Top MSc Microbiology Colleges in India (2026): Fees, Admissions, Eligibility & Career Scope
Planning to pursue an MSc in Microbiology in 2026? India hosts a strong network of 750+ colleges offering this program, combining advanced research labs, industry-linked training, and a curriculum aligned with global biotech needs. This two-year master’s course explores the fascinating world of microbes—from fighting infections to creating sustainable biotech solutions—making it a top choice for students passionate about healthcare, environment, food safety, or biotechnology.
Microbiology graduates are in high demand across pharma companies, research institutes, diagnostic labs, public health agencies, and biotech startups, especially as global healthcare challenges and India’s R&D expansion continue to grow.
Top Colleges at a Glance
Leading the pack is Delhi University, known for its rigorous syllabus and expert faculty. Jamia Millia Islamia (Delhi) stands out for affordable quality, while Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi) excels in research-oriented training. Other strong contenders include Madras Christian College (Chennai), St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai), St. Joseph’s University (Bangalore), Mithibai College (Mumbai), and Amity University (Noida) with its global industry partnerships.
These prominent institutions are located in major education and biotech hubs—Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, and Varanasi—where internship and job opportunities are abundant.
Why Students Choose MSc Microbiology
The course balances deep theoretical understanding with intensive lab work, preparing you for careers in vaccine development, clinical research, food quality control, environmental testing, and more. Admissions typically happen through entrance exams like CUET PG or IIT JAM, but many private universities also offer direct entry through merit lists or management quotas.
Whether you’re prioritizing affordability, research exposure, or cutting-edge labs, an MSc in Microbiology opens doors to high-growth career paths in India’s rapidly expanding science and biotechnology sector.
Table of Contents
- Top MSc Microbiology Colleges in India (2026)
- Why These Colleges Stand Out
- Government MSc Microbiology Colleges in India (2026)
- Private MSc Microbiology Colleges in India (2026)
- State-wise MSc Microbiology Colleges (2026)
- MSc Microbiology Colleges Without Entrance Exam / Direct Admission
- Entrance Exams for MSc Microbiology (2026)
- Eligibility Criteria for MSc Microbiology Colleges
- Fees for MSc Microbiology Colleges in India
- Placements in MSc Microbiology Colleges
- Popular Specializations in MSc Microbiology
- How to Choose the Best MSc Microbiology College
- FAQs
Top MSc Microbiology Colleges in India (2026)
Looking for the best MSc Microbiology colleges for 2026? These institutions stand out for their updated curricula, state-of-the-art labs, and excellent placement pipelines. Whether it’s Delhi’s heritage campuses or Bangalore’s innovation-driven universities, each offers specialized training in genomics, immunology, molecular biology, industrial microbiology, and biomedical applications.
Students benefit from small batch sizes, ensuring personal mentorship, and industry tie-ups with ICMR, CSIR, DRDO, and leading biotech labs, enabling internships that turn concepts into real-world projects. What makes them top-tier? High ROI—public universities keep fees low, while premium private colleges offer strong placements with 80–90% success rates and starting packages from ₹4 LPA.
Top MSc Microbiology Colleges (2026)
| College | Total Fees (INR) | Average Package (LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) | 10,000 | 6.5 LPA |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | 1,10,000 | 5.5 LPA |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | 15,000 | 5.0 LPA |
| Madras Christian College (MCC) | 50,000 | 4.5 LPA |
| St. Xavier's College, Mumbai | 80,000 | 5.8 LPA |
| St. Joseph's University, Bangalore | 1,20,000 | 6.0 LPA |
| Mithibai College, Mumbai | 60,000 | 4.8 LPA |
| Amity University, Noida | 2,50,000 | 5.2 LPA |
Why These Colleges Stand Out
-
High ROI:
DU, BHU, and MCC keep fees extremely affordable while delivering strong placements through robust alumni networks. -
Industry Exposure:
Private universities like Amity and St. Joseph’s offer intensive industry integration—guest talks from experts at Serum Institute, Biocon, and top pharma labs. -
Advanced Labs:
Hands-on training with PCR machines, biosafety cabinets, sequencing tools, and cell culture labs that match global research standards. -
Placement-Ready Curriculum:
Courses emphasize real-world skills through dissertations, internships, and industrial projects, opening doors to roles in vaccine R&D, food microbiology, environmental testing, biotech firms, and clinical research. -
Career Growth:
Many graduates report early salary hikes after gaining practical exposure—thanks to case studies, on-ground lab work, and collaborations with research centers.
