M.Sc in Agriculture is a postgraduate degree designed for students who wish to advance their knowledge in various aspects of agriculture, including agronomy, horticulture, soil science, plant breeding, and agricultural biotechnology.
The course focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity through scientific research and technological advancements.
M.Sc in Agriculture is a rewarding course for students interested in advancing their knowledge in agricultural sciences.
With growing demand in the agricultural sector, this course offers excellent career opportunities in research, government organizations, and private industries.
Age Limit
Generally, there is no specific age limit for pursuing an M.Sc in Agriculture. However, some universities may have an upper age limit for admission, typically around 30 to 35 years.
Eligibility
Candidates must have a B.Sc in Agriculture or a related field such as Horticulture, Forestry, or Agricultural Engineering.
A minimum aggregate of 50-60% in the undergraduate program (varies by university).
Some institutions may require a valid entrance exam score for admission.
Duration
The duration of an M.Sc in Agriculture course is two years, divided into four semesters.
Course Fees
The fees for an M.Sc in Agriculture program vary based on the institution:
Government Universities: INR 10,000 – 50,000 per year
Private Universities: INR 50,000 – 2,00,000 per year
Entrance Exams
Admission to M.Sc in Agriculture is often based on entrance exams conducted at national, state, or university levels. Some common entrance exams include:
ICAR AIEEA PG (Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Exam for Admission)
State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) Entrance Tests
CET (Common Entrance Test) of various states
University-specific exams like BHU PET, OUAT, PAU Entrance Exam, etc.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of M.Sc in Agriculture have diverse career options in both government and private sectors. Some popular job roles include:
Agricultural Scientist
Agronomist
Soil Scientist
Horticulturist
Plant Breeder
Food Technologist
Agriculture Officer
Research Associate
Placement
Many universities have dedicated placement cells that help students secure jobs in leading companies, research organizations, and government agencies. Top recruiters include:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
National Seed Corporation
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Fertilizer and pesticide companies
Agrochemical firms
Agricultural banks and rural development organizations
Salary
The salary after an M.Sc in Agriculture depends on the job role and organization. The average salaries are:
Entry-level: INR 3 – 6 LPA
Mid-level: INR 6 – 12 LPA
Senior-level (with experience): INR 12 – 20 LPA
Syllabus
The syllabus varies across universities but generally includes:
Agronomy
Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Horticulture
Agricultural Economics
Entomology
Agricultural Biotechnology
Irrigation and Water Management
Pest and Disease Management
Specializations
M.Sc in Agriculture offers various specializations, including:
Agronomy
Horticulture
Soil Science
Plant Pathology
Entomology
Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural Economics
Seed Science and Technology
After M.Sc in Agriculture
Graduates can opt for:
Ph.D. in Agriculture for research and academic careers
Government jobs through UPSC, ICAR, and state agricultural departments
Entrepreneurship in agribusiness, organic farming, or agro-based industries
Teaching positions in universities and colleges
Private sector opportunities in agrochemical, seed, and food processing industries
Popular Colleges and Universities
Some of the top institutions offering M.Sc in Agriculture in India include:
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Andhra Pradesh
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand
