BSc Agriculture

BSc Agriculture is a four-year undergraduate programme that teaches students about the elements of agriculture, agriculture-related problems and challenges, agriculture technology and innovation, and other allied sciences. The BSc agriculture full form is Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Those students who wish to advance their careers in the agricultural field should gain expertise through this course, including studying on-field agricultural technology, basic concepts in disease, and much more. 

For admissions to BSc agriculture, students must fulfil the eligibility requirements of passing the Class 12 Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with 50% aggregate marks in a recognised board. If you qualify for this eligibility test, you can get admission to the top BSc agriculture colleges in India on the basis of merit or entrance exam. The common BSc Agriculture entrance exams include ICAR AIEEA, CG PAT, MHT CET, CUET, Rajasthan JET, KCET, BCECE Agriculture, and many more. The BSc agriculture course fees range between INR 2,500 and INR 12,00,000. 

Subjects and syllabus of BSc agriculture include genomics, plant biotechnology, agricultural microbiology, agronomy, environmental sciences, etc. This course offers numerous job opportunities and roles like Agriculture Officer, Assistant Plantation Manager, Agricultural Research Scientist, Business Development Executive, Marketing Executive, and others. The average starting BSc Agriculture salary is INR 4.2 LPA

• AP AGRICET results will be released soon. The update about this release, a direct link to check the result, and other details will be provided at AP AGRICET Result 2024.
• Rajasthan JET's third allotment list has been released. More counselling updates and other news are available at Rajasthan JET 2024 Counselling.
• TS EAMCET is expected to be conducted in the second week of May 2025. The latest news and dates of this exam are available at TS EAMCET 2025.
• AP EAMCET official notification might be released in the second week of March 2025. For the latest news on this exam, check out AP EAMCET 2025.
• BCECE Agriculture counselling will be commencing shortly and the latest news for the same is available at BCECE BSc Agriculture 2024 Counselling.
• Since MP PAT counselling is about to begin soon, stay tuned to the latest news regarding it at MP PAT 2024 Counselling.
• UPCATET counselling is ongoing and information about the same is available at UPCATET Counselling 2024.

Some of the major highlights of the BSc Agriculture course are as follows -

After earning a BSc in Agriculture, students have a variety of career options. They might take an MSc course or a Masters in Agricultural Sciences course. There is also the readily accessible option of taking an MBA/PGDM course.

• The opportunities for government jobs is with the recruitment boards of IBPS, UPSC, FCI, etc. Students can take up competitive examinations for government jobs as they get qualified by way of completing their graduation.
• Many agricultural entrance exams also allow one to pursue a Master's in Agriculture, including but not limited to the ICAR PG, UPCATET, and CMAFFU.
• Once a year, entrance exams are held by colleges and universities to select prospective students for PG courses.
• In India, many colleges offer courses in agriculture. It is governed by ICAR. It includes a list of 65 organisations, 14 national research centres, 6 national bureaus, 13 directorates/project directorates, and 4 deemed universities.

The eligibility criteria for BSc Agriculture are as follows:

• The candidate should have completed their 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
• BSc Agriculture eligibility age is at least 17 years old, there is no upper age limit.
• Students should have a minimum score of 50% in their higher secondary school examination or any equivalent examination. 
• Students must qualify for the required BSc Agriculture entrance exam as some universities conduct their entrance examinations.

Each institute has its own unique admissions process. On the basis of merit and a personal interview, some colleges offer direct admission to BSc Agriculture programmes. In addition, some colleges admit interested students by holding entrance exams at the national, state, or university levels.

• For Direct Admission

To be taken into consideration for the admissions process, students must submit their college applications, whether online or offline, before the application deadline.

• For Admission Based on an Entrance Exam

The registration form for one of the numerous BSc Agriculture Entrance Examinations, such as the KCET or KEAM, which offers admission into colleges in Karnataka or Kerala, respectively, must be filled out by students. Following the various rounds of counselling sessions, which typically include Group Discussion and Personal Interviews, admission is granted based on performance on these exams.

How to Apply for BSc Agriculture?

Filling out the entrance exam admission form online or offline and attaching all required documentation, such as an Aadhaar card, a voter ID card, and a mark sheet from grades 10 and 12, is the first step in the BSc Agriculture admissions process. Details about the BSc Agriculture programme are available on the official websites of the respective universities that students have chosen.

BSc Agriculture Selection Process

Just after the results are released, the cut-off scores will be made public. Following that, those who made the cut-off will participate in online counselling for BSc Agriculture admission. Candidates must have options for the colleges they wish to apply to during online counselling.

The college admissions committee then selects applicants based on their grades. An allocation letter will be sent to everyone who was chosen. The candidate must show up. After that, those who meet the requirements are admitted to the BSc Agriculture programme.

Types of BSc Agriculture Courses

The course can be taken either full- or part-time by aspirants. Here are the various BSc agriculture course types in more detail:

Here is the list of the most popular entrance exams for agriculture after 12th for admission in India. Students can appear in these exams online to get BSc agriculture admission to various colleges around the country. 