Government MSc Microbiology Colleges in India (2026)
Government colleges remain the preferred choice for affordable, research-centric MSc Microbiology education. With strong academic ecosystems and deep ties to national research bodies like DBT, ICMR, CSIR, these institutions consistently produce graduates ready for academia, government labs, or stable public-sector roles.
Subsidized fees make them accessible to students from rural and low-income backgrounds, while experienced faculty ensure rigorous training in medical microbiology, microbial ecology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Admissions in 2026 will largely run through CUET PG, with reservations as per government norms.
Top Government MSc Microbiology Colleges (2026)
| College | City | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University | Delhi | CUET PG |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | JMI Entrance |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | BHU PET |
| Punjab University | Chandigarh | PU CET |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | SPPU Entrance |
| University of Calcutta | Kolkata | CUET PG |
Why Choose Government Colleges?
-
Lowest Fees: Starting as low as ₹5,000–₹20,000 total, enabling wide accessibility.
-
Expert Faculty: Senior PhDs from IITs, IISc, or international universities guide students through cutting-edge microbial research.
-
Robust Research Ecosystem:
-
ICMR-funded projects
-
DBT star-college support
-
Easy access to national conferences and journals
-
-
Stable Placements:
-
70–85% placement rates
-
Roles in state health departments, CSIR labs, DRDO units, and higher academia
-
Average packages: ₹4–6 LPA
-
Private MSc Microbiology Colleges in India (2026)
Private colleges offer modern infrastructure, flexible pedagogy, and strong industry orientation. They suit students seeking faster industry integration, international exposure, or specialized tracks like medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, or bioprocess technology.
Admissions mix entrance tests + merit + direct options, and while fees are higher, students benefit from premium facilities and strong corporate networks.
Top Private MSc Microbiology Colleges (2026)
| College | City | Fees (Total, INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Amity University | Noida | 2,50,000 |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | 2,00,000 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Manipal | 2,60,000 |
| Christ University | Bangalore | 1,50,000 |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara | 1,80,000 |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | 2,00,000 |
Benefits of Private Colleges
-
Advanced Infrastructure:
-
HPLC, GC–MS
-
Clean rooms & BSL-2/BSL-3 labs
-
Simulation labs for real-time microbial experiments
-
-
Industry Collaborations:
Partnerships with Biocon, Serum Institute, Dr. Reddy’s, Thermo Fisher, ensuring internships and job-ready training. -
Specialized Electives:
-
Probiotics & fermented tech
-
Biofuels & environmental microbiology
-
Medical diagnostics
-
-
Flexible Admissions:
Merit-based + interviews, plus scholarships for top scorers.
MSc Microbiology Colleges in India – State-wise List (2026)
Maharashtra
Top Colleges
| College | City | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Fergusson College | Pune | SPPU Entrance |
| Mithibai College | Mumbai | MU Entrance |
| St. Xavier's College | Mumbai | College Test |
| KC College | Mumbai | Merit-based |
Overview:
Maharashtra has 120+ colleges, benefiting from the Mumbai–Pune biotech corridor. Programs emphasize hands-on pharma training due to proximity to companies like Serum Institute, Cipla, Glenmark, Bharat Biotech.
Tamil Nadu
Top Colleges
| College | City | Fees (Total, INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Madras Christian College | Chennai | 50,000 |
| SRM Institute | Chennai | 2,00,000 |
| Loyola College | Chennai | 40,000 |
| Bharathiar University | Coimbatore | 30,000 |
Overview:
With 100+ colleges, Tamil Nadu excels in marine microbiology, coastal research, and med-tech integrations. Chennai provides strong placement pipelines for export-based biotech.
Karnataka
Top Colleges
| College | City | Average Package (LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph's University | Bangalore | 6.0 |
| Christ University | Bangalore | 5.5 |
| Jain University | Bangalore | 5.0 |
| Mount Carmel College | Bangalore | 4.5 |
Overview:
Karnataka’s 90+ colleges anchor Bangalore’s “Silicon Valley of Biotech”, offering high placements (85%) due to startup and research ecosystem density.
Delhi–NCR
Top Colleges
| College | City | Admission Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University | Delhi | CUET PG |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | JMI Entrance |
| Amity University | Noida | Amity Test |
| Jamia Hamdard | Delhi | University Test |
Overview:
Delhi–NCR’s 80 colleges are hubs for policy exposure, ICMR/CSIR collaborations, and R&D jobs, with almost 70% grads entering public health or research roles.
