Microbiology is a trending career choice today among students. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including their growth, structure, and other related features. The study of the human, animal, and plant immune systems is also included in microbiology; this is known as immunology.

There are numerous schools and other educational institutions that offer both undergraduate and graduate-level microbiology courses to learners. In order to be accepted into these courses, interested candidates must pass the respective entrance exams. These exams are either designed by individual institutions or by the national board. Here are the competitive exams after microbiology:

List of Competitive Exam After Microbiology

  1. TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) Entrance Exam
  2. IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.
  3. BHU Entrance Exam
  4. JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam)
  5. GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology)
  6. IACS Entrance Exam
  7. PUMDET (Presidency University Master’s Degree Entrance Test)
  8. IBAB Entrance Exam

TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) Entrance Exam:

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) conducts this national entrance test called TIFR GS. It is required for candidates to be admitted into its postgraduate science courses. Admission to the institute’s 5-year integrated MSc courses and PhD programs is available to candidates through TIFR GS.   

In order to maintain their candidacy throughout the entire TIFR admissions process, candidates must verify the minimum eligibility requirements prior to submitting their TIFR Graduate School registration applications. On the exam day, the TIFR GS examination will be conducted as a nationwide paper-and-pencil test in about 57 centers.

The paper will be split into two sections, according to the TIFR Exam Pattern. There will be two parts to the test: Part one will consist of 30 true or false objective questions, and Part two will have ten subjective questions. The exam will take three hours for students to complete.

The Graduate Program offered by the Institute leads to the awarding of PhDs, Integrated MSc-PhDs, and MSc degrees in specific fields. Aspiring scientists can kickstart their careers after completing this competitive exam after microbiology.

TIFR Entrance Exam highlights:

  • MSc and PhD admissions at TIFR.
  • Two-part exam: 40 questions.
  • National level, prestigious research institute.
  • Gateway to top-notch research facilities.
  • Competitive, rigorous selection process.

IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) conducts the Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM). This is an online entrance test conducted on a rotational basis each year.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, also offers integrated PhD programs through this competitive exam after microbiology. IIT JAM is conducted to grant admission to students for MSc and other postgraduate courses offered at IITs. JAM scores are also accepted for MSc admissions at a number of Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

In each academic year, candidates who qualify for JAM can apply for admission to about 3,000 seats at IITs. Admission to the programs of Admitting Institutes under JAM does not require any further entrance process, such as a suitability exam or interview.

The JAM scores can be used to gain admission to more than 2,000 IISc seats and to receive CCMN counseling. Admission to programs like MSc, MSc (Tech), MS Research, MSc-MTech Dual Degree, Joint M.Sc. – Ph.D., and M.Sc. – Ph.D. Dual Degrees are also determined by the JAM scores.

IIT JAM highlights:

  • MSc admissions in IITs.
  • Rotating subjects, 3000 seats.
  • No additional entrance processes.
  • Also accepted by CFTIs and NITs.
  • Highly competitive, widely recognized.

BHU Entrance Exam:

Previously, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) contracted with NTA to conduct the BHU Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET). CUET UG entrance exam, however, has taken the position of BHU UET admission exam.

The NTA offers CUET UG, a multidisciplinary exam, with several test dates possible for each phase. This competitive exam after microbiology will be conducted online to assess students for eligibility. The candidate can choose to participate in several disciplines or paper combinations.

Over 15 lakh students took the CUET exam last year, which was held over the course of 30 days.

BHU CUET entrance highlights:

  • Multidisciplinary computer-based test.
  • Recognized by private colleges.
  • 15 lakh+ participants annually.
  • Wide variety of engineering courses.
  • Admission gateway to diverse disciplines.

JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam):

In order to grant admission to candidates for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate diploma, and advanced diploma programs, Jawaharlal Nehru University conducts this competitive exam after microbiology. The JNU CUET scores are recognized by all 14 of the university’s schools. The exam was conducted in two sessions: a first session from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and a second session from 3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

It is recommended that candidates review the qualifying requirements for the JNUEE and JNU CUET entrance exams prior to completing and submitting the application.

A great range of engineering courses are available at Jawaharlal Nehru University, with distinct qualifying requirements for each subject. The University’s general eligibility requirements for the Entrance Exam include a graduation degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate.

