Agriculture

Agriculture courses cover a wide range of scientific and technical topics, including Plant Science, Horticulture, Dairy Technology, Food Science, Forestry, and Agricultural Technology. The primary difference is the focus of each of these fields. Agriculture courses are offered at various educational levels at universities and colleges, including bachelor's, certificate, diploma, master's, postgraduate certificate, and PG diploma, in addition to several kinds of PhD degrees. Agriculture course syllabus covers a wide range of technical and scientific topics such as Agricultural Technology, Food Science, Dairy Industry, Food Technology, Plant Science, Horticulture, and Forestry.

Some agricultural courses include Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, BSc Fisheries, BSc Agriculture, and Agricultural Engineer. 

• BSc Agriculture: A four-year course that covers agricultural science, farming techniques, equipment, and other related topics. The course also teaches students to effectively implement modern agricultural techniques and equipment in practical applications.
• Diploma in Agriculture: A two-year full-time course that teaches students about agriculture, livestock and crop management, agricultural extension, and agricultural chemistry.
• Diploma in Horticulture: A comprehensive course that equips students with technical and managerial skills.
• Agricultural Engineering: This program teaches students about the various ways to operate the electrical inputs required in agriculture.
• Diploma in Food Processing: A two-year course that involves both theoretical and practical training in food production.
• Diploma in Organic Farming: A course that focuses on the principles and practices of organic farming, which involves the use of natural and organic materials for soil fertility, pest and disease control, and crop management. 

Every year, India administers a number of agriculture entrance exams. Students can apply for exams such as ICAR AIEEA, GBPUAT, and CUET in order to be admitted to undergraduate programmes. Aside from these, websites such as Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer a plethora of online agriculture courses. Students can pursue agriculture courses after their 10th and 12th classes; these are usually offered as certificate and diploma programmes. Depending on the course and the organisation, Agriculture Certificate Programmes have different course duration ranging from a few hours to a few months or years.

Students can find well-paying positions in the public and private sectors with a bachelor's or master's degree in Agriculture. Candidates may be hired as Scientists conducting Agricultural Research, Agricultural Officers, Production Managers, Farm Managers, and so forth. Candidates who are interested in these fields can also choose careers in Teaching, Banking, Insurance, etc. Candidates with a degree in agriculture get a good chance of landing jobs in government agencies like the National Dairy Development Board, Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and Staff Selection Commission, as well as in the government sector at UPSC (Indian Forest Services), Staff Selection Commission, and IBPS Specialists Officer (AO). In India, average salary for graduates of agriculture courses ranges from INR 2 to 15 LPA.

Also Read: PG Diploma in Food Technology

Students can look up quick facts about the Agriculture degree programme. The following are some of the major highlights of the Agriculture course. 

Also Read: Diploma Courses in Agriculture After Class 10th

Here are the top agriculture courses available in India:

Also Read: Best Certificate Courses in India 

As highlighted above, there are several different types of agriculture courses and degree types that students can choose from if they wish to study an agriculture course. Being a broad subject including different study areas and specialisations, aspirants will have to determine the field of study they wish to create a career in, as well as the specialisations they plan to focus on too. However, here we will specifically focus on agricultural courses in India, rather than allied courses. Listed below are a few of the Agriculture courses that students can choose from in India.

• Certificate/Diploma Agriculture Courses: The first level of education available in the field of agriculture is certificate or diploma courses. Several universities across the nation offer a variety of certificates/diplomas in agriculture courses. It should be noted that the courses will be distinguished by the specialisation of agriculture offered by the institution. Such courses often take anywhere between 6-18 months to complete and earn the certificate/diploma.
• Bachelor Courses in Agriculture: The more full-fledged agricultural courses start from the bachelor level, primarily with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in a specific specialisation or branch of agriculture. BSc degrees often take up to 3 years to complete and are often the minimum requirement for an entry-level job in established agricultural organisations and companies.
• Masters Courses in Agriculture: Similar to bachelor's degree courses, universities and colleges across the nation and the globe offer a range of Master's courses in agriculture. Similar to UG courses, aspirants will also need to select a particular specialisation or branch of agriculture to pursue as their master's degree programme.
• PG Diploma/Certificate Courses in Agriculture: Similar to UG certificate and diploma courses, PG Diploma/Certificate courses also offer an entry point into the agricultural industry, but graduates of the course stand in between Bachelor degree holders and Masters degree holders in terms of qualifications and skills.
• Doctorate Courses in Agriculture: The final level of education available in Agriculture are doctorate programmes in agriculture wherein candidates actively participate in evaluating current agricultural practices and suggest or innovate new agricultural practices for the benefit of the industry and society at large.

