Diploma in Agriculture: Eligibility Criteria, Admission Process, Course Structure

Diploma in Agriculture is a two-year course program that imparts knowledge about agriculture, agricultural extension, livestock and crop management, agricultural chemistry, and much more. The course duration is about 12 to 24 months and offers various career opportunities in agriculture, food, and rural development sectors, offering both public and private sectors.

The core streams in the Diploma in Agriculture are Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Protection, Animal Husbandry, Crop Production, Agricultural Meteorology, and more. Some of the popular streams are AgriTech Management, Organic Farming, Dairy Technology, Agricultural Marketing, etc. Therefore, pursuing these streams can give you an upper hand in your career.

Once you complete a Diploma in Agriculture, you can get up to an average salary of INR 2 to 10 LPA. You can opt for various job profiles such as Farm Manager, Research Assistant, Agricultural Officer, Agri-Entrepreneur, Irrigation Specialist, and others.

Also Read: Diploma in Agriculture Syllabus & Subjects 2025

Mentioned below is the current information regarding the diploma in agriculture course:

• The TS POLYCET application process may begin around March 2026, and the deadline will be around April 2025. The exam is likely to happen around the month of May.
• The AP POLYCET application process will begin around March 2026 and will end around the second week of April. The admit card is likely to be issued around the last week of April. Moreover, the results will be announced around May 2026.

Note: The timeline mentioned above is tentative and likely to change. Make sure to refer to the official website to check out the exact dates.

The table provided below presents the key highlights of the Diploma in Agriculture course program:

Also Read: Top Diploma Agriculture Colleges in Tamil Nadu 2025 

If you're a high school graduate and want to acquire first-hand knowledge and skills to build a career in the private and public organisations of the agriculture sector, you can pursue a diploma in agriculture course after 10th. Apart from that, if you have a keen interest in farming and agricultural innovation, you can opt for this course program. The course program will help you amplify your comprehension of the core agriculture concepts like harvesting techniques, crop improvement, seed technology and more, making you well-equipped with the skills to gain thriving career opportunities.

Getting admission to a diploma in agriculture course is a detailed procedure with multiple steps. Here is a brief outline of the diploma in agriculture course eligibility criteria:

Academic Qualifications Required

You must have passed 10th grade with Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from an authorised educational institution.

Minimum Marks and Age Limits

You must have acquired at least a minimum of 5% in class 10th, and your age must be above 18 years.

Work Experience

There is no such work experience required.

Entrance Exams Required

There are a few colleges that require entrance exam scores, so you can prepare for exams like AP POLYCET, TS POLYCET, etc.

Tabulated below are the main differences among Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 diploma in agriculture colleges: 

We advise you to check out the eligibility criteria beforehand and apply earlier to avoid last minute rush.

Step-by-Step Diploma in Agriculture Admissions Guide

Applying correctly for admission is important to ensure your application does not get rejected. Captured below is a stepwise procedure for a Diploma in Agriculture. 

• Visit the official website of the institution and fill out the application form by providing the requisite details.
• Make sure to attach all the requisite documents in the required format.
• Now, pay the fees and secure a seat for yourself.
• Once you are done with providing the details, submit your application and keep a photocopy of the application for future reference.
• Your application will be assessed, and you will be notified via email. If the potential university requires entrance exam scores, you must participate in the exams. 

Direct Admission in Diploma in Agriculture: Without Entrance Exam

There are a few colleges that offer direct admission to diploma in agriculture courses. Hence, you can easily apply to the colleges directly and gain admission.

• Check the eligibility criteria of potential colleges for the diploma in agriculture course admission.
• If you satisfy the eligibility conditions, apply for the course program by providing personal and educational details.
• The college will announce the merit list on the basis of your performance in class 10th.

Admission Timeline & Calendar

Have a quick glance at the expected timeline of the diploma in agriculture course admission:

Note: Mentioned above is a tentative timeline; you must go through the official website to check out the exact dates.

