BSc Life Science 2026: Course Details, Subjects, Fees, Top Colleges, Career Scope & Salary in India

The BSc Life Science degree is gaining popularity in India as the world increasingly needs skilled professionals to address sustainability, healthcare, and environmental conservation challenges. This 3- year undergraduate program (extendable to 4 years under NEP 2020) provides a comprehensive understanding of life science principles, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in research, academia, and industry. With over 300 colleges offering the program, prospective students have a wide range of institutions to choose from, with annual fees ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 1,95,000.

Admission to BSc Life Science programs often requires a national-level entrance exam, such as CUET UG, which is accepted by over 700 universities, including Delhi University and Banaras Hindu University. Alternatively, students can consider open universities like IGNOU, which offer flexible admission options. The BSc Life Science curriculum provides a broad foundation in core subjects like biodiversity, cell biology, and laboratory techniques, while also offering specializations to align with individual interests and career aspirations.

This article provides a detailed overview of the BSc Life Science program, covering course specifics, subjects, fees, top colleges, career paths, and salary expectations in India. We will explore the admission process, curriculum, placement opportunities, and highlight leading institutions like Delhi University and IGNOU.

What Is BSc Life Science? Overview & Highlights

BSc Life Science is a 3-year undergraduate course encompassing biology, zoology, botany, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, and environmental science. It distinguishes itself from BSc Biotechnology and BSc Biomedical with its broader, more versatile focus. Sub-disciplines of BSc Life Science course include Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, and Ecology. According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students can pursue a 4-year honors program with multiple exit points. Over 300 colleges in India offer this course, with annual fees ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 1,95,000.

The following table summarizes key aspects of the BSc Life Science course.

Parameter	Details
Duration	3-4 Years (3 years standard; 4 years honors under NEP 2020)
Number of Colleges	300+
Course Fee (Annual)	INR 10,000 – INR 1,95,000
Admission	CUET UG / Merit-based / University-specific entrance exams (e.g., DUET, BHU UET in some cases)
Curriculum	NEP: Certificate/Diploma/Degree/Honours; Broad coverage of life processes
Eligibility	10+2 in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology – PCB) with minimum 50% aggregate
Key Subjects /	Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Molecular Biology etc.
Average Starting Salary (Freshers)	INR 2-5 LPA
Career Options / Job Roles	Lab Technician, Research Assistant, Quality Control Analyst, Environmental Consultant and others
Top Recruiters / Sectors	Research Labs (CSIR, ICMR), Pharma/Biotech Companies (Biocon, Serum Institute), Environmental Agencies, etc.
Top Colleges (Examples)	Miranda House (Delhi), Loyola College (Chennai), Presidency University (Kolkata), St. Joseph’s College (Bengaluru) etc.

BSc Life Science Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a BSc Life Science (or BSc Life Sciences) program in India, candidates must satisfy standard eligibility requirements set by universities and aligned with CUET-UG and NEP 2020 guidelines (as of 2026). The following criteria apply to most central, state, and private institutions:

• Completion of Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board such as CBSE, ISC, state boards, or international equivalents.
• Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as compulsory subjects; some universities accept Biology/Biological Studies/Biotechnology/Biochemistry in relevant combinations.
• Minimum aggregate marks of 50% in the qualifying exam (typically in PCB subjects or overall/best-of subjects)
• No strict upper age limit in most institutions under CUET and NEP guidelines, though a few (like BHU) may apply a cap of around 22 years as of July 1 in the admission year.
• Reservations and additional relaxations follow Government of India norms, including for SC/ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories.

BSc Life Science Admission Process 2026

Admission into BSc Life Science in India is available on merit as well as entrance basis. Further, students also have the distance learning option. Key admission processes for this course are detailed below:

• Admission primarily through CUET UG for central and many participating universities; candidates must appear in specific domain subjects such as Chemistry + Physics + Biology/Biological Studies/Biotechnology/Biochemistry, plus at least one language from List A (often requiring a minimum 30% score in the language section).
• Merit-based admission (on Class 12 marks) is still used by some private or state universities without CUET.
• A DEB ID is required for IGNOU admission, with no need for an entrance exam and free study material available on eGyankosh.

How to Apply for Admission into BSc Life Science

12th pass students can apply for admission into a BSc Life Science programme in the following steps:

CUET 2026

1. Register for CUET UG 2026 on the official NTA website (cuet.nta.nic.in).
2. Fill the CUET application form with personal details, upload documents (photo, signature, Class 10/12 marksheets), and pay the fee.
3. Select the required domain subjects for BSc Life Science course.
4. Appear for the CUET UG exam (scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026, in Computer-Based Test mode).
5. After results (expected late June 2026), register on the university’s admission portal (e.g., admission.uod.ac.in for DU via CSAS portal).
6. Fill university-specific preferences: Select BSc Life Science/programme, upload documents, and pay counselling/registration fee.
7. Check cut-offs/merit lists released by universities and participate in seat allocation/counselling rounds.
8. Accept allotted seat, pay admission fee, and complete document verification to confirm admission.

