MSc Agriculture Admission Criteria
The admission requirements for Master of Science in Agriculture programs vary among institutions, but most universities follow a similar process for reviewing applications. The following are some of the general requirements that most institutes have:
| Requirements |
Details |
| Educational Qualification |
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. |
| Minimum Marks |
Most universities require candidates to have a minimum aggregate of 50% or higher in their undergraduate degree. SC/ST/OBC candidates may be eligible with a minimum aggregate of 45%. |
| Entrance Exams |
Some universities or colleges may conduct an entrance exam for admission into the MSc Agriculture program. Common entrance exams include university-level and state-level entrance exams. |
| Merit-Based |
Some universities or colleges offer admission based on merit, where candidates are selected based on their scores or grades obtained in a degree programme. |
| Required Documents |
The following documents are required for admission: Bachelor’s degree certificate, transcripts of undergraduate grades, entrance exam scores (if applicable), passport photo, and letter of intent. |
| Application Process |
The application process varies by university but generally involves submitting an application form, required documents, and possibly attending an interview or passing an entrance exam. |
MSc Agriculture Entrance Exams
Students can get admission to an MSc in Agriculture in India through either entrance exams or their board exam performance. Entrance exams are typically conducted by universities or colleges and assess students' knowledge in biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and its applications. Below is a list of popular entrance exams for MSc Agriculture:
National Level Exams |
AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission).
|
State Level Exams |
MPUAT Entrance Exam (Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology Entrance Exam), TNAU PG Entrance Exam (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Postgraduate Entrance Exam).
|
University Level Exams |
GBPUAT Entrance Exam (G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Entrance Exam), SAU Entrance Exam (South Asian University Entrance Exam), JNU CEEB (Jawaharlal Nehru University Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology), BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test).
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MSc Agriculture Fee Structure
The course fee of a Master of Science in Agriculture in India varies widely, with an average annual course fee of rupees Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 3,00,000 per year. However, the actual course fee may be higher or lower depending on factors such as the type of institution, its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.
Courses after MSc Agriculture
Upon successful completion of a Master of Science in Agriculture, students may opt to pursue various popular courses such as MPhil, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy programmes to expand their studies. Finds some of the popular courses below:
Upon successful completion of a Master of Science in Agriculture, students may opt to pursue various popular courses such as MPhil, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy programmes to expand their studies. Finds some of the popular courses below:
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MPhil |
M.Phil. in Agricultural Economics, M.Phil. in Agricultural Extension, M.Phil. in Horticulture, M.Phil. in Plant Pathology.
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PHD |
Ph.D. in Agriculture, Ph.D. in Horticulture, Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Ph.D. in Agronomy, Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension, Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering.
|
MBA |
MBA in Agribusiness Management, MBA in Rural Management, MBA in Food and Agribusiness, MBA in Marketing, and MBA in Supply Chain Management.
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Career Opportunities after MSc Agriculture
A Master of Science in Agriculture offers many public and private sector job possibilities. The salary ranges provided are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications. Some common private and public sector jobs for people who finish this programme are:
Public Sector Opportunities:
- Agricultural Officer: Responsible for working in government departments and provide technical assistance to farmers, promote agricultural schemes, and ensure the implementation of agricultural policies. The salary for an agricultural officer can range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
- Research Officer: Responsible for conducting research, analyse data, publishing findings, and contributing to scientific creations in the field. The salary for a Research Officer can range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
- Extension Officer: Responsible for working with agricultural extension services to disseminate agricultural knowledge, organise training programmes for farmers, and facilitate technology adoption at the grassroots level. The salary for an extension officer can range from INR 4–7 lakhs per annum.
- District Horticulture Officer: Responsible for overseeing horticultural activities in a particular district, providing technical guidance to farmers, and promoting horticulture-related schemes and programmes. The salary for a district horticulture officer can range from INR 5–9 lakhs per annum.
- Seed Certification Officer: Responsible for ensuring the quality and purity of seeds produced and marketed. They inspect seed production fields, verify compliance with seed certification standards, and issue certificates. The salary for Seed certification officers can range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
- Plant Protection Officer: Responsible for developing pest management strategies, conduct surveys, and provide guidance on crop protection measures. The salary for plant protection officer can range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
- Agricultural Development Officer: Responsible for formulating and implementing agricultural development programmes, coordinate with various stakeholders, and work towards sustainable agricultural growth in a region. The salary for agricultural development officers can range from INR 5–9 lakhs per annum.
- Farm Manager: Responsible for conducting the operations and management of government-owned farms, agricultural research stations, and demonstration farms. The salary for Farm managers range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
- Soil Conservation Officer: Responsible for conserving soil and water, promote sustainable land administration practises, and give specialised support for soil conservation measures. The salary for soil conservation officers can range from INR 4–7 lakhs per annum.
- Rural Development Officer: Responsible for coordinating rural development programmes, facilitate livelihood enhancement, and implement schemes for the welfare of rural communities. The salary for rural development officers can range from INR 5–9 lakhs per annum.
Private Sector Opportunities:
- Agronomist: Responsible for studying crop production techniques, evaluating soil conditions, and provide recommendations for improving yield and sustainability. The salary for an agronomist can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum.
- Plant Breeder: Responsible for developing new plant varieties with improved characteristics such as higher yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value. The Salary for Plant breeders can range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
- Crop Consultant: Responsible for giving advice to farmers on crop selection, pest management, and best agricultural practices. The salary for a corp consultant can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum.
- Research Scientist: Responsible for conducting research on agricultural innovations, develop new technologies, and contribute to advancements in the field. The salary for research scientists can range from INR 4–10 lakhs per annum.
- Market Analyst: Responsible for understanding the market trends, analyse agricultural commodities and providing insights on pricing, demand-supply dynamics, and market forecasts. The salary for market analysts can range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
- Agribusiness Manager: Responsible for handling colourful aspects of agrarian businesses, including planning, operations, marketing, and force chain operations. The salary for agribusiness managers can range from INR 5–10 lakhs per annum.
- Quality Control Manager: Responsible for ensuring adherence to quality standards in agricultural production processes, conduct inspections and implement quality control measures. The salary for quality control manager can range from INR 4–8 lakhs per annum.
MSc Agriculture Scope, Salary & Employers
A Master of Science in Agriculture has various opportunities in the future. Graduates may pursue careers in Teaching and Academia, Government Sector, Agribusiness and Management, Research and Development, and others.
The average salary for a fresher with a Master of Science in Agriculture can vary depending on the employer, location, and specific role. However, the average salary for this degree is between Rs. 3,00,000 to 10,00,000 per annum.
Postgraduate students in Agriculture can secure placements in various esteemed companies such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Departments, Agricultural Universities, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), National Agricultural Research Institutes, ICAR Institutes, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
Required Skills for MSc Agriculture
Agriculture students need to have a solid knowledge base in their subjects, as well as the soft skills necessary to succeed in a professional environment. Here are some of the essential soft skills required for a MSc Agriculture student:
- Technical Skills Research.
- Analytical Skills Problem-solving.
- Adaptability Ethical.
- Professional Conduct.
- Communication Skills.
