Bioinformatics deals with methods for storing, retrieving and analyzing biological data. Bioinformatics as a field of study is becoming increasingly important due to the interest of the pharmaceutical industry in genome sequencing projects, which comprise a key segment of the discipline. Bioinformatics uses computer software tools for database creation, data management, data warehousing, data mining and global communication network. For admission into Bioinformatics course, a postgraduate degree in Biotechnology, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, agriculture or Veterinary Sciences is required. Those with an MCA degree or Engineering degree can also apply. One needs to be either a biologist with a certain degree of computer knowledge edge or a computer professional with a serious interest in Biology. For increased career opportunities, possessing both skill-sets is a good idea though employers usually desire knowledge in computer applications. Some of the Institutes who offer advanced courses are:

1. Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
2. Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi, Mumbai, Kharagpur, Kanpur)
3. University of Pune, Pune
4. Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh
5. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
6. BHU, Varanasi
7. Bose Institute, Kolkata
8. Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad
9. Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
10. Bioinformatics Institute of India, Delhi
11. CCS University, Meerut
12. Pondicherry University, Pondicherry
13. Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, G-05, Tech Park Mall, ITPL, Whitefield Road, Bangalore – 560 066.

For M. Sc the requirement is B. Sc (Biology Group) and for PG Diploma, the eligibility is generally M. Sc in any branch of Biological Sciences (Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, MBBS, ME, MCA, MV Sc). Bioinformatics as a profession is coming into wave in various developed as well as developing countries. Persons trained in Bioinformatics are welcome especially in companies related to drug development, chemicals, hybrid plants, petroleum derivatives. Bioinformatics plays a key role in arising new research outputs. There are enormous prospects in RD Organizations, software companies and Govt. organizations. Bio Informatics industry requires experts from various fields like Micro Biology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Bio-Statistics, Maths, Graphics designing and Genomics etc.