M.Sc in Genetics and Plant Breeding

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding is a postgraduate Plant Pathology course. Agronomy, biochemistry, botany, forest and wildlife ecology, genetics, horticulture, plant pathology, and statistics are all included in the Master of Science degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding. Plant breeding is the study and application of genetics, agronomy, statistics, plant pathology, entomology, and other sciences to improve agricultural plants. The Master of Science program in Genetics and Plant Breeding lasts two years and is organized into four semesters and certain electives.

Why Study M.Sc in Genetics and Plant Breeding

Since plants are the primary source of human food, therefore it is important to conduct research and find ways to produce commercially in huge amounts. It is an important field of study that focuses on feeding a huge population.

There are various reasons due to which the crop dies. Therefore the plant breeders can develop plants that are resistant to diseases and insects and can tolerate certain temperature and soil conditions. 

The breeders can make it possible for the plant to grow in an area where they are not likely to grow. They can extend the areas of production of the crop species.

They can increase the yield of the crops and could be grown commercially even with the help of fewer resources. 

This is an area that is in huge demand and the job opportunities are huge since it is an important tool in promoting global food security.

Eligibility for M.Sc. Ag Plant Breeding & Genetics

The pupil must meet the following prerequisites to be considered for this course:

They must hold a bachelor's degree in BSc Agriculture, BSc Agriculture (Hons), BSc Biotechnology, or a related subject.

They must have a minimum of 60% in their bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

The ICAR AIEEA PG is used to admit students to state and central agriculture universities. Other private colleges have their own admissions tests. LPUNEST, SAAT, OUAT, SOETAP, and other examinations are among them.

Syllabus of M.Sc in Genetics and Plant Breeding

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Semester 1 Syllabus

• Mendelian Genetics
• Techniques in Cell Biology
• Cytology

M.Sc in Genetics And Plant Breeding Semester 2 Syllabus

• Molecular Genetics
• Cytogenetics
• Plant Breeding
• Plant Biochemistry

M.Sc in Genetics And Plant Breeding Semester 3 Syllabus

• Genetic Engineering
• Plant Biotechnology
• Environmental Genetics
• Modern Methods in Crop Breeding
• Elective Papers
• Biophysics
• Plant Tissue Culture
• Biotechnology
• Plant Cell Culture Technology

M.Sc in Genetics And Plant Breeding Semester 4 Syllabus

• Population Genetics
• Developmental Genetics
• Biosystematics
• Applied Palynology
• Transgenic Plants
• Phytochemicals

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Admission Process

Admission into this course is usually based on the student’s performance in a relevant entrance test. It includes the national and state-level entrance tests. Though the private institutes conduct their entrance test or choose candidates based on their previous academic scores.

Merit-Based Admissions

Various institutes refer to the bachelor’s level scores to select the students for this course. The candidates have to go through the following for this kind of admission:

They will have to go to the official website of the institute they want to apply to.

They can now register themselves and fill the online application form for admission, followed by paying the application fees.

The students will be evaluated based on their academic scores and a merit list of selected students will be released.

The shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling to finalize the course of their choice and for document verification.

Once the candidates pay the admission fees, they will be enrolled in the course.

Entrance-Based Admissions

Admission into this course is usually conducted through exams like ICAR or state-level exams. The candidates may have to follow the following processes:

The candidates will have to register themselves for the exams like ICAR or any of the state-level exams by filling the application form and paying the application fees.

They will have the download the admit card and appear for the exam.

The candidates will have to clear the minimum cut-off of the exam to get shortlisted. The merit list will be released with the names of candidates that are shortlisted.

The shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling, where they will be finalizing their preferred course and college.

They will be enrolled after document verification and submission of the admission fees.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding: Entrance Exam Dates

• CUET PG
• BITSAT
• NEST
• IIT JAM
• DUET
• TISS NET

Entrance Exam Preparation Tips

To prepare for any of the agricultural entrance exams, the candidates should keep the following points in mind:

They should be aware of the updated syllabus of the exam.

They should refer to the previous question papers to understand the pattern followed in the exam and the difficulty level.

They should prepare a timetable to cover all the topics of the syllabus in the time frame they have.

They should practice regularly and take mock tests to check the level of their preparation.

They should clear the basics of all the topics included in the syllabus.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Jobs & Placements

• Plant Breeders
• Geneticist
• Farm Manager
• Agronomist
• Research Associate
• Assistant Professor

M.Sc in Genetics and Plant Breeding Employment Areas

1. Agriculture Sector
2. Agriculture Ministry
3. Colleges & Universities
4. Nurseries
5. Plant Breeding Centres / Plantation Crop Farms

Top Recruiters

The MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding graduates are hired by the seed industry, plant breeding centers, nurseries, research laboratories, crop plantation facilities, crop research directories, agriculture ministries, genetic engineering firms, biotechnology companies, etc.

They can be hired as farm managers to oversee the activities on a farm and to supervise other employees.

They can find teaching and research positions available in SAUs and agriculture universities.

They can clear exams for seed testing and certification officer in government organizations.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Salary