To find out the different types of agricultural courses you can apply to, in India, check out the following information on the different types of agriculture courses available in the country. It should be noted that each degree programme will entail different eligibility criteria and entrance requirements. Therefore, candidates are advised to thoroughly study the admission processes and requirements for their desired courses.

When choosing to pursue agriculture as the field of study for your higher studies, it is crucial to determine the industry you wish to enter and the specialisation you wish to qualify for as this will help you determine your academic and career path significantly. Listed here are some of the different types of agriculture courses available to you across different levels of education, specialisations and branches of agriculture.

Certificate Courses

Here are some certificate courses popular among up-and-coming agriculture aspirants in India:

Diploma Courses in Agriculture

Check out the top diploma courses in agriculture that you can apply to this year:

Undegraduate Agriculture Courses

For those planning to pursue a full-fledged undergraduate agriculture course in India will be able to choose from one of the following options:

Postgraduate Agriculture Courses

Among the different two-year postgraduate agriculture courses available in India, the following are some of the more popular options available. 

Doctorate Courses in Agriculture

Listed here are some of the doctorate in agriculture courses students have opted for over the years.

In India, there are many different branches and specialisations of agriculture courses available. Some of the most well-known agricultural areas of specialisation in India are listed below:

The demand for Agriculture courses has been increasing for many years. Over the years it has increased a lot. It is one of the most popular courses after completing class 12 from science stream. The reason for choosing Agriculture courses is the enhanced growth and career opportunities after doing Agriculture courses. There are various benefits of doing an Agriculture course. The candidates can check the main benefits of choosing the Agriculture course mentioned below.

• Endless opportunities - The agricultural industry offers a diverse and interesting range of career opportunities with a vast array of quality employers. Although, there’s a misconception that the agricultural sector is just for people who want to run or work on a farm and that there’s little or no money there, the misconception is gradually changing. This means there are a huge number of opportunities further up – and down – the supply chain too.
• Agriculture is everywhere - Agriculture isn’t only limited to rural areas. Many job seekers assume agriculture careers entail working on farms with crops and animals. However, there are many job opportunities that don’t involve getting your hands dirty. For example, manufacturers, suppliers, and other agriculture companies occupy the cities.
• Growing industry - The agriculture industry is growing at an incredibly rapid pace and so does the demand for qualified candidates. The job market is booming, which presents a unique opportunity for college graduates to find work quickly, pursue different areas of expertise to discover the niche that best suits them, and ultimately, grow their careers much faster than they might in other industries.
• Technology - Technology is everywhere, even on farms and fields. Since advancements in technology are continuously evolving to improve productivity, more technology-savvy candidates are needed. If you’re interested in helping to feed the world and have an interest in technology, then agriculture is the perfect space for you to find a meaningful job that will allow you to help shape the future of the industry.
• Competitive salary - In the current agriculture job market, employers are struggling to find high-quality talent. The shortage in labor has forced employers to keep their salaries competitive in order to attract the highest quality candidates and retain their top employees. This means you’ll likely discover a significant difference in salary for an agriculture job compared to that of the same job in another industry.
• Job security - Agriculture isn’t going anywhere any time soon. And with the constant demand for qualified candidates across many areas of the industry, you can feel secure in knowing that you’ll always be able to find the next opportunity.

What differentiates horticulture courses from agriculture courses, and which should students pursue? Here are some things to consider before selecting a course, along with the reasons why one may be better suited to you than another.

