Curious about your health or the wellbeing of your future children? A simple blood test could help manage any risks to your health or the newborn, perhaps even guide doctors in the best treatment. Genetic testing – a medical process that analyses changes in your genes for any variations that may indicate a disease risk, or show if you’re a carrier of a genetic trait that you could pass on – is gaining popularity and growing steadily in the country. It’s becoming affordable too, with basic tests available for as low as Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 and comprehensive genomic sequencing costing around Rs 12,000 to Rs 50,000, though prices vary significantly based on the provider, sequencing depth, and specific technologies used. This increased affordability is driven by technological advancements and the emergence of homegrown genomic firms offering tailored, localised tests.
Dr. Priya Kadam, Director of Reproductive Genomics, MedGenome, advancements over the past decade have made testing affordable and accessible
Some of the most common tests include prenatal and newborn testing, carrier screening, diagnostic testing, predictive testing, pharmacogenomics and forensic testing. A Grand View Horizon study estimates the genetic testing market in India generated a revenue of $427 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $1.7 billion by 2030. “Genetic screening tests, which fall under reproductive healthcare, are helping patients understand inherited mutations that their children may carry and provide guidance to plan their pregnancy and childcare better,” said Priya Kadam, director of reproductive genomics, MedGenome. “Awareness and adoption of these tests are steadily rising among clinicians as well as patients, especially among the urban population.”
According to Kadam, scientific and technological advancements in genomics over the past decade have driven affordability and accessibility for patients. “Awareness is also being bolstered through government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, expanding to Tier 2 and 3 cities, where the adoption is bound to grow in the coming years,” she added.
Gauri Agarwal, Founder, Seeds of Innocence- More people are now realising that knowing their genes can help prevent diseases
Some diseases run in families, like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or certain heart problems. Genetic testing can tell if you carry a gene that could pass these conditions to your children. Some genes increase your risk of developing certain diseases, like breast cancer or colon cancer. Knowing this early can help you take steps to prevent or detect problems sooner, said Gauri Agarwal, founder of Seeds of Innocence (a chain of IVF centres) and Genestrings (a genetic diagnostics laboratory).
During pregnancy, genetic testing can check if a baby might have a genetic disorder, like Down syndrome, before birth. Sometimes, doctors aren’t sure why someone has certain symptoms. Here again, genetic tests can give a clear answer by identifying a genetic cause. In some cases, knowing your genes can help doctors choose the best medicines or treatments.
Ramesh Hariharan, CEO, Strand Life Sciences- Preventive genetic testing will become as routine as blood tests for cardiac health today
Ramesh Hariharan, CEO at Strand Life Sciences said that genetic testing has rapidly evolved from a research-driven tool to a clinical mainstay across oncology, rare diseases, reproductive health, and preventive care. However, for this potential to be realised at scale – especially in a diverse and price-sensitive country like India – affordability and access must evolve alongside technology.
A spinoff from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Strand Life Sciences has been a catalyst in this shift. Consider its BRCA1/2 screening test for detecting mutations that are linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, most notably breast and ovarian cancer. At the time of its launch in 2014, the test cost between Rs 30,000-Rs ₹35,000, limiting its reach to select private hospitals and high-income patients. Today, due to advancements in sequencing, automation, and data interpretation, the same test is available for less than Rs 10,000. This price drop has enabled widespread adoption across multispecialty hospitals, regional labs, and even preventive health checkups.
Similarly, Strand’s Clinical Exome Sequencing (CES) service – which was introduced in 2014-15 at a cost of Rs 40,000-Rs 50,000 – now costs under Rs 10,000. “Today, it is routinely used by pediatricians, neurologists, and geneticists across India for diagnosing rare genetic disorders,” said Hariharan.
“More people are realising that understanding their genes can help prevent diseases, plan for a healthy pregnancy, and guide personalised treatments,” said Agarwal. In her opinion, the market is expanding rapidly because hospitals, fertility clinics, and diagnostic centres are now offering a wider range of genetic tests. Companies are also creating easier and more affordable ways for people to access these tests, sometimes even at home.
“At Apollo One, we offer preventive genetic screening packages which provide insights into an individual’s predisposition to disease so that he/she can take the necessary preemptive steps,” said Bhaskar S, internal medicine specialist, Apollo One, Bangalore. “It can help an individual understand their risk for diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other conditions.”
Technology has advanced genetic testing by making it more accurate and impactful. Hospitals and labs are using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for fertility treatments, cancer risk assessments, and diagnosing rare genetic conditions. AI-assisted analysis is helping doctors identify high-risk patients early, improving outcomes. Machine learning techniques are being increasingly employed to analyse genomic data, which is essential for early diagnosis and targeted therapies. “These technologies are making genetic testing faster, more precise, and more affordable, helping people in both big cities and smaller towns,” Agarwal summarised.
