BSc Vs BTech in Biotechnology: Which is a Better Option After 12th?

Biotechnology is an emerging field that combines biology with technology to create innovative solutions that benefit healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science sectors. Being an emerging field, a biotechnology course offers students immense potential for research and discoveries in the future.

If you are considering pursuing a career in biotechnology after the 12th, there are two options from which you can start your journey – pursuing a BTech in Biotechnology or a BSc in Biotechnology. While both options open doors to exciting career opportunities, a question that arises, is – which one is better choice for you?

To help you, here is all you need to know about BSc Vs BTech in Biotechnology to help you make an informed decision about which degree aligns best with your aspirations and future goals:

BSc Vs BTech in Biotechnology: An Overview 

B.Sc. in Biotechnology

A BSc or Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology is a broader undergraduate degree that provides a strong foundation for theoretical knowledge combined with practical laboratory skills. The degree prepares students for roles in academia, research, and some entry-level positions in biotech industries.

Here are some key highlights of the BSc in Biotechnology course:

1. Course Duration: 3-year program, divided into six semesters.

2. Eligibility Requirements: To get admission in the BSc in Biotechnology course, a student must have:

• Completed their 12th in the science stream, with their main subjects being biology, physics, and chemistry, from a recognised board of education.
• A minimum 50% overall score (45% for SC/ST) in 12th.
• Cleared an entrance examination for BSc, often held at the university or college level
• Accepted Entrance Exams: KIITEE, DUET, SET, IIT JAM, JCECE

3. Core Subjects: Major subjects in BSc Biotechnology include:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Immunology

4. Job Roles: Some of the popular career opportunities that students can get after completing a B.Sc. in Biotechnology include:

• Clinical Research Manager
• Research Intern
• Scientific Assistant
• Forensic Experts
• QA/QC Jobs
• Pursue Higher Studies (MSc/PhD)

5. Career Scope: Salary after a BSc in Biotech can range from INR 2.5 to 5 LPA, depending on location, job function, and the graduates’ credentials and skills.

6. Top Recruiters: Ranbaxy, Cipla, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Stryker, Apollo Hospitals, etc.

BTech in Biotechnology

A BTech, or a bachelors in technology in Biotechnology typically focuses on engineering principles and technical skills. The degree doesn’t go into the detail about the biological processes involved. Instead, it focuses on knowledge about the laws of physics and chemistry that play major roles in these biological processes.

Here are some key highlights of the BTech in Biotechnology course:

1. Course Duration: 4-year program, divided into eight semesters.

2. Eligibility Requirements: To get admission into the biotech engineering program, a student must have:

• Completed their class 12th in the Science stream, with physics, chemistry, and biology as the main subjects, from a recognised board of education.

• English should have been a compulsory subject in the 12th grade.

• A minimum of 50-60% overall score in class 12th.

• A minimum JEE Mains score or any equivalent exam score.

3. Entrance Exams: JEE Main, JEE Advanced, WBJEE, BITSET, MHT CET, UPSEE, etc.

4. Core Subjects: Major subjects in BTech Biotechnology include:

• Microbiology

• Molecular Biology

• Biochemistry

• Genetics

• Bioprocess Engineering

• Foundational Subjects, like Chemistry and Mathematics

5. Job Roles: Some of the popular job roles students can get after completing a BTech in Biotechnology include:

• Pharmacist

• Clinical Officer

• DNA Analyst

• Research Scientist

• Medical Representative

• Regulatory Affairs Specialist

• Bioprocess Engineer

• Bioinformatics Specialist

• Biomedical Engineer

• Entrepreneurship (Biotech Startups)

6. Career Scope: Salary after a BTech in Biotech can range from INR 2.5 LPA to INR 5 LPA, depending on location, specialisation, and the graduates’ credentials and skills.

7. Top Recruiters: Cipla and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Siemens Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, GE Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline, Global Pharma, etc.

BSc Vs BTech in Biotechnology: Which One Is Better for You?

Typically, a BTech in Biotech offers higher starting salaries and a broader range of job opportunities. In contrast, a BSc opens doors to careers in research, higher studies, and government roles. 

Additionally, a BTech in Biotechnology holds a slight advantage over a BSc, as it is often considered equivalent to an MSc. This means that you can directly pursue a PhD after completing a BTech, whereas with a BSc, you'll need to pursue an MSc first before moving on to a PhD.

Ultimately, the choice between a BTech and a BSc in Biotech depends entirely on your personal goals and interests. You should go for a BTech in Biotechnology if you are tech-savvy and prefer a practical, hands-on approach to learning. On the other hand, a BSc in Biotechnology could be ideal for you have a strong interest in scientific research and enjoy theoretical concepts and problem-solving.

Author Bio:

The author is an accomplished writer and an expert with over a decade of experience in the education sector. She leverages this expertise to guide students in navigating their academic and career choices with confidence.