Among the developing countries, India has recognised the importance of biotechnology. Policies are being framed by the Government of India for progressive growth in education, research and employment and to bring self-sufficiency to meet the ever-growing need of the biotechnology industry for skilled manpower. However, there are still impediments in the improvement of quality education due to inadequate infrastructure in most of higher learning educational and research institute in India. In spite of this, significant developments in education have resulted in development of opportunities for specialized jobs through skilled based education. This has accelerated the progress in the nascent field of biotechnology. The developments could lead to the establishment of large number of educational hubs offering graduate, post-graduate and doctoral education in various disciplines of life sciences and biotechnology. Human Resource Department (HRD) and other scientific ministries in India are supporting programmes and schemes for the promotion of science based specialized education to shape up the younger minds. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India is striving hard to promote research and education in life sciences and biotechnology in India. There has been a transformative change in capacity building and leadership development in research management through strategic approach. This article traces the evolution of biotech education in India focusing on diversifying issues concerning its growth and expansion, promotion of various schemes and programmes by DBT and associated nodal agencies. These aspects are well highlighted in the paper

Keywords: Research, education, skill development, schemes, mentorship, biotechnology, universities, post-doctoral, genetically modified (GM) crops