School of Agricultural Sciences
Agriculture is an academic discipline of science that involves the study of various scientific, technical and business subjects related to agriculture, horticulture, farm management, poultry farming, dairy farming, agricultural biotechnology, etc. The scope of a career in Agriculture has grown tremendously in recent times with cutting-edge research and continuous innovation in the industry.
With a bachelor’s or master’s degree in agriculture, students can secure high-paid jobs in both government and private sectors. They can be appointed as agricultural research scientists, agriculture officers, production managers, farm managers, and so on. Interested students can also opt for jobs in the fields of teaching, banking, and insurance.
Important FAQs regarding Agriculture Course in SNU
Q: Can I pursue an agriculture course in distance education mode?
A: No, agricultural programmes can not be pursued as distance education courses.
Q: Which are the popular Agriculture branches?
A: Some of the popular Agriculture branches in which courses are offered to students include Crop Production, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Horticulture, Forestry, Dairy Technology and Fisheries Science.
Q: What is the starting salary of a graduate in Agriculture?
A: The starting salary of a graduate in Agriculture course ranges between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000.
Q: Which are the popular job profiles in Agriculture?
A: Some of the popular Agriculture job profiles include Agriculture Officer, Agricultural Scientist, Farm Manager, Production Manager, Agronomist, Agricultural Engineer, Forester and Soil – Water Engineer.
Eligibility Criteria for B. Sc Agriculture
Admission for the B. Sc Agriculture in India course requires the student to have completed 10+2 with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks from a recognized board with subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Also, the aspirant must have completed English as a required language. To apply for this course, applicants must be at least 18 years old.
How to Get Admission for B. Sc Agriculture?
The B. Sc Agriculture admission process involves a set of steps. Getting admission for B. Sc Agriculture requires an aspirant to go through a fixed procedure, including group discussion, written entrance exams, etc. The admission process differs from college to college, but the general guideline is given below:
Apply for the Course
The first step in this process is filling up the entrance exam's admission form online or offline by attaching all the documents, including the aadhaar card, voter ID card, 10th, and 12th mark sheet.
Selection Process
The cut-off marks will be announced after the results are published. Then, the aspirants who have cleared the cut-off will attend the online counseling. Applicants must have choices for the course to which they choose to apply during online counseling. Then the admission authority will decide as an aspirant is eligible for admission based on their marks. All who are selected will be sent an allotment letter. The aspirant must turn up. Following this, those who are eligible are granted the final offer letter.
Popular Entrance Exams for B. Sc Agriculture
Numerous entrance exams are conducted to test eligibility for B. Sc Agriculture. Students must have completed class 12 to be eligible to take the B. Sc Agriculture entrance exams. Some popular domestic exams for admission in Indian colleges are given below:
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ICAR AIEEA
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Respective university
A Quick Glance at the B. Sc Agriculture Entrance Exams
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The B. Sc Agriculture eligibility for the entrance exam is different for different colleges/universities. Listed below is the general pattern for these exams. ICAR (National Testing Agency) is conducting AIEEE exam every year for allotment of limited students in ICAR’s affiliated institutions.
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Exams may be conducted both online and offline.
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It has both objective and subjective questions.
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Some exams will be based on physics, chemistry, mathematics, while other exams will be based on numerical aptitude, logical reasoning, verbal ability, reading comprehension, etc. The college decides the syllabus.
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The time limit is usually 40-60 min.
Why Choose B. Sc Agriculture?
Why choose B. Sc Agriculture, many people wonder? It's strange that, while being a primary source of income for most Indians, it's the last option amongst the students when deciding on a career path.
The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture is a broad-based curriculum with a lot of promise. It covers food production, horticulture, animal husbandry, rural economy and development, environmental health and others. Agriculture will never be laid off because "food" is a fundamental need for human including bovine. In reality, developments in technology, science, and invention have vastly extended only in the field of agriculture.
What is B. Sc Agriculture degree about?
