Agriculture Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books
Akansha BishtContent Writer
Introduction to Agriculture:
BSc or BTech in Agriculture is an undergraduate program of four years divided into eight semesters. It is a degree in agriculture with a focus on agricultural science. This program consists of various topics such as multiple farming methods and their benefits, issues arising from certain agricultural practices involved in the increase of productivity, and at the same time try to reduce soil erosion and/or pollution.
Some subjects involved in these programs include agricultural microbiology, soil science, plant breeding and genetics, food microbiology, etc. Since agriculture is a key player in the Indian economy, the scope for undergraduates of this program is quite large.
Syllabus – Important Facts for Agriculture
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BSc in Agriculture is a six-semester course: BSc in Agriculture is an undergraduate program of four years divided into eight semesters. It is a degree in agriculture with a focus on agricultural science. This program consists of various topics such as multiple farming methods and their benefits, issues arising from certain agricultural practices involved in the increase of productivity, and at the same time try to reduce soil erosion and/or pollution.
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BTech in Agriculture is an eight-semester course: BTech in Agriculture is a 4-year program offered by some engineering and agriculture colleges in India. It is a broad-based technical degree that provides training in various areas, such as crop production, animal husbandry, fisheries, and horticulture.
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Scope in India: Agriculture manages land, plants, and animals to produce food, fibre, and other valuable products for use or trade.
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Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy for millennia. The practice is one of the oldest in human history; it developed over 10,000 years in several world regions.
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In India, agriculture is a significant occupation practised on a small scale by all social classes. India's land, climate, and culture made agriculture the most successful industry for millennia until the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Today, through its study, the agricultural sector is still a significant driver of India's economy, accounting for 24% of GDP and employing 46% of its workforce.
General examination pattern: Generally, students are evaluated based on lab exercises, assignments, small projects, mid-semester examinations, and end semester examinations.
List of subjects for agriculture:
Typical core subjects for agriculture
Core subjects |
Subject details |
Fundamentals Of Agricultural Economics
|
The main idea of agricultural economics is to find the answers to the fundamental questions of how to utilize the land best and the available resources, such as water, and how to best use these resources. |
Fundamentals Of Agronomy |
Plant biochemistry, genetics, growth and development, and plant physiology are essential aspects of Agronomy. Some of the crucial topics covered in this course section include nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, respiration, and other major metabolic processes. |
Fundamentals Of Plant Biochemistry And Biotechnology
|
Fundamental concepts of plant biochemistry, including the structure and function of cell walls, the chemistry of metabolism, the structure and function of photosynthesis and respiration, the anatomy of plants, and the role of hormones in plant growth. |
Fundamentals Of Soil Science
|
This study aimed to determine the effect of depth of root zone, type of soil, and depth of root zone on nutrient uptake. |
Introduction To Forestry
|
This thesis focuses on examining the role of forestry in agriculture. It depends on research conducted through an extensive literature review, document review, and participant observation. |
Crop Improvement
|
Crop improvement is about improving the yield and quality of our food. Improving a crop means using knowledge to improve it, not relying on magic. The development and modification of plants to improve their yield, quality, or usefulness. |
Principles Of Organic Farming
|
Organic farming is a way of farming that aims to reduce the number of chemical pesticides and fertilizers used and improve the overall environment. |
Typical Elective subjects for agriculture:
Elective subjects |
Subject details |
|
Focuses on the food industry's role as a whole in the economy, including the production of agricultural goods, the marketing of food, and the distribution of food products.
