Introduction
The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, and at the intersection of medicine and technology lies biomedical engineering — a dynamic field focused on developing life-saving devices, improving medical diagnostics, and enhancing patient care. If you’ve always been fascinated by science, technology, and healthcare, a career in biomedical engineering can be both rewarding and impactful.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a biomedical engineer in India — from eligibility criteria and courses to top colleges, skills, job roles, and future prospects.
Who is a Biomedical Engineer?
A biomedical engineer designs and develops medical devices, diagnostic equipment, artificial organs, prosthetics, and healthcare software by applying principles of engineering, biology, and medicine. Their work bridges the gap between technological innovation and clinical application, making healthcare safer, more effective, and more accessible.
Examples of biomedical engineering innovations include:
- MRI and CT scanners
- Pacemakers and prosthetic limbs
- Robotic surgical systems
- Wearable health monitoring devices
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Biomedical Engineer in India
Here’s a complete roadmap from school to professional success:
1.Choose the Right Subjects in School (Class 11 & 12)
To pursue biomedical engineering, you must take the science stream with the following core subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology (optional but highly recommended)
A strong foundation in these subjects will help you excel in entrance exams and understand biomedical concepts later.
2. Appear for Entrance Exams After Class 12
After completing 10+2, you need to clear engineering entrance exams to get admission into a B.Tech/B.E. program in Biomedical Engineering.
Popular entrance exams:
- JEE Main & JEE Advanced – For admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and top engineering institutes
- State-Level Exams – WBJEE, MHT CET, KCET, AP EAPCET, etc.
- Private University Exams – BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, etc.
Tip: Aim for a good percentile in JEE Main or your state entrance test for better college options.
3. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering
The next step is to enroll in a 4-year B.Tech/B.E. in Biomedical Engineering program. This course covers engineering fundamentals, biological sciences, and medical technologies.
Core subjects include:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Biomedical Instrumentation
- Biomechanics
- Medical Imaging Systems
- Biomaterials
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% aggregate in 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology)
- Qualifying score in relevant entrance exam
4. Consider Specialization Through Higher Education (Optional)
After graduation, many students choose to pursue higher studies to deepen their expertise or enter research and development.
Options include:
- M.Tech/M.E. in Biomedical Engineering – 2 years
- MS or MSc abroad – For advanced research opportunities
- MBA in Healthcare Technology Management – For managerial roles
Specializations you can explore:
- Tissue Engineering
- Neural Engineering
- Medical Robotics
- Biomechanics
- Bioinformatics
5. Gain Practical Experience Through Internships
Hands-on experience is crucial in biomedical engineering. Internships allow you to:
- Work on real medical device development
- Understand regulatory standards and clinical requirements
- Build a strong portfolio for future job applications
Try to intern at:
- Hospitals and diagnostic centers
- Medical device companies
- Research labs and healthcare startups
6. Develop Essential Skills
Apart from academic knowledge, successful biomedical engineers possess these key skills:
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Programming knowledge (MATLAB, Python, C++)
- Knowledge of medical device regulations (like ISO, FDA)
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Understanding of clinical environments and patient needs
7. Explore Career Opportunities
Once you complete your degree, you can work in a wide range of sectors, such as:
- Medical Device Companies – Design and testing of devices
- Hospitals & Healthcare Providers – Maintenance and calibration of equipment
- Pharmaceutical Companies – R&D and medical product development
- Research Institutions – Innovation and scientific studies
- Government Organizations – Health technology assessment and regulation
Top Biomedical Engineering Colleges in India
Here are some of the best colleges offering B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering:
| College | Location | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | Mumbai | JEE Advanced |
| IIT Hyderabad | Hyderabad | JEE Advanced |
| NIT Raipur | Raipur | JEE Main |
| VIT Vellore | Tamil Nadu | VITEEE |
| SRM Institute of Science & Technology | Chennai | SRMJEEE |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | Manipal | MET |
| PSG College of Technology | Coimbatore | TNEA |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University | Pune | BVP CET |
Career Roles and Average Salaries
Here are some popular roles you can pursue after completing your biomedical engineering degree:
| Job Role | Description | Average Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Engineer | Designs and tests medical devices | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
| Clinical Engineer | Maintains hospital equipment | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
| Research Scientist | Works on R&D for healthcare solutions | ₹5 – ₹10 LPA |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | Ensures products meet legal standards | ₹4 – ₹8 LPA |
| Biomechanical Engineer | Develops prosthetics and implants | ₹5 – ₹9 LPA |
With experience, salaries can rise significantly — senior biomedical engineers and R&D specialists in top companies can earn ₹15–₹25 LPA or more.
Top Recruiters in India
- GE Healthcare
- Philips Healthcare
- Siemens Healthineers
- Medtronic
- BPL Medical Technologies
- TATA Elxsi
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- Apollo Hospitals
Future Scope of Biomedical Engineering in India
Biomedical engineering is among the fastest-growing engineering branches, thanks to advancements in AI, robotics, and personalized medicine. Emerging trends include:
- Wearable health tech and IoT-based devices
- AI-powered diagnostics
- Robotic surgery systems
- 3D-printed organs and prosthetics
- Biomedical nanotechnology
With the Indian healthcare sector projected to reach $500 billion by 2030, demand for skilled biomedical engineers will continue to rise.
How Career Plan B Supports Every Step
- Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
- Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
- Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
- Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
- Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
- Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
Q1. Is biomedical engineering a good career in India?
Yes, it’s a rapidly growing field with excellent career prospects in healthcare, R&D, and medical technology.
Q2. Can a PCB student become a biomedical engineer?
Yes, but most colleges require Mathematics in Class 12. Some private universities accept PCB students too.
Q3. What is the duration of a biomedical engineering course?
The B.Tech/B.E. course is typically 4 years.
Q4. Can I get a government job after biomedical engineering?
Yes, you can work in government hospitals, research labs, DRDO, ISRO, and public health departments.
Q5. What is the starting salary for biomedical engineers in India?
Freshers usually earn ₹3 – ₹6 LPA, and salaries increase with experience.
Conclusion
Biomedical engineering is a field where technology meets medicine and where innovation directly improves human lives. If you’re passionate about solving healthcare challenges, this career offers excellent growth, global opportunities, and the satisfaction of making a real difference.
Start early, focus on building strong technical and analytical skills, and pursue internships to gain practical exposure. With the right preparation, you can build a rewarding career as a biomedical engineer in India and contribute to the future of healthcare technology.
For expert career guidance, contact career plan b