India is rapidly becoming a major player in global biotechnology. The industry is expected to hit around USD 150 billion this year and is on track to reach over USD 300 billion by 2030. This is partly thanks to new infrastructure like biotech parks and incubators coming up across the country.
Now, at this point, imagine being able to rewrite the code of life — to remove inherited diseases, create superresilient crops, or even bring extinct species back to life. It may sound like science fiction, but for a genetic engineer, it’s all in a day’s work.
In recent years, genetic engineering has moved from the pages of biology textbooks to real-world labs where life is “edited” at the molecular level. CRISPR babies, lab-grown meat, DNA vaccines, and drought-proof rice are all made possible because of one thing: our ability to alter genes.
If you’re curious about life at its most fundamental level and want to build a career where science meets the future, now is the time to learn how to become a genetic engineer.
What Does a Genetic Engineer Do?
Genetic Engineering is a mix of biology, lab work, data analysis, and innovation — perfect for curious minds who love solving complex problems. Before we jump into how to become one, it’s good to know what a genetic engineer does. These professionals use tools like CRISPR technology to add, remove, or modify genes in DNA. Now read on to understand the path to becoming a genetic engineer.
How to Become a Genetic Engineer
It’s not a complex process. Just follow the steps below to become a top-notch genetic engineer.
Step 1: Choose the Right Subjects in School
The journey begins in high school. To become a genetic engineer, you should study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Classes 11 and 12. A good score in these subjects will help you get into top biotechnology or genetics courses in college.
Step 2: Take a Biotechnology Course After 12th
After school, the most common path is to pursue a BSc Biotechnology or a B Tech in Biotechnology. These degrees provide a solid foundation in molecular biology and genetics, both of which are crucial for a career in genetic engineering.
During your undergraduate years, you’ll learn about DNA, RNA, genetic coding, cell biology, and lab techniques. This is also when you’ll start gaining practical experience in gene editing tools and technologies.
Step 3: Get Hands-On Lab Experience
Genetic engineering is a practical field, so just studying theory isn’t enough. Make sure your course includes regular lab work, workshops, and projects. Learning techniques like PCR, gene cloning, and using CRISPR technology early on will give you a big advantage later in your career.
Many students also look for biotech research opportunities during their college years — these help build experience and improve their chances of getting into a good master’s program or job later.
Step 4: Consider a Master’s Degree
You can also pursue a master’s degree. This can open up higher-paying and more research-oriented roles. It will also allow you to specialise in areas like cancer genetics, microbial genetics, or agricultural biotechnology.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs in the Field
After completing your education, you can explore jobs in genetic testing labs, pharma companies, agriculture firms, or government research organisations. Here are some popular job roles for you.
- Genetic Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Gene Therapy Specialist
- Clinical Genomics Expert
- CRISPR Technician
Scope of Genetic Engineering in India
The demand for genetic engineering in India is rising quickly. With increasing government support, startup culture, and public-private partnerships, biotechnology has become one of India’s fastest-growing sectors. Initiatives like the Genome India Project, Bio-Energy Mission, and National Biopharma Mission are creating opportunities for students and researchers alike. India now hosts nine biotechnology parks and over 73 bio-incubators, reflecting concrete infrastructure to support biotech innovation.
As a genetic Engineer, you can work in pharma companies, research labs, agricultural firms, or healthcare startups. Jobs are available in both the public and private sectors. If you stay updated with the latest tools and tech, the future is wide open.
Research Opportunities in Biotech
If you love solving problems, research might be your calling. India offers excellent biotech research opportunities through institutions like IISc Bangalore, CSIR, DBT, and IITs. You can also explore international fellowships after your master’s or PhD.
Research in genetic engineering could involve editing disease-causing genes, improving crop yield, or even working on sustainable biofuels. You get to create solutions for some of the biggest global challenges — and that’s no small thing.
Where to Study: Best University for Biotechnology in India
Choosing the right university is one of the most important steps in becoming a successful genetic engineer. If you’re searching for the best university for biotechnology in India, look no further than Shoolini University. Known for its cutting-edge research, high-impact publications, and strong faculty, Shoolini gives students exposure to advanced labs and real-world projects. Let’s find out more.
Shoolini University is the first Biotechnology university in India. It is ranked as the No.1 Private University in India by Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings. Not only this, it is also the No.1 research university in India (QS World University Asia Rankings). This means you will get the best opportunities and facilities for your education.
With 1700+ patents filed and 104+ laboratories, Shoolini is well-equipped to offer the best research experience. There are various research centres as well, like the Cancer Research Centre, Bio-Innovation Centre, and 11 state-of-the-art centres of excellence. The university has also received several grants amounting to crores of rupees from the Government of India, such as HIMCOSTE, DST-PURSE, BIRAC, and more.
Moreover, the university follows a one-student, one-patent policy that encourages students to file patents. This research will help you advance your journey toward genetic engineering.
Now, let us talk about the courses. The School of Biotechnology at Shoolini offers courses from undergraduate to PhD levels. You can study courses like BSc Biotechnology, B Tech Biotechnology, MSc Biotechnology, M Tech Biotechnology and a PhD with a specialisation in Genetics.
The School also offers a Summit Research program in Biotechnology. So you can also pursue a B Tech SRP course in which you begin your research journey right from day One.
For International exposure, Shoolini has partnerships with 250+ top universities globally. This allows students to go for international internships, study abroad programs, exchange programs and more.
Furthermore, Shoolini offers 100% placements to all its students, with 30% in top organisations. The university follows ‘Mission 130’, an initiative to provide top-notch placements. The industry partners that hire Shoolini Biotech grads include Biocon, Abbott, Nestle, Serum Institute of India, NecLife and more.
Conclusion: A Career That Shapes the Future
Being a genetic engineer is all about rewriting the future. You don’t need to be a genius to start — just a curious mind, a love for biology, and the right education. Your journey starts with one decision — to study genes. The rest, with support from Shoolini University, you’ll design yourself.
Admissions 2025 are open. Apply Now.
Sources:
- India Brand Equity Foundation: Biotechnology sector overview
- Genome India Project, Department of Biotechnology: en.wikipedia.org
- FELUDA CRISPR Test: CSIR IGIB
