M.Sc in Agriculture

M.Sc in Agriculture is a 2-year PG program that provides a foundation and scientific understanding of crop production through effective field management, including in-depth knowledge of weed science, and water & nutrient management.

Though the eligibility criteria to pursue an M.Sc in Agriculture vary from one university to another, the students must have a UG degree from a recognized college/university in subjects like Agriculture, Horticulture, or Forestry.

For admission in M.Sc in Agriculture, the students are required to clear an entrance test. Then the admission is done based on the marks obtained by the students in the entrance test. A few colleges grant admission based on academic information (marks obtained in graduation) and Personal Interviews.

What is M.Sc Agriculture?

Agriculture is one of the major sectors in the country which offers a good source of employment.

M.Sc in Agriculture provides in-depth knowledge of farming, agriculture, and the numerous aspects related to it.

M.Sc in Agriculture is one of the most sought-after programs and lays emphasis not only on agriculture and farming but also on agricultural machinery, biochemistry, plant biology, and plant management.

M.Sc in Agriculture offers specialization in various fields. Agronomy, Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Plant Pathology, Animal Husbandry, and Extension Education are some of these disciplines.

M.Sc in Agriculture Eligibility Criteria

M.Sc in Agriculture eligibility criteria are defined as a set of parameters that must be met by the students in order to be eligible for the admission process. The eligibility criteria for M.Sc in Agriculture is based on various factors such as previous academic scores, age limit, nationality, previous courses of study, and more. Candidates are advised to check the M.Sc in Agriculture eligibility criteria before applying since candidates who do not meet the requirements are directly disqualified from admission. Therefore, the following eligibility criteria should be fulfilled:

The students must complete their graduation in courses like Horticulture, Forestry, or Agriculture from a recognized university to purse M.Sc in Agriculture course.

The student must also have a minimum of 50% marks in their graduation. Relaxation of marks is given to the SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwD candidates in order to take admission in M.Sc in Agriculture.

In case of admission based on entrance exams, the candidate must clear the cut-off marks in order to be eligible for admission in M.Sc in Agriculture course.

M.Sc Agriculture Syllabus

M.Sc in Agriculture Semester I Syllabus

• Principles and Practices of Water Management
• Principles and Practices of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management
• Micro Economic Theory and Application
• Agrometeorology and Crop Weather Forecasting
• Plant Biochemistry
• Principles of Nematology
• Basic Plant Breeding

M.Sc in Agriculture Semester II Syllabus

• Plant Genetic Resources and Seed Technology
• Modern Concepts in Crop Production
• Dryland Farming and Watershed Management
• Agricultural Statistics
• Cropping Systems and Sustainable Agriculture
• Principles of Cytogenetic
• Principles of Quantitative Genetics

M.Sc in Agriculture Semester III Syllabus

• Agronomy of Major Cereals and Pulses
• Agronomy of Fodder And Forage Crops
• Cropping System And Sustainable Agriculture
• Irrigation Management
• Econometrics
• Basic Horticulture
• Toxicology of Insecticides
• Integrated Livestock Farming System
• Specialization-1

M.Sc in Agriculture Semester IV Syllabus

• Agro Marketing Basics
• Practical Training
• Advances in Crop Production
• Research Project
• Agrostology
• Internship

M.Sc in Agriculture Admission Process

The admission in the M.Sc in Agriculture program is done on the basis of marks secured in graduation and in the entrance test. However, some colleges provide admission solely on the basis of marks acquired in graduation.

The admission forms for various colleges are generally released in the month of May/June. However, the dates have been deferred for the current academic year due to the COVID-19 crisis.

M.Sc Agriculture Entrance Exams

1. AGRICET
2. ICAR AIEEA
3. MCAER PG CET
4. CUCET
5. PAU MET

Job Profiles After Completed M.Sc in Agriculture

1. Corporate Sales Manager
2. Research Scientist
3. Lecturer/Professor
4. Field Officer
5. Breeder
6. Agronomist
7. Farm Manager

M.Sc in Agriculture Future Scope

There is a huge scope for M.Sc in Agriculture and candidates have various options to pursue research or work in various fields related to agriculture. M.Sc in Agriculture graduates can choose to pursue an M.Phil degree programme which is quite popular among students. Other than this, candidates can also choose to pursue a doctoral degree and move towards research in agriculture. There are various colleges in India that offer admission to M.Sc in Agriculture students in M.Phil and Ph.D. courses. In addition to this, candidates can choose to work in the field of agriculture industry, dairy, academic institutions, fertilizer industries, agriculture products firms, and more.

Another thing worth mentioning is that some companies would offer you further promotion only if you have an M.Sc in Agriculture degree. If you choose to proceed with the government organization, you must know that several State Agricultural Departments present you with favorable opportunities. With the M.Sc in Agriculture degree, you can relish the positions of the Officer level. Several government banks offer jobs to the M.Sc in Agriculture degree holders to handle the loans and other primary deals regarding agriculture. Hence, you can try your luck there as well. The job scopes of an Msc do not limit here. If you are willing to pursue a career as a professor, your MSc degree can help you to achieve that too.    

The opportunities in private companies are pleasing too. After completing the M.Sc in Agriculture degree, you can easily join different renowned plantations in the managerial posts. Not only that, but the candidates can also enjoy the job at Fertilizer Manufacturers firms. You will be glad to know that lectureship in private organizations is also possible. Different private intuitions hire M.Sc in Agriculture degree holders for providing lectures. Thus, you will not face any trouble in searching for a decent job after securing the M.Sc in Agriculture degree.