Merit Based Admissions

1. Check the university/college website for direct applications (often open after Class 12 results).
2. Apply online/offline by submitting class 12 marks, documents, and application fee.
3. Merit list is prepared based on Class 12 aggregate (PCB subjects).
4. Attend counselling/interview if required, pay fees, and secure admission.

IGNOU Admissions

1. Visit the IGNOU admission portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in).
2. Register and create an account (obtain DEB ID if prompted).
3. Fill the online application for BSc Life Science during the admission cycle (January or July sessions).
4. Upload documents (Class 12 marksheet, photo, etc.) and pay the fee.
5. No entrance exam required; admission is merit-based on eligibility (10+2 Science).
6. Receive confirmation and access free study material via eGyankosh.

Entrance Exams for BSc Life Science

Students preparing for BSc entrance exams in 2026 can find an updated guide to popular exams, eligible colleges and tentative dates below:

Exam Name	Eligible Colleges	Tentative Date
CUET UG 2026	Delhi University (DU), BHU, JNU, central/state universities	May 11 – May 31, 2026
NEST 2026	NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai	June 06, 2026
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026	IISERs (Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Berhampur) – for BS-MS dual degree or BS in Biological Sciences/Life Sciences	Third/fourth week of May 2026
PUBDET 2026	Presidency University, Kolkata	May/June 2026
OUAT Entrance Exam 2026	Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology and affiliated colleges	May/June 2026

Top Colleges for BSc Life Science with Fees

BSc Life Science aspirants in India have access to quality education through government, private and open-learning institutions. Some of the top colleges with their fees are listed in the table below:

College Name	Course Type (Govt/Private)	Total Course Fees (Approximate)
Miranda House, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 56,000 – 60,000 (3 years)
Hansraj College, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 89,000 – 97,000 (3 years)
Kirori Mal College, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 50,000 – 60,000 (3 years)
Ramjas College, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 50,000 – 66,000 (3 years)
Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 45,000 – 75,000 (3 years)
Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 45,000 – 50,000 (3 years)
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 45,000 – 75,000 (3 years)
Gargi College, Delhi (DU)	Govt (DU-affiliated)	INR 30,000 – 60,000 (3 years)
Loyola College, Chennai	Govt-aided/Private	INR 75,000 – 1.2 lakh (3 years)
Christ University, Bangalore	Private	INR 2.5 – 3.6 lakh (3–4 years; often honors)
St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai/Kolkata	Private/Govt-aided	INR 90,000 – 3 lakh (3 years)
Madras Christian College (MCC), Chennai	Govt-aided/Private	INR 1.2 – 1.8 lakh (3 years)
Mount Carmel College, Bangalore	Private	INR 1.9 – 4.8 lakh (3–4 years)
Presidency University, Kolkata	Govt	INR 10,000 – 25,000 (3 years)
Parul University, Vadodara	Private	INR 3 – 3.5 lakh (3–4 years)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)	Govt (Open/Distance)	INR 12,500 – 18,900 (3 years)

BSc Life Science Syllabus: Semester-Wise Subjects

The BSc Life Science syllabus aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of life science principles and concepts. The curriculum is typically divided into six semesters, each covering core subjects like Biodiversity, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology. Laboratory sessions and elective subjects are also included to provide practical experience and flexibility.

Here is a year-wise and semester-wise breakdown of the syllabus for BSc Life Science course.

First Year (Sem 1 & 2)

Semester 1	Semester 2
Biodiversity (Microbes, Algae, Fungi and Archegoniatae) – Botany	Plant Diversity and Systematics (Gymnosperms & Angiosperms) – Botany
Diversity and Evolution of Non-Chordata (to Protochordata) – Zoology	Comparative Anatomy and Developmental Biology of Vertebrates – Zoology
Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding and Basic Organic Chemistry – Chemistry	States of Matter, Ionic Equilibria and Organic Chemistry – Chemistry
English Communication / Environmental Science (AECC)	English/MIL Communication or another AECC

Second Year (Sem 3 & 4)

Semester 3	Semester 4
Plant Physiology and Metabolism – Botany	Plant Anatomy and Embryology – Botany
Physiology: Controlling and Coordinating Systems / Fundamentals of Biochemistry – Zoology	Immunology / Applied Zoology – Zoology
Chemical Energetics, Equilibria and Coordination Chemistry – Chemistry	Solutions, Phase Equilibria and Electrochemistry – Chemistry
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC-1) – e.g., Biofertilizers / Herbal Technology	Skill Enhancement Course (SEC-2) – e.g., Medicinal Botany / Floriculture

