Educational : A qualified genetic engineer, must have a graduate
/ postgraduate degree in genetics or related fields such as biotechnology,
molecular biology, microbiology or biochemistry OR a doctorate (PhD) from
a recognised university, based on 2-3 years of his own research under
the guidance of a professor/lecturer.
The basic eligibility criteria for a graduate degree (BE / B.Tech) is
10+2 or equivalent examination, with Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
as well as genetics as part of the biology OR a bachelors degree in science
or molecular biology.
Most institutes do not offer courses in Genetic Engineering as a special
discipline but as a subsidiary in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry
streams. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Biotechnology offer
specialisation in genetic engineering.
Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech ) is based on merit i.e
the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through entrance exams.
Entrance to the IIT's is through JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other
institutions through their own separate entrance exams and other
state level and national level exams. Apart from the IIT's, some
other famous institutes also recognize JEE scores for selection. Selection
to the postgraduate courses ( M.Sc / M.Tech) in different universities
is through an All India Combined Entrance exam conducted by JNU, New Delhi
and to IIT's through GATE in Two year/ 4 semester M.Tech courses and through
JEE in five year integrated M.Tech courses in Biochemical engineering
and Biotechnology.
Personal Attributes:
To be a successful genetic engineer, one must have sharp analytical mind,
an aptitude for research, high levels of concentration, eye for details,
lively imagination, abundant physical stamina to put in long hours of
work, ability to work as a team, moreover he should have a sound moral
sense.
