The National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2021-2025) has emphasized that biotechnology will emerge as a key driver of a knowledge-based economy. According to the Indian Bioeconomy Report of 2024 , India’s bioeconomy was valued at USD 151 billion, while the cumulative total of start-ups reached 8,531. It is projected that the Indian bioeconomy will be worth USD 300 billion, reflecting a CAGR of 12.3%. The share of the bioeconomy in total GDP currently stands at 4.25% and is projected to be a key contributor to the economy. In addition to economic aspects biotechnology, through its contributions to the biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial sectors, has emerged as an indispensable and strategic enabler in the quest for national self-reliance (Atma-nirbhartA), environmental sustainability and the attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) detailed by the United Nations . In 2024, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has recognized the potential of biomanufacturing for economic growth, employment generation and environmental protection in its national BioE3 policy . One of the pillars of the BioE3 policy is ‘nurturing a cohort of highly skilled workforce.’

The very first of the key strategies listed by the National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2021-2025) document for developing the bioeconomy is “building capacities – a skilled workforce and strengthened state-of-the-art infrastructure .” Given the collective expertise of both TERI SAS and TERI in biotechnology and sustainability studies, TERI SAS is uniquely poised to contribute to inter-disciplinary capacity building in both fields as well as to National Missions of critical sectoral and inter-sectoral importance such as:

1. POSHAN Abhiyan (Development of biofortified and protein rich wheat)
2. National Action Plan on Anti-microbial Resistance
3. IndCEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations – a mission to develop affordable vaccines against emerging infectious diseases)
4. National Biopharma Mission
5. Clean Energy Mission
6. Swacch Bharat
7. Svasth Bharat
8. GARBH-Ini (A mission to promote maternal and child health, and develop prediction tools for pre-term birth)
9. National program on nanoscience and technology (formerly Nano Mission)
10. Atmanirbhar Bharat (National self-reliance)

TERI SAS aims to create a skilled cadre of biotechnology professionals, while maintaining quality parameters at par with current requirements in academia, industry and allied professions. The proposed program leading to an integrated Masters’s degree aims to provide students with an understanding of advanced concepts and techniques in biotechnology, while promoting inter-disciplinary and holistic skill development and learning that contributes to the attainment of SDGs.

Overall guiding principles of the proposed integrated program based on NEP 2020

Removal of disciplinary barriers to entry, while maintaining the rigor of disciplinary requirements.

Provision of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students by integrating minors in other fields of study available at TERI SAS.

Emphasis on inclusive, barrier-free entry options at all levels to provide credit- and/or degree-earning opportunities not only for regular students but also for members of the general public who aspire to be lifelong learners.
 

Salient Features of FYIPP Program

1. Open to all students who have passed Senior Secondary School (10 + 2) Certificate (or equivalent) in science.
2. Multiple exit options with skill enhancement-based training as prescribed by UGC.
3. Multiple entry options provided as follows:
- A. May enter in any semester, starting with semester 2, with no disciplinary barriers, after certification of eligibility by the Departmental Program Executive Committee.
- B. Entry contingent on having completed one (or more, as applicable) entire semester(s) in a bachelor's degree program, provided the said program follows the UGC-prescribed structure and distribution of courses. (Incidentally, this facilitates re-entry for dropouts).
- C. Conferment of degree is contingent on completing the required credits in terms of Major, elective, and other types of courses as prescribed by the UGC. Therefore, students utilizing lateral entry will be given the opportunity to stay back and complete credit requirements for earning their degree/diploma/certificate by choosing appropriate courses, if required.
- D. Students can re-enter within three years to complete the degree program. The total duration for completing the FYIPP programme shall not exceed 7 years.

6. The FYIPP in Biotechnology will award a M.Sc. (Hons.) in Biotechnology.

Eligibility

Senior Secondary School (10 + 2) Certificate (or equivalent) in science from a recognized Board of Education with at least 50% marks in aggregate (best of 3 subjects + English).

Admission will be based on aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, followed by interaction/counselling.

CUET-UG score/NEET score/JEE mains scores of 2023, 2024 and 2025 are accepted.