PhD in Horticulture Admission

PhD in Horticulture is a 3 year Horticulture program that involves doctoral-level studies in the science of cultivation of fruits, vegetables, crops, plants etc. After the completion of this three-year program students are awarded a title of PHD. 

For applying under this course postgraduates have to clear the course of Horticulture or hold an M.Phil. A degree is considered eligible. This course comprises exams, projects and a research thesis. 

The norms of the universities and colleges may vary as some may take an entrance test for the admission of PhD course followed by Direct Interview, and a Group discussion round, while others might carry on the process of admission based on the merit of an individual and post graduation or MPhil. Degree marks secured by the candidate.

PhD Horticulture: Highlights 

Following are the course highlights in relation to the program:

Level of Program

Research

Course level

Doctorate program

Duration

3 years

Examination Type

Semester

Eligibility

Post-graduation degree in Horticulture or an M.Phil. with aggregate marks of 50% and above. Entrance Examination.

Admission process

Merit List

Job Positions

Horticulturist, Researcher, Fruit & Vegetable Inspector, Horticulture Production Manager, etc

Why Study PhD Horticulture?

With the new age technology concern for environment conservation has also increased, studying this field will enable the graduates in contributing to safeguarding our natural habitats. 

Further, this course consists of numerous modules on biological composition, designing, physiological, genealogy of plants and crops. 

Due to the extensive nature of the syllabus the candidate will be equipped with fundamental skill which may enable him in making a remarkable contribution to his work. 

Further, the industry which revolves around designing home interiors is also booming. They do need plant products for decorating their decorations. Thus the demand of this profession is only increasing.

What is the PhD Horticulture Admission Process? 

A candidate can gain admission in this course through two methods, firstly, the colleges may conduct their own entrance exams for suitable candidates, on the other hand they may fill their seats on the basis of merit. There may be additional stages also, for instance some colleges may require the candidate to give a personal interview or engage in prolonged group deliberation.

Step 1: The student should mark up the colleges which he would like to get into, and then afterward enquire about their method of admission, and prepare for the same.

Step 2: For optimum result, the candidate is advised to solidify the scheme of respective questionnaires and solutions in his knowledge pool. For clearing the interview and group discussion the individuals should take mock tests of the respective methods.

Step 3: Finally, after clearing the exams the candidate would enter the counseling stage where he will have a chance to opt for his preferred colleges based on the selection criterion. 

What is the PhD Horticulture Eligibility Criteria?

We have listed down the eligibility criteria for availing the option of PhD in Horticulture in one’s near future:

A candidate who has passed his/ her postgraduate degree in Horticulture or has qualified an M.Phil. Degree or passed any equivalent examination with an aggregate marks of 50% and above is considered eligible for admission of this 2 year program.

Applicants will be asked to take part in an entrance exam followed by a group discussion round and a personal interview round, passing which an individual qualifies for a seat in any reputed college/ university.

Top PhD Horticulture Entrance Exams

• CSIR UGC NET (June Session)
• UGC NET (July Session)
• ICAR AICE JRF/SRF 

How to Prepare for a PhD Horticulture Entrance Exam

These following steps can be used as guiding stones for your entrance exam preparation for the given course.

Step 1: Most importantly, the candidate shall first mark up his calendar with dates of the examinations that he would like to give, further he shall collect the essential information in regard to those exams, like their admission forms, syllabus and eligibility criteria.

Step 2: The student in his initial days of preparation is advised to gauge the syllabus in depth, so he is able to determine what he actually needs to study for the examinations. This will further aid him in purchasing books which may complement his studies,

Step 3: After gaining enough understanding of what is required to be studied, the candidate then can look up various resources. Previous year’s exam papers would be a good place to start with, this will aid the candidate in understanding the structure of the paper – which topic is asked frequently, what is the pattern and related marking scheme. These papers can also be used as a guiding stone for buying books which may complement the student’s preparation. Based on their discretion they can also enroll themselves in a coaching institute which may further guide them for the same.

Step 4: After studying the whole syllabus or a major part of it the candidates are advised to give mock tests in order to test their knowledge, this will aid them in filling loopholes in their knowledge pool

Step 5: Few weeks before the examination the candidate shall immerse himself in revision in order to solidify the information that he has learned throughout his preparation.

PhD Horticulture Syllabus?

1. Biodiversity and conservation of crops
2. Advances in breeding of fruit crops
3. Advances in production of fruit crops
4. Advances in growth regulation of fruit crops
5. Biotic and abiotic stress management in Horticultural Crops
6. Genomics and bioinformatics in Horticulture
7. Systematics of fruit crops
8. Seminar I
9. Seminar II
10. Research

PhD Horticulture Job Profiles

• Horticulture Production Manager
• Horticulture Inspector
• Fruit & Vegetable Inspector
• Researcher
• Scientist
• Horticulture Manager
• Therapists
• District Horticulturist

PhD Horticulture Future Scope? 

The future scope in relation to this degree has been discussed below:

After undergoing this detailed work of research for 2 years, a student is acquainted with interconnecting the linkages between earth sciences and horticulture. 

Further it opens a wide area for career prospects that can take up the teaching profession and become professors in reputed universities and colleges. 

These PhD graduates also have work opportunities in areas of food chemistry, landscape construction and management, nurseries, greenhouses, and etc.