|
|
The research includes looking at methods of controlling crop pests and dangerous insects and how to control insect populations using environmental factors. |
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Horticulture is a branch of science that deals with the cultivation of plants, including the study of plant morphology, plant genetics, and plant nutrition. |
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The training course is divided into three modules, with lectures on agriculture, animal husbandry, and natural products. |
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In this topic, we studied technologies that can reduce the risk of crop failure through seed deterioration, the use of expensive energy, and the need for seed purchase. |
Soil, Plant, Water, and Seed Testing |
Topics are: testing the soil, plants, and water quality for the presence of microorganisms and viruses that may be present in fertilizers, dirt, and water. |
|
Study of plants and plants, the study of horticulture, including the design and improvement of gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes, and the study of landscape architecture, including the planning and design of urban spaces. |
Detailed Syllabus for agriculture
Semester |
Core / elective |
Subject |
Subject Description |
Semester -1 |
Indian Rural Sociology
Agricultural finance and cooperation
Fundamentals of agribusiness
Agricultural marketing and cooperation
Introduction to Computer Application |
Indian Rural Sociology
Agricultural finance and cooperation
Fundamentals of Agribusiness Management
Agricultural marketing and cooperation
Introduction to Computer Application |
|
Semester -2 |
Soil engineering
Farm power
Principles of Entomology
Economic Background of Entomology
Crop Pests and Management & Machinery |
Soil engineering
Farm power
Principles of Entomology
Economic Background of Entomology
Crop Pests and Management & Machinery |
|
Semester -3 |
Principles of seed technology
Production technology of spices, medicinal and aromatic plants
Introduction to Microbiology |
Principles of seed technology
Production technology of spices, medicinal and aromatic plants
Introduction to Microbiology |
|
Semester – 4 |
Weed Management
Farming System & Irrigation Water Management
Principles of Agronomy
Crop Production Watershed Management
Agricultural Meteorology
Sustainable Agriculture |
Weed Management
Farming System & Irrigation Water Management
Principles of Agronomy
Crop Production Watershed Management
Agricultural Meteorology
Sustainable Agriculture
|
|
Specialisations offered in Agriculture
Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
BSc in agriculture |
Four-year undergraduate program |
|
BSc in horticulture |
Three years duration |
|
BSc soil and water management |
Four-year full-time program (eight semesters) |
The BSc in Soil and Water Management is designed for students interested in managing soil and water resources. |
BSc agriculture and food business |
Four-year regular undergraduate course |
The BSc Agriculture and Food Business integrates:
|
BSc in crop physiology |
Three-year regular program |
This course focuses on the physiological processes that occur at the cellular, molecular, and physiological levels of plant life. |
BSc in forestry |
Four-year regular course ( eight semesters) |
Forestry is the science and practice of managing forests and other wooded lands to meet human needs and provide economic benefits. |
BSc in animal husbandry |
Four-year full-time course |
Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with the care and management of animals, primarily cattle, for various purposes. |
BSc in genetic plant breeding |
Three-year full-time course |
Plant breeding is selecting and cross-breeding plants to bring about desired traits. We study this to improve the yield, quality, or flavour or adapt it to a new environment. |
Books and Authors Related to Agriculture
As agriculture is a highly versatile field with many specialisations, students follow a wide range of books during their graduation or post-graduation. Listed below are some books that are highly referred to.
Subject |
Book title |
Author |
Description |
Principles of Agricultural Engineering |
Principles of Agricultural Engineering Vol. I and Vol. II |
Am Michael and T. P. Ojha |
The book covers Farm Power, Farm Machinery, Farm Buildings & Post Harvest-Technology topics. |
Plant Biochemistry
|
Plant Biochemistry |
Hans-Walter Heldt |
This book introduces a general idea of the biochemistry of plants to students and researchers in a concise manner. |
Water engineering
|
Soil and Water Conservation Engineering
|
R. Suresh |
It is helpful for degree and diploma students of Agricultural Engineering and those working in this field. Contents introduction, Rainfall and Runoff relationship, Soil erosion principles, etc. |
Economic Background of Entomology
|
A TextBook of Agricultural Entomology
|
P. K Sehgal MA Mir |
The text is rich with photographs and drawings of the insects, their eggs, and the manifestation of their attack on ordinary farm plants. This book will be of value to anyone interested in the history of entomology. |
Aspects of Agricultural Microbiology
|
Aspects of Agricultural Microbiology |
Rangaswami |
Agricultural microbiology deals with plant-associated microbes and plant and beast infections. It also deals with the microbiology of soil fertility, such as microbial degradation of organic issues and ground nutrient transformations. |
Importance of Statistics in Agriculture
|
A Textbook Of Agricultural Statistics
|
R. Ramaswamy |
This Book Is A Wide Textbook Covering All The Lessons Taught In Statistics In Agricultural Faculties Of Indian Agricultural Universities. It Also Serves As A Textbook In Conventional Universities Where Statistics are mandatory As Separate Papers In The Fields Of Life Sciences Like Zoology, Botany; Microbiology, Etc. |
Principles of Agronomy
|
Principles of Agronomy for Sustainable Agriculture |
FJ Villalobos |
This textbook explains the different elements of sustainable agriculture to undergraduate and graduate students. The text first quantifies the parts of the crop energy balance, i.e., the partitioning of net radiation and their impact on the thermal environment of the roof. |
Entrance Exams for Agriculture
Listed below are the central and state-level exams to secure seats for BSc agriculture courses at the premier institutes in India. The minimum eligibility required for the appearing aspirants in these exams is to have passed their 10+2 examinations with at least 50%. Individually, every exam has different cut-off criteria of the scores.
