Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field that combines the principles of computer science, statistics, and biology to manage and analyze large sets of biological data. As our understanding of genomics and molecular biology continues to expand, the demand for professionals with bioinformatics expertise is increasing.
The global market for bioinformatics was estimated to be worth USD 10.1 billion in 2022, and it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.0% between 2022 and 2027 to reach USD 18.7 billion.
Bioinformatics Status in India
The Indian government has recognized the importance of bioinformatics in advancing scientific research and has established several initiatives to support the growth of the field. For example, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has established Biotechnology Information System Network (BTISNET) to provide computational infrastructure and support for bioinformatics research in the country.
Several academic institutions in India offer degree programs and courses in bioinformatics, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology.
Admission Procedure
Admissions to bioinformatics programs in India typically require a strong academic background in science. Eligibility criteria for various bioinformatics courses are offered in India:
BSc Bioinformatics
Eligibility criteria: 10+2, with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from any recognized board of education
MSc Bioinformatics
Eligibility criteria: a bachelor's degree in science stream with a minimum mark of 50% in the examination from a recognized college
BTech Bioinformatics
Eligibility criteria: 10+2, with Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics from any recognized board of education and a minimum mark of 50%
MTech Bioinformatics
Eligibility criteria: a bachelor's degree (B.E/ B. Tech) in Bioinformatics/ Biotechnology/ Information Technology/ Computer Science from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 50%
The specific requirements may also vary depending on the institution and the level of the program (undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral).
Institute in India that offer bioinformatics programs
Bioinformatics is offered at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Here are some of the top institutions offering bioinformatics programs in India:
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi: Supercomputing Facility for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi: School of Computational and Integrative Sciences
University of Hyderabad, Telangana: Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi: Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Biotechnology
Anna University
Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad: Department of Biotechnology
Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology: Department of Biotechnology
Calcutta University, Calcutta: Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Manipal Academy Of Higher Education, Manipal Department of Bioinformatics
Savitribai Phule Pune University Bioinformatics Center
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala: Department of Biotechnology
Panjab University: Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
University of Pune: Institute of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology
Amity University: Amity Institute of Biotechnology
Vellore Institute of Technology: School of computer science and engineering
Bharatiya Vidyapeeth, Pune: School of Bioinformatics
IISC, Bangalore, Bangalore: Department of computational and data science
Institute Of Bioinformatics, Bangalore
Institute Of Bioinformatics & Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore
Pondicherry University, Pondicherry: Department of Bioinformatics
These are just a few examples of the many institutions in India that offer bioinformatics programs. It is important to research each institution and program to determine which one is the best fit for your interests and goals.
Career Scope
In terms of job opportunities, there are numerous companies and research institutions in India that hire bioinformatics professionals, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and academic research labs. Some of the key skills required for a career in bioinformatics in India include proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, experience with bioinformatics tools and databases, and a strong understanding of biological principles and molecular biology.
There are numerous career opportunities available in bioinformatics, ranging from research-focused roles in academia or industry to more application-oriented positions in healthcare, agriculture, and other fields. Some common job titles in bioinformatics include bioinformatics analyst, computational biologist, data scientist, bioinformatics education and training, genomics and sequencing companies, bioinformatics software developer, and biomedical informatician.
Overall, the opportunities in bioinformatics are diverse and offer a wide range of career paths for individuals with the right skills and qualifications. It is important to stay up to date with the latest developments in the field and to continually build and develop new skills to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving field.