Also Read: BSc Agriculture Salary

The eligibility criteria for agriculture courses may differ depending on the type of course chosen. The following is a list of eligibility requirements for various types:

Skills Required for Agriculture Courses

Only candidates with a genuine interest in agriculture should pursue this profession, as it is extremely demanding and only the best will survive. Agriculture courses require the following skills:

• Forward Planning
• Initiative
• Flexibility
• Good Communication
• Analytical Skills
• Commercial Awareness
• IT Skills
• Marketing & Sales Skills

The agriculture entrance exam 2024 is conducted by the respective authorities in charge for each state. And the exam focuses on admission of students who wish to pursue different agricultural courses like UG and PG courses of the field. There are different top agriculture entrance exams that candidates can try and they are as follows:

Agriculture courses in India require a specific set of skills and knowledge, so the application process may differ from other courses. The majority of Agriculture course colleges still select applicants via an entrance exam, which is followed by a group discussion or interview. The following are the admission procedures for Agriculture courses in India.

• Entrance-Based Admissions
• Merit-based admissions

Also Read: Maharashtra BSc Agriculture Admission 2024

The general steps to admission for Agriculture courses vary depending on the college, but they generally go like this:

Step1: Submit an online application for the agricultural course you want to take.

Step 2: In the event that admission is determined based solely on merit, pay the registration fee and any other expenses. Entry-level agriculture courses require applicants to take and pass an exam.

Step3: Depending on the process type, those who made the short list will be invited to proceed to the following round of interviews, group discussions, or counselling.

Step4: After finishing the previous steps, candidates must turn in all required documentation and fees to be admitted to the Agriculture course.

In addition, students can apply for admission in agriculture courses through the entrance exam organized at national, state and university level. Candidates can apply for this course after completing their 10+2 education. Some colleges also offer admissions on the basis of the merit list of the qualifying exam. Some agriculture entrance exams are ICAR AIEEA entrance exam, MHT CET, BCECE exam, CUET exam, etc.

The candidates will find out the different ways through which admissions are offered into different agricultural courses from the following table - 

Also Read: BSc Agriculture Admissions 2024 

Most colleges and universities base their admissions decisions on merit for agriculture courses. Based on their performance in a written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a pertinent qualifying exam, candidates will be accepted into the Agriculture course programme. In these situations, applicants are usually selected for further consideration based on both their academic standing and their performance on a prior relevant exam.

Depending on the candidate's chosen branch and course level, the Agriculture subject will vary. However, the following list of agriculture subjects is common of some of the popular agriculture courses in India:

The various colleges teach a wide range of agriculture-related subjects. The following table, which includes the syllabuses for various agricultural courses, is available for candidates to review.

The agricultural course fees vary depending on the agriculture course chosen by candidates. However, the course fee for agriculture courses ranges from INR 2000 to INR 3,00,000. Other factors affecting course fees include government and private institutions, facilities, locations, course types, and so on. 

The respective course fees for various agriculture courses are listed below:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

The best government colleges in India that provide agriculture courses are listed below. Among the best government universities are Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, and Aligarh Muslim University. Applicants can look into the following other prestigious Indian government universities that provide courses in agriculture:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

Among the best private universities are Amity University, Lovely Professional University, KL (Deemed to be University), and Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education. Applicants can look at these other prestigious private Indian universities that provide courses in agriculture:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

There are many prominent colleges that offer Agriculture courses for the aspiring students. The students who have successfully completed their class XII examination from a recognized board are eligible to apply for Agriculture admission to these colleges for UG, Diploma, Certificate, PG or for PhD programmes. The students can check the list of top Agriculture colleges in India mentioned below. The average annual Agriculture fees is also mentioned against these  Agriculture colleges for the knowledge of the students. 

Also Read: Top Colleges in DU Based on NIRF Ranking 2024

The students can decide the college for Agriculture course of their choice after checking the details and  Agriculture courses fee structure and apply to these colleges subsequently. 

