

Karnataka Common Admission Test (KCET) is a state-level entrance test administered by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). This entrance test aims to select qualified candidates for admission to various undergraduate programmes in Karnataka.

Top Biotechnology Engineering Entrance Exams 2024

The table below highlights the biotechnology engineering entrance exam schedule. 

There are various engineering specializations available in the biotechnology stream. Candidates can choose their specialization as per their interest in the field, subjects, and career options they want to pursue. While the syllabus of the course depends on the institution, the core knowledge remains the same. Check the list of various Biotechnology Engineering courses and specializations that candidates can choose from given below:

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To get admission in different courses offered in the Biotechnology Engineering field, students have to be eligible and should fulfill all the criteria mentioned for admission. Well, the admission process for this course varies in different colleges or institutions. In some colleges, admission is granted based on merit, while in some it is entrance-based. Check the details about the admission process below: 

Admission Through Entrance Exams

In some colleges like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and various other top-ranked colleges, admission is offered based on the engineering entrance exam which is followed by a counselling process. 

Admission Through Merit List

To gain admission in this engineering course through merit, candidates' scores from the previous class are taken into account. Direct admission refers to admission without taking or passing an entrance exam into colleges and universities. To apply for merit-based admission to this course, candidates need to fill out the application form released by the college on their official website.

Admission Through Management Quota 

Through management quota, you might be admitted directly to a Biotechnology programme. But these criteria will differ for different colleges and programmes.

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If you want to study biotechnology engineering and don't want to go through an entrance exam, then you need to know the steps for direct admission. Here are some of the general steps that we have discussed. Candidates need to make sure that they check the official website of the respective institutions for a detailed procedure and related details. 

First, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the institution. This means you need to have certain educational qualifications, minimum grades, and specific subjects at the high school level. Then, download or obtain the application form for the biotechnology engineering program from the official website of the institution or the admission office. Fill out the form and attach the required documents, such as high school transcripts, certificate of completion of high school, passport-sized photographs, proof of identity, and any other documents specified by the institution. Some institutions may charge an application fee, so you need to pay attention to that. Once you submit your application, the admissions committee will review your academic performance, projects, and other documents. Some institutions may also conduct interviews as part of the admission process.

Finally, admission may be granted based on merit, taking into account your academic achievements and other relevant qualifications. Once the review process is complete, you will be notified of the admission decision. If accepted, you will receive details about the next steps, including enrollment procedures and deadlines.

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The fees of Biotechnology Engineering vary as per the course type, college, scholarship (if any), the specialisation you are an option for, and many other factors. The fees of this course on average are between INR 15,000-11,00,000. Candidates can check the biotechnology fees structure given below for various course types:

The Biotechnology Engineering syllabus combines fundamental biological science topics with rigorous engineering. In a typical undergraduate curriculum, the following major subjects are taught during this course: 

• Basic engineering courses: thermodynamics, materials science
• Introduction to Process Engineering
• Computational biology 
• Genetic engineering 
• Basic science courses: Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
• Energy balance
• Chemical biology 
• Environmental science and engineering
• Clinical engineering
• Drug design 
• Human physiology 

The postgraduate biotechnology engineering course curriculum is mostly made up of advanced-level studies and subjects that provide an in-depth understanding of the field.

The list of top private colleges in India offering biotechnology courses has been listed below along with the NIRF ranking 2023. 

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The list of top government colleges in India offering biotechnology courses has been listed below along with the NIRF ranking 2023. 

The top colleges offering Biotechnology Engineering through direct admission have been listed below. These colleges may be subject to change and more colleges can be added to the list. 

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The scope of engineering is fast in global countries also. There are many Biotechnology Engineering colleges abroad that will offer you a dignified degree. Also, after completing your education, you will get a decent salary package in any international company. Adding to that, you will also get the options of various specializations that might not be offered in India. If you study this programme overseas, your experience working in high-tech laboratories will be beneficial to you. With a master's degree in biotechnology, you can work as a laboratory manager, biopharmaceutical specialist, plant biotechnologist, clinical research coordinator or biomedical engineer, and various other roles.

These are a few modern biotechnology sectors that need a large number of human resources and promise a bright future for the next generation. As a result, the colleges with courses in this field will undoubtedly play a critical role in determining the country's future, not only in terms of scientific research and development but also in terms of employability.

Top Biotechnology Engineering Colleges Abroad

Globally, Engineering in Biotechnology courses are offered in various top-notch universities and colleges. Candidates who want to pursue this course abroad have several options for Biotechnology Engineering Colleges:

Job opportunities in the Biotechnology Engineering field are vastly segregated in different domains. Many environmental departments, healthcare services, pharmaceutical companies, drug and vaccine companies, etc. offer a good number of jobs to candidates in this field. Biotechnology engineers deal with responsibilities like using biological systems to produce new products. They also work at universities or commercial labs and assist in various research.

Companies like Samsung Healthcare, Stryker, Toshiba Medical Systems, Drager, etc. recruit biotechnology engineers every year and the scope for Biotechnology students has only grown in recent years. Graduates, Postgraduates, and other students of this course can work as Research Assistants, Technical Assistants, Scientists, and others. 

What is the Salary of Biotech Engineer in India?

The salary after completing any academic level course in Biotechnology Engineering depends on the candidate's type of company, position, and experience. Academic qualification is also another factor in determining the salary package, so check the post-wise salary below: 

Biotechnology Engineering Recruiters

Both private sector and government sector companies hire candidates that specialize in Engineering in the Biotechnology field. Candidates who are meritorious and have skills get placed in good companies with decent pay.  Some of the reputed organizations that hire biotechnology engineers are 

• Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd
• Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
• AstraZeneca. 
• Department of Biotechnology 
• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research 
• Academic Institutions: NITs/IITs/Central universities 
• Ranbaxy 
• Avesthagen Technologies Pvt Ltd
• Bharath Biotechnology
• Aurigene Discovery Technologies Limited
• Aventis Pharmaceuticals.

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Biotechnology courses can be pursued at many levels. If we are talking about the initial level of the course, i.e. Diploma courses, then candidates are open to several degrees based on the scope. Here is the list of biotechnology courses that you can pursue.