Uttar Pradesh
Top Colleges
| College | City | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | BHU PET |
| Amity University | Noida | Amity Test |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | AMU Entrance |
| CSJM University | Kanpur | Merit-based |
Overview:
UP’s 70+ colleges focus on environmental microbiology, especially in Ganga-basin research, offering easy entry routes and affordable education.
West Bengal
Top Colleges
| College | City | Fees (Total, INR) |
|---|---|---|
| St. Xavier's College | Kolkata | 80,000 |
| University of Calcutta | Kolkata | 20,000 |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata | 15,000 |
| Presidency University | Kolkata | 25,000 |
Overview:
West Bengal’s 60 colleges specialize in infectious diseases, leveraging Kolkata’s legacy research labs and hospitals for practical exposure.
MSc Microbiology Colleges Without Entrance Exam / Direct Admission
Direct routes suit students who prefer avoiding competitive tests or applying late. Expect 30–40% seats in private colleges via these pathways.
Colleges Offering Direct/Merit/Management Admissions
| College | City | Admission Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Amity University | Noida | Merit + Interview |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | Management Quota |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara | Direct Merit |
| SRM Institute | Chennai | NRI/Management |
| Christ University | Bangalore | Merit-based |
Highlights:
-
Management Quota: 10–15% seats; higher fees but guaranteed admission
-
Merit-based: 55%+ in BSc is usually accepted
-
NRI Quota: Eases international mobility
-
Scholarships: Up to 40–50% for high scorers or early applicants
Apply before March 2026 to avoid last-minute rush.
Entrance Exams for MSc Microbiology (2026)
National Exams
| Exam | Level | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG (NTA) | National | Covers bio, micro, chem; moderate difficulty; 150+ for top colleges |
| IIT JAM | National | Highly competitive (1:50 odds); strong math + analytical focus |
State-Level
| State | Exam |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | MHT CET PG |
| Karnataka | PGCET |
| Tamil Nadu | TANCET (for allied programs) |
University-Specific
| University | Exam |
|---|---|
| Delhi University | CUET PG variant |
| BHU | BHU PET |
| JMI | JMI Entrance |
Preparation Tips:
-
Aim for the 80th percentile or above
-
Prioritize NTA mock tests
-
40% micro core + balanced quant/logical
-
Build stamina for 2-hour exams
Eligibility for MSc Microbiology Colleges
Basic Requirements
-
Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biotech, Life Sciences, or related field
-
Minimum marks:
-
50–55% (General)
-
45% (Reserved categories)
-
-
Entrance Admissions: Valid score + interview
-
Direct Admissions: Based on BSc GPA + interview (optional)
Reservation Policies
-
SC – 15%
-
ST – 7.5%
-
OBC – 27%
-
EWS – 10%
-
State quotas for locals in government colleges
Gap-year applicants usually need a simple affidavit.
Fees for MSc Microbiology Colleges in India
Government College Fees
-
₹5,000–₹50,000 total for 2 years
-
Books + lab coats: ~₹10,000
-
Scholarships via NSP, state schemes, research fellowships
Private College Fees
-
₹1–3 lakh total (hostel extra → up to ₹4 lakh)
-
Tuition (60%), lab charges (20%), facilities (20%)
-
EMI options + 50% merit scholarships (≥70% in UG)
Top College Fee Overview
-
DU / BHU: ₹10,000–20,000
-
Jamia: ~₹1,10,000
-
St. Joseph’s University: ~₹1.2 lakh
-
Average spend: ~₹80,000 for top-tier education
Placements in MSc Microbiology Colleges
Average Packages
-
Tier 1 (DU, JMI, CU, MCC): 3–5 LPA
-
Tier 2 (State Universities): 4–6 LPA
-
Tier 3 (Privates): 4–7 LPA
Top Recruiters
-
Serum Institute
-
Zydus Lifesciences
-
Johnson & Johnson
-
Nestlé
-
Dr. Reddy’s
-
Biocon
-
P&G
-
Syngene
Common Job Profiles
-
Microbiologist
-
Quality Control Analyst
-
Food Technologist
-
Clinical Research Associate
-
Lab Technologist
-
R&D Assistant
Boost employability with:
-
GLP/GMP certifications
-
Bioinformatics tools
-
Research publications
-
Internships via ICMR/CSIR/industry
Popular Specializations in MSc Microbiology
-
Medical Microbiology
-
Industrial Microbiology
-
Environmental Microbiology
-
Food Microbiology
-
Immunology
-
Virology
-
Bacteriology
-
Mycology
-
Microbial Genetics
-
Marine Microbiology
-
Applied Microbiology
How to Choose the Best College
-
ROI: Choose colleges with low fees + stable placements (e.g., BHU, DU)
-
Location: Bangalore for biotech, Delhi for research & policy
-
Industry Exposure: Look for Biocon/ICMR tie-ups
-
Infrastructure: Check for BSL-2 labs, NGS machines, HPLC setups
-
Faculty: Prefer PhDs with strong publications and research labs
-
Alumni: Use LinkedIn to track outcomes
-
Placement Trends: Prefer 80%+ placement rate
-
Curriculum Flexibility: Electives in genomics/bioinformatics
-
Scholarships: DBT/NSP/state scholarships
-
Campus Life: Clubs, seminars, and conferences matter for soft skills
FAQs – MSc Microbiology in India (2026)
