Genetic Engineer
Modifies the genes of living things — the units of DNA that carry information about an organism.
Overview
Genetic Engineers make changes to the genes of a living thing. Genes are tiny units, which carry information about an organism. They make up the material called DNA, which is found in the cells of every living thing. This process of gene modification is called Genetic Engineering.
Where they work
- Agricultural and medical industry
- Research and development departments in public, semi-public and commercial sectors
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
- Animal care centres among others
Work environment
You will spend most of your time in laboratories, designing and conducting research experiments and performing genetic engineering procedures. You may work the usual nine-to-five schedule, although you may be required to work late and on weekends in a bid to complete research projects or write reports.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy science
- You like to analyze things (problems/situations)
- You like to do experiments
- 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 Maths/Biology).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Genetics/Life Science/Biotechnology/Biological Science/Genetic Engineering.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same or related field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream, pursue MBBS and then do an MD in Medical Genetics, Clinical Genomics, Bio-Physics, etc.
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 Engineering. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC and AICTE before applying.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna, Bihar
- Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam
- AWH Special College, Kozhikode, Kerala
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu
- Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Shoolini University, Bajhol, Himachal Pradesh
- Asian International University, Manipur
- Merit International Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu
- International Institute of Management and Technical Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka
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
- 1Research Assistant or Associate Scientist
- 2Senior Researcher or Junior Scientist
- 3Manager/Professor or Senior Scientist
- 4Principal Scientist
Expected income
₹7,000 – ₹3,33,333 per month
The figures are indicative and subject to change. The printed range is very wide.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Cytologist/Cytotechnologist
Specialist in cytology — the structure, function, multiplication, pathology and life history of cells.
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, Maths.
- 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
Janaki Ammal (1897–1984) — Known for her scientific research in plant cytology — the study of genetic composition and patterns of gene expression in plants. After schooling in Tellicherry she moved to Madras, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree from Queen Mary's College and an honours degree in botany from Presidency College in 1921. The source says she served as Director-General of the Botanical Survey of India; she received the Padma Shri in 1977.
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 823 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Genetic_Engineer/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 823; the contents list gives 825. The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) named on the card has been discontinued. MBBS admission requires Physics, Chemistry and Biology at 10+2 and a qualifying NEET-UG score — check the official notification. Asian International University is printed as being in 'Manipur, Karnataka'; it is in Manipur. The card gives two growth routes — Research Assistant → Senior Researcher → Manager/Professor, or Associate Scientist → Junior Scientist → Senior Scientist → Principal Scientist — combined step by step here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.