PhD Horticulture Course, Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary 2023

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Sounak Banerjee

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PhD in Horticulture is a 3 year Horticulture program that involves doctoral level studies in science of cultivation of fruits, vegetables, crops, plants etc. After the completion of this three year program students are awarded a title of PHD. 

For applying under this course postgraduates have to clear the course of Horticulture or hold an M.Phil. Degree is considered eligible. This course comprises exams, projects and research thesis. 

The norms of the universities and colleges may vary as some may take an entrance test for the admission of PhD course followed by Direct Interview, and a Group discussion round, while others might carry on the process of admission based on the merit of an individual and post graduation or MPhil. Degree marks secured by the candidate. 

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This entrance test conducted by the reputed institutions encompasses the technicalities and research skills that is needed to carry on the research program. Further an individual needs to spend around INR 25,000 to 3,00,000, which varies from one educational institution to another.

Some of the top colleges offering PhD Horticulture are:

Name of the institute Admission Process Annual Fees Average Salary
DR. Y.S.R Horticultural University Entrance Test INR 30,000- 50,000 INR 6,00,000
Punjab Agricultural University Entrance Test INR 40,000-50,000 INR 3,71,000
Indian Agricultural Research Institute Entrance Test INR 40,000-50,000 INR 6,00,000
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University Entrance Test INR 1,62,000 INR 5,00,000
MaharanaPratap University of Agricultural and Technology – (MPUAT) Entrance Test INR 36,180 INR 4,50,000

After graduating from this 3 year course of Horticulture a candidate is eligible to conduct research on an individual level and side by side take up any lucrative job offer. 

These job offers suggested for PhD graduates in horticulture are in the areas of arboriculture, crop management, botanical gardens, ground management and many others. 

The average annual salary earned by doctorates under this course can range between INR 2,00,000-8,00,000.

See more: Top PhD Horticulture Colleges in India

PhD Horticulture: Highlights 

Following are the course highlights in relation to the program:

Level of Program Research
Course level Doctorate program
Duration 3 years
Examination Type Semester
Eligibility Post-graduation degree in Horticulture or an M.Phil. with aggregate marks of 50% and above. Entrance Examination.
Admission process Merit List
Course Fee Up to INR 25,000 to 3,00,000
Average salary Approx. Up to INR 2 to 8 LPA
Top Recruiting Companies Warehousing companies, Tea gardens, Food Corporations, Agricultural Machine Companies, etc.
Job Positions Horticulturist, Researcher, Fruit & Vegetable Inspector, Horticulture Production Manager, etc.

PhD Horticulture: What is it About? 

Horticulture involves study related to plant propagation which translates to garden cultivation. Due to the rise in population and increase in demand for fruits and vegetables, horticulture as a field of study has gained a major prominence. 

  • This 2 years course consists of the study and observation of all types of plants including fruits and vegetables, and also conducts experiments for the sake of understanding the breed techniques, crop farming, genetic engineering and physiology are involved in this field of research. 
  • Further it deals with some of the major aspects of Horticulture which includes methods to increase production of fruits and vegetables with the help of genetic engineering and other different processes. 
  • It also deals with decoration of orchard farms and vineyards. By undergoing through this course students master the craft of technical competence and leadership to lead forward the research work of horticulture. 
  • Another skill that comes handy after completing a PhD in horticulture is the skill of analysis and evaluation. It helps to get to the crux of the problem and conduct a research regarding it. 
  • The syllabus of PhD in Horticulture comprises a detailed study related to different aspects of horticulture. Some of which are biological composting, designing, physiological, genealogy of plants and crops. 

Why Study PhD Horticulture?

With the new age technology concern for environment conservation has also increased, studying this field will enable the graduates in contributing to safeguarding our natural habitats. 

  • Further, this course consists of numerous modules on biological composition, designing, physiological, genealogy of plants and crops. 
  • Due to the extensive nature of the syllabus the candidate will be equipped with fundamental skill which may enable him in making a remarkable contribution to his work. 
  • Further, the industry which revolves around designing home interiors is also booming. They do need plant products for decorating their decorations. Thus the demand of this profession is only increasing.

What is the PhD Horticulture Admission Process? 

A candidate can gain admission in this course through two methods, firstly, the colleges may conduct their own entrance exams for suitable candidates, on the other hand they may fill their seats on the basis of merit. There may be additional stages also, for instance some colleges may require the candidate to give a personal interview or engage in prolonged group deliberation.

Step 1: The student should mark up the colleges which he would like to get into, and then afterwards enquire about their method of admission, and prepare for the same.

