Ques. What is the eligibility for M.Sc. Biotechnology at the University of Calcutta?
Ans. Candidates must hold a B.Sc. (Hons.) with at least 50% marks in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Zoology, Botany, Physiology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or related life science subjects. B.Tech in Biotechnology, MBBS, B.Pharm, and B.Sc. (Agriculture) graduates are also eligible. Additionally, Chemistry must have been a subject at the undergraduate level and candidates need at least 60% in PCM or equivalent at the 10+2 level.
Ques. How many seats are available for M.Sc. Biotechnology at CU and how competitive is admission?
Ans. M.Sc. Biotechnology at the University of Calcutta has only 14 general seats for the 2026-27 session, along with additional supernumerary seats for OBC and EWS candidates. The very limited intake and wide eligibility pool from multiple science streams make this one of the most competitive PG admissions at CU. Only candidates who score well in the Group 230 common entrance test are selected.
Ques. What is the Group 230 common entrance test used for M.Sc. Biotechnology at CU?
Ans. Group 230 is the common entrance test used by the University of Calcutta for several life science-based M.Sc. programmes, including Biotechnology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Marine Science, Environmental Science, and others. All applicants to these programmes appear for a single MCQ-based test of 100 marks. A separate merit list is then prepared for each programme based on test scores.
Ques. Is Chemistry mandatory at the undergraduate level for M.Sc. Biotechnology at CU?
Ans. Yes. Except for candidates who graduated with Hons. or Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry, all other applicants must have studied Chemistry as a General, GE, or Minor subject at the undergraduate level. This requirement applies whether the candidate’s primary subject is Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Microbiology, or another life science discipline.
Ques. What career options are available after M.Sc. Biotechnology from the University of Calcutta?
Ans. Graduates can pursue roles in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology research firms, diagnostic laboratories, and public health agencies. Many students qualify for CSIR-JRF, DBT-JRF, or GATE Biotechnology to enter PhD programmes. Government positions in CSIR, ICMR, DBT-funded projects, and state research institutes are also common pathways. Teaching positions in colleges and universities are accessible through UGC-NET Life Sciences or Biotechnology.
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