The population of the world is growing at a very high rate. This has often led to the scarcity of food in some areas of the world. We already know that the food usually takes time to grow and ripe completely. The current and natural process of food growth will be incapable of meeting the food demand of the growing population. To solve this problem, scientists often talk about the process of genetic engineering. Not only this will increase the production rate, but also the quality of the genetically modified foods.
Do You Know?
Paul Berg is often nicknamed the “Father of Genetic Engineering.” He initiated genetic manipulation, pioneered recombinant DNA experiments, and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980. He is an American biochemist and professor emeritus at Stanford University.
Scientists often find themselves surrounded by the questions of ethical aspects of genetic engineering. Some believe it to be unethical, while others name it as a revolution in the agriculture sector. In this blog, we will go deep into the intricacies of genetic engineering courses in India. We will talk about the definition, tools, eligibility, colleges, and courses. We will also have a look at the growth trends of the GE course in India. So, stay tuned and read till the last to find out the importance of genetic engineering in India.
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What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic engineering, also known as genetic modification, is a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. Genetic engineering involves changing specific parts of an organism’s DNA. Genetic engineering is done in modern high-tech scientific labs using recombinant DNA technology and gene editing processes.
Genetic engineering is used in farming to make crops more vigor and in medicine to create treatments for diseases. It’s also used in industries to produce useful substances like enzymes and biofuels. However, while genetic engineering has many benefits, it also raises questions about ethics and safety, which are important to address.
This was the basic definition of genetic engineering. You will understand more about it after knowing about the applications of genetic engineering.
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Applications of Genetic Engineering in Daily Life
Genetic engineering has a significant impact on our daily lives, shaping everything from the food we eat to medical treatments. Here are some of the practical applications of genetic engineering in daily life:
Creating Pesticide-Resistant Rapeseed Plants
- Rapeseed, used to make certain vegetable oils, has been genetically engineered to resist specific pesticides.
- When fields are treated to remove pests, these modified plants remain unscathed.
Producing Golden Rice
- Genetic modification has led to the creation of golden rice, rich in beta-carotene (the same vitamin that makes carrots orange).
- People without access to many vitamins can now get a healthy dose of vitamin A from this rice.
Bigger, Longer-Lasting Tomatoes
- Genetically engineered tomatoes can be made bigger and more robust.
- They remain fresh for longer, can be shipped farther, and allow simultaneous harvesting.
These were some of the basic examples of applications of genetic engineering in day-to-day life. The golden rice, bigger red tomatoes, and faster-growing trees are perfect examples of genetic engineering.
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Tools of Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering involves manipulating genetic material (DNA) to achieve specific goals. This experiment is done in modern high-tech labs. Before getting into all this, you need to understand the tools used in GE. Here are some essential tools commonly used in this field:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Restriction Enzymes (Molecular Scissors)
- Gel Electrophoresis
- DNA Ligase
- Polymerases
These tools empower scientists to engineer DNA, create genetically modified organisms, and advance the world of biotechnology.
Eligibility to Pursue Genetic Engineering Course in India
Now that you know about the genetic engineering course and its application, let’s know who can pursue it. As this is a technical course, you need to pursue such courses in the engineering background. One who wants to pursue genetic engineering courses in India can do it on the undergraduate level and postgraduate level.
For Undergraduate Courses (BSc/BE/BTech in Genetic Engineering)
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board/university.
- Candidates must have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as primary subjects.
- Candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 60% in their class 12th examination.
For Postgraduate Courses (MSc/MTech in Genetic Engineering)
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in order to pursue master’s courses.
- A bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or Life Science is often preferred.
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Entrance Exams for Genetic Engineering Course
Entrance exams serve as a gateway to the courses you have been looking for. For admission into the top institutes in India, you ought to appear for a national-level entrance exam. For admission into the undergraduate and postgraduate genetic engineering courses, candidates need to appear for entrance exams such as:
Check out more Top Engineering Entrance Exams in India here!
Genetic Engineering Courses and Colleges in India
As genetic engineering is on the step to boom, colleges offering such courses are rapidly growing in number. There are some of the top institutes in India that offer UG and PG courses. The table given below shows you the list of the top institutes, their location, and the courses offered by them.
| College Name | Location | Course Offered |
| Asian International University | Manipur | BTech in Genetic Engineering |
| Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | PhD in Genetic Engineering |
| DAVV – Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | MSc in Genetic Engineering |
| Dr DY Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | MSc in Genetic Engineering |
| IISc Bangalore – Indian Institute of Science | Bangalore, Karnataka | MTech Research in Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics |
| LPU Jalandhar – Lovely Professional University | Phagwara, Punjab | PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering |
Also, check out the top Biotechnology Colleges in India here!
