Botany Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2025, Top Recruiters/Companies

Updated on Dec 24, 2024 11:27 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Botany is a branch of Biology that focuses on the study of plants and plant-like organisms such as algae, fungi, and bacteria. Botany's career scope is wide and bright for those who are interested in the study of plants, research, industrial work, education, and more.

Botany courses are offered at various levels including UG, PG, Doctorate, Diploma, and Certification. Some popular courses in this subject include BSc Botany, MSc Botany, PhD Botany, Certificate in Botany, and so on. Some specializations covered under the Botany subject include Plant Pathology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Genetics, Ecology, Biotechnology, etc.

Botany students can seek employment opportunities in industries including Education, Research & Development, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Ecology, etc. Some popular Botany job profiles include Botanist, Plant Taxonomist, Ecologist, Agronomist, Horticulturist, Biotechnologist, etc. The average salary of an Agronomist is INR 5.1 LPA in India

Mumbai University, Delhi University, Dibrugarh University, University of Kalyani, Calcutta University, Banaras Hindu University, etc., are some popular Botany colleges in India offering great placement opportunities to students. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more Botany career scope details.

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Botany Careers: Quick Facts

Botany is a vast branch of Biology and it covers numerous specializations that are used in various industries. For instance, Genetics, Biotechnology, Horticulture, Agronomy, Forestry, Plant Ecology, etc., are some popular Botany specializations that students can specifically opt for and make their careers.

So, here are some quick and interesting stats and facts about Botany and its related specializations to help students pick their career path:

  • The Indian Biotechnology market size was valued at $101.5 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow $297.2 Billion at a CAGR of 11.09% by 2024 to 2033.
  • According to the Economic Survey, India's workforce is nearly 56.5 crore, with more than 45% employed through Agriculture, 11.4% in manufacturing, 28.9% in allied services, and 13.0% in construction.
  • More than 3,000 colleges offer Botany courses in India, of which, more than 1,000 are private and more than 900 are government entities.
  • The Genetic testing market in India generated a revenue of $427.2 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $1,764.6 million by 2030.

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Top Career Profiles in Botany

There are countless job profiles in the Botany field that students can opt for based on their specialized subjects and expertise. Choosing a job role also depends on one's interests and future goals. Here are some popular Botany jobs with decent salaries in India for students:

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary

Botanist

Botanists study various aspects of plants, including their structure, physiology, genetics, and ecology. 

INR 4 LPA

Plant Taxonomist

Plant taxonomists specialize in the classification and identification of plant species. 

INR 4.5 LPA

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between plants and their environment.

INR 5.9 LPA

Agronomist

Agronomists focus on improving crop production, soil management, and sustainable farming practices.

INR 5.1 LPA

Horticulturist

Horticulturists specialize in the cultivation and management of plants, including fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and landscaping. 

INR 5.3 LPA

Environmental Consultant

Work on environmental impact assessments, conservation projects, and sustainable development initiatives that involve plant ecosystems.

INR 7.7 LPA

Forest Officer

They protect forests and wildlife by protecting resources, enforcing laws, making and implementing policies, etc. 

INR 4.5 LPA

Biotechnologist

Apply botanical knowledge to biotechnology, involving genetic modification, plant breeding, and agricultural advancements.

INR 3 LPA

Plant Pathologist

Specialize in identifying and treating diseases that affect plants, working in agriculture, forestry, or research institutions.

INR 5.6 LPA

Note: The salary data has been sourced from Ambitionbox.com.

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Specialisation-Wise Botany Salary in India

The Botany salary in India can vary based on the specialization within botany, as well as factors like education level, experience, location, and the specific industry or organization where they work. Here's a general overview of Botany salary ranges for different specializations in India:

Specialisations

Entry-Level Salary

Mid-Level Salary

Senior-Level Salary

Plant Taxonomy

INR 2.5 - 4.5 LPA

INR 4.5 - 7 LPA

INR 8 - 20 LPA

Plant Physiology

INR 2.5 - 4.5 LPA

INR 4.5 - 7 LPA

INR 8 - 20 LPA

Plant Ecology

INR 3 - 5 LPA

INR 6 - 7 LPA

INR 12 - 20 LPA

Plant Pathology

INR 6 - 8 LPA

INR 8 - 10 LPA

INR 10 - 20 LPA

Plant Biotechnology

INR 2.5 - 4.5 LPA

INR 4.5 - 7 LPA

INR 8 - 20 LPA

Forestry

INR 3 - 5 LPA

INR 6 - 7 LPA

INR 12 - 20 LPA

Note: The salary data has been sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Botany Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education

The scope of Botany offers a wide variety of career opportunities in numerous fields such as Research, Environmental Management, Pharmaceutics, Agriculture, and so on. Botanists play an important role in preserving the environment and developing sustainable agriculture practices, and plant-based medicines.

