Bacteriologist
Scientist who studies bacteria and other microorganisms and their effect on humans and animals.
Overview
A Bacteriologist is a specialized scientist who studies bacteria and other microorganisms. Bacteriologists study the effect bacteria have on humans and animals, and try to understand their nature better and eventually use them for human benefit.
Where they work
- Government and Private Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Plantations
- Agricultural Farms
- Agricultural Research Organizations
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You may need to handle a team of laboratory workers and helpers. Local travel is not a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. You are likely to have regular work hours. Organizations usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 9 to 10 hours every day. This may vary from organization to organization. Shift system may be available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have an interest in Microbiology
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You pay attention to details while working
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Biology/Microbiology/Biochemistry/Cell Biology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in the same or related field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete an MBBS degree, followed by an M.D. in Microbiology/Medical Genetics/Molecular Pathology/Molecular Genetic Pathology/Biochemistry.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Microbiology. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow
- Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Uttar Pradesh
- Chhatrapati Shahu ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh
- Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, Haryana
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Malkapur, Maharashtra
- Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Bacteriology Intern
- 2Lab Technician/Junior Bacteriologist
- 3Bacteriologist
- 4Senior Bacteriologist
- 5Head of Department, Bacteriology
- 6Dean/CEO/Medical Director
Expected income
₹75,000 – ₹1,32,000 per month
These figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Immunologist
Physician who diagnoses and manages allergies, asthma and immunologic disorders.
Medical Technician
Runs medical equipment and procedures — MRI, X-ray, ECG, EEG — and keeps instruments working.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Meenakshi Banerjee — A Cyanobacteriologist who is currently stationed as the Head of the Center for Applied Algal Research at Rice University in Houston, Texas. She completed her Bachelor's degree at Women's College, Banaras Hindu University, where she studied Botany. She then completed her Master's in Botany from the same college. She did her Ph.D. from Barkatullah University, Bhopal, where she went on to become the Head of the BioScience Department. She has received various awards, including the Dr. K.N. Katju State Level Science Award in 2010.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 317 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/bacteriologist/india
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.