B. Sc Agriculture is a fascinating course. People usually get confused about what this course is all about. Listed below is a summary of what B. Sc Agriculture is all about:
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Learning Agriculture Techniques
Graduates collaborate with farmers and agriculture-related businesses. Their primary responsibility is to assist them in increasing agricultural production.
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Learning about new Technology
This course also makes an aspirant aware of the latest technologies and innovations developed to help in agriculture.
3.What Does a B. Sc Agriculture Professional Do?
As the scope of agriculture is vast, there are many different roles that a B.Sc agriculture aspirant can play. Listed below are some of them:
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Managing Agro Firms
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B. Sc Agriculture graduates are in charge of harvesting and other activities related to planting crops or vegetables productively and profitably.
Doing Research
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B. Sc Agriculture graduates begin their careers by conducting research. They are mainly concerned with the biochemical processes of different things and their relationships with goods and processes, and they include both lab and fieldwork.
Reasons Why B. Sc Agriculture Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career
Agriculture is transforming into a more modern, research, and technical industry. In the food production and management processes, transforming farm structures, changing demographics in the food production sector, emerging biotechnology techniques, and resource management strategies all play a significant role. Agriculture specialization opens up a world of opportunities for students who want to pursue education in this area.
Preparation Tips for B. Sc Agriculture
B. Sc Agriculture courses can enrich students interested in science, research, and development. Listed below are some preparation tips for B. Sc Agriculture:
Syllabus: Focus on the syllabus, identify weak points, and work on them. The syllabus as per ICAR’s requirement for this course is extensive and will require a thorough understanding of it.
Exam Pattern: Understand the exam pattern and practice accordingly. List the strong and weak points and make a study schedule according to that.
Connect with Students: Contact students who are already doing this course and take help. They can guide how to crack the entrance exams and keep in mind while pursuing the course.
Scope for Higher Education in B. Sc Agriculture
Students who choose B. Sc Agriculture have massive scope for higher education. Following undergraduate studies, one may pursue various MSc Agriculture or pursue various MBA programs related to agriculture.
An aspirant can pursue a PhD or take the ARS (Agriculture Research Service) examination after graduation. If an aspirant wants to pursue a career in management, An aspirant can enroll in MBA/PGDM agribusiness programs at IIM A, IIM L, Symbiosis, BHU, and NIAEM.
Master's degree holders can apply for JRF scholarships (ICAR JRF is also an option) or Assistant Professorships by taking the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET). Listed below are some other courses for higher studies:
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Master's in Genetics
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Master's in Plant Pathology
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Master's in Horticulture
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Master's in Plant Entomology
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Master's in Agricultural Economics
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Master's in Soil Science
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Master's in Agro-meteorology
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MBA in Agribusiness
Salary of a B. Sc Agriculture Graduate
The average starting salary of a BSc Agriculture graduate is around INR 6 LPA. This is just the starting salary as the scope for improvement in terms of the pay scale is very high in this field. Many other factors like graduation from college, geographic location, academic performance, etc., determine an aspirant's salary.
Career Options after B. Sc Agriculture
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the demand for skilled professionals in agriculture. Because of advancements in technology, there is a modernized revolution in agriculture and such specialists and knowledgeable professionals. They can work in research and development and administration to ensure that crop growth is enhanced. At the same time, input costs are minimized.
