Last Updated on December 10, 2025 by Simran
The BSc Biotechnology syllabus in India for 2025 aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines from the University Grants Commission (UGC), emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, research, and skill development. This three-year undergraduate program (six semesters) integrates core sciences like biology, chemistry, and microbiology with emerging technologies such as genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing.
With the biotech sector growing at 15-20% annually, the curriculum prepares students for roles in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental solutions, including hands-on labs (40% weightage) and mandatory internships/projects.
Under NEP 2020, the syllabus incorporates flexible electives, vocational courses (e.g., IPR in biotech), and outcome-based assessments. Admissions via CUET UG ensure standardized entry, with a focus on practicals like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture. Total credits: 120-140, blending theory (60%), labs (30%), and projects (10%).
This guide details semester-wise subjects, drawing from UGC model curriculum and university syllabi like SPPU and DU, updated for 2025.
BSc Biotechnology Syllabus 2025: Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration & Structure | 3 years (6 semesters); 120-140 credits under NEP |
| Core Subjects | Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Bioinformatics |
| Electives (NEP Add-ons) | Environmental Biotech, IPR, Entrepreneurship, Data Science in Biology |
| Practicals & Projects | 40% weightage; includes lab work, seminars, 4-6 week internship |
| Assessment | Continuous (30% internals) + End-sem exams (70%); viva for projects |
| Books (Core) | Lehninger (Biochem), Prescott (Microbiology), Watson (Molecular Bio) |
| Career Alignment | Prepares for MSc, industry jobs (₹3-6 LPA starting), research (DBT-JRF) |
Semester-Wise BSc Biotechnology Syllabus 2025 (UGC-NEP Model)
The syllabus is modular under NEP, allowing choice-based credits and multidisciplinary electives. Each semester includes 20-24 credits, with theory (4-5 hours/week) and practicals (2-3 hours). Subjects emphasize application: e.g., using software for sequence analysis in bioinformatics. Variations exist across universities (e.g., DU adds EVS, SPPU integrates maths), but core remains consistent.
Semester 1: Foundations in Life Sciences (20-22 Credits)
This introductory semester builds basics in cellular and molecular processes, aligning with NEP’s focus on foundational literacy. Emphasis on lab safety and microscopy techniques.
| Subject | Topics Covered | Credits |
| Biochemistry & Metabolism | Biomolecules (carbs, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids); Enzyme kinetics; Bioenergetics (ATP, glycolysis, TCA cycle); pH buffers | 4 (Theory) + 2 (Practical) |
| Cell Biology | Cell theory; Prokaryotic/eukaryotic structure; Organelles (mitochondria, ER, Golgi); Cell cycle, mitosis/meiosis; Apoptosis | 4 + 2 |
| General Microbiology | Microbial classification; Morphology (bacteria, fungi, viruses); Sterilization techniques; Pure culture methods | 4 + 2 |
| English/EVS/MIL Communication (NEP Core) | Scientific writing; Environmental issues in biotech; Multilingual skills | 3 |
| GE-1 (Generic Elective: Chemistry/Math) | Organic chemistry basics or Biostatistics | 4 |
Practicals: Microscopy, enzyme assays, bacterial staining. Assessment: MCQs, lab reports.
Semester 2: Physiological & Microbial Foundations (20-22 Credits)
Focus shifts to organismal biology and microbial applications, introducing NEP’s vocational elements like basic bioprocessing.
| Subject | Topics Covered | Credits |
| Mammalian Physiology | Digestive, respiratory, circulatory systems; Hormones; Nerve impulse transmission | 4 + 2 |
| Microbial & Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation; Microbial growth curves; Plant hormones (auxins, gibberellins) | 4 + 2 |
| English/EVS/MIL Communication-II | Report writing; Sustainable biotech practices | 3 |
| GE-2 (Generic Elective) | Basic Genetics or Organic Chemistry-II | 4 |
| Skill Enhancement: Lab Techniques | Centrifugation, spectrophotometry (NEP vocational) | 2 |
Practicals: Dissections, microbial culturing. NEP highlight: Interdisciplinary elective in data handling for bio-experiments.
Semester 3: Molecular & Genetic Core (22-24 Credits)
Mid-program emphasis on DNA/RNA mechanisms, with NEP’s research orientation via mini-projects.
| Subject | Topics Covered | Credits |
| Molecular Biology | DNA replication, transcription, translation; Operon model; Gene regulation | 4 + 2 |
| Genetics | Mendelian inheritance; Linkage, crossing over; Mutations; Population genetics | 4 + 2 |
| Immunology | Innate/adaptive immunity; Antigens, antibodies; Vaccines; Hypersensitivity | 4 + 2 |
| Biophysics & Instrumentation | Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, IR); Chromatography; Electrophoresis; Microscopy types | 4 + 2 |
| GE-3 | Environmental Science or Bioinformatics Intro | 4 |
Practicals: DNA isolation, ELISA. Project: Simple genetic cross analysis.
Semester 4: Applied & Industrial Biotech (22-24 Credits)
Integration of theory with industry, per NEP’s employability focus, including IPR basics.
| Subject | Topics Covered | Credits |
| Genetic Engineering | Recombinant DNA; Vectors, restriction enzymes; Cloning; PCR, blotting techniques | 4 + 2 |
| Environmental Biotechnology | Bioremediation; Waste treatment; Biofertilizers; Biodiversity conservation | 4 + 2 |
| Plant & Animal Biotechnology | Tissue culture; Transgenic plants/animals; Stem cells; Animal cloning | 4 + 2 |
| Biomathematics/Statistics | Probability; Biostatistics; Data analysis in experiments | 4 |
| GE-4 | Food Biotechnology or IPR in Biotech | 4 |
Practicals: Plasmid isolation, plant tissue culture. NEP elective: Entrepreneurship in biotech startups.