Here is a list of popular entrance exams in India:

We recommend checking out the syllabus for potential entrance exams and preparing accordingly.

There are some of the popular courses for a diploma in agriculture:

• Full-Time Diploma in Agriculture

Includes the traditional method of learning, where you will be provided regular lectures along with practical training and laboratory access.

• Part-Time Diploma in Agriculture

Best if you're pursuing a job currently, as this mode permits you flexible hours of study from home, where you can easily manage your work commitments.

• Executive Diploma in Agriculture

Mostly preferred by seasoned professionals who wish to amplify their knowledge on particular agricultural areas, such as agricultural cost management or sustainable agriculture.

• Distance Diploma in Agriculture

Suitable for those who wish to pursue the course from remote areas, where you will access structured learning and resources offered by universities like IGNOU.

• Online Diploma in Agriculture

You will be able to gain quality learning of these agricultural perspectives through online methodologies at your own pace.

• Integrated Diploma in Agriculture

Involves both hands-on training and theoretical knowledge related to crop production, modern farming, soil management, agribusiness, and other agricultural practices.

• Specialised vs. General Diploma in Agriculture

Specialised diploma in agriculture offers in-depth knowledge of a specific field like Agribusiness, Organic Farming, Horticulture, etc. On the other hand, a general diploma in agriculture involves practical training in different aspects of agriculture.

Comparing Different Diploma in Agriculture Courses

The table presented below is a brief comparison of the different types of courses:

An Online diploma in Agriculture course program is one where you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace and convenience. If you're already working in the relevant file, it can be a great way to enhance your skills and knowledge in the same area. You can easily pursue the course program without interrupting your personal commitments.

Here, we'll be discussing the course structure and subjects of the diploma in agriculture.

Semester-Wise and Year-Wise Structure

We have provided a semester-wise structure for the diploma in agriculture:

For First Year

Tabulated below is the list of syllabi for the first year:

For Second Year

Tabulated below is the list of syllabus for the second year:

Also Read: Top Diploma Agriculture Colleges in Madhya Pradesh 2025

A diploma in agriculture course program prepares you for the technical farming skills such as crop management, irrigation techniques, soil science, and pest and disease control. Along with that, you will also be developing a variety of soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, technological literacy, and more. With the help of hands-on training, you will be able to gain the real-world experience of planning and managing agricultural projects.

The syllabus of the diploma in agriculture provides top-notch learning through various subjects like Fundamentals of entomology, Principles of agronomy, Diseases of field crops, and many more.

Diploma in Agriculture Course Syllabus: Semester-wise Overview

Let us have a look at the brief outline of the course syllabus of Diploma in Agriculture:

Common Diploma in Agriculture Core Subjects

Listed below are the popular core subjects for a diploma in agriculture:

There are a few specialisations in Diploma in agriculture and you have the option to select the one that aligns with your career objectives and interests.

List and Description of Top Diploma in Agriculture Specialisations

Listed below are some of the most popular specialisations in the Diploma in Agriculture course program:

If you are confused about selecting the specialisation, let our mentors guide you.

There are many prestigious and reputed universities and colleges all over the nation that offer admission to diploma in agriculture course programs.

Top Premier Institutes

Listed below are some of the popular premier institutes for pursuing a diploma in agriculture:

Top Government Diploma in Agriculture Colleges

Listed below are some of the popular government colleges for pursuing a diploma in agriculture:

Top Private Diploma in Agriculture Colleges

Listed below are some of the top private colleges for pursuing a diploma in agriculture:

Also Read: Top Diploma Agriculture Colleges in India 2025

Best Online and Distance Diploma in Agriculture Colleges

Listed below are some of the top diploma in agriculture online and distance colleges:

Top Diploma in Agriculture in Agriculture Course Colleges Offering Direct Admission in India

Listed below are some of the best colleges for direct admission to a diploma in agriculture:

Top Diploma in Agriculture Colleges by Location

Tabulated below is a list of location-wise colleges for pursuing a diploma in agriculture:

Here we will be discussing about the course fees and scholarship options for the Diploma in Agriculture:

Fee Range for Different Diploma in Agriculture Courses

Below is a fee structure for different courses of the diploma in agriculture:

Also Read: Top Diploma Agriculture Colleges in Punjab 2025

Scholarship Options for Diploma in Agriculture

The following are the scholarship options available for a diploma in agriculture:

Pursuing a Diploma in Agriculture provides you with a multitude of job opportunities in the agriculture sector. There are different sectors like pisciculture, horticulture, and others, so you can opt for a job of your choice.