JNUEE highlights:

  • Common entrance for JNU programs.
  • Conducted in two sessions.
  • Covers undergraduate to advanced courses.
  • Recognized by all 14 JNU schools.
  • A platform for diverse academic pursuits.

GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology):

The Graduate Aptitude Test, often known as GAT Biotechnology, is an entrance exam that is conducted throughout the country for candidates. This competitive exam after microbiology is used to assess candidates for postgraduate programs in biotechnology and related fields that are financed by DBT at participating universities.

Based on seat availability and their GAT-B 2023 Merit List, the candidates will be shortlisted for admission to the participating universities. Through the GAT-B exam, 34 universities are expected to participate in admissions for around 1200 seats in 62 PG courses.

Topics in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, basic biology, life sciences, biotechnology, and related fields make up the GAT-B syllabus.

GAT-B highlights:

  • National-level biotech entrance exam.
  • Conducted by NTA.
  • Admissions in 34 universities, 1200 seats.
  • Covers physics, chemistry, biology, and biotech.
  • Merit-based admissions, competitive.

IACS Entrance Exam:

The IACS is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Asia. The entrance exam for the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) is a multiple-choice online test. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Biological Science are the subjects you need to study to pass this exam.

The candidate should not have completed 28 years when applying for this competitive exam after microbiology.  

The Ph.D. program, as well as the Integrated Master’s and Ph.D. Program in Biological Science (Int. M.Sc-Ph.D.) and Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Science (B.Sc. -M.Sc.) are offered by IACS. The institute’s entrance exam determines admission to UG-PG and Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. programs. The final round of interviews determines the students’ admission.

IACS Entrance Exam highlights:

  • Online test for UG-PG programs.
  • Covers physics, chemistry, math, biology, CS.
  • Prestigious institute since 1876.
  • Strict age limit, age relaxation available.
  • Opens pathways to impactful careers.

PUMDET (Presidency University Master’s Degree Entrance Test):

To select eligible candidates for admission to the MA and MSc programs offered by Presidency University in Kolkata, the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB) conducts the PUMDET. Separate entrance exams are conducted by the Presidency University Master Degree Entrance Test (PUMDET) for admission to scientific and humanities courses.

Candidates were only allowed to apply for a maximum of two subjects through PUMDET when submitting their admissions applications. The official PUMDET dates for the academic year were released by WBJEEB. Applications for this competitive exam after microbiology is available online.

Students need to answer 50 multiple-choice questions in total within 90 minutes.

Typically, the PUMDET syllabus tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of basic concepts in the student’s undergraduate program.

Graduates have the option of continuing their education, conducting research, or working in fields like environmental science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

Highlights

  • Conducted by WBJEEB.
  • 90-min test, 50 multiple-choice questions.
  • Admission exam for microbiology.
  • Tests undergrad program basics.
  • Helps in joining research, industry, and healthcare.

IBAB Entrance Exam:

Founded in 2001, IBAB Bangalore is a self-governing educational institution. The Karnataka government’s Department of IT, BT, and S and T established it. It provides PG courses at the M.Sc. and PG Diploma levels. A PhD program with a variety of specialties is also available at IBAB Bangalore after passing this competitive exam after microbiology.

All courses have a selection process that begins with an admission exam and ends with an interview. Candidates must have a minimum of 50% in any discipline of science, technology, or medicine to be eligible for an M.Sc.

The competitive exam after microbiology is conducted online and is entirely objective. Math, elementary physics, biology, chemistry, and English language comprehension are among the topics in which the candidate will be assessed.

IBAB Entrance Exam highlights:

  • Admissions for MSc, PG Diploma, PhD at IBAB.
  • Online objective test, no negative marking.
  • Covers math, physics, biology, chemistry, and English.
  • Opportunity for further studies.
  • Competitive for diverse programs.

Final thoughts

Aspiring microbiologists can use each of these entrance exams as a chance to advance their studies and make a big impact on industry and research. Choose the right exam before starting to study.

FAQs:

What are the common subjects covered in microbiology entrance exams?

Microbiology entrance exams typically assess knowledge in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and English language comprehension.

Can international students apply for microbiology entrance exams in India?

Some microbiology entrance exams in India are open to international students. However, they might have specific eligibility criteria and should refer to the respective exam websites for detailed information.

How are candidates selected for microbiology programs after passing the entrance exams?

Selection processes vary, but a competitive exam after microbiology will include a combination of entrance exam scores, interviews, and academic background evaluations.