Step 2: For optimum result, the candidate is advised to solidify the scheme of respective questionnaire and solutions in his knowledge pool. For clearing the interview and group discussion the individuals should take mock tests of the respective methods.

Step 3: Finally, after clearing the exams the candidate would enter the counselling stage where he will have a chance to opt for his preferred colleges based on the selection criterion. 

What is the PhD Horticulture Eligibility Criteria?

We have listed down the eligibility criteria for availing the option of PhD in Horticulture in one’s near future:

  • A candidate who has passed his/ her postgraduate degree in Horticulture or has qualified an M.Phil. Degree or passed any equivalent examination with an aggregate marks of 50% and above is considered eligible for the admission of this 2 year program.
  • Applicants will be asked to take part in an entrance exam followed by a group discussion round and a personal interview round, passing which an individual qualifies for a seat in any reputed college/ university.

Which are the Top PhD Horticulture Entrance Exams? 

Entrance Exam  Registration Date  Exam Date
CSIR UGC NET (June Session) 2nd week of March – 2nd week of April 2023 3rd week of June 2023
UGC NET (July Session) December 29, 2022 – January 23, 2023 February 21, 2023 – March 10, 2023
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF  To be Announced To be Announced

How to Prepare for a PhD Horticulture Entrance Exam? 

These following steps can be used as guiding stones for your entrance exam preparation for the given course.

Step 1: Most importantly, the candidate shall first mark up his calendar with dates of the examinations that he would like to give, further he shall collect the essential information in regard to those exams, like their admission forms, syllabus and eligibility criterion.

Step 2: The student in his initial days of preparation is advised to gauge the syllabus in depth, so he is able to determine what he actually needs to study for the examinations. This will further aid him in purchasing books which may complement his studies,

Step 3: After gaining enough understanding of what is required to be studied, the candidate then can look up various resources. Previous year’s exam papers would be a good place to start with, this will aid the candidate in understanding the structure of the paper – which topic is asked frequently, what is the pattern and related marking scheme. These papers can also be used as a guiding stone for buying books which may complement the student’s preparation. Based on their discretion they can also enroll themselves in a coaching institute which may further guide them for the same.

Step 4: After studying the whole syllabus or a major part of it the candidates are advised to give mock tests in order to test their knowledge, this will aid them in filling loopholes in their knowledge pool

Step 5: Few weeks before the examination the candidate shall immerse himself in revision in order to solidify the information that he has learned throughout his preparation.

How to Get Admission in a Good PhD Horticulture College? 

Step 1:  Search for the colleges, which you would like to aim for, afterwards make a detailed lists enlisting the specifics in regards to those colleges

Step 2:  Find out the method of admission along the eligibility criteria, before filling in the said admission form

Step 3: Fill the provided admission form; there various net centers are present which may aid the candidate in filling up their respective forms in a correct way.

Step 4: The candidate shall markup dates in relation to the examination. Further they should also keep the dates allocated for the purpose of admission. Give the examination.

Step 5: After qualifying for the said examination the candidates may be required to give a personal interview. Some institutes might even have group discussions at this stage.

Step 6: After getting your name on the admission list of your desired college you are required to pay the listed fees within time. This shall mark as the last step for confirming your admission in a college of your choice.

What are the Top PhD Horticulture Colleges? 

The best colleges who offer this are as follows:

PhD Horticulture: College Comparison 

This is a tabular comparison of colleges which provides Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Horticulture

Parameters Dr. YSR Horticultural University Indian Agricultural Research Institute Punjab Agricultural University
Overview This is a premier institute for studying Horticulture as it specializes in this field. There is due exposure for this subject here. when it comes to specialization in agricultural research, IARI, is considered as one of the premiere institute of India This is a government affiliated university, thus the students here can reap the benefits of governmental incentives.
Rank (National Rank) 62 30 75
Average annual Course Fees INR 40,000-50,000 INR 30,000-40,000 INR 70,000-80,000
Average Salary Offered INR 4.5-5.5 LPA INR 4-5 LPA INR 3-4 LPA
Top Companies Simbhaoli Sugar Ltd, NDDB Dairy Services Savannah Sesds Pvt. Ltd, TECHNICO Agrisciences Ltd, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd. Central Bank of India, Indian Forest Service, Indian Economic Services Crystal Phosphates Ltd. Mahyco Seeds Ltd. DuPont India Ltd. UPDASP

What is the PhD Horticulture Syllabus? 

