Overview

• Official Name: Department of Biotechnology, University of Mumbai
• Common Names: DBT Mumbai, University of Mumbai Biotechnology Department
• Type: Department under University of Mumbai (State University)
• Established: Biotechnology courses were introduced at University of Mumbai campus starting in early 2000s; Department recognized and active since circa 2002.
• Campus Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Approvals & Affiliations: University of Mumbai is recognized by UGC; Department programs comply with university regulations and are affiliated to University of Mumbai.
  No direct AICTE approval specifically listed for Department of Biotechnology programs; University of Mumbai is NAAC accredited with Grade 'A' as per the latest available report (2023) (NAAC Dashboard).
• Official Website: https://www.mu.ac.in/department-of-biotechnology

Quick Facts

• Founder: University of Mumbai (est. 1857)
• Vice-Chancellor: Dr. Sanjay Deshmukh (as of 2024)
• Head of Department: Professor Dr. Smita Zinjarde (please verify from official site)
• Approximate Student Population: 200+ (postgraduate and research students)
• Departments/Faculties: Biotechnology Department is part of the Faculty of Science
• Contact:
  Phone: +91-22-2652 5000 (University office)
  Email: biotech@mu.ac.in (subject to verification on official page)
  Address: Department of Biotechnology, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari Campus, Santacruz (E), Mumbai - 400098, Maharashtra, India
• NAAC Grade: Grade A (2023)^NAAC
• Ranking Mentions: University of Mumbai ranked 65th overall in NIRF 2023 (NIRF 2023)

Courses & Programs

• Faculty: Science (Biotechnology)
• Popular Courses:
  • M.Sc. Biotechnology – 2 years, Regular
  • Ph.D. Biotechnology – Duration varies, Regular
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology – Usually 1 year (offered occasionally, confirm availability)
• Mode: Regular (on-campus); distance/online mode not available for biotech programs
• Intake: Approximately 30-40 seats per M.Sc. batch (subject to university notification)

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Merit-based (based on qualifying examination marks and university entrance test if applicable)
• Accepted Entrance Exams: Primarily based on University of Mumbai admission test and/or qualifying MSc entrance if conducted; no JEE/NEET/CUET required
• Admission Timeline: Applications usually open in June-July; sessions begin around August-September annually. Exact dates on official site Mumbai University Admissions
• Application Process:
  1. Visit Mumbai University digital portal
  2. Register and fill out the M.Sc. Biotechnology admission form online
  3. Upload required academic documents
  4. Pay application fee online
  5. Submit form and track application status
  6. Offline applications accepted rarely; verify latest procedure on official site

Eligibility Criteria

• For M.Sc. Biotechnology: Bachelor's degree in Science (B.Sc.) with Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences as main subjects with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
• For Ph.D. Biotechnology: M.Sc. Biotechnology or equivalent with minimum qualifying marks as per university norms
• Documents Required:
  • Mark sheets and passing certificates (10th, 12th, Bachelor’s)
  • Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
  • ID proof (Aadhar/Passport/Driving License)
  • Recent passport size photograph
  • Entrance test admit card/result (if applicable)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees (M.Sc. Biotechnology): Approx ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per year tuition fee
  (Exact fee available on university admission portal)
• Fee Heads: Tuition, examination fees, library fees, and optional hostel fees
• Hostel Fees: ₹15,000 - ₹25,000 per year (separate application)
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Government scholarships under Central and Maharashtra State schemes (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
  • University Merit scholarships—based on academic performance
  • Pragati and Saksham scholarships for girl and specially-abled students respectively Official Scholarships Portal
  • Institute-specific need-based assistance may be available; contact department

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: Moderate placement rate (~60%-70%) for Biotechnology postgraduates through university placement cell
• Average Salary: ₹3-5 LPA (varies by company and individual)
• Highest Salary: ₹8-10 LPA (select companies/institutions)
• Top Recruiters: Biotech firms, pharma companies, research institutes including Serum Institute, GSK, Tata Institute, Biocon
• Placement Cell: University Career Guidance & Placement Cell (Official)
• Internship Support: Available via department collaborations with research labs and companies

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Separate hostel facilities at University of Mumbai for male and female students (limited capacity)
• Mess & Cafeteria: On-campus cafeteria with subsidized rates
• Sports: University sports complex with facilities for cricket, basketball, badminton, and more
• Labs: Well-equipped Biotechnology laboratories with modern instruments
• Library: Central and Department-specific libraries with extensive biotechnology journals and books
• Healthcare: On-campus medical dispensary and tie-ups with nearby hospitals
• Transport: University shuttle services and good public transport connectivity
• Wi-Fi & IT: Campus-wide Wi-Fi access for students and faculty
• Research Centres: Specialized biotech research units within department
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Annual youth festivals, biotech seminars, workshops and student-run cultural clubs

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Professors engaged in advanced research in microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biotechnology (names listed on official department site)
• Research Centres: University-affiliated biotechnology research laboratories and centers
• Grants & Projects: Funded by DBT, CSIR, UGC and other Indian government agencies
• MoUs: Collaborations with national biotech institutes and industries for research and internships

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF 2023: University of Mumbai overall ranked 65th in India (Official NIRF)
• NAAC Grade: A (Score 3.24/4) awarded in 2023 (NAAC Dashboard)
• India Today & Outlook Rankings: Not separately listed for Biotechnology Department; University ranked among top 50-70 in India generally

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results: Published on University of Mumbai student portal https://mum.digitaluniversity.ac/
• Cut-Offs: Typically around 50-60% aggregate in B.Sc. or relevant subject for M.Sc. Biotechnology admissions
  Category-wise relaxation as per government norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
• Seat Matrix: Approx. 30-40 seats per batch; verification required each admission cycle on official site

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (~15 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Santacruz Railway Station (Western Line), ~2 km from Vidyanagari campus
• City Connectivity: Well connected by BEST buses, local trains, taxis, and auto-rickshaws
• Local Transit: Frequent buses and shared autos run between campus and major Mumbai suburbs

FAQs

• Q1: How can I apply for M.Sc. Biotechnology at Mumbai University?
  A: Applications are submitted online via the Mumbai University admission portal during June-July annually.
• Q2: Is there an entrance exam for Biotechnology admission?
  A: Admissions are mainly merit-based from B.Sc. marks; an entrance test may be conducted by the university depending on the year.
• Q3: What is the typical fee for M.Sc. Biotechnology?
  A: Approximate tuition fee ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per year excluding hostel and other charges.
• Q4: Are scholarships available?
  A: Yes, both government and university scholarships are available for reserved categories and meritorious students.
• Q5: Does the department provide placement assistance?
  A: Yes, the university’s placement cell assists with internships and placements in biotech industries.
• Q6: Is hostel accommodation available?
  A: Yes, limited seats in university hostels are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Q7: What documents are needed to apply?
  A: Academic transcripts, caste certificate if applicable, photo ID, passport-sized photos, and entrance exam details if applicable.
• Q8: When do admissions usually start?
  A: New admissions typically open between June and July, with academic sessions starting in August or September.
• Q9: Can I do a Ph.D. in Biotechnology after M.Sc. here?
  A: Yes, the department offers Ph.D. programs subject to eligibility and availability of research guides.
• Q10: Where can I find the detailed syllabus?
  A: The syllabus and curriculum are available on the official department webpage or university examination cell site.