Third Year (Sem 4 & 5)

Semester 5	Semester 6
Cell Biology – Botany / Zoology	Ecology and Phytogeography – Botany
Genetics and Molecular Biology – Botany / Zoology	Developmental Biology / Evolutionary Biology – Zoology
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-1) – e.g., Economic Botany / Reproductive Biology / Biostatistics & Bioinformatics	Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-3) – e.g., Ethnobotany / Microbial Technology
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-2) – e.g., Food, Nutrition & Health / Introduction to Medical Diagnostics	Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-4) – e.g., Project Work / Advanced Topics in Life Sciences

Key Subjects in BSc Life Science

BSc Life Science course subjects typically include Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry and others. Here is a breif overview of the core subjects of this course:

• Botany: The study of plants, including their structure, growth, evolution, and distribution.
• Zoology: The study of animals, including their behavior, physiology, development, and evolution.
• Biochemistry: The study of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms.
• Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Genetics: The study of heredity, genes, and variation.
• Ecology: The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
• Environmental Science: The study of the natural world and the impact of human activity on the environment.
• Cell Biology: The study of the structure and function of cells.
• Molecular Biology: The study of the structure and function of biological molecules.
• Biotechnology: The use of biological systems to develop new products and technologies.

Exam Pattern of BSc Life Sciences

The BSc Life Sciences (or BSc Programme in Life Sciences) in India follows a semester-based system with internal and end-semester assessments. Most universities (including Delhi University) use the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), while newer admissions increasingly align with NEP 2020 (4-year honors option with flexible exits).

Here is a clear tabular overview of the typical exam pattern:

Parameter	Details
Program Duration	3 years (6 semesters) under CBCS Up to 4 years for honors under NEP 2020
Credit Structure	Each core paper: 6 credits (4 theory + 2 practical) Total per semester: 20–24 credits
Assessment Components	Internal Assessment (IA): 25% End-Semester Theory Exam: 75% Practical Exam: Separate (often 50% theory + 50% practical per paper)
Internal Assessment (IA)	25 marks (out of 100 per paper) Class tests/assignments: 10 marks Assignments/projects/presentations:10 marks Attendance: 5 marks
End-Semester Theory Exam	75 marks (out of 100) Duration: 3 hours Format: MCQs + short answers + long answers
Practical Exam	30–50 marks (varies by paper) Includes experiments, spotting, slide preparation, viva voce, practical record book
Total Marks per Paper	100 marks (theory + practical + IA combined)
Passing Criteria	Minimum 40% aggregate (theory + practical + IA)
Question Paper Style	Mix of objective (MCQs/short) and descriptive questions
NEP 2020 Variations	More Continuous Internal Evaluation (CIE); added project work, internships, Value Addition Courses (VAC), Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC); possible online/open-book elements
Admission Entrance Exam (CUET UG)	For most central/state universities Mode: Computer-Based Test (MCQs)

Career Options & Salary After BSc Life Science

A BSc in Life Science opens doors to various career paths in research, healthcare, education, and government sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from ₹2-4.5 LPA, while experienced professionals can earn up to ₹15-20 LPA. Top recruiters include CSIR, ICAR, DBT, DRDO, and ISRO. Common roles include Research Assistant, Lab Technician, Biotechnologist, Environmental Scientist, and Pharma Sales Representative.

Role	Sector	Starting Salary (INR)	Experienced Salary (INR)	Top Employers
Research Assistant	Research	2.5-4 LPA	5-8 LPA	CSIR, ICAR
Lab Technician	Healthcare	2-3.5 LPA	4-7 LPA	Hospitals
Biotechnologist	Biotech	3-6 LPA	8-15 LPA	Biocon, Serum
Environmental Scientist	Environment	3-5 LPA	7-12 LPA	Govt, NGOs
Pharma Sales Representative	Pharma	2.5-5 LPA	6-10 LPA	Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s
Teacher	Education	2.5-4 LPA	5-8 LPA	Schools, BEd
Food Inspector	Govt	3-5 LPA	6-10 LPA	FSSAI
Medical Lab Technician	Healthcare	2.5-4 LPA	5-8 LPA	Hospitals

Higher Education Options After BSc Life Science

Popular further education options include MSc Life Science, MSc Biotechnology, PhD, MTech Biotechnology, MBA in Pharma or Healthcare, and PG Diplomas. These courses often require entrance exams like CUET PG, IIT JAM, GATE, and CSIR NET. PhD holders and MTech Biotechnology graduates typically command higher salaries.

1. MSc Biotechnology — A 2-year specialized master’s focusing on genetic engineering, bioprocessing, and industrial applications. Entrance is often through CUET PG or similar exams, offering starting salaries of ₹3–7 LPA (commonly ₹4–6 LPA for freshers) in biotech, pharma, and R&D sectors.