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

There is a growing need for qualified agricultural experts as the field of agriculture advances over time. To communicate information about newly developed agricultural technologies and the evolving trends in crop variety, knowledgeable and skilled specialists are required in the field. This is crucial since most people in the agriculture industry lack the knowledge or credentials necessary to become knowledgeable about the newest innovations. In addition to the possibility of self-employment, the agricultural course offers career opportunities in a variety of industries. An agriculture degree opens up a person's world to many opportunities.

Agriculture has various scope these days and Agriculture students have ample of job opportunities after completing Agriculture courses. The following table gives various job options along with average annual salary available for students who completed Agriculture courses.

Bank Jobs After Agriculture Courses 

For graduates of agriculture, the banking and insurance industries also offer a wealth of profitable, well-paying opportunities. The most sought-after bank positions following an agriculture degree are listed below:

• Specialist officer (Agricultural Field Officer)
• Junior Agricultural Associate
• Field Officer
• Probationary Officer
• Rural Development Officer
• Agricultural Officer

Also Read: Government Job Scope for Agriculture Course Graduates

UPSC- IFS (Indian Forest Services) 

This industry is often ignored by UPSC candidates. Following their passing one of the most prestigious UPSC exams, it is one of the best jobs available to BSc Agriculture graduates with a degree in agriculture or related fields. Deputy Forest Inspectors, Assistant Inspectors, Officers, and other positions are filled by candidates who pass the written tests and the interview. A profitable and distinguished career path, UPSC IFS offers competitive pay set by the seventh central pay commission.

Food Corporation of India (FCI) 

Graduates with a BSc in Agriculture are eligible to work at the esteemed Food Corporation of India. You can register for the FCI online exam for either non-technical or technical roles. The majority of available profiles include Assistant Officers, Technical Managers, and Technical Officers. It's a great company that gives its workers good wages.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) 

ICAR, which is a division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (GoI), is a great place for people who wish to work in agriculture to pursue a career. You can pursue a job profile related to research and development while employed at ICAR. Technologists, Senior Research Fellows (Agriculture), Junior Research Fellows, etc. are typical job profiles offered by ICAR. For students pursuing a BSc in Agriculture, it may be a very wise career choice. 

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) 

Renowned financial organisation NABARD hires a number of agricultural specialists each year to contribute to India's rural and agricultural development. This is one of the best companies for BSc agriculture graduates to work as an assistant officer, office attendant, agricultural officer, etc. if they want to work in banking. 

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

With its main office located in Anand, Gujarat, NDDB strives to support farmer cooperatives and turn dairy farming into a lucrative enterprise for rural Indian milk producers. For dairy farmers, the NDDB implements a range of income-generating activities that set the stage for their sustainable way of life. Graduates in agriculture are appointed by the NDDB to a range of positions, including farm coordinators, managers, and deputy managers. On the NDDB website, candidates can view the open positions and submit an online application.

Top Agriculture Courses Recruiters 

In the coming years, there will likely be a significant demand for agriculture courses due to the growing need for food and the importance of sustainable agriculture. Graduates with a degree in agriculture have a wide range of opportunities to work in a variety of fields and businesses, which will allow them to expand their knowledge and expertise and learn new things. A few of the best recruiters for graduates in Agricultural Science are as follows:

• Agrotech Food
• ITC Limited
• Research labs
• Government institutes

Also Read: BSc Agriculture Salary 

After Agriculture Course Salary 

Both the public and private sectors of the economy are full of jobs. After completing a course in agriculture, you would typically need to pass competitive exams in order to be considered for government jobs. On the other hand, you can also find many positions in the private sector that don't require exams to apply for. Your employment type, organisation, location, and job profile all affect how much you make as a fresh graduate with a degree in agriculture. Agronomists earn INR 18,094 per month on average, while agribusiness managers make an average of INR 27,386, each month. Professionals in the agriculture sector earn considerably more money as their experience grows.

Following an agricultural degree, the following are the primary governmental and private jobs along with the corresponding salaries:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.