These colleges provide students with excellent education and research opportunities in the field of GE. The average fees for genetic engineering courses in India lie somewhere between INR 20,000 to INR 7 lakh. The tuition fees keep changing with time. The students are requested to kindly visit the official college website for more information.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering Course
A coin has both sides – a head and a tail! So is the aspect of the GE. This course has always been in talks, about its advantages and disadvantages for society. To cater to this, we are here with the advantages and disadvantages that you must know about this course.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Genetically modified crops can resist pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions. | Changing genes raises ethical questions about playing “nature’s role.” |
| GM crops yield more food, addressing global food shortages. | Cross-breeding may lead to unintended ecological consequences. |
| Genetic engineering produces insulin, vaccines, and personalized medicine. | New proteins in GM foods may trigger allergies. |
| Pest-resistant crops reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. | Uniform GM crops may reduce natural biodiversity. |
| Modified organisms can clean up pollutants in soil and water. | Altered genes may have unforeseen effects on health or ecosystems. |
Scope of Genetic Engineering in India
Genetic engineering has seen big growth in India, helping in farming, healthcare, and biotech. Globally, since 1996, genetically engineered (GE) crops have spread, covering 181.5 million hectares, more than India’s total farmland. By 2050, the world’s population is expected to hit 9.6 billion, needing a 60% increase in crop production, which GE plants can help with. India’s biotech industry has boomed, doubling from USD 30.2 billion in 2015 to USD 70.2 billion in 2020.
By 2025, it might reach USD 150 billion and even USD 270-300 billion by 2030. In 2022, India’s Genetic Testing Market was worth USD 60.78 million and is forecasted to grow at 6.94% yearly due to more cases of chronic and genetic diseases and better technology. India is actively researching genetically modified crops, with around 18 key crops being worked on, like brinjal, cabbage, chickpea, and corn.
Genetic Engineering Jobs in India
You just saw the growth trends of GE in India. This trend gives us positive prospects for this course. Now, let’s talk about the top opportunities after pursuing genetic engineering courses in India. There are several job opportunities available, such as:
- Genetic Engineer
- Biotechnologist
- Research Scientist
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- Genetic Counselor
- Bioprocess Engineer
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Quality Control Analyst
- Environmental Biotechnologist
- Agricultural Biotechnologist
Genetic Engineering Salary
In India, Genetic Engineers’ salaries differ with experience and qualifications. For freshers, the average salary is about ₹2 LPA. Early-career professionals with 1-4 years of experience make around ₹3-5 LPA. Mid-career Genetic Engineers, having 5+ years, might start with ₹6-10 LPA. Salary variations depend on roles, expertise, and the company.
The biotech sector in India is booming, offering opportunities in research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Companies like The National Institute of Immunology, Aurobindo Pharma, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd hire Genetic Engineers. Remember, this field holds exciting prospects, and pay scales are influenced by skill level and industry demand.
That’s All for Now!
Genetic engineering offers a lot of potential in solving big problems like not having enough food and helping people with illnesses. Many industries utilize genetic engineering, offering abundant opportunities for those eager to work in this field, spanning from farming to medicine.
In India, there are different courses you can take in genetic engineering, and you need certain qualifications to get in, like having studied science or engineering. Good colleges like the Indian Institute of Science offer these courses.
Even though some people worry about whether it’s right to change genes, the good things about genetic engineering, like making crops better and finding cures for diseases, are more important.
That’s all for today! If you still have questions, why don’t you connect with our experts?
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FAQs
Genetic engineering aims to modify an organism’s genetic makeup using recombinant DNA technology. By altering specific genes, it creates desired traits in organisms, leading to applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Genetic engineering, also known as genetic modification, is a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. In simple terms, it involves changing specific parts of an organism’s DNA by adding new DNA segments, deleting existing DNA regions, or modifying DNA sequences.
Some examples of genetic engineering include creating crops that resist pests, like pesticide-resistant rapeseed plants, producing nutrient-enriched foods like golden rice, and developing medicines such as insulin through genetic modification of organisms.
Paul Berg, an American biochemist and professor emeritus at Stanford University, pioneered genetic engineering, also known as genetic modification. He initiated recombinant DNA experiments, earning him the nickname “Father of Genetic Engineering” and the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980.
Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
