How to Choose the Best Biological Science College for Higher Education in Tier 2 and 3 Indian Cities?

I completed my studies in three different colleges and two universities. Now, I get guest lectures, visit colleges and talk with students at our academy. What’s the most common problem students have? 

Students often feel cheated while choosing a college. Particularly, in Tier 2 and 3 cities of India, and… it is true to some extent. But we also need to understand the limitations of educational infrastructure. 

Challenges are everywhere and in every field. We are aware of this, so instead of glorifying the limitations, here is a guide based on students’ and my personal experience, to help you choose the best college for higher education, such as Master’s and PhD programs. 

Stay tuned

Related article: 50 Ways You Can Be a Geneticist Today.

How to Choose the Best Biological Science College in India

In this section, I am explaining some crucial points that no one talks about. This will strengthen your decision-making. 

Infrastructure, environment and ambiance: 

You have to spend at least 2 years at a college every day, 9 to 5. So the infrastructure, environment and ambiance should be welcoming and well-maintained. The campus should offer a sense of safety, happiness, and peace to support their well-being and learning.

There should be a garden, playground and library to enjoy the day, play, read and discuss. The campus should have enough books, journals and educational material to cover the syllabus, stay updated with the latest research and learn new things. 

The college should have a proper curriculum structure, weekly, monthly and yearly activities besides education, syllabus, or research. 

Having a bad space, a messy surroundings, a noisy and dirty environment and without additional activities and a proper, structured educational system, students can’t focus.  

Related article: 10 High-Paying Freelance Opportunities In Genetics [No Lab Work Needed].

Accreditation status: 

In India, NAAC – National Assessment and Accreditation Council is the standard for colleges and universities. NAAC assessment sees if the college or university has high educational, research and infrastructure standards. 

Check first for NAAC certification, if it is A, A++ or what? This will help you to know the quality of the college or institute. Check out the NAAC guide to know more. 

Research facilities: 

It’s important to know the research competency of an institute for a master’s or PhD, the reason… You can be a good scientist only if the research facilities are decent! Check if the college has well-established research facilities. 

Check for basic lab facilities, instrumentation, and state-of-the-art setups like PCR and sequencing. Biotech and genetic courses must have these two facilities (no compromise!)

Also, look for the faculty and their research potential and credentials. Faculty should have at least a doctorate. If you want to know more, look for the organization’s or department’s collaborations outside the university. 

This will help you know the research proficiency and the faculty’s competency in terms of research. 

Related article: My Genetics Degree Didn’t Teach Me This: 7 Skills I Had to Learn the Hard Way.

Achievements and awards: 

The most important thing you have to look for while choosing a college for biological sciences, such as biotechnology, genetics, microbiology or biochemistry, is the institutional achievements, publications and patents.

Check which departments have how many peer-reviewed publications, patents or other recognitions. You can ask directly or go to their website to know more. 

If you want to deep dive into the current status of the institute, check the latest work they have done.   

Placement  and other opportunities: 

Institutes highlight their achievements! Know if they provide placement opportunities in well-established and recognized institutes or companies. Ask them about their entrepreneur or business development cell. 

Such activities motivate students to pursue research that is business-focused and financially rewarding. Additionally, having placements at the end of the course provides a sense of future security and inspires them to study diligently.

Also, take a close look at whether they provide a research internship at other organizations or not! And if these are included in the fees and paid separately! 

Alumni network: 

Organizations are usually not interested in building and maintaining an alumni network. In the era of social media, every batch should be connected with the previous and the new batch. 

The reason, newbies can grab opportunities easily, while old and experienced alumni can get higher positions. Must consider whether a college’s alumni group is well-maintained and active. 

Related article: 10+ Career Options That Combine DNA Technology and Medicine.

Key takeaway: 

• Visit the institute before making a decision. 
• Ask any doubts you have. 
• Investigate thoroughly all the aspects of your course.  
• Know the institute’s policies, ethics and culture.
• Compare and review the fees 
• Review the add-ons (food, accommodation, etc).    

Wrapping up: 

I guess this much information is sufficient to choose the best institute or college for higher studies in biological science. Share this article; every student should know about this guide. 

This creates pressure on the university, college or institute’s management to improve their research and education facilities.