Students with a B.Sc Agriculture degree should apply for a variety of positions. To get a government job, students must pass a series of competitive exams. Students should get a job in the private sector based on their qualifications and a personal interview. Listed below are some of the career options in this field:
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Farm Manager
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Horticulture/ Landscaping Manager
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Researcher
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Plant Breeder
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Crop Trial Officer
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Food Quality Manager
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Project Manager
Skills That Make You the Best B.Sc Agriculture Professional
Agriculture is a field that requires an individual who has a lot of patience and pays attention to small details and has excellent observational skills. Only those aspirants should pursue this field who have a genuine passion for agriculture as this field is very demanding, and only the best will survive. Listed below are some skills required for B. Sc Agriculture Hons Course;
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Forward Planning
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Initiative
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Flexibility
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Good communication
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Analytical skills
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Commercial awareness
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IT skills
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Marketing & Sales Skills
Important to note
Typically offered as a Bachelor of Science (B Sc Agriculture), agriculture courses are highly interdisciplinary, requiring students to have a good grasp of both natural sciences and social sciences, and drawing on areas such as biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, economics and business and management. You will first build a strong scientific foundation in agriculture by studying biology, natural environments, agricultural production and agricultural science. As the course continues, you’ll usually be able to personalize your degree with optional modules to reflect your interests.
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The range and combination of topics taught will vary depending on the institution. Some agriculture courses focus on preparing students for work at an international level like covering topics such as bio-based economies, sustainability on a global scale, and global food systems.
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Others will have focus on agriculture within a specific country or region, or on a particular aspect of agriculture such as crop farming, marketing of farm products, animal care, sustainable practices, or large property management. Overall, you’ll gain a wide range of technical skills and knowledge, as well as an understanding of the scientific, moral and commercial principles behind the agricultural industry.
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There is also some variation in the degree of hands-on training required of students. Most agriculture courses will include at least one required or optional work placement of up to a year, and some universities even have their own farms as per prescribed manners of ICAR, New Delhi;
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If your work placement is optional, it’s a good idea to opt in. This is a great chance to put what you’ve learned into practice, get a better idea of the type of agriculture career you’d like to pursue, and gain valuable experience to improve your employability when applying for agriculture jobs.
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While many agriculture graduates go on to roles where mud and manure are not regular elements (including positions in management, research and consultancy), any student considering this subject should definitely be comfortable with spending time outdoors and in close contact with the natural world!
You can find answers to FAQs about the admission process in SNU
01: Are admissions open at Sister Nivedita University for 2021-22?
Ans: Yes
02: What steps Sister Nivedita University has taken to support new students in taking admission?
Ans: Students can apply through website.
03: Since there is complete lockdown in the country, how can I complete the admission process?
Anse: Online mode
04: What are the various courses/programmes offered at SNU?
Ans: See the University Website.
05: What are the important dates regarding the admissions?
Ans: Please ask University contact number.
07: What is a minimum fee payment to reserve a seat?
Ans: 76000/-
09: How I am going to pay during the lockdown?
Ans: Online mode of payment
10: How can I apply for a hostel?
Ans: Online mode
11: Is mess and laundry facility compulsory to take with residential facility?
Ans: No
12: What are dates for the SNUEST test?
Ans: Every week
13: What are the documents required for taking online admission?
Ans: Online registration
14: Is it compulsory to fill all details of the online application or admission form?
Ans: yes
15: How can I ascertain that my admission is confirmed?
16: What are the various scholarships offered by SNU?
17: When are the classes expected to commence?
18: When can I visit the campus?
19: How can I get regular updates about the university?
20: What if I don’t meet the eligibility conditions specified by the university? What will happen to my candidature?
21: If I made mistakes in my application. How will I be able to correct them?
22: What are the eligibility requirements for admission? Is SNUEST a mandatory requirement for admission?
23: I am expecting to get around 60% marks. Will I get any scholarship?
24: What if I decide to withdraw admission later?
25: Where I can read more about the course curriculum?
26: How to contact the university's representative for more information?
FAQs for SNU Hostels:
Q-1. Do SNU have hostel facility for students?
Ans.– Yes.
Q-2. How many hostels do SNU have?
Ans.– The Institution has two Boys’ Hostels and five Girls’ Hostels.
Q-3. What is the capacity of your hostels for boys and girls?
Ans.– The capacity for girls is 220 and the same for boys is 100.
Q-4. Are there A/C and Non A/c rooms for hostellers?
