M.E.

Biotechnology


Offered at Pilani, KK Birla Goa, Hyderabad

Pushing the Frontier of Life Sciences Innovation


The M.E. (Biotechnology) programme at BITS Pilani’s Department of Biological Sciences incorporates innovative research with practical experience in the vital fields of molecular biology, bioengineering and industrial biotechnology. Students are involved in high-level projects that explore synthetic biology, bioinformatics and microbial/plant systems under the guidance of faculty supervision. The curriculum develops students' abilities in technology translation, regulatory frameworks, sustainability, education and industry partners. Graduates of this programme are well trained to adapt and take on leadership positions within biotechnology industries, regulatory agencies, academic research or entrepreneurial activities around the globe.


Design a Degree That Works for You


At BITS Pilani, your academic path is not Linear. It allow you to customise your learning path
according to your aspirations, goals and interest.

The structure of degree programmes and academic regulations also provides certain other flexibilities like choice of electives, number of electives, repetition of courses, departure from normal pace, withdrawal from or substitution of course(s), etc.

Students interested in exploring courses beyond the scope of their curriculum can opt to audit them. This option is for casual learners who are not enrolled in a degree programme.Courses such as Foreign Languages and Music are offered in addition to the core degree programmes. Students may take these courses on an audit basis, subject to the payment of additional fees.

High-performing students may transfer to:


Higher Degree or Ph.D. programmes


Between Ph.D. and Higher Degree levels (based on academic standing). This flexibility supports seamless progression for research-driven students.

One of the most popular flexibilities offered by our educational structure is the dual degree scheme, under which students concurrently work towards completing two integrated first degrees within a reasonable timeframe. All students admitted to Group B programmes are also eligible to work under this scheme for one of the Group A programmes. Assignments to programmes are made based on individual performance during the first year.


In the assignment of dual degrees, first priority is given to students in Group B seeking a second degree under this scheme from among the programmes in Group A. After fully satisfying the known needs of the first priority, a second operation is done to consider the other priority, namely, students in any group seeking a second degree from amongst the programmes in another group. While it would be academically and procedurally acceptable for a student admitted to Group A or B programmes to seek a second degree in Group C in the dual degree scheme, the reverse process is not normally possible. However, a student admitted to Group C will be eligible to compete for a dual degree in any degree in Group C, or any degree in Group B or MMS, but only in Group A.

Practice School
The Original Experiential Learning Model


The Practice School Programme is a hallmark of BITS Pilani’s experiential learning approach. It provides students with an opportunity to practice what they have learnt in global organisations under the supervision of a mentor. Students work on cutting-edge technologies and have the option to practice in their discipline of study or cross-disciplinary areas. In addition to providing students with an opportunity to play roles that require multifunctional skills, this flagship programme also offers many students the chance to secure a PPO.

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Practice School-I

Practice School I is an eight-week course conducted during the summer term after the second year of study. Students are stationed in an organisation during this programme, and after a comprehensive orientation, students largely learn through observation and work on group projects, under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts and a faculty member from BITS. This not only serves as a first exposure for students to the corporate world but also helps nurture their personality traits, communication, and presentation skills.

Practice School-II

Practice School-II offered in the final year of study is a TWENTY-TWO-week full-time program. First-degree students in their final year of study can register for this program either during the first semester or the second semester, and Dual-Degree students can register for a double-semester PS-II program. For higher degree students, the course is titled Practice School, and such students can register for it in their final semester of study.

Practice School Process

Practice School I is an eight-week course conducted during the summer term after the second year of study. Students are stationed in an organisation during this programme, and after a comprehensive orientation, students largely learn through observation and work on group projects, under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts and a faculty member from BITS. This not only serves as a first exposure for students to the corporate world but also helps nurture their personality traits, communication, and presentation skills.

Programme Structure

Focus: Developing strong foundations in molecular biology, genetic engineering and biotechnological applications across plant and animal systems.

Courses :

  • Molecular Mechanism of Gene Expression
  • Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Environmental Biotechnology and Waste Management
  • Animal Cell Technology
  • Plant Biotechnology
  • Elective
  • Research Practice

Focus: Applying advanced microbiological and biotechnological techniques through research and professional practice.

Courses :

  • Advanced and Applied Microbiology
  • Elective
  • Dissertation
  • Practice School

Faculty Shaping the Future of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Anasuya Ganguly


Professor

Angshuman Sarkar


Professor

Aryamav Pattnaik


Assistant Professor

Admissions: Everything You Need to Know


Students work hand-on in specialised, fully equipped facilities.

Admission Process

Eligibility Criteria

Fees & Refund Policy

Scholarship

Education Loan

Important Dates

You Asked.
We Answered.

At BITS Pilani, M.E. Biotechnology builds advanced capability in molecular/cellular biology, environmental biotechnology, bioprocessing and modern electives—preparing you for research or industry roles with a strong practical spine.

It’s a two-year (four-semester) higher-degree at BITS Pilani: three semesters of coursework and research practice, followed by a full-time final semester as either Practice School (industry) or Dissertation.

You’ll study Molecular Mechanism of Gene Expression, Advanced Cell & Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology & Waste Management, Advanced & Applied Microbiology, plus discipline electives such as Recombinant DNA Technology and Biochemical Engineering at BITS Pilani.

Yes- BITS Pilani supports biotechnology research with department labs and central facilities (CAL/CSIF) housing instruments commonly used in bio/chem research (e.g., HPLC, GC, LC-MS, spectro-fluorimeters), accessible across campuses.

Higher-degree students at BITS Pilani may opt for Practice School-II—a five-and-a-half-month, 20-unit, full-time, credit-bearing industry assignment run year-round with defined outcomes and mentoring.

For BITS Pilani Higher-Degree admissions, minimum eligibility is 60% in the qualifying degree. Selection is merit-based via the BITS HD test and/or a valid GATE score, as notified each cycle.

M.E. Biotechnology is offered at Pilani, K K Birla Goa and Hyderabad campuses under the life sciences/biological sciences ecosystem.

Absolutely. BITS Pilani lets you pick from an extensive elective basket (e.g., Biomolecular Modelling, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Bioethics & Biosafety, Cancer Biology) and choose Practice School or Dissertation in the final term.

Common first roles include bioprocess engineer, analytical scientist, QA associate, regulatory affairs associate and data/biotech analyst- built on the programme’s core labs and electives.

BITS Pilani runs an institute-wide, structured placement process with strong recruiter participation across seasons; the Practice School ecosystem often supports smooth transitions into roles and pre-placement offers.

Program Type
Content Type
Degree