For various colleges/universities, there are different requirements for BSc Agriculture candidates to sit for the entrance exam. Here is the general format for these tests.

• Exams can be taken in person or online
• Both objective and subjective questions are included
• Some of the physics, chemistry, and biology questions on the BSc in Agriculture entrance exams will be followed by questions on numerical aptitude, logical reasoning, verbal ability, reading comprehension, etc. The curriculum is decided by the college or the conducting body.
• There is typically a 120–180 minute time limit

The BSc Agriculture course curriculum is inclusive of class lessons, lab sessions, field trips, cattle training, practical training, etc. There are subjects such as Soil Microbiology, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Statistical Methods, Post Harvest Technology, etc. that are included in the BSc Agriculture syllabus. 

The entire BSc Agriculture course curriculum is divided into 4 years with each year having 2 semesters. The BSc agriculture syllabus semester wise breakup is mentioned below:

The BSc Agriculture course also offers a number of elective subjects that a student can choose in the 5th and 6th semesters. A list of these elective subjects is provided below:

• Agribusiness Management
• Commercial Plant Breeding
• Landscaping
• Protected Cultivation
• Agricultural Journalism
• Weed Management
• Hi-Tech Horticulture
• Agrochemicals
• Protected Cultivation
• Food Safety and Standards

BSc Agriculture Subjects

Here is a list of BSc agriculture subjects 1st year and subsequent years listed below:

Here is the list of BSc Agriculture best Colleges in India tabulated below along with their location and average annual fees. This list is curated on the basis of NIRF ranking 2024 (agriculture).

Top 10 Government BSc Agriculture Colleges in India

From ICAR to PAU Ludhiana, the following table shows the top 10 government agriculture university in India:

Top 10 Private BSc Agriculture Colleges In India

The BSc agriculture course top colleges in India private include LPU, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Bharath University, Amity University, and others tabulated below:

Required Skill Set for BSc Agriculture Course

The field of agriculture requires patience, someone who pays attention to small details, and has excellent observational skills. Only those with a genuine passion for agriculture should pursue this field, and because of its extremely demanding nature, only the best will survive. Some of the required technical skills for agriculture students are listed below:

• Forward Planning
• Initiative
• Flexibility
• Good communication
• Analytical skills
• Commercial awareness
• IT skills
• Marketing & Sales Skills

BSc Agriculture Vs Diploma in Agriculture

The BSc Agriculture course covers a wide range of topics, such as Agricultural Management and Principles, to name a few. The table below contrasts other courses with the BSc Agriculture course.

The following is a comparison of the BSc Agriculture vs Diploma in Agriculture in India:

If you’re interested in livestock management, disease control, water/soil conservation, and crop production, you can take agriculture and related programs in colleges around the world. Globally, many universities offer BSc Agriculture and related programs at various levels. With the world’s advancement in technology, BSc agriculture abroad has a modernised approach to teaching. A degree in Agriculture will educate students with knowledge that will help them improve, innovate and develop the field.

You can easily study BSc Agriculture abroad because this field is widely used in our society, several universities worldwide offer diverse programmes and degrees in agriculture. By studying BSc agriculture abroad, you will look from a different perspective towards agriculture, particularly if you study in a country that has a well-developed agriculture ecosystem.

To study BSc agriculture course abroad eligibility, the requirements may vary depending on your chosen country and university. The most common requirements are your high school diploma and English language proficiency test results. 

Best Countries to Study BSc Agriculture Abroad

1. United States
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. Singapore
5. Germany
6. Hong Kong
7. Netherlands

From the above list, you can surely choose countries like the United States, Australia, and Singapore because they are some of the best countries to consider if you want to study BSc agriculture. These are well-developed countries with established agricultural fields due to which you’ll surely get a strong background in agriculture.

Top BSc Agriculture colleges in the world are mentioned below along with their QS Rankings and BSc Agriculture fees:

Graduates from the programme can find employment in both the public and private sectors. Agriculture is becoming more and more important, which is leading to more job opportunities. In so many agricultural departments, extension services, research organisations, commercial farming, etc. There are numerous research projects and teaching assignments related to agriculture today. These professionals are paid an average annual salary of INR 4.2 LPA. It might be greater in the public sector.

Several government jobs after BSc agriculture open up, including the position of Government of India Agricultural Officer (Agronomist), which is among the most esteemed positions in the public sector. Other occupations related to the profile include:

• Agriculture Officer
• Assistant Plantation Manager
• Agricultural Research Scientist
• Business Development Executive
• Marketing Executive

Agriculture is regarded as the country’s backbone, therefore taking this degree will give you plenty of opportunities to conduct research and use current technologies for successful growth and higher crop yield. BSc Agriculture graduates can work in a variety of government, private, and public institutions, research centres, and agriculture firms. Following is a list of some of the most prevalent job fields after completing this course.