Ans. – Yes, we have both A/c and Non A/c rooms.
Q-5. What is the process of allotment of seat?
Ans.– Allotment is on the first cum first serve basis, usually, when the number of applicants are more than the number of hostel seats, a waiting list is drawn up and allocation is as per the list and availability arising.
Q-6. Do you have hostel accommodation with attached/ common bathrooms?
Ans.– We have accommodation with both attached and common bathrooms.
Q.-7.What is the sharing capacity of rooms in hostels?
Ans.– We have two seater, three seater rooms for boys and two seater, three seater for girls.
Q-8. What are the charges for hostels?
Ans – 8300/- (starting)
Q-9. What types of facilities do you provide to the hostellers?
Ans.– Facilities include 24x7 security, 24×7 power back up, 24×7 internet connectivity, laundry, sports facilities, First Aid and medical facilities.
Q-10. Do you have separate mess for girls and boys?
Ans.– Yes, we have separate mess for girls and boys.
Q-11. How many meals are provided?
Ans.– Four meals, which includes Breakfast ,Lunch , Evening Snacks and Dinner.
Q-12 What is the quality of food?
Ans.– The university engages mess facilities contract companies each year based on parameters and performance evaluation of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The menu is drawn in consultation with representatives of students and other experienced staff. Highest quality of food is maintained and strict hygiene standards are adhered to.
Q -13 Do you engage the hostellers in other activities also?
Ans.– To provide a healthy competitive and diverse cultural learning environment ,there are committees for cultural and sports activities. Meets are organized alongside other special occasions regularly. Hostels organise almost all festivals celebrated across the country. The Hostel is a platform for the students to develop all their talents. Hostel Day is organized with variety of entertainment programs. It is indeed a spring board for many to begin well.
Q-14 What type of basic infrastructure has been provided to the hostellers?
Ans.– A basic bed with mattress, study table, chair and cupboard is assured to every boarder with air conditioning / Non AC alongside attached bath / Common facility as opted for.
Q-15 Are there any regulations of timings for the hostellers?
Ans.– Yes, hostellers are expected to finish off their day’s outdoor engagements by 1900 Hrs( 7 PM) during winters and 2000 Hrs (8PM) during summers. The parents/ guardians are expected to inform minimum 2 days in advance through Registered Mobile Number in case of any variation. The institution follows this policy strictly.
Q-16 What is the system or process for hostellers to visit their home town?
Ans.– Every parent/ guardian is expected to register authorized signatures and mobile number at the time of joining the hostel. The parents / guardians are contacted for verification on the listed RMN for any authorized movement of the hostellers.
Confirmatory calls from Hostel Wardens are made to the guardian for authorizing movement of their wards. The Mobile Numbers of Hostel Wardens are displayed on the Notice Boards. Applications can be moved over e-mail and WhatsApp. Application directly received from hostellers are also shared with parents and confirmation sought.
Q-17 How are the hostellers expected to make sundry purchases for day to day use?
Ans.– We provide college transport once in a month to the hostellers to purchase utility items.
Q.-18 If some hosteller falls sick or gets injured, what actions are taken by the administration?
Ans.– We have First Aid Medical Kit available in each hostel. We also run OPD between Monday – Saturday during day time and a Medical practitioner is available to provide free of cost consultation to the hostellers.
We have a 24*7 facility of ambulance to take the ailing patient to the hospital in the proximity of the University. Hostel Wardens are expected to accompany the injured and infirm in ambulance and medical attention delivered according to doctors.
In case of any medical emergency, the parents of the student are contacted immediately to come and take care of their wards.
Q-19 Do you have Medical Insurance policy for hostellers?
Ans.– Yes, all the hostellers are insured for mediclaim including Personal Accident insurance up to a specified value.
Q-20 What about ragging?
Ans.– SNU is a ragging free zone in hostels as well as in Campus. The different committees have been formulated for this purpose. The University has zero tolerance policy strictly in compliance with Honourable Supreme Court /Govt.of India /UGC/ AICTE/ State Gov. Regulations.