Popular Job Roles After Diploma in Agriculture

You can opt for either government jobs or private jobs according to your choice. The following are the popular job profiles after completing a Diploma in Agriculture:

• Agronomist
• Seed Production Executive
• Agriculture Inspector
• Farm Manager
• Research Assistant
• Agricultural Officer
• Agri-Entrepreneur
• Irrigation Specialist
• Dairy Plant Manager
• Agri Marketing Associate
• Agriculturist

Industry-Wise and Sector-Wise Opportunities

Here is a salary structure for popular job roles after diploma in agriculture in different sectors:

We advise you to take a clue about the job profile for a diploma in agriculture, the salary range, and prepare for job roles.

The popularity of agriculture courses provides a range of thriving job opportunities for degree holders with a diploma in agriculture. After completing the diploma in agriculture, you can get access to an average salary of INR 2,00,000 to 10,00,000 or more. This is one of the most sought-after course programs offering such prosperous job opportunities.

The rapid increase in modern farming strategies has significantly increased the demand for job roles in the agriculture industry. The different sectors, such as farming, government agriculture departments, agri-business, fertiliser companies, and banks, are offering diverse job prospects for degree holders. You can opt for the job roles like Farm Manager, Crop Consultant, Extension Officer and others according to your interest. The average salary that you can expect is from INR 2,00,000 to INR 10,000. Moreover, you can get lucrative opportunities after gaining some experience.

Selecting the right diploma course is essential as it shapes your career path and helps you acquire desired job opportunities.

Factors to Consider: Accreditation, Budget, Mode

The facts mentioned below are the areas of consideration:

Accreditation: Check the standing of the potential institution and see if it is accredited by UGC or AICTE.

Budget: The fees of Government colleges are likely to be lower than those of private colleges. You must set a budget and consider a college that suits your budget.

Curriculum: Make sure to review the curriculum and see if it aligns with your interests.

Career Perspectives: Ensure the course you choose leads to a desired and flourishing job profile.

Mode: Consider looking for an appropriate mode that suits your schedule.

Decision-Making Guide or Checklist

On the journey of selecting the right course, be mindful of these advantageous suggestions:

• Interests

Take your interests into consideration.

• Eligibility

Look out for the eligibility criteria and entrance exams for potential education and make sure you qualify for them.

• Alumni Network

Strong alumni support can provide you with great mentorship and professional connections.

• Placement Prospects

Look out for faculty, placement prospects and make sure the potential institution offers valuable placement support.

After completing a diploma in agriculture, you can opt for further education to strengthen your academic background. You also have the option to pursue certification courses and amp up your skills in a specialised area.

BSC Ag, Msc Ag, MBA

Here's a brief on the programs:

• BSc in Agriculture: This is a graduate program where you will get to enhance your knowledge of agricultural sciences.
• MSc in Agriculture: This is a postgraduate course where you get to learn about a specialised area like Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, or Agricultural Economics. 
• MBA: This course prepares you for leadership positions in the agricultural sector.

Professional Certifications

Some of the most popular professional certifications that you can pursue after a Diploma in Agriculture are as follows:

• Certified Crop Advisor
• Food Safety and Quality Management Certification
• Horticulture Certifications
• Precision Agriculture Certification
• Certified Food Quality Auditor
• Organic Farming Certification
• Post-Harvest Technology Certification
• Seed Technology Certificate
• Agribusiness Management Certifications
• Certified Expert in Agricultural Finance