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ICAR AIEEA
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BCECE AGRICULTURE
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MHTCET
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TS EAMCET
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PAU CET
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GBPUAT
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Rajasthan JET
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AP EAMCET
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MP PAT
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UPCATET
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KCET
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KEAM
The difficulty level of ICAR and BCECE exams ranges from moderate to high. In contrast, the remaining exams listed belong to the intermediate level. For scoring good marks in these examinations, you study the subjects very well. The method to conduct these examinations is in the format of Multiple Choice Questions. The tests can get you into the best colleges for BSc in Agriculture.
Syllabus for Distance Program in Agriculture
There are only three universities that provide distance education in Agriculture.
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Global Open University (Nagaland)
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Uttaranchal Open University (Uttarakhand)
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Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (Maharashtra)
Students who cannot afford full-time courses can get their degrees through distance education. Also, students who cannot meet the eligibility requirements for full-time courses opt for part-time or distance BSc in Agriculture programs. The syllabus of distance education programs is remarkably similar to the regular schedule. The evaluation format (30% for internal assessment and 70% for the end semester examination) is nearly the same as the regular courses.
BSc Agriculture distance education fees start from 6000 to nearly 25000 annually.
Top Colleges for Agriculture:
Based on the curriculum, electives' choices, and in-house placement opportunities, these are the top colleges for Agriculture in India.
College/University/Institution |
IARI |
IIT Kharagpur |
Gb pant university of agriculture and technology |
Birsa agriculture university |
Chandigarh university |
Khalsa college |
Banaras hindu university |
Tamil Nadu agricultural university |
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi vidyapith |
Bharat institute of higher education and research |
FAQs
Q. How to define agriculture as a subject?
In this course, you will learn about the basics of agriculture, including cropping systems, animal husbandry, and irrigation. You will also learn how agriculture has evolved and affects the environment and human society.
Q. What are the principles of agronomy?
Q. What do you mean by plant breeding?
Suppose the plant species are crop plants, such as wheat, oilseed rape, or potatoes. In that case, that needs to be cultivated repeatedly in the same place to be profitable.
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Plant breeding
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Genetics
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Plant biotechnology
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Plant molecular biology
Q. What is entomology?
Q. Is agriculture a good career option?
But did you know that agriculture is also one of the best careers in the world? It's a field that can offer a variety of opportunities and experiences. It provides the chance to make a real impact on the planet.
Q. What is the minimum eligibility for BSc in agriculture?
Q. Is BSc agriculture a four-year program?
Graduates with a BSc in Agriculture can work in various farm departments, from technical matters to enterprise prospects and production to sales.
Q. What are the primary jobs you get after completing your degree in BSc Agriculture?
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Agriculture Officer
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Assistant Plantation Manager
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Agricultural Research Scientist
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Business Development Executive
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Marketing Executive
Q. What are the main subjects in BSc Agriculture?
For example, subjects may centre on soil, water, and sun to grow plants, animals, and crops.