2. MSc Life Sciences — This 2-year postgraduate program deepens knowledge in biology, genetics, and ecology. Admission is typically via CUET PG or IIT JAM, with starting salaries of ₹3–6 LPA, ideal for research, academia, or specialized roles.

3. MTech Biotechnology — This 2-year technical master’s emphasizes engineering aspects like bioprocess design and industrial applications. Admission requires GATE qualification, leading to strong starting salaries of ₹6–10 LPA in technical biotech and pharma industries.

4. MBA in Pharma or Healthcare Management — A 2-year management degree tailored to pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sectors, covering operations, marketing, and policy. Entrance exams include CAT or MAT, with starting salaries of ₹6–15 LPA in managerial and corporate roles.

5. PhD (in Life Sciences/Biotechnology-related fields) — A 3–5 year research-intensive doctoral program for advanced specialization, academia, or high-level industry research. Qualifying exams include CSIR NET or GATE, with post-PhD starting salaries of ₹5–12 LPA (often higher in industry or with fellowships).

BSc Life Science from IGNOU: Fees, Syllabus & Admission

IGNOU’s BSc Life Science program is a 3-year course, extendable to 6 years, with a total fee of INR 18,000 (INR 6,000 per year). The annual re-registration fee is roughly INR 4,500. Admission is direct, without an entrance exam, and occurs in January and July. The curriculum covers Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry, providing a comprehensive foundation in life sciences. IGNOU provides free study materials via its eGyankosh platform. The degree is valid for government jobs and UPSC exams.

Parameter	Details
Duration	3 Years (Extendable to 6 Years)
Fees (Total)	INR 18,000 (INR 6,000/Year)
Entrance Exam	No Exam
Admission Cycle	January/July
Study Material	eGyankosh (Free)
Validity	Valid for Government Jobs/UPSC

BSc Life Science vs BSc Biotech vs BSc Biomedical

BSc Life Science, BSc Biotech, and BSc Biomedical programs differ in their focus. Life Science offers the most versatile foundation, Biotechnology emphasizes industrial applications, and Biomedical focuses on healthcare and clinical aspects. Over 300 colleges offer BSc Life Science programs. Salary ranges vary, with Biotechnology graduates potentially earning between ₹3-6 LPA.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of these courses:

Parameter	BSc Life Sciences	BSc Biotechnology	BSc Biomedical Science
Primary Focus	Broad biology foundation: botany, zoology, genetics, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology	Industrial & applied biotech: genetic engineering, bioprocessing, molecular tools	Human health & disease: anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical diagnostics
Eligibility	10+2 Science (PCB) with 50%+ aggregate	10+2 Science (PCB or PCM) with 50%+ aggregate	10+2 Science (PCB) with 50–60% aggregate
Admission Process	Merit-based or CUET UG	Merit-based or CUET UG	Merit-based, CUET UG, or university-specific entrance
Number of Colleges (Approx.)	300+	990+	100–200
Average Total Course Fees	INR 30,000 – 1.5 lakh	INR 50,000 – 3 lakh	INR 50,000 – 6 lakh
Key Syllabus	Cell biology, genetics, plant/animal physiology, ecology, biodiversity, environmental science	Molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioprocess tech, industrial microbiology, bioinformatics	Human anatomy & physiology, pathology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology
Career Paths / Job Roles	Research assistant, lab technician, environmental consultant, science teacher, quality control	Lab technician, research associate, quality analyst, bioprocess engineer, biotech sales	Lab technician, biomedical scientist, clinical research associate, diagnostics specialist
Starting Salary Range (Freshers)	₹2–5 LPA	₹3–6 LPA	₹3–6 LPA
Best Suited For	Versatile biology base, teaching, research, diverse higher studies	Industrial biotech, pharma, agriculture, product development	Healthcare, clinical diagnostics, medical research

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

BSc Life Science offers broad scope in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental conservation, and academia, with opportunities for higher studies (MSc/PhD) or entry-level roles in diverse sectors like pharma, agri-biotech, and diagnostics in India’s growing life sciences industry.

Q6. What are the private jobs in BSc Life Science industry?

Private sector jobs after BSc Life Sciences include lab technician, research assistant, quality control analyst, clinical research associate, microbiologist assistant, and others with fresher salaries typically ₹3–6 LPA.

Q7. Which are the top DU colleges for BSc Life Science course?

Top Delhi University colleges for BSc Life Sciences include Miranda House, Hansraj College, Kirori Mal College, Ramjas College, Sri Venkateswara College, Acharya Narendra Dev College, and Gargi College. Admissions are carried out on the basis of CUET results.