Courses in Biology after 12th Except MBBS: Colleges, Jobs & Salary

Choosing the right career path after Class 12 can be confusing, especially for Biology students who don’t want to pursue MBBS. Luckily, there are many high-paying courses in Biology after 12th except MBBS that open doors to careers in research, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, environmental science, and more. These courses provide strong academic foundations and also offer global opportunities in healthcare, pharma, and life sciences. In this blog, we’ll cover eligibility, top colleges, career options, recruiters, and salaries to help you find out the best Biology courses without MBBS in India and abroad.

Courses in Biology after 12th Except MBBS: Quick Highlights

Here is the quick overview of courses in Biology after 12th, except MBBS. These courses do not require NEET and are available in India as well as abroad. 

Popular Courses	BSc Biotechnology, BSc Microbiology, BSc Genetics, BSc Zoology, BSc Nursing, BSc Agriculture, BSc Environmental Science, B.Pharm
Eligibility	10+2 in Science (PCB) with 50–60% aggregate
Admission Process	Merit-based & Entrance exams
Course Duration	3 to 4 years
Average Fees (India)	INR 50,000 – 4,00,000 per year
Average Fees (Abroad)	USD 10,000 – 45,000 per year
Top Recruiters	Biocon, Dr. Reddy’s, Serum Institute of India, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, WHO, Bayer
Career Options	Research Scientist, Biotechnologist, Microbiologist, Genetic Counsellor, Environmental Consultant, Pharmacist
Salary Range (India)	INR 3 – 10 LPA
Salary Range (Abroad)	USD 45,000 – 90,000 annually

What Are the Courses in Biology after 12th Except MBBS?

So here’s the truth. Biology is way bigger than just becoming a doctor. There are tons of other courses that let you stay connected to biology without the 6-year grind of MBBS. 

You’ve got options in allied health sciences like Nursing, Physiotherapy, or Medical Lab Technology if you still want a hospital vibe. 

But if you’re more of a “lab coat and microscope” person, fields like Biotechnology, Microbiology, or Genetics will let you into research, innovations, and even pharma jobs. 

Similarly, if you love animals or plants more than humans, then courses like Veterinary Science, Zoology, Botany, or Environmental Science are your lane.

The fun part is that biology has sneaky crossover careers, too. You can explore Forensic Science, Psychology, or even Food and Nutrition if you’re curious about diet and wellness. 

Basically, the list is wide, and each path leads to very different careers, from hospitals to research labs, classrooms to corporate offices.

List of Best Courses in Biology after 12th Without MBBS

Let’s get this one thing straight that biology kids aren’t locked into just MBBS. The field is like a buffet, and you don’t have to eat the same dish everyone else is grabbing. These courses mix science, healthcare, and tech in ways that actually match your vibe. Let’s break them down one by one.

B.Sc. Biotechnology

This is where science feels futuristic. In biotech, you’re dealing with DNA, cloning, and lab innovations that make new medicines, food, and even environmental hacks possible. It’s not just “science for nerds,” but it’s applied in pharma, agriculture, genetics, and even space research. If you’re curious about how life can be engineered, this is your playground.

Duration	3 years (UG level)
Eligibility	10+2 with Biology, min 50–55% marks
Top Subjects	Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Plant Tissue Culture, Bioinformatics
Average Fees	INR 50,000 – INR 2.5 lakh per year
Top Colleges	Delhi University, BHU, Amity, IISc Bengaluru
Career Scope	Biotech firms, R&D labs, pharma, agriculture, food tech
Higher Studies	M.Sc. Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, PhD

B.Sc. Microbiology

This course is for the tiny-creature fans. You’ll spend your time figuring out how bacteria, fungi, and viruses rule the world (and sometimes ruin it). From vaccines to food safety, microbiologists are the undercover heroes who make sure life doesn’t collapse under germs.

Duration	3 years
Eligibility	10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), 50%+ marks
Top Subjects	Immunology, Industrial Microbiology, Microbial Genetics, Virology
Average Fees	INR 40,000 – INR 2 lakh per year
Top Colleges	AIIMS Delhi, Fergusson College Pune, Loyola College Chennai
Career Scope	Pharma industry, diagnostic labs, breweries, vaccine companies
Higher Studies	M.Sc. Microbiology, PhD, research careers

B.Pharma (Bachelor of Pharmacy)

It is like the “medicine-maker” degree. Instead of prescribing pills like doctors, you’ll be the brain behind creating and testing them. The pharma industry is exploding in India, which means jobs in labs, companies, and even government bodies are up for grabs.

Duration	4 years
Eligibility	10+2 with PCM/PCB, 50%+ marks
Top Subjects	Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy
Average Fees	INR 60,000 – INR 3 lakh per year
Top Colleges	Jamia Hamdard, BITS Pilani, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Career Scope	Drug companies, regulatory affairs, and clinical research
Higher Studies	M.Pharma, Pharm.D, MBA in Pharma Management

B.Sc. Nursing

This course is for those who want a hospital life without the MBBS baggage. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, patient care, emergency support, and even leadership roles in hospitals. Plus, nursing grads from India are in massive demand abroad right now.

