Biotech Industrial Training Programme (BITP)

Biotech Industrial Training Programme (BITP)

Policy Update
Ritu Mishra

Background

The Biotechnology Industrial Training Programme (BITP), launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in 1993-94, is a structured, six months industrial training initiative for recent graduates in biotechnology (B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc/ M.Tech, MBA). Administered by DBT-HRD Project Management Unit at RCB Faridabad and executed by Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) 

It integrates the Skill Vigyan Framework and partners with the Life Science Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC) designed to bridge the academic industry skill gap, promoting employability. Annually, up to 800 students (including 100 from the North Eastern Region) are selected based on academic performance and national level testing. BITP provides a ₹10,000/month stipend with additional support from hosting companies and a bench fee (~₹23,350/candidate) to cover training expenses.

Functioning 

Eligible biotechnology graduates apply online and are selected through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and interview process. Final candidates are mapped in biotech firms for six-month full-time apprenticeships, where they are assigned to departments like R&D, QA/QC, regulatory affairs and diagnostics under the supervision of industry mentors.

Skill Development and Hands-on Learning

Trainees gain practical exposure to industrial protocols, including cell culture, molecular techniques (PCR, ELISA, electrophoresis),bioinformatics, equipment handling, and documentation practices aligned with GMP and quality standards. They work on live projects and contribute to operational workflows. Upon completion, trainees receive an industry-recognized certificate, often aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), enhancing their job readiness.

Performance 

  1. Over the last 3 yrs BITP has trained approximately 8,500-9,000 candidates, with a placement rate of 58-63%. For instance, in FY 2022-23, around 3,500 trainees were selected, and about 2,200 were placed in biotech industries across India.
  2. State-wise Variations in Outcomes

High-performing states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh achieved placement rates above 75%, whereas states such as Telangana and Gujarat reported lower performance (45-50%), indicating disparities in awareness, industry presence, or institutional support.

  1. Steady Government Funding Support

The programme has received stable allocations ₹22 crore in FY 2021-22 and ₹25 crore in FY 2022-24. A significant portion is directed toward bench fees for host companies and program implementation costs.

Impact 

  • Enhanced Employability through Practical Training Studies from Indian industries (e.g., BIBCOL) show that systematic industrial training significantly improves student performance. 
  • Bridging Academia & Industry Gap, two decades of PG biotech studies reveal that prior to BITP, only around 12–17% of biotech graduates entered the industry versus pursuing PhD. 
  • Startups and SMEs to assess and recruit potential hires without long-term commitment. Reports note that companies frequently convert high-performing trainees into full-time employees.
  • Strengthened Regional Equity and Inclusive Growth, it focus on the North Eastern Region through reserved slots and official schemes has broadened educational access and professional opportunities for students from traditionally underserved states.

Emerging Issues and Suggestions 

  • Low Awareness and Uneven Access
    Many students from Tier-2/3 colleges Suggestion: DBT and BCIL should expand outreach through regional webinars, college roadshows, and tie-ups with university placement cells. 
  • Trainees often expect research-intensive roles but are placed in manufacturing or documentation units, causing dissatisfaction.
    Suggestion: Companies should share detailed training profiles in advance.
  • Occasional delays in stipend and company reimbursements impact both trainee morale and company participation.
    Suggestion: A dedicated online portal for real-time payment tracking and grievance redressal should be established by DBT. 
  • Lack of Modern Skill Exposure and Post-Training Monitoring, emerging biotech areas like AI, bioinformatics, and genomics remain underrepresented. 
    Suggestion: DBT should partner with startups in advanced domains and update training modules annually.

Way Forward

The DBT, Biotechnology Industrial Training Programme (BITP) has effectively bridged the academia-industry gap by enhancing biotech graduates’ employability through hands-on training. To maximize its impact and align with India’s $150 billion bioeconomy vision, the programme must evolve with emerging trends.

Going forward, BITP should expand its partnerships to include startups and R&D labs in advanced biotech domains like genomics, AI, and synthetic biology. Regular updates to the curriculum, integration of digital tracking systems, and alumni monitoring will boost efficiency and accountability.

Embedding soft skills, entrepreneurship modules, and innovation exposure can broaden career pathways. Strengthened coordination between DBT, BCIL, academia, and industry will ensure BITP continues to create future-ready biotech professionals for India’s innovation ecosystem.

References

About the Contributor: Ritu Mishra is a Research Intern at IMPRI and recently Graduated in Botany (Honours) from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi 

Acknowledgment: The author extends her sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team and Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for her invaluable guidance throughout the process.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

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