Cytologist/Cytotechnologist
Specialist in cytology — the structure, function, multiplication, pathology and life history of cells.
Overview
Cytology is the branch of biology that deals with the structure, function, multiplication, pathology, and life history of cells. A cytologist is one who specializes in cytology.
Where they work
- Colleges and universities
- Research laboratories
- Pathology laboratories
- Food production companies
- Agricultural research agencies and firms among others
Work environment
It requires physical activity. Local travel is a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. 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 science
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You pay attention to details
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 (BSc) in Biology/Life Sciences or a related subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree and PhD in the same or related field.
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
The course is offered by the Department of Life Science. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Miranda House, New Delhi
- Hansraj College, New Delhi
- Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- St Joseph's College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Nizam College, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Jai Hind College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha
- Shivaji College, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Women's Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indore Public School Academy, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- MES College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Dr. C.V. Raman University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
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
- 1Trainee
- 2Cytologist
- 3Senior Cytologist
- 4Lead Researcher
Expected income
₹30,000 – ₹34,900 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change. The card gives this as the salary of a cytotechnologist.
Related careers to explore
Genetic Engineer
Modifies the genes of living things — the units of DNA that carry information about an organism.
Virologist
Studies viruses and how they affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi and plants in community, clinical, agricultural and natural settings.
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
Professor Arun Kumar Sharma — An eminent scientist and the founder programme coordinator of the University Grants Commission Centre of Advanced Study in Cell and Chromosome Research at the University of Calcutta. An acclaimed cytogeneticist, he received several distinguished honours, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award.
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 2, printed page 805 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 805; the contents list gives 807. Loyola College (Chennai), St Joseph's College (Bengaluru) and Jai Hind College (Mumbai), listed under government institutes, are privately managed colleges. Shivaji College, listed under private institutes, is a University of Delhi college and is shown under government institutes. The short link to the salary source contains a character that cannot be read with certainty (l or I), so it is not shown.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.