Botany Career Scope: Key Employment Areas

Botany students have a range of career opportunities in various sectors and organizations. Here are some of the top recruiting industries that often hire Botany students in India:

Botany Employment Areas
Agriculture Pharmaceutical Environmental and Conservation Organizations
Botanical Gardens and Arboretums Research Institutions Food and Beverage Production
Biotechnology Education Ecology

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Botany Top Recruiters

When seeking employment, it's essential to research and target companies that align with one’s specific interests and career goals within the field of Botany. Networking with professionals in your desired industry can also be a valuable way to discover job opportunities. Candidates can check top recruiting companies under each industry in the table below.

Agricultural Companies

Bayer

Syngenta

BASF

Pioneer

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry

Novartis

Pfizer

Johnson & Johnson 

Genentech

Environmental and Conservation Organizations

The Nature Conservancy

World Wildlife Fund

Tropical Forest Research Institute

Rain Forest Research Institute

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden 

Government Botanical Garden

Lalbagh Botanical Garden 

Lloyd's Botanical Garden

Agricultural Research Institutions

Indian Agricultural Research Institute

Information Technology Cell, Junagadh

University Of Agricultural Sciences

Anand Agricultural University

Food and Beverage Industry

Hindustan Unilever

ITC

Britannia Industries

Nestle

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Best Botany Colleges for Placements (in India)

There are more than 3,000 Botany colleges in India and many among them offer great placement opportunities to students to help them kick-start their career journey with top companies and good salary packages. Here are some top Botany college options for placements:

Best Botany Colleges

Average Salary Offered

Bijni College Placements INR 47.04 LPA
Dibrugarh Hanumanbax Surajmall Kanoi College Placements INR 38.2 LPA
Bharathi College Placements INR 30 LPA
Kolhan University Placements INR 19.8 LPA
Mumbai University Placements INR 18 LPA
Delhi University Placements INR 5.5 - 16 LPA
Dibrugarh University Placements INR 11 - 14.55 LPA
Chaudhary Bansi Lal University Placements INR 2.1 - 13.32 LPA
Kalyani University Placements INR 11 LPA
University of Calcutta Placements INR 9.2 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

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Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Botany Degree

In India, the availability of lucrative Botany jobs can vary depending on factors like specialization, skills, and the specific industry candidates are interested in. However, there are several cities known for their strong job markets, and Botany graduates may find attractive opportunities in these locations. 

Here are some top Indian cities where graduates may find lucrative Botany job prospects:

Major Cities

Average CTC (in INR)

Telangana

INR 2.3 LPA

Bengaluru

INR 14.4 LPA

Pune

INR 5 LPA

Mumbai

INR 7 LPA

Delhi/Delhi-NCR

INR 5.08 LPA

Kolkata

INR 8.2 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Botany Careers FAQs

Q. Is Botany a good career?

A. Botany can be a good career choice in India for individuals who have a strong interest in plants, nature, and the environment. Botany offers diverse opportunities in various sectors and can be rewarding for those who are passionate about plant sciences. 

Here are some reasons why Botany can be a good career in India:

  • Diverse Specializations: Botany offers a wide range of specializations, including plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, horticulture, biotechnology, and environmental science. 
  • Research Opportunities: Botany provides extensive opportunities for research, whether in academic institutions, government research organizations, or private companies. 
  • Environmental Conservation: Botany plays a crucial role in environmental conservation and the preservation of biodiversity. 
  • Government Opportunities: Government departments related to agriculture, forestry, and the environment often hire botanists for research, conservation, and regulatory roles.
  • Entrepreneurship: Botany enthusiasts can start their own businesses, such as plant nurseries, landscaping companies, or herbal product manufacturing units.

Q. What is the highest-paying job in Botany?

A. Director of a Botanical Garden or Research Institution is the highest job position in the Botany field. 

The salary of a Director of a Botanical Garden or Research Institution in India can vary significantly based on the location, the prestige and size of the institution, and the individual's qualifications and experience.