BSc Agriculture Job Description

Here are some of the most sought-after job profiles

Bank Jobs After BSc Agriculture

The banking and Insurance sectors are also filled with lucrative high-paying opportunities for BSc Agriculture graduates. Given below are the most popular bank jobs you can do after BSc Agriculture:

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

UPSC- IFS (Indian Forest Services) 

Many UPSC aspirants overlook this sector. It is one of the best jobs offered to BSc Agriculture graduates with a degree in Agriculture or related fields after they clear one of the most renowned UPSC exams. Candidates who qualify for the written exams and the interview are appointed as Deputy Forest Inspector, Assistant Inspector, Officer, etc. UPSC IFS offers competitive pay fixed by the seventh central pay commission and is a lucrative and prestigious career path.

Food Corporation of India (FCI) 

BSc Agriculture graduates can work at the prestigious Food Corporation of India. You can take the online exam conducted by FCI for technical or non-technical positions. The profiles that are mostly offered are Technical Managers, Technical Officers, Assistant Officers, etc. It is a very good organisation that pays well to its employees. 

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) 

Falling under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (GoI), ICAR is an ideal organization to work in for those who want to pursue a career in Agriculture. While working at ICAR you can pursue a job profile that deals with research and development. The job profiles usually offered at ICAR include Technologists, Senior Research Fellows (Agriculture), Junior Research Fellows, etc. It can be a very good career option for BSc Agriculture students. 

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) 

NABARD is a well-known financial institution that recruits several Agricultural experts to work towards the Rural and Agricultural Development of India every year. If BSc agriculture graduates aspire to work in a bank, then this is one of the best organisations to work as an Assistant Officer, Office Attendant, Agricultural Officer, etc. 

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

Headquartered at Anand in Gujarat, NDDB nurtures and strengthens farmer cooperatives to make dairy farming a viable economic activity for milk producers in rural India. The NDDB undertakes different activities to generate income among dairy farmers that will lead them to sustainable livelihoods. The NDDB recruits graduates in agriculture for various positions including managers, deputy managers, and farm coordinators. Candidates who are interested can go to the NDDB site and check for current openings and apply online.

There are plenty of jobs in the Government as well as the private sector. For most Government jobs after BSc Agriculture, you would be required to pass certain competitive exams. However, there are plenty of jobs in the private sector as well where you can join without taking any exams. The salary that you as a fresher get after completion of your BSc agriculture, depends upon various aspects such as job profile, nature of employment, employer and location. The BSc agriculture starting salary per month in India ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 50,000. Agri-business manager gets an average monthly pay of INR 2-10 LPA whereas the average monthly income of an agronomist is around INR 49,000. With experience, the salary of professionals in the agriculture industry increases significantly.

Here are the major government and private jobs after BSc Agriculture along with the salaries offered:

Agriculture is the major source of the food industry. Agriculture is the art of cultivating grains, fruits, vegetables, and other organic food products. A BSc in agriculture course empowers students with the knowledge to cater to the needs of the agricultural and food industry by applying advanced methods, techniques, and technologies for the growing of crops that have higher nutritive values. BSc Agriculture scope in government jobs and private sectors is vast with job profiles like managers, plant breeders, geneticists, soil scientists, and consultants for the agricultural industry available to the recent graduates.

Those who are ambitious may choose to pursue postgraduate studies after earning their BSc in agriculture. They can choose to specialise in MSc programmes in forestry, plant pathology, agriculture, horticulture, or other related fields. After finishing a BSc in agriculture, those with a business-oriented approach to the industry may choose to pursue an MBA in agribusiness management. After completing a postgraduate degree in agriculture or a related field, those who want to work as agricultural scientists or in academia must choose between a PhD and an MPhil.

Let's look at a few master's degrees in agriculture and its various specialisations before reading about the major career options:

• MBA in Agriculture
• Master’s in Environmental Agrobiology
• MSc in Agriculture
• MBA in Agribusiness
• MSc in Plant Pathology
• Master’s in Sustainable Agriculture
• MSc in Agricultural Economics
• MSc in Genetics
• Master’s in Agricultural Engineering
• Master’s in Agroecology
• Master’s in Plant Science
• Master’s in Agronomy
• Master of Food Science and Agribusiness
• MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding

Graduates from the programme can find employment in both the public and private sectors. Agriculture is becoming more and more important, which is leading to a wide BSc agriculture scope and salary in India. In many agricultural departments, extension services, research organisations, commercial farming, etc. There are numerous research projects and teaching assignments related to agriculture today. These professionals are paid an average annual salary that ranges from INR 2 to 8 LPA. It might be greater in the public sector. After receiving a BSc in Agriculture, the position of Government of India Agricultural Officer (Agronomist) is one of the most esteemed positions in the public sector.

Benefits of Studying BSc Agriculture

A BSc agriculture course grooms students theoretically and practically, enabling them to venture into the agricultural sector. Their field of operation includes studying horticulture, soil science, plant pathology, animal sciences, entomology, plant genetics, plant biochemistry, agriculture economics, and many more. They learn the usage of better methods for improvement in crop production, applying modern methods and technologies in agriculture concerning sowing, irrigation, and protecting crops from insects and pests.