We have listed down the syllabus of the 2 year PhD. Course of Horticulture:

Subjects
Biodiversity and conservation of crops
Advances in breeding of fruit crops
Advances in production of fruit crops
Advances in growth regulation of fruit crops
Biotic and abiotic stress management in Horticultural Crops
Genomics and bioinformatics in Horticulture
Systematics of fruit crops
Seminar I
Seminar II
Research

Course Comparison: PhD Horticulture and PhD Agricultural Economics 

Following comparison between PhD Horticulture and PhD Agricultural Economics the connected courses should aid the candidates in choosing their desired course:

Parameters Ph.D in Horticulture Ph.D in Agricultural Economics
Level Doctoral Program Doctoral Program
Duration 3 years 2- 3 years
Examination Type Semester Semester
Eligibility Post-graduation degree in Horticulture or an M.Phil. with aggregate marks of 50% and above. Entrance Examination. Master’s degree with a minimum Of 2.5/4 or 6.5/10 CGPA or equivalent qualification from a recognized agriculture university
Admission process Merit List Merit Based
Course Fee Up to INR 25,000 to 3,00,000 INR 20,000 to 2,50,000
Average salary Approx. Up to INR 2 to 8 LPA Up to 40,000 – 2,00,000
Top Recruiting Companies Warehousing companies, Tea gardens, Food Corporations, Agricultural Machine Companies, etc. Syngenta, Sap Mena
Job Position Horticulturist, Researcher, Fruit & Vegetable Inspector, Horticulture Production Manager, Agriculture Economist, Research, etc.

What are the PhD Horticulture Job Profiles?

Job profiles in relation to the jobs mentioned are given enlisted below:

Job Position Job Description Average annual Salary
Horticulture Production Manager Work includes supervising the administrative workings, conducting a check of technical and organizational responsibilities, directing staff to carry on their work efficiently. INR 7 to 8 LPA
Horticulture Inspector Work for the state, local and federal government. Ensure and enforce policies to protect public health and safety, ensuring safe production of plants and agricultural products. INR 2 to 3 LPA
Fruit & Vegetable Inspector Work includes inspecting the quality of plant produce, vegetables and fruits, thus ensuring good public health. INR 6 to 7 LPA
Researcher Work includes planning, designing, analyzing, managing, formulating the report and carry on the thesis. INR 5 to 6 LPA
Scientist Designing and undertaking experiments, analyzing information and formulating reports. INR 5 to 6 LPA
Horticulture Manager Supervising the staff, directing them work and managing the sale and purchase of inventories. INR 3 to 4 LPA
Therapists Treat plant ailments, conduct experiments and formulate reports. INR 6 to 7 LPA
District Horticulturist Supervise over the working of staff, conduct experiments and formulate reports, build thesis. INR 2 to 3 LPA

What is the PhD Horticulture Future Scope? 

The future scope in relation to this degree has been discussed below:

  • After undergoing this detailed work of research for 2 years, a student is acquainted with interconnecting the linkages between earth sciences and horticulture. 
  • Further it opens a wide area for career prospects that can take up teaching profession and become professors in reputed universities and colleges. 
  • These PhD graduates also have work opportunities in areas of food chemistry, landscape construction and management, nurseries, greenhouses, and etc.

PhD Horticulture: FAQs 

Ques. How many years does this course take to complete?

Ans. A candidate willing to avail a PhD course in Horticulture has to devote 3 years in this course.

Ques. What are the eligibility criteria that one has to pass in order to get an admission in this course?

Ans. A candidate willing to sit for an entrance exam for this course must be a post-graduate in Horticulture or an M.Phil with an aggregate mark of around 50% or above. Further entrance exams are conducted before a candidate is selected in a reputed institution.

Ques. What is the average salary provided to a graduate in PhD Horticulture?

Ans. Average salary between INR 2 lacs to INR 8 lacs is offered to an individual after the completion of this course as it later increases with time.

Ques. What are the top recruiting companies that offer jobs to the graduates under this course?

Ans. Some reputed companies like the Warehousing companies, Tea gardens, food corporations, Agricultural Machine Companies are willing to offer jobs to PhDs in Horticulture.

Ques. What is the course fee for getting admission in a college under a course in PhD Horticulture?

Ans. An individual has to spend around INR 25,000 to approximately a maximum of 3 lacs behind getting a PhD course done in Horticulture.

Ques. What are the various job positions offered to graduates under this course?

Ans. A PhD graduate under the course of Horticulture is availed with job positions like that of Horticulturist, researcher, fruit and vegetable inspector, horticulture production manager and etc.

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