M.Sc Agriculture is a two-year programme. Agriculture refers to the cultivation of plants, fungi, animals, and other life forms for the purpose of producing food, fibre, and other products. The duration of a Master of Science in Agriculture is mostly two academic years but it varies from institute to institute. During the course, the main focus remains on agricultural chemistry and soil science.
The course is suitable for those candidates who are interested in agricultural development. Various colleges and universities offered this course. During the study time, it provides help candidates in communicating the innovations to the farmers and the field hands. After the completion of the programme, students can find various career options in terms of government jobs, private jobs, and higher education.
The M.Sc Agriculture subjects covered in the course are usually the same across all institutions, although they differ based on the course module of the institution. However, the overall subjects are comparable but are presented in a different sequence depending on the classroom instruction.
M.Sc Agriculture Highlights
Course level |
Postgraduate |
Full-form |
Master of Science in Agriculture |
Duration |
2 years |
Eligibility |
Completed graduation in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Forestry from a recognized institute with a minimum of 50% marks. |
Admission Process |
Entrance test and marks secured in graduation. |
Average salary |
INR 3 LPA - INR 5 LPA |
Job positions |
Corporate Sales Manager, Research Scientist, Lecturer/Professor, Field Officer, Breeder, Agronomist, Farm Manager |
Top Recruiters |
Coromandel Fertilizers, Buhler India, Monsanto India, Bayer Crop Science, etc |
Eligibility Criteria for M.Sc Agriculture
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 Agriculture
Students are expected to gain a broad understanding of extension theory, its application to modern agricultural issues and the competence to perform agricultural and rural development research using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The majority of their time is spent learning the fundamental sciences, humanities, workshop practice, engineering drawing, and general agriculture.
MSc agriculture graduates have various career options to choose from. Educational institutes offer various different programmes at the research level in the agriculture department along with higher studies. Candidates can also choose to prepare for government jobs in the agriculture department or private actors. There are a plethora of companies dealing in agriculture products and marketing.
After completing the Program, you can easily join different renowned plantations in managerial posts. Not only that, but the candidates can also enjoy the job at the firm's Fertilizer Manufacturers. You will be glad to know that lectureship in private organizations is also possible. Different private intuitions hire MSc degree holders for providing lectures.
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Corporate Sales Manager |
The main task of the corporate sales manager is to take care of the sale of products like fertilizers, hybrid crop seeds, and other equipment to the farmers. |
Research Scientist |
A research scientist is mainly responsible for developing advanced technologies, hybrid crop seeds, and better equipment for the farmers. |
Lecturer/Professor |
A lecturer imparts knowledge to the students about various advancements that have been made in the field of agriculture. This profession is meant for students who wish to pursue a career in education. |
Field Officer |
A field officer works with the farmers and takes care of the Backward Integration Programme. |
Breeder |
A breeder carries out breeding programs to develop superior quality seeds. |
Agronomist |
An agronomist takes care of multiple tasks like Soil mapping, Product Training, Fertilizer Consumption Pattern, Cropping schedule, Handling Technical Queries, Farmers Education, etc. |
Farm Manager |
A farm manager takes care of the management and maintenance of the farm. He also looks after the cultivating, harvesting and spraying of the crops. |
M.Sc Agriculture Syllabus
Agronomy |
Biotechnology |
Agricultural Economics & Farm Management |
Plant Physiology |
Entomology |
Extension Education |
Horticulture |
Plant Breeding & Genetics |
Plant Pathology |
Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry |
Forestry |
Food Science & Technology |