.Q-21 Can the hostler keep vehicle in the hostel?
Ans.– Yes, the hostler can keep vehicle in the hostel with the written permission from the competent authority.
Q- 22 Do you have laundry facility in the hostel?
Ans.– Yes we have Laundry facility in the Hostel. Facility is provided with nominal charges. Both wet cleaning and ironing are offered.
Q -23 What about the security of our students who are in the hostel?
Ans.–
Security Guard: The entire campus is highly secured, so are the hostels. Nobody can enter the hostel without permission as we have deputed 24*7 professional security guards to avoid any untoward incidence.
Electronic Surveillance: The entire campus is under the surveillance of CCTV cameras round the clock.
Visit of Hostel: There are regular rounds of hostel warden in morning and evening sessions. The absentees are followed up and anyone found ill is taken to the hospital, if need be and special care is taken including his/ her meals.
Night attendance: There is Night attendance of all inmates, just before retiring to bed; we have a provision to take attendance of hostellers. Anybody, found missing in the hostel, is immediately brought to the attention of the parents over phone.
Q: What are the job opportunities in Agricultural Sciences?
Public Sector
1. There are plenty of job opportunities in various central and state agricultural development departments for agricultural graduates to join as Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA) that is Agricultural Officer in gazetted rank in state department. The post is equivalent to that of the Block Development Officer (BDO).
2. Similarly, there are opportunities to join as Joint Director of Horticulture in the state department of horticulture and as Soil Conservation Officer in soil and water conservation department in the states. Recruitment to these posts is made on the basis of competitive examination conducted by the State Public Service Commission/concerned department. The agriculture graduates are also sought after as teachers in rural public schools.
3. A number of nationalized banks and private sector banks offer openings for agriculture and allied science graduates as Field Officers, Rural Development Officers and Agricultural and Probationary Officers.
4. Job opportunities also exist in seed companies as Seed Officer, Scientist, Technical Officer and so many suitable positions. Other opportunities exist in the areas of farm/tea garden management, land appraisal, agricultural grading, packaging and labeling.
5. Career opportunities also lie in Agro- industry sector where agro- industry provides jobs to postgraduates in agriculture as scientists, in sales & marketing and as production experts. These areas of work relate to production, food processing, grain and seed processing, machinery and equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicide and others for which agricultural personnel with adequate qualification/knowledge in the respective field are required.
6. There are several government agencies at centre, state and district levels (MARKFED, PUNSUP, Mandi Board, various other state level and central level agricultural boards and organizations) with openings for agricultural graduates. Various corporations and agencies viz. National Seed Corporation, State Farm Corporation, Warehousing Corporation, Food Corporation and agricultural food processing and export related agencies also to provide job openings to agriculturists.
7. In addition, after post-graduation, one may get placement as plant quarantine agricultural technician, agricultural consultant, agricultural statistician, and implement the regulations for food, feed, and seed & fertilizers.
8. At the international level, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, ICRISAT, ILRI, and some other agencies related to the development of agriculture also appoint agricultural consultants.
9. Agriculture with higher degree may choose career under ICAR in the areas of research and become an Agricultural Research Scientist (ARS). The recruitment to these posts is made through ARS/ NET examination conducted by ASRB for scientific posts and lectureship in SAUs.
10. Agricultural graduate with bachelor degree can apply for some technical posts in ICAR institutes. Technical post of the level of T-5 (Technical Officer) is having a better option for post-graduate and above.
11. Technical posts like T-6 & above and Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) in Krishi Vigyan Kendras are having better opportunities for Ph.D. degree holders. The postgraduate students may also work as Research Associates or Senior Research Fellow in ICAR funded research schemes.
12. The agricultural graduates are also eligible to apply for Indian Civil Services (IAS/IFS and Allied Services) examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi as well as respective state service examination.