Semester 5: Advanced Specializations (24 Credits)
Elective-heavy under NEP, allowing streams like medical or industrial biotech.
| Subject | Topics Covered | Credits |
| Industrial Biotechnology | Fermentation tech; Enzyme immobilization; Bioreactors; Downstream processing | 4 + 2 |
| Bioinformatics | Sequence databases; Tools (BLAST, Clustal); Phylogeny; Computational modeling | 4 + 2 |
| Medical Biotechnology | Gene therapy; Diagnostics; Monoclonal antibodies; Pharmacogenomics | 4 + 2 |
| DSE-1 (Discipline Specific Elective) | Nanobiotech or Marine Biotech | 4 + 2 |
| SEC-1 (Skill Enhancement) | Bioethics & Biosafety | 2 |
Practicals: Bioinformatics software, fermentation setups. Internship: 2-4 weeks in labs.
Semester 6: Research & Capstone (24 Credits)
Culminates in dissertation, per NEP’s research emphasis, with industry exposure.
| Subject | Topics Covered | Credits |
| Recombinant DNA Technology | CRISPR-Cas9; Gene editing; Transgenics; Ethical issues | 4 + 2 |
| Food & Dairy Biotechnology | Probiotics; Food preservation; Quality control; GM foods | 4 + 2 |
| DSE-2 | Genomics/Proteomics or Forensic Biotech | 4 + 2 |
| Project/Dissertation | Independent research (e.g., enzyme optimization); Seminar presentation | 6 |
| SEC-2 | Entrepreneurship in Biotech | 2 |
Practicals: Gene cloning simulation. Capstone: Thesis on emerging topics like synthetic biology.
NEP 2020 Updates in BSc Biotechnology Syllabus 2025
NEP introduces flexibility: Multiple entry/exit (certificate after Sem 2, diploma after Sem 4), 50% choice-based credits, and vocational integration (e.g., lab management certification). UGC mandates 40% multidisciplinary exposure, like AI in drug discovery. Assessment shifts to competency-based, with rubrics for projects. This prepares graduates for global challenges like climate-resilient crops.
Recommended Books for BSc Biotechnology Syllabus
| Semester | Subjects | Recommended Books |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | Cell Biology & Genetics | Molecular Biology of the Cell – Alberts; Concepts of Genetics – Klug |
| Biochemistry | Biochemistry – Voet & Voet; Biochemistry – U. Satyanarayan | |
| Microbiology | Microbiology – Prescott; Fundamentals of Microbiology – Tortora | |
| 2nd Semester | Molecular Biology & Immunology | Molecular Cell Biology – Lodish; Immunology – Kuby |
| Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology | Principles of Gene Manipulation – Primrose; Biotechnology – H.D. Kumar | |
| 3rd Semester | Bioinformatics & Biostatistics | Bioinformatics: Sequence and Genome Analysis – Mount; Biostatistics – Wayne Daniel |
| Plant & Animal Biotechnology | Plant Biotechnology – Slater, Scott & Fowler; Animal Biotechnology – Chawla |
Preparation Tips for BSc Biotechnology 2025
Effective preparation requires a balance of theory, practical skills, and time management. Key strategies include:
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Follow Semester-Wise Planning: Focus on topics as per semester schedule to avoid last-minute cramming.
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Strong Conceptual Foundation: Understand molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry fundamentals rather than rote learning.
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Practical Lab Skills: Regularly practice experiments and record observations meticulously to score well in lab assessments.
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Use Multiple Resources: Combine textbooks, research papers, and online tutorials to strengthen understanding of complex topics.
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Regular Revision: Allocate weekly revision sessions to retain theoretical knowledge and practical techniques.
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Mock Tests & Question Papers: Solve past semester papers to improve problem-solving speed and identify weak areas.
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Group Discussions & Seminars: Participate in discussions to enhance critical thinking and stay updated on emerging biotech trends.
These strategies help students stay organized, confident, and well-prepared for exams and future biotech careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the BSc Biotechnology syllabus for 2026?
The BSc Biotechnology syllabus 2026 covers genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and lab techniques across three academic years.
Which books are recommended for BSc Biotechnology students?
Recommended books include Molecular Biology of the Cell, Biochemistry by Voet, Prescott Microbiology, and Principles of Gene Manipulation.
How is the BSc Biotechnology course structured semester-wise?
The course is divided into six semesters, each focusing on specific core subjects and practical laboratory skills.
What subjects are taught in the first year of BSc Biotechnology?
First-year subjects include Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and basic laboratory techniques for foundational understanding.
Which topics are important for second-year BSc Biotechnology exams?
Second-year topics include Molecular Biology, Immunology, Genetic Engineering, Microbial Technology, and Biotechnology applications in research.
What are effective preparation tips for BSc Biotechnology students?
Focus on semester-wise planning, conceptual understanding, practical skills, regular revision, mock tests, and group discussions for comprehensive preparation.
Are practicals important in BSc Biotechnology?
Yes, laboratory practicals are crucial for understanding experiments, gaining hands-on experience, and scoring high in assessments.
Can PCB students directly pursue BSc Biotechnology?
Yes, students with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology background are eligible for BSc Biotechnology undergraduate programs.
Is BSc Biotechnology useful for future career opportunities?
Absolutely, it opens careers in research, pharmaceuticals, genetics, agriculture, bioinformatics, and further studies like M.Sc or M.Tech Biotechnology.
How can students stay updated with the latest biotechnology trends?
Students should follow journals, attend webinars, participate in workshops, and explore online courses to stay current in biotechnology advancements.