1. What’s the top MSc Microbiology college in India for 2026?
Delhi University is a top choice because of its strong academic legacy, affordable fees, and nearly 85% placements in leading research labs—ideal for students aiming for deep research work.
2. How many MSc Microbiology colleges are there in India?
There are around 780 colleges offering MSc Microbiology, with Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu leading the list with 100+ colleges each.
3. Which is better for MSc Microbiology—government or private colleges?
Government colleges offer affordability and academic stability (DU charges ~₹10,000), while private universities offer better infrastructure and flexible curriculum (Amity costs ~₹2.5 lakh). Choose based on your budget and career goals.
4. What is the average fee for MSc Microbiology in India?
-
Government colleges: ₹10,000–₹50,000 total
-
Private colleges: ₹1–3 lakh
Top institutions average around ₹80,000, and scholarships can reduce costs by 20–50%.
5. Which entrance exam is most important for MSc Microbiology admissions?
CUET PG covers admissions to 500+ colleges. For top-tier institutions, IIT JAM is the key exam. Aim for an 80th percentile+ score for safe options.
6. Are direct admissions available for MSc Microbiology?
Yes. Many private universities (like Chandigarh University) offer merit-based or management quota seats where no entrance test is required—strong BSc marks are enough.
7. What is the career scope after MSc Microbiology in India?
The field has strong growth. Freshers start at ₹3–6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning ₹10 LPA+. Biotech, pharma, and research sectors are seeing nearly 20% annual growth in demand.
8. What is the eligibility for reserved categories in MSc Microbiology?
Candidates get a 5% relaxation on the required 50% marks in BSc, along with reserved seats. Admission usually happens through centralized counselling.
9. Which cities are best for MSc Microbiology in India?
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai are the top biotech hubs, hosting 70% of the country’s leading programs.
10. What is the average placement package after MSc Microbiology?
Fresh graduates typically get ₹4–6 LPA, which can rise to ₹8 LPA with experience. Popular recruiters include Serum Institute and Nestlé.
Showing 534 Colleges
Madras Christian College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Fergusson College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Pune, Maharashtra.
Courses Offered
6 Courses
Exam Accepted
-/-
Tuition Fees Range
₹19 K-1.29 L
Accreditation
NAAC-A , NIRF
PD Patel Institute of Applied Sciences, Anand
PD Patel Institute of Applied Sciences, Anand is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Anand, Gujarat.
Ethiraj College for Women is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Parul University is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Vadodara, Gujarat. MSc Microbiology at Parul University is a Masters program offered for a duration of 2 Years.
UPES is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. MSc Microbiology at UPES is a Masters program offered for a duration of 2 Years.
S.P. Mandali's Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Lady Brabourne College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Government College For Women, Thiruvananthapuram is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Ludhiana, Punjab.
The Oxford College of Science is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu.
Jamal Mohamed College, [JMC] Tiruchirappalli is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars' Senthikumara Nadar College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.
St. Berchmans College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Kottayam, Kerala.
Indore Professional Studies Academy is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Lady Doak College
Lady Doak College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Gujarat Vidyapith
Gujarat Vidyapith is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
GITAM Institute of Science, Visakhapatnam is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Sree Vidyanikethan Degree College, [SVDC] Tirupati is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
Chaitanya Degree College is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Warangal, Telangana.
NDRI - National Dairy Research Institute
NDRI - National Dairy Research Institute is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Karnal, Haryana.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Dharwad, Karnataka.
Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College, [BSARCEC] Chennai is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Cauvery College for Women is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
The Gandhigram Rural Institute is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
Yogi Vemana University
Yogi Vemana University is very popular for MSc Microbiology in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.
