What is the difference between BSc Pass & BSc Hons?
You must be knowing that BSc is one of the graduation degree options that an aspirant can opt for after completing their 12 from the Science stream, but did you know BSc degree offered in Institutes or Universities can be classified into two categories? Yes, you heard that right. An aspirant can have their BSc degree either in BSc General or BSc Honors. This Shiksha article will provide an illustrative explanation of the differences between both degrees.
- BSc Pass/General
- BSc Hons
The period of the course in Indian institutes and universities is generally the same, that is 3 years, but it may differ from country to country.
- BSc (General/Pass) is basically considered an ordinary/general bachelor’s degree in Science, which is customised to offer broad multidisciplinary learning. In other words, this course offers no specialisation in a particular branch subject but gives foundational knowledge in various segments of the subject.
For example- BSc Life Sciences. It is a general degree that provides foundational knowledge of Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry.
- BSc(Hons) particularly aims at delivering specialised and advanced research skills in the concerned domain of science subject. Being a specialised degree that provides a strong cutting-edge platform for an advanced academic or professional career because of which BSc hons is regarded as more standard and popular as compared to the other one.
For example- BSc (Hons) in Zoology. It is an Honors degree that provides a detailed study and investigation of animal biology and applied zoology. It covers all the major domains in zoology ranging from their cell/tissue biology, morphology to hands-on practical training programs.
Also Read: What is BSc course all about? Know the full-form, eligibility & scope
Advantages of Pursuing BSc Honors Degree
A BSc Honours degree offers several advantages over a BSc general degree:
Specialization: Honours degrees delve deeper into a specific scientific field. You'll gain a more in-depth understanding of the subject matter, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized jobs in that area.
Research Experience: Honours programs often include a research project or thesis. This allows you to develop valuable research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze complex data. These skills are highly sought after by employers, especially in research-oriented fields.
Stronger Academic Foundation: Honours degrees typically involve more advanced coursework and a higher level of academic achievement. This can be beneficial if you're considering pursuing postgraduate studies like a Master's degree or Ph.D.
Greater Earning Potential: In some cases, graduates with Honours degrees may command higher starting salaries compared to those with a general BSc.
Table showing the difference between BSc General and BSc Honors.
To make it crisp the table shown below gives a clear idea about the difference between BSc (Hons) and BSc General-
| Parameters of comparison |
BSc (General) |
BSc (Honours) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition |
Branch of Science deals with imparting generalised knowledge in the subject with no particular branch. |
Branch of Science which focuses on one chosen subject of science. |
| Demand |
Less in demand |
High demand for higher academic and research-oriented studies and work |
| Scope in future |
Has lesser scope but one can opt for doing BEd and make a good career as a teacher in schools. For example- To become a TGT Science teacher in Schools, required qualification is a BSc general /BSc degree with zoology, botany, and Chemistry as subjects. |
Has a greater scope. An Hons course forms a base for those who want to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Science (MSc) |
| Subjects of focus |
All subjects have given equal importance |
One specific subject |
| Value |
BSc Pass degree provides students with a sound foundation knowledge that is required for any career based on science. This program too opens several career options, though its special emphasis is multi-disciplinarity. |
The BSc Hons programme is for those students who want to pursue independent research in a particular project in their area of interest, conducted under the supervision of a designated academic staff member. |
| Coursework |
More general science courses |
More advanced & specialized |
| Suitability for PG Studies |
May require additional prep
|
Well-suited for research-based programmes |
Eligibility or required marks:
For the Honours degree in science, a candidate needs to have passed Class 12 or any equivalent examination with marks ranging from 55 per cent to 60 per cent and compulsory subjects must be physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. For the BSc Pass course, the candidate must pass the Class 12 examination with more than 55 per cent marks in the best four subjects.
Available specialisations:
For the Honours degree in science, the subjects available include biochemistry, biomedical sciences, zoology, chemistry, botany, statistics, computer science, physics, and mathematics. There are no specialisations in the Pass course, as it provides an overall basic foundation for science subjects such as physics, maths, chemistry, life sciences, biology (includes both botany and zoology) and computer science.
Scope for jobs:
The Honours degree is slightly more beneficial than the Pass degree. A candidate with an honours degree is generally preferred over a candidate with a non-honors BSc degree when it comes to jobs or job-related interviews. A BSc general degree holder would get jobs in academics, marketing, business, research, etc. Another point that needs to be kept in mind is that irrespective of the type of degree, the candidate who has a certain depth of knowledge, is willing to learn, is hardworking, and has a positive attitude towards handling problems may have better chances to get selected.
Top BSc Colleges in India as per NIRF 2023
Take a look at the top 25 BSc and MSc colleges in India according to NIRF 2023 rankings:
| Rank |
Name of College |
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Once you graduate from college, you can opt for higher studies. You can do a Masters in Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). There are ample avenues in higher studies as well as job opportunities. You can opt for becoming a teacher after completing BEd and get employed in schools. A bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, mathematics would help a great deal in teaching any of the mentioned subjects in school.
Higher studies can help you get placed in universities as professors or lecturers. Teaching in colleges and universities is a prestigious job. In fact, if you want to do research, a BSc degree would help you a great deal.
Be it academics, research or in a professional sphere, a degree in science is extremely helpful. You also need to take into consideration that in certain fields, a BSc Honours degree is mandatory.
Top BSc Entrance Exams in India
Candidates can go through the list of top Bachelor of Science (BSc) entrance exams in India which are as follows:
| Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body |
Programmes Offered |
|---|---|---|
| National Testing Agency |
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| NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) |
National Institute of Science Education Research (NISER) & Mumbai University |
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| Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology |
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| Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology |
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| Gitam Institute of Science |
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| Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs) |
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| National Testing Agency (NTA) |
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| Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur |
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Being a post-graduate and BEd degree holder, I'm an innovative, task-driven and immensely motivated science enthusiast, making me a passionate content writer. I love providing meaningful and constructive articles in... Read Full Bio