Bachelor of Science in Agriculture is one of the most popular specialisations of B.Sc. since India has been largely dependent on agriculture for its economy in the past. It is a 4-years programme and offers varied subjects related to different types of agricultural practices and their benefits. Students who seek careers in agriculture practices, agribusiness and agricultural research will find this course very beneficial. The programme comprises various subjects related to different types of farming practices in order to increase productivity and reduce soil erosion and soil pollution. B.Sc. in Agriculture enables the graduates to work in different departments of agriculture ranging from technical aspects to business prospects and from production to sales.
BSc Agriculture Course Details
Full Form: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Course Duration: 4 Years
Eligibility: 50% marks in class 12 in Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) stream from a recognized educational board
BSc Agriculture Colleges: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, NG Ranga Agricultural University etc
BSc Agriculture Fees: INR 2-3 Lakhs
BSc Agriculture Salary: INR 4 LPA to INR 6 LPA
BSc Agriculture Jobs: Agriculture Officer, Assistant Plantation Manager, Agricultural Research Scientist, Agriculture Development Officers, Agriculture Technician, Agriculturists, Business Development Executive, Marketing Executive, etc.
B.Sc – Agriculture Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for B.Sc agriculture admission in Indian institutes/universities are mentioned below in pointers –
- Applicants should have completed their class XIIth studies from a recognised Board
- Applicants should have compulsorily studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the qualifying exam level
- Applicants should have at least cleared their respective qualifying exams with 50% aggregate minimum
- Applicants who have studied Mathematics at the qualifying level can also apply provided they have also studied Biology along with the other science stream subjects
- Applicants should not be less than 18 years of age to be eligible for B.Sc agriculture admission
B.Sc Agriculture Admission Process
There are two ways of getting admission into the B.Sc agriculture programme offered by various colleges/universities –
- Direct Admission – Aspirants should apply for admission via the application form released by the college/university before the last date and admission is done on the basis of the qualifying exam scores obtained by the eligible candidates.
- Entrance Based Admission – Aspirants have to apply for the entrance exams conducted for B.Sc agriculture admission by various reputed agriculture colleges/universities. After the entrance exam is conducted, some colleges/universities conduct an additional counselling round or personal interview round before the final allocation of seats.
B.Sc – Agriculture Career Options and Job Prospects
India is an agriculture-based economy and offers various opportunities to B.Sc Agriculture graduates. There are various private sector as well as government sector jobs available for graduates. With organisations like NABARD and ministry of agriculture, there is a lot of scope for lucrative jobs in the field of agricultural science. Skilled individuals are required by private firms that produce agricultural products in order to enhance their production techniques as well as business. With the requirement to come up with sustainable methods of agriculture, there is also a lot of scope for research after pursuing B.Sc. in agriculture. Following are some of the profiles that candidates can pursue after completing this course:
- Agriculture Officer
- Agricultural Research Scientist
- Marketing Executive
- Assistant Plantation Manager
- Agriculture Development Officers
- Agriculturists
- Agriculture Technician
- Business Development Executive
- Rice Breeder
- Junior Agriculture Specialist
- Seed Technologist
- Junior Associate – Research
Salary of a fresh graduate in this field can vary from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4.5 lakhs depending on the organisation that the individual plans to join. It has been observed that the Government of India pays better salary packages to candidates who have pursued B.Sc. in agriculture as compared to the private firms i.e. Rs. 3.5 lakh to Rs. 4.5 lakh. However, in order to get employment in the government departments, one has to clear the government entrance exams. To enhance the salary scope after pursuing B.Sc. in Agriculture, candidates can pursue MBA in Agribusiness management as this field has a lot of scope in India. Salaries after MBA can vary from Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh.
Few Top Private Colleges for BSc Agriculture affiliated to State Agriculture Universities (ICAR)
Chhatrapati Shivaji College of Agriculture, Kirlos, Sindhudurg Navnagar Vikas Pradhikaran, Sindhudurgnagari, Oros, Tal. Kudal Dist.Sindhudurg 416812
College of Agriculture, Achloli, Tal. Mahad Dist.Raigad
College of Agriculture, Akluj Tal.Malshiras, Dist.Solapur-413101
College of Agriculture, Alani (Gadpati) Tal. Dist. Osmanabad (Affiliated to VNMKV.
College of Agriculture, Amkheda Tal. Malegaon Dist.Washim (Affiliated to Dr.PDKV.
College of Agriculture, At Post. Darwha, Dist.Yavatma 445 202.
College of Agriculture, Babhulgaon, Tal. Yevla, Dist.Nashik
College of Agriculture, Bhanashiwra, Tal. Newasa Dist. Ahmednagar
College of Agriculture, Dondaicha, Tal. Sindkhed, Dist. Dhule 425 408
College of Agriculture, Ghargaon, Tal.Shrigonda Dist.Ahmednagar
College of Agriculture, Jalod Road, Near Railway Crossing, Amalner, Dist.Jalgaon 425 401.
College of Agriculture, Khandala, Tal. Vaijapur, Dist. Aurangabad 423 703
College of Agriculture, Konghara, Post. Pimpri, Tal. Kelapur Dist. Yavatmal
College of Agriculture, Mahajan Complex, Nanded Naka, Nanded Road, At.post &Tal.Udgir, Dist.Latur- 413517
College of Agriculture, Naigaon Bazar Tal.Naigaon Dist.Nanded 431 709
College of Agriculture, Pathri, Dist.Parbhni 431 503 (Affiliated to VNMKV,
College of Agriculture, Rangnath Maharaj Vishranti Math, Nava, Tal. Dist. Jalna
College of Agriculture, Risod, Dist. Washim 11271 (Affiliated to Dr.PDKV,
College of Agriculture, Saralgaon Tal.Murbad Dist.Thane 421 401