M.Sc Ag Entomology or Master of Science in agricultural entomology is a 2-year postgraduate course. This programme provides knowledge across the biological hierarchy to address insect conservation and biodiversity, to mitigate the negative impacts of invasive species and the harm caused by them.
Competence in the identification of pests and their management, beekeeping, and mass multiplication of an important biological agent, offering the opportunity to carry in different sectors. Become involved in communities and perform extracurricular activities to boost your skills and experience.
Candidates should be able to work flexibly and work effectively in less desirable conditions. They also possess scientific aptitude, patience, determination, and good problem-solving skills are necessary characteristics.
M.Sc Ag Entomology Highlights
Course type |
Postgraduate |
Duration |
2 years |
Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% Marks from a recognized college in agriculture |
Admission process |
Entrance exam |
Average Salary (per month) |
INR 2 lakhs – INR 6 lakhs |
Top Recruiting companies |
JK Agri Genetic, Nath Bio Genes Ltd, HPC Biosciences ltd, Kaveri Seed Company Ltd, Bharat Agri, Raghuvansh Agro farms Ltd, GNFC, Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore, etc. |
Job Position |
Professor, agronomist, agricultural entomologist, forensic entomologist, survey entomologist, commercial entomologist, product manager, research officer, farm manager, agricultural officer, quality assurance officer, etc. |
Eligibility Criteria for M.Sc Ag Entomology
1. B.Sc. (Hons.) with minimum 50% marks in any branches of Biological Sciences/ Agriculture/allied subjects, OR
2. B.Sc. (General: 3 years degree course) with minimum 60% marks in any branches of Biological Sciences/ Agriculture/allied subjects, OR
3. B.E./B. Tech. in Biotechnology with minimum 60% marks
4. In the case where Grade points are not awarded only marks are awarded, the candidate must have secured at least 60% marks for the General/OBC/UPS category and 50% marks for SC/ST/DAC category.
Admission Process
1. Basic education of 10+2 from a recognised institution with any stream with 45-50% marks.
2. Some private colleges and deemed universities perform their counselling process by conducting their university-level entrance exams.
3. Some universities also conduct personal interviews before granting admission to the students.
Career after M.Sc Ag Entomology
Many Government, as well as private job opportunities, exist for passing out professionals. In the govt. sector, state agriculture departments recruit pass-outs to fill up Officer level posts. Colleges hire M.Sc. folks to work as Lecturers. Government Banks also hire them to fill up Officer level posts (that primarily deal with Agriculture related loans).
In the private sector, graduates find jobs as managers at plantations, as officers at fertilizer manufacturing firms, agriculture machinery industries, agricultural products marketing firms, food processing firms etc. The job profiles after a Master of Science in agricultural entomology are Professor, agronomist, agricultural entomologist, forensic entomologist, survey entomologist, commercial entomologist, product manager, research officer, farm manager, agricultural officer, quality assurance officer, etc.
Teaching, scientific research, and technical employment at colleges and universities, experiment stations, government agencies, military services, and commercial and industrial enterprises are also available to applicants. They can also work in fertilizer and seed companies, insecticide and pesticide companies, bio-fertilizer companies, and biological control-based companies.
Job profile |
Job description |
Agronomist |
The role of an Agronomist is to study plants and soil to increase productivity. They plan planting and harvesting skills, improving crop yield. They solve the problems of the agricultural industry. |
Agricultural entomologist |
The role of an Agricultural entomologist is to study the fruits and vegetable pests. They collect and analyse biological data. Also, they study insects, diseases, and maintain breeding programs for insects. |
Forensic entomologist |
The role of a Forensic entomologist is to give expert advice in crime investigation by gathering data and analysing it. Bugs help them to identify human remains and in collecting the evidence. |
Farm manager |
The role of a Farm manager is to oversee the staff, livestock, crops, budgets, reports. They ensure the maximum profit. They maintain professional networks. |
Research officer |
The role of a Research officer is to interview the members of the public. They analyze the data. They use new research methods qualitative and quantitative. The research from the information, and online resources. |
M.Sc Ag Entomology Syllabus
Semester I |
Semester II |
Principles of Taxonomy |
Plant resistance to insects |
Biological control of crop pests and weeds |
Principles of integrated pest management |
Insect ecology |
Insect pathology |
Insect morphology |
Toxicology of insecticides |
Storage entomology |
Classification of insects |
Insect anatomy, physiology and nutrition |
Insect vectors of plant viruses and other pathogens |
Semester III |
Semester IV |
Pests of field crops |
Commercial entomology |
Pests of horticultural and plantation crops |
Soil arthropods and their management |
General acarology |
Vertebrate pest management |
Seminar |
Techniques in plant protection |
Project |
Plant quarantine |
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Master’s research |