Plant Genetics, Agricultural Meteorology,
Food Technology, Horticulture,
Agronomy, Animal Husbandry,
Entomology, Extension of Agriculture,
Genetics, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Plant Breeding,
Plant Pathology,
Q. What are the best BSc Agriculture colleges in India?
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Maharishi Markandeshwar University
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Chandigarh University
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Banaras Hindu University
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Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
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Vellore Institute of Technology
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Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith
Q. Which exams are required for agriculture?
Q. Which government college is best for BSc agriculture in India?
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth
Indian Institute of Spices Research
Central Agricultural Research Institute
Central Soil Salinity Research Institute
Q. What is the average fee required for the course?
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
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- Diploma + B.Sc. (Hons.) in AgricultureLPU - Lovely Professional University
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 3 days ago
The first semester of BSc in Agriculture at Kalasalingam University offers subjects that can help to create a foundational base of the particular specialisation. Check out the names of the subjects below:
- Fundamentals of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Fundamentals of Soil Science
- Introduction t
T
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
There are several college in assam :
Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (Agriculture Department), Guwahati : Offers B.Sc. Agriculture.
Regional Institute of Science and Technology (RIST), Meghalaya (close to Assam) : Offers courses in agriculture-related fields.
Don Bosco Univer
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 weeks ago
LPU has achieved the highest NAAC grade of A+ with a score of 3.68 out of 4 from the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Upon completion of a Bsc in agriculture, students have the opportunity to pursue a Masters in agriculture at LPU, which offers various streams with distinct fee structures
s
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
To get into DY Patil Agriculture and Technical University for a BTech course, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the university. DY Patil Agriculture and Technical University offers full-time BTech courses of four years' duration. Students can get into this course based on a valid
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, BTech course is available at D. Y. Patil Agriculture and Technical University. The university offers BTech courses at the UG level. Candidate must meet the eligibility criteria to enroll for BTech course admission set by the college. Aspirants must pass Class 12 with a 45% aggregate. DY Patil
Answered 3 weeks ago
The fee for the BTech programme at DY Patil Agriculture and Technical University is INR 2.6 lakh. The fee structure is sourced from unofficial sources, hence indicative. The fee might cover various academic expenses like tuition fees, laboratory charges, examination fees, library fees, and other rel
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidate should have passed the qualifying examination (12th standard), Senior Secondary Examination of the Central Board of Secondary Education or any other examination within scope and standard found to be equivalent to the Senior Secondary Examination of a recognised Indian Board / University wi
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Sterling College is perfect for those who value a close-knit community and hands-on learning focused on small-scale, regenerative farming. Its programs deeply integrate sustainable practices and ecological principles, providing an immersive experience in sustainable agriculture.
On the other hand, De
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Bhagwant University BSc in Agriculture is an honors degree programme lasting for four years. The course curriculum spread across eight semesters. Each semester includes theory, practical, and activity-based courses. Some of the subjects offered under the BSc Agriculture are as follows:
- Fundamentals
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
- MicrobiologistStudies microorganisms like viruses and bacteria, and develop
K
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The cutoff for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture at Agricultural College, Rajahmundry depends on the entrance exam and category of the candidate. The typical ICAR AIEEA cutoff for General Category candidates has been ranged from 450 to 550 marks in previous years. OBC and reserved category students which
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
Sun Rise University has a seat intake of 60 for its BSc (Hons) in Agriculture programme. The seat allotment is done based on merit and seat availability. It may follow the rules of reservation as prescribed by the state or central government. The mentioned seat count is as per the official website/s
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
There are 600+ best BSc in Agri colleges in India of which 300+ colleges are owned privately, 90+ colleges are owned by the government and 20+ colleges are owned by semi-government institutions. ICAR AIEEA is the top entrance exam for admission to the best Agriculture colleges in India. BHU, Amity