Duration	4 years
Eligibility	10+2 with PCB, 45–50% marks & entrance exams (AIIMS/State CET)
Top Subjects	Anatomy, Physiology, Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing
Average Fees	INR 20,000 – INR 2 lakh per year
Top Colleges	AIIMS, CMC Vellore, PGIMER Chandigarh
Career Scope	Hospitals, clinics, military nursing, and international placements
Higher Studies	M.Sc. Nursing, Nurse Practitioner courses

B.VSc (Veterinary Science)

If you have an immense love for animals, then this is the course for you. Vets are doctors for pets, farm animals, and even wildlife. It’s not just about cuddling puppies, but it’s hardcore science with surgery, medicine, and animal care.

Duration	5.5 years (including internship)
Eligibility	10+2 with PCB, NEET, or state vet entrance exams
Top Subjects	Animal Anatomy, Veterinary Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Nutrition
Average Fees	INR 25,000 – INR 1.5 lakh per year
Top Colleges	IVRI Bareilly, Madras Veterinary College, GADVASU Ludhiana
Career Scope	Pet clinics, zoos, animal husbandry, and government services
Higher Studies	M.VSc, research in animal genetics, pathology

Also Read: Are NCERT Books Enough for JEE Mains?

B.Sc. Forensic Science

This is CSI in real life. Forensic students analyze crime scenes, DNA, fingerprints, and toxicology reports to crack cases. If you want science plus thrill, this course is perfect.

Duration	3 years
Eligibility	10+2 with Science (PCB/PCM), 50%+ marks
Top Subjects	Criminology, Forensic Toxicology, Cyber Forensics, DNA Profiling
Average Fees	INR 40,000 – INR 2 lakh per year
Top Colleges	Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Amity University, Osmania Univ.
Career Scope	Police departments, crime labs, CBI/IB, private investigation firms
Higher Studies	M.Sc. Forensic Science, Cyber Forensics

B.Sc. Food Technology / Nutrition

For all the foodies, this degree teaches you how to keep food safe, nutritious, and innovative. You’ll learn the science behind snacks, supplements, and diet planning. Jobs exist in food industries, wellness startups, and government labs.

Duration	3 years
Eligibility	10+2 with PCB, 50%+ marks
Top Subjects	Food Chemistry, Nutrition Science, Food Safety, Dietetics
Average Fees	INR 30,000 – INR 1.5 lakh per year
Top Colleges	NIFTEM, CFTRI Mysore, Mount Carmel College Bangalore
Career Scope	Food companies, FMCG, dietician roles, and research labs
Higher Studies	M.Sc. Food Science, Clinical Nutrition

BPT & Allied Health Courses (Physiotherapy, MLT, Radiology, OT)

These are the “hospital heroes” courses. Physiotherapists fix mobility issues, radiologists handle imaging tech, lab technologists test samples, and OT specialists focus on rehabilitation. If MBBS felt too heavy, these careers give you practical healthcare roles that are just as needed.

Duration	4.5 years (Physiotherapy), 3–4 years for other allied health courses
Eligibility	10+2 with PCB, 50%+ marks
Top Subjects	Anatomy, Physiotherapy, Radiology, Lab Diagnostics, Rehabilitation
Average Fees	INR 50,000 – INR 2 lakh per year
Top Colleges	Manipal University, AIIMS, SRM Institute
Career Scope	Hospitals, sports rehab, diagnostic centers, therapy clinics
Higher Studies	MPT, MSc in Radiology/MLT, PG Diplomas

Integrated BS-MS at IISERs

This is the purest science path. You spend five years doing hardcore research in biology, chemistry, and physics. IISER grads are treated like gold in research and academia. If your brain screams “nerd pride,” this course is your destiny.

Duration	5 years integrated
Eligibility	10+2 with Science + JEE/State entrance or IISER Aptitude Test
Top Subjects	Advanced Biology, Molecular Genetics, Ecology, Bioinformatics
Average Fees	INR 40,000 – INR 70,000 per year (heavily subsidized in IISERs)
Top Colleges	IISER Pune, IISER Kolkata, IISER Bhopal, IISER Mohali
Career Scope	Research institutes, academia, biotech, government labs
Higher Studies	PhD in Biology, Postdoc abroad

Also Read: MBA After Mechanical Engineering

Eligibility Criteria for Biology Courses Excluding MBBS

Not every bio course after 12th asks for the same entry ticket. The rules are slightly different if you stay in India or apply abroad. Let’s break it down simply.

Eligibility in India

In India, most biology-based UG courses require the basics:

• You must have passed Class 12 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
  
• Minimum marks like usually 50–55%, but for top colleges like AIIMS, BHU, or IISc, it can go higher.
  
• Entrance exams may apply:
  
  • NEET for Nursing, Veterinary, and some Allied Health courses.
    