Here is a general overview of the salary range at different career levels:

  • Entry-Level: 10 - 20 LPA
  • Mid-Level: 20 - 40 LPA
  • Senior-Level: 50 Lakh - 1 crore per year

Q. Is Zoology better than Botany?

A. If candidates have a strong fascination with animals and their behaviours, Zoology might be the right choice. If candidates are more intrigued by plants, their diversity, and their contributions to ecosystems and human life, botany could be the better fit.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two.

Particulars

Botany

Zoology

Course Level

UG, PG, PhD, Diploma

UG, PG, PhD

Course Duration

2-3 years

2-3 years

Course Fee

INR 1,500 - INR 5.3 Lakh

INR 2,000 - INR 3 Lakh

Entrance Exams

CUET, CPGET, CUET PG, etc.

NEST, OUAT, DUET

Popular Colleges

Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Calcutta University, Aligarh Muslim University, etc.

Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Calcutta University, Aligarh Muslim University, etc.

Job Profiles

Ecologist, Plant Breeder, Horticulturist, Plant Physiologist, etc

Zoologist, conservationist, wildlife biologist, wildlife educator, zoology faculty, etc.

Average Salary

INR 1.4 LPA - INR 8.2 LPA

INR 4 Lakh - INR 5 Lakh

Top Recruiters

Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Nature Conservancy, Seed Company, Horticulture Companies, etc.

Agrochemical Companies, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Animal Clinics, Environmental and Ecosystem, Management Sector, etc.

Q. Can I get a job after my BSc Botany?

A. Yes, candidates can certainly get a job after completing a BSc in Botany in India. Botany graduates have a range of career opportunities available to them, both in the government and private sectors. 

Here are some job options you can explore after obtaining a BSc in Botany:

Job Profiles

Description

Average Salary (in INR)

Agricultural Officer

You can work in government agricultural departments or agribusiness companies, where you may be involved in crop management, extension services, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

1.6 LPA

Research Assistant

You can work as a research assistant in research institutions or laboratories, assisting in various botanical research projects.

5 LPA

Environmental Consultant

Botany graduates may find roles as environmental consultants, where they assess the environmental impact of development projects, and provide conservation strategies, and work with consulting firms.

6.9 LPA

Plant Protection Officer

These officers work in agricultural and horticultural departments, monitoring and managing plant health, controlling pests and diseases, and ensuring plant biosecurity.

3.2 LPA

Horticulturist

You can work in areas like landscaping, urban greening, or plant nurseries, where you care for and cultivate ornamental plants and trees.

5.3 LPA

Q. Who earns more: Botanist or Zoologist?

A. The average salary of a Botanist is 5.78 LPA while that of a Zoologist is 4.5 LPA.

The salary of a Botanist or Zoologist can vary significantly based on several factors, including education, experience, location, job role, and the specific industry or sector. 

Generally, both Botanists and Zoologists can earn competitive salaries, and there isn't a clear distinction in terms of one consistently earning more than the other.

Q. Is Botany better than Chemistry?

A. Botany is ideal for those passionate about plant life, ecology, and conservation, while Chemistry is a broader field that can lead to careers in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and chemical engineering. 

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two.

Particulars

Botany

Chemistry

Course Level

UG, PG, PhD, Diploma

UG, PG, PhD, Diploma, Certificates

Course Duration

2-3 years

2-3 years

Course Fee

INR 1,500 - INR 5.3 Lakh

INR 432 - INR 20 Lakh

Entrance Exams

CUET, CPGET, CUET PG, etc.

JMI Entrance Test, CUET, NEST, IIT JAM, BHU UET

Popular Colleges

Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Calcutta University, Aligarh Muslim University, etc.

Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jadavpur University

Job Profiles

Ecologist, Plant Breeder, Horticulturist, Plant Physiologist, etc

Analytical Chemist, Biotechnologist, Chemical Engineer, Healthcare Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Nanotechnologist, etc.

Average Salary

INR 1.4 LPA - INR 8.2 LPA

INR 2.6 LPA - INR 15.8 LPA

Top Recruiters

Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, etc.

Pfizer, Moderna, Biocon, Procter and Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, AstraZeneca, etc.

Q. Can I do an MBBS after my BSc Botany?

A. Yes, it is possible to pursue an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree after completing a BSc in Botany, but there are some important considerations and steps to keep in mind.