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, unlike Medical and Dental courses, Agriculture does not fall under the purview of NEET.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi, it can be observed that pursuing Agriculture in India can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 2 lakh.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi, please refer to the table below for the top Agriculture colleges in India according to NIRF ranking 2024 under the Agriculture and Allied sectors category:
College Name | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2024 |
---|---|---|
Indian Agricultural Research Institute Ranking | 1 | 1 |
ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute Ranking | 2 | 2 |
3 | 3 | |
4 | 4 | |
Indian Veterinary Research Institute Izatnagar Ranking | 6 | 5 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website of the ranking body listed and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi, Indian Agricultural Research Institute is the top Agriculture college in India according to NIRF 2024 under the Agriculture and Allied sectors.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
There are 940+ best Agriculture colleges in India of which 400+ colleges are owned privately, 150+ colleges are owned by the government and rest 40+ colleges are owned by semi government institutions. ICAR AIEEA is the top entrance exam for admission to best Agriculture university in India. Banaras
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
A number of books are highly recommended for agricultural professionals and students to develop advanced insights and foundational knowledge Here are a few of the top choices
Kalyan Chakravartys book Principles of Agronomy covers the fundamental ideas of agricultural production, soil Science and agro
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
With an IPE score of 940 and an EAPCET rank of 21,230, your chances of getting an agriculture seat depend on the college and category:
- General Category: Cutoffs can vary, but generally, top agricultural colleges might have cutoffs closer to 10,000–15,000, while other colleges may accept ranks up to 3
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi, please refer to the table below for the top Agriculture universities in Telangana that offer the highest Return on Investment to their students in the form of placement packages:
College Name | Tuition Fee | Annual Median Package |
---|---|---|
INR 21,840 – INR 1.76 lakh | INR 4.5 LPA – INR 6.09 LPA | |
Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University Placement | INR 35,200 – INR 44,700 | INR 3 LPA – INR 5.49 LPA |
INR 3 lakh | INR 4.5 LPA | |
INR 29,800 – INR 3.88 lakh | INR 3 LPA | |
INR 3.88 lakh | INR 3 LPA |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website/ media reports/ NIRF website and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi, it can be observed that pursuing Agriculture in Telangana can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University is the top Agriculture college in Telangana according to NIRF 2024 under the Agriculture and Allied sectors. Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University is ranked 37 by NIRF 2024.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
There are 20+ best Agriculture colleges in Telangana of which 8 colleges are owned privately and 2 are owned by the government. TS POLYCET, TS EAMCET and ICAR AIEEA are the top entrance exams for admission to best Agriculture colleges in Telangana. Anurag University, Loyola Academy Degree and PG Col
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
SGT University BSc (Hons) Agriculture course curriculum include theory, practical, and elective courses. The four-year course is divided into eight semesters. There are semester-wise subjects included in the course syllabus. Some of the subjects covered during the programme are:
- Concepts of Food Scie
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
The goal of the Agriculture curriculum is to give students a thorough understanding of Indian agriculture. A variety of activities are included in the course framework. For your reference, here is the table below -
Agriculture Course Structure | |
---|---|
Core and Elective Subjects | Projects |
Semesters | Research Papers |
Surveys | Seminars |
Practicals | Thesis Writing |
Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
There are around 1,000 Agriculture colleges in India offering a variety of course levels and types in the Agriculture domain. The course fee varies depending on the course levels and colleges offering it.
Agriculture UG Course Fee: INR 2,520 - INR 12 Lakh.
Agriculture PG Course Fee: INR 1,180 - INR 7
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Both online and offline counselling options have been made available to the student. For the offline counselling visit BHU on the day, you have been called according to your rank.
They will verify all your documents if something is not available they duly sign the undertaking forms. Once you verify t
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Here are some of the top Agricultural employment areas for Agriculture students:
Agricultural Departments | Dairy Consultancies | Micro-Finance Institutes |
Animal Industry | Research Organizations | Food Chains |
Extension Services | Insurance Companies | Fertilizer Companies |
Agronomy Sales Job | Storage and Grading | Agricultural Transportation |
Agro-Biotech Companies | Commercial Farming | Agricultural Financial Companies |
A
Contributor-Level 10
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What are the names of subjects offered in the first semester of BSc in Agriculture at Kalasalingam University?