Virologist
Studies viruses and how they affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi and plants in community, clinical, agricultural and natural settings.
Overview
Virologists study viruses and how they affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi and plants, in community, clinical, agricultural and natural environments.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Health departments
- Universities
- Research agencies
Work environment
It is 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 enjoy science
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You pay attention to details
- You have strong communication skills
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 Microbiology/Virology/Life Science/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Zoology/Medical Lab Technology or any allied subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same or allied 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
This course is offered by the Department of Microbiology/Virology/Life Science/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Zoology. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC or the National Medical Commission before applying.
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, Uttar Pradesh
- 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, Uttarakhand
- 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, Manipal, 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
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 Fellow
- 2Virologist
- 3Senior Virologist
- 4Head of Department, Virology
Related careers to explore
Cytologist/Cytotechnologist
Specialist in cytology — the structure, function, multiplication, pathology and life history of cells.
Genetic Engineer
Modifies the genes of living things — the units of DNA that carry information about an organism.
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
Dr. Gagandeep Kang — An Indian virologist hailed as the 'vaccine godmother' of India. She has been a leading researcher in viral infections in children and has worked on public health and diarrhoeal diseases in India since the 1990s. She is the first Indian woman to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, London. She has worked extensively on rotavirus research and was a key scientist in developing Rotavac, the rotavirus vaccine against diarrhoea from Bharat Biotech International.
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 857 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/virologist/india
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 857, as the contents list gives. Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University is in Gurugram, Haryana (printed as Uttar Pradesh). The card's accreditation note names the Medical Council of India, which has been replaced by the National Medical Commission.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.