  • CUET/State CET for B.Sc. programs.
    
  • College-level tests for private universities.

Eligibility Abroad

If you plan to skip the local grind and study overseas, the checklist looks different:

• Must complete 12 years of formal education with Biology in high school.
  
• Minimum score: 70–80% in Class 12, depending on the country/university.
  
• English proficiency tests are a must. IELTS (6.0–7.0 bands), TOEFL (80–100 iBT), or PTE.
  
• Extra add-ons:
  
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
    
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
    
  • Some unis may ask for SAT/ACT (esp. USA).

Top Colleges Offering Biology Courses Without MBBS

After finishing school, one of the hardest things is deciding where to study. The college you pick matters because it decides the course quality, placements, and how much you’ll spend. Let’s break this into two clear parts: India and Abroad.

Top Colleges & Institutes in India

India has some of the best government and private colleges for biology courses apart from MBBS. They offer a mix of affordable fees, good labs, and strong placements.

College / University	Courses Offered (Biology Stream)	Average Fees (per year)	Location	Duration
University of Delhi (DU)	B.Sc. Zoology, B.Sc. Botany, B.Sc. Microbiology	INR 20,000 – 40,000	New Delhi	3 years
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	B.Sc. Biology, B.Sc. Biochemistry, B.Sc. Biotechnology	INR 15,000 – 35,000	Varanasi	3 years
St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai	B.Sc. Life Sciences, B.Sc. Biochemistry	INR 60,000 – 1,00,000	Mumbai	3 years
Christ University, Bangalore	B.Sc. Biotechnology, B.Sc. Microbiology	INR 75,000 – 1,50,000	Bangalore	3 years
Loyola College, Chennai	B.Sc. Plant Biology, B.Sc. Zoology	INR 40,000 – 80,000	Chennai	3 years

Top Universities Abroad

If you want global exposure, then studying abroad is a good choice. Many universities abroad provide flexible biology courses with modern labs, research facilities, and better placements.

University	Courses Offered	Average Fees (per year)	Location	Duration
Harvard University	B.Sc. Biology, B.Sc. Molecular & Cellular Biology	USD 50,000 – 55,000	USA (Massachusetts)	4 years
University of Toronto	B.Sc. Biological Sciences, B.Sc. Human Biology	CAD 35,000 – 45,000	Canada (Toronto)	4 years
University of Melbourne	B.Sc. Biology, B.Sc. Genetics	AUD 35,000 – 42,000	Australia (Melbourne)	3 years
University of Oxford	B.A. Biological Sciences	GBP 35,000 – 38,000	UK (Oxford)	3 years
National University of Singapore	B.Sc. Life Sciences, B.Sc. Biomedical Sciences	SGD 30,000 – 35,000	Singapore	4 years

Career Options & Salary Prospects in India and Abroad

Biology courses without MBBS lead to some of the most respected and high-paying careers in science. While salaries in India are steadily growing, opportunities abroad often provide higher packages and more advanced research exposure. Here is a comparison of some of the top career paths.

High Paying Job Role	Avg. Salary in India (INR/year)	Avg. Salary Abroad (USD/year)	Common Work Areas
Biotechnologist	INR 4 – 6 Lakhs	USD 70,000 – 85,000	Pharma, Agriculture, Food Tech, R&D Labs
Microbiologist	INR 3 – 5 Lakhs	USD 60,000 – 75,000	Food Industry, Clinical Labs, Biotech Firms
Biomedical Scientist	INR 4 – 7 Lakhs	USD 65,000 – 90,000	Hospitals, Healthcare Labs, Genetic Testing
Environmental Biologist	INR 3 – 5 Lakhs	USD 55,000 – 70,000	Govt. Agencies, NGOs, Climate Research
Zoologist / Botanist	INR 3 – 4.5 Lakhs	USD 50,000 – 70,000	Wildlife Conservation, Research Centers, Museums

Top Recruiters in India and Abroad

The career scope of biology is huge, but landing a good recruiter makes all the difference. In India, top biotechnology firms, pharma giants, and research institutes hire fresh graduates. Abroad, global healthcare companies, biotech startups, and universities lead in recruitment. Let’s take a look.

Sector	Top Recruiters in India	Top Recruiters Abroad
Biotechnology	Biocon, Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech	Genentech (USA), Amgen (USA), Novozymes (Denmark)
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare	Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories	Pfizer (USA), Johnson & Johnson (USA), Roche (Switzerland)
Research & Academia	Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), AIIMS	Harvard Medical School (USA), Oxford University (UK), Max Planck Institute (Germany)
Environmental & Wildlife	Wildlife Institute of India, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)	World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Smithsonian Institution (USA), Natural History Museum (UK)

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This was all about courses in Biology after 12th except MBBS in India and abroad. With the right course and skills, you can build a strong career in labs, pharma companies, environmental research, or even pursue higher studies in top universities worldwide. For more such helpful guides on courses, careers, and study abroad options, make sure to check out the Leverage Edu blog and stay updated.