M.Sc. Agriculture
M.Sc. Agriculture
M.Sc. Agriculture is a 2-year postgraduate program that offers advanced knowledge and research-oriented training in the field of agriculture. It allows students to specialize in areas such as Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Soil Science, and more.
This program is ideal for students who have completed B.Sc. Agriculture or related degrees and want to pursue careers in research, academia, government services, agri-business, and agricultural consultancy.
What is M.Sc. Agriculture?
M.Sc. Agriculture is a postgraduate degree that focuses on the scientific techniques, technologies, and innovations used in the agricultural industry. It prepares students to become subject matter experts, researchers, educators, and agribusiness professionals.
The course also forms the base for pursuing Ph.D. programs and qualifying for competitive government posts like Agricultural Research Scientist (ARS), NABARD Officer, IBPS AFO, and more.
Course Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Master of Science in Agriculture (M.Sc. Agri) |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. Agriculture or related field with min 50–60% |
| Admission Mode | Entrance Exam / Merit-Based |
| Approved By | ICAR, UGC |
| Popular Specializations | Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Entomology, Genetics & Plant Breeding |
Semester-wise Syllabus (M.Sc. in Agronomy)
| Semester | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Principles of Agronomy, Soil Fertility, Crop Production, Statistical Methods |
| Semester 2 | Weed Science, Agrometeorology, Research Techniques, Cropping Systems |
| Semester 3 | Irrigation Management, Organic Farming, Agroforestry |
| Semester 4 | Project Work / Thesis / Viva |
Top Government & Private Colleges Offering M.Sc. Agriculture
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) | New Delhi |
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
| Punjab Agricultural University | Ludhiana, Punjab |
| GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology | Pantnagar, Uttarakhand |
| Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh |
| Amity University | Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Phagwara, Punjab |
| Shoolini University | Solan, Himachal Pradesh |
Why Choose M.Sc. Agriculture?
Advanced specialization and in-depth subject knowledge
Required for agricultural research and ARS/NET exams
Career growth in academia, R&D, policy-making, and consultancy
High demand in government and agri-tech sectors
Eligible for Ph.D., fellowships, and international programs
Job Opportunities & Scope After M.Sc. Agriculture
| Job Role | Industry / Sector | Description | Average Salary (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Research Scientist | Govt. Research Institutes (ICAR) | Conduct agricultural research, develop crop varieties | ₹6 – ₹10 LPA |
| Agronomist | Agri-Tech Companies, Govt., NGOs | Advise on crops, fertilizers, and soil health | ₹5 – ₹8 LPA |
| Farm Manager | Agribusiness, Private Farms | Manage farm operations, resources, and staff | ₹4 – ₹6 LPA |
| Soil Scientist | Govt. Labs, Research, NGOs | Research soil properties and suggest improvements | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
| Assistant Professor | Colleges / Universities | Teach and guide students in agricultural subjects | ₹5 – ₹9 LPA |
| NABARD Officer | Government Bank | Manage rural and agricultural financing | ₹7 – ₹10 LPA |
| Entomologist / Plant Pathologist | ICAR / Universities / Seed Companies | Control pests and diseases in crops | ₹5 – ₹9 LPA |
| Agricultural Officer | State & Central Govt. Dept. | Oversee implementation of government schemes | ₹5 – ₹8 LPA |
| Agri-Business Manager | Agri Startups, Corporates | Handle sales, distribution, and marketing of agri-products | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
| Project Consultant (Agri Projects) | NGOs / International Orgs | Advise on agriculture development projects | ₹6 – ₹12 LPA |
Higher Education & Exams After M.Sc. Agriculture
Ph.D. in Agriculture or allied subjects
ICAR SRF / NET Exam
ARS (Agricultural Research Service)
UPSC IFS / Civil Services
State PSC Agriculture Services
Fellowships for research in India & abroad
Competitive Exams You Can Appear After M.Sc. Agriculture
ICAR NET (for Lectureship and Research Scientist posts)
ARS (Agricultural Research Service Exam)
UPSC IFS (Indian Forest Service)
NABARD Grade A/B
IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer)
State PSC (Agriculture Officer, RAEO)
UGC NET (for Assistant Professor)
Conclusion
M.Sc. Agriculture is a future-ready postgraduate course for students who want to specialize in agricultural sciences and build careers in research, teaching, government, and agribusiness. With high demand in national and international organizations, M.Sc. Agriculture offers strong job security, salary prospects, and research potential.
FAQs about M.Sc. Agriculture
Q1: Is M.Sc. Agriculture better than MBA Agri-Business?
✅ Depends on your interest — research vs. management.
Q2: What is the salary after M.Sc. Agriculture?
💰 ₹4 – ₹8 LPA (varies by role, company, and experience).
Q3: Can I do Ph.D. after M.Sc. Agriculture?
✅ Yes, many students appear for ICAR SRF or UGC-NET for Ph.D.
Q4: Is ICAR AIEEA-PG necessary?
🔍 For ICAR-approved universities, yes. Some state universities have their own exams.
Q5: What are the top specializations in M.Sc. Agriculture?
🌱 Agronomy, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Entomology, Horticulture.
Course Category
- Paramedical 01
- Dental 01
- Vocational 01
- Social Work 01
- Agriculture 04
- Education 04
- Design 01
- PHD All Programs 01
- Computer Science 02
- Engineering 02