Private Sector
1. Agro-based industries such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and sugar industries are some of the potential sectors in which a large number of agricultural graduates may get placement well before their completion of graduation. In order to tap the potential of food industries, several retailing markets such as Reliance Fresh, Aditya Birla Group, Walmart, ITC, Nilgiris, Pantaloons, Q-shops, Food Bazaars and others are expanding their business that augment job opportunities for agriculture graduates.
2. Jobs are also offered in the field of agricultural marketing and sales, transportation, farm utilities, storage, warehousing, etc. both in the public and private sector.
3. Entrepreneurship: Agriculture graduates can become good entrepreneurs. There are a number of success stories of agri-preneurs in the field of agriculture, horticulture and related fields. The Student READY programme introduced by the ICAR in the undergraduate curriculum motivates them to seek self-employment and become entrepreneurs. This eventually helps them to turn out as job providers rather than job seekers. There is a great opportunity for start-ups and standup programmes in agriculture and its allied sectors.
4. Insofar as entrepreneurship is concerned, there are about 135 sub-sectors in agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, in association with NABARD has launched a unique programme to take better methods of farming to each and every farmer across the country.
5. This programme aims to tap the expertise available in the large pool of agriculture graduates. Irrespective of whether one is a fresh graduate or not or whether one is currently employed or not, one can set up his/ her own Agri-Clinic or Agri-Business Centre and offer professional extension services to innumerable farmers. MANAGE, Hyderabad, organizes ‘free of cost’ training programs for students for a period of three months. On completion, students get a certificate which is a pre-requisite for the individuals before qualifying to secure a loan up to 5 lakh from the nationalized banks funded by NABARD. This financial support helps the graduates to set up their agri-based business.
Q: What are the job opportunities in Fisheries Science?
Fishery is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the animal husbandry sector. With the total fish production at 11.4 MT (2016-17), India ranks second in the world and used to contribute to an amount of about 1% to over all GDP.
Public Sector
1. A number of development schemes are being implemented, both by state and central governments for the development of fisheries sector in the country. To run these schemes, a large number of personnel are recruited. After completing the Master’s and Ph.D. degree, they become eligible to apply for the post of Scientist in various ICAR institutes as well as Assistant Professor in Agricultural Universities.
2. Aquaculture: Job opportunities exist as Hatchery Manager (India and/or abroad mainly in South Asian and African countries), Aquaculture Consultant, Farm Operator (India and/or abroad mainly in African countries), Technical Officer in research institutes, national organizations, e.g. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and state fisheries department, etc., feed technologist in feed manufacturing companies, subject matter specialist in KVK’s, pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of various medicines, as a fishery inspector or a deep sea fishery worker.
3. Fish processing: The job openings are available as Quality Inspector in fish processing plants (India and/or abroad mainly in Middle East, South East and African countries), Auditor (Inspection) (India and/or abroad mainly in Middle East, South East and African countries), HACCP Manager/Consultant (India and/or abroad mainly in Middle East, South East and African countries), Technical Officer/Project Officer in MPEDA, CIFT, EIA, CIFNET, FSI, NIO, WHO, NACA, NABARD and other related sectors, Supply Chain Manager in Super Market Chains like Reliance, Tata, and Godrej Agro.
4. Fisheries Extension: There is a scope to work as Assistant Director/Fishery Extension Officer (FEO)/Inspector of Fisheries /Assistant Fishery Development Officer (AFDO) in state fisheries department. Apart from these, fisheries’ graduates and postgraduates can find opportunities in the banking sector as Agricultural Officer/Field Officer in national banks, as lecturer in vocational higher secondary schools, state government, teaching positions in state fisheries agencies, South Asian and African countries. They are also eligible to apply for all the Central Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS etc.) and State Services (Group I and Group II officers).
5. Entrepreneurship: Commercial fish farming, seed production and export of marine products and ornamental fishes are potential areas of self- employment and entrepreneurship development in fisheries.