  • Admission to MBBS programs in India is highly competitive, and candidates are typically selected based on their performance in national or state-level entrance exams, such as NEET
  • To be eligible to appear for these exams, candidates generally need to have completed their Class 12 education in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 
  • Even with the necessary prerequisites, gaining admission to an MBBS program can be highly competitive. The number of available seats is limited, and aspiring medical students need to secure a high rank in the entrance exams to secure a spot.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Botany. Students interested in pursuing a career on Botany, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

2 Jan ' 25 - 1 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

2 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

6 Jan ' 25 - 10 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling: Online Registrati...

15 Jan ' 25 - 16 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling 1st Round: Seat Al...

14 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Campus repor...

11 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Last date t...

Popular Botany Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Botany Colleges in India. Learn more about these Botany colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2 Courses
3 K - 6.66 K
8 - 9 LPA

#203 QS World University Rankings

2 Courses
480
5.5 - 16 LPA

#94 QS World University Rankings

2 Courses
432 - 540
7 LPA

#12 NIRF

3 Courses
51.8 K - 88.41 K
9.24 - 9.5 LPA

#1 NIRF

2 Courses
32.34 K - 56.79 K
6.6 - 6.89 LPA

#2 NIRF

4.8 L

#151 NIRF

Popular Private Botany Colleges in India

1.68 L
4.0

#20 NIRF

Botany Applications open. Apply Now

2 L - 3 L

Botany Applications open. Apply Now

60 K - 90 K
3.45 LPA
1.6 L - 4 L
4 LPA
60.5 K
3.8

#92 Outlook

Botany Applications open. Apply Now

1.8 L - 2.7 L
4 LPA

Popular Botany UG Courses

Following are the most popular Botany UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Botany PG Courses

Following are the most popular Botany PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered 2 weeks ago

The basic difference between both is that Biology is a discipline that covers the study of every living being and Botany is a sub-discipline under Biology that focuses on plants study. 
Under Biology, students study about the structure, function, distribution, taxonomy, and evolution of many organism

...more

L

Lalit Rastogi

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 weeks ago

Following an MBA in *Finance* or *Banking and Financial Services* would be appropriate for taking a step forward up the ladder in banking. These kinds are most useful when one wants to learn about financial management, investment strategies, risk management, and banking processes.

Another area to con

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S

Shejal agrawal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, Sri Sai University (SSU) in Palampur is a good option for an M.Sc. in Botany: Academic programs: SSU offers postgraduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including bio-sciences. Courses: SSU's courses are developed by experienced teachers, professors, and industry leaders. Accessibility: S

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Yash Goswami

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Hello greetings!

University of Calcutta offers a 2 years M.Sc. in Botany course at the PG level. University of Calcutta M.Sc. in Botany admission is based on entry requirements - 55.0% in graduation. The total tuition fee for this course is INR 12000 for entire duration of the course. Apart from the

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79324710
Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Yes, you are eligible. But entering into Biotechnology after a graduation degree in Botany you need to go through a rigorous course comprising different subjects like Immunology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc. along with new lab techniques. You can try for exams like GAT-B/IIT JAM if eligible for

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A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some of the top Botany college options for placement opportunities in India:

Botany CollegesAverage Package Offered
Dibrugarh Hanumanbax Surajmall Kanoi CollegeINR 38.2 LPA
Bharathi CollegeINR 30 LPA
Kolhan UniversityINR 19.8 LPA
Sri Venkateswara CollegeINR 5.34 - 15.5 LPA
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa CollegeINR 5.1 - 15.5 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The study of Botany offers a wide scope of future to its students in India as well as abroad.

Upon completion of the course, an individual may opt to go for higher studies or research field, or seeks a job at the subject
related opportunities. Many individuals, after pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Bo

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

An individual with a keen interest in the study of Botany or pursuing the course needs to have certain skills which will become
beneficial in the field of study and future scope. Being attentive to details, being research-oriented and possessing analytical skills, logical thinking, love for nature ar

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A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

With every discovery through research by experts in Botany science, paves a way to new learning subjects or topics in the course of Botany. Every year new plant species are discovered, and the coming years the discovery Subject is included in the course. In short, this course covers the latest updat

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A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Pharmacognosy is closely related to Botany as it involves the study of natural products obtained from plants, microbes, and other natural sources for their medicinal and biological properties. Pharmacognosy relies heavily on botanical knowledge to identify, collect, characterize, and study plants an

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P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

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