PhD Botany: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Sep 11, 2024 03:47 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

PhD Botany is a research-based doctoral degree program designed for students who wish to make contributions by understanding ecology, plant life, and related disciplines. The program includes specializations such as Plant Physiology, Ecology, Taxonomy, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, etc.

The PhD in Botany eligibility criteria is to obtain a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Admission to this doctoral program is majorly based on the entrance exam procedure. Some popular entrance exams for PhD Botany include UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, and SET.

Numerous colleges in India offer PhD in Botany program, among them, Lovely Professional University, Ravenshaw University, Shoolini University, and Rabindranath Tagore University are some top options. The average course fee ranges between INR 21,000 to INR 5.25 Lakh.

PhD Botany scholars can seek employment opportunities in fields such as Educational Institutions, Medical Labs, Food Companies, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Agriculture, etc. The average salary of a Botanist in India is INR 5.08 LPA.

Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more PhD in Botany details.

Links relevant to PhD Botany:

Top Research Institute in India: NIRF Ranking & Admission Process

PhD Botany Details: Highlights

PhD in Botany allows students to conduct independent research in components like foundations of medicine, biomedical, nomenclature, and biological conservation. Here are some key highlights of the PhD botany program:

Parameters

Course Details

PhD Botany Full Form

Doctorate of Philosophy in Botany

PhD Botany Course Level

Doctorate

PhD Botany Course Duration

3 – 6 Years

PhD Botany Admission Criteria

Entrance exam-based

PhD Botany Entrance Exams

UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, SET, etc.

PhD Botany Top Colleges

Lovely Professional University, Ravenshaw University, Shoolini University, and Rabindranath Tagore University.

PhD Botany Course Fee

INR 21,000 to INR 5.25 Lakh

PhD Botany Jobs

Taxonomist, Agronomist, Ecologist, Research Associate, Mycologist, Plant Breeder, etc.

PhD in Botany Salary

INR 5.08 LPA

PhD Botany Top Recruiters

Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dabur, Hindustan Unilever, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Fortis Healthcare, etc.

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

Links useful for PhD Botany:

Know everything about PhD

Q:   What is Ph.D in Botany course all about?

A:

PhD in Botany is a 3 to 6 years doctoral degree programme in which you'll do an in-depth study and research around plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, physiology, ecology, evolution, and interactions with the environment. Under this program, along with classroom study, students get to write thesis, do field work, internships, attend seminars, and more.

Q:   What are the benefits of pursuing Ph.D in Botany?

A:

The Ph.D. in Botany prepares students for research, teaching, and publication in their field. In addition, it helps them develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as promotes professional ethics.
A Ph.D. in Botany can lead to a career in agriculture, food production, government agencies, and more. Those with a Ph.D. in botany are often hired in universities as professors to teach students the scientific aspects of their chosen field. There are many universities and colleges around the world that offer the program, and some of these offer online classes, allowing working professionals to complete the degree on their own.

PhD Botany Eligibility Criteria

PhD in Botany eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specialization and college, a candidate opts for. However, the general requirements every candidate must fulfil include:

  • A master’s degree in MSc Botany or any relevant specialization, followed by a bachelor’s degree such as BSc Botany.
  • The degree must be obtained from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate score.
  • The aggregate score may vary depending on the students’ categories.

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

PhD Botany Recommended Links:

Everything about Ph.D. Admission 2024

Q:   Which skills are required to pursue a Ph.D in Botany?

A:

If you're planning to pursue PhD in Botany, here are some skillset you need to possess, that'll help you not only throughout the program, but for career prospects as well.

  • Data-handling skills such as recording, collating, and analyzing data using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • Written and communication skills.
  • Presentation and oral communication skills such as presenting research findings and make presentations in a clear, succinct way.
  • Project management skills, such as organizing and undertaking research projects, experiments, etc. (including budgeting, contingency planning, and time management).
  • Good understanding of information technology.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the CSIR-NET?

A:

The CSIR NET exam is conducted for the Junior Research Fellowship and for the Lectureship in Science and Technology subjects. The eligibility criteria for the CSIR NET are as follows:

(a) Academic criteria:

  1. The applicant must have a degree in any of the following: B.Tech, BE, B.Pharma MBBS B.Sc. (Hons. ), or M.Sc.
  2. Candidates with Bachelor's-level degrees, such as B.Tech, can only apply for JRFs and not lectureships.
  3. The applicant must have a minimum of 55 percent in their degree course. 

(b) Age criteria:

  1. The upper age limit for CSIR NET is 28 years for JRF, which is relaxed to 5 years for certain categories.
  2. If you want to apply for the position of assistant professor, there is no age limit.

PhD Botany Entrance Exams 2024

Admission to PhD Botany program is majorly based on entrance exams in India. Colleges conduct both university and national-level entrance tests for course admissions. Here are some popular PhD in Botany Entrance Exams, that candidates can prepare for.

Entrance Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

UGC NET

2nd Week of June’25

UGC NET Schedule

GATE

Feb 1 – 16, 2025

GATE Schedule

CSIR NET

June’25

CSIR NET Schedule

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

PhD Botany-related topics you may find useful:

GATE Preparation Tips

GATE 2025 Exam Pattern (OUT): Check Subject-wise Paper Pattern, Paper-wise Marking Scheme

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

04 Feb '25

ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling Round 4: re-submission of documents

ONGOING

04 Feb '25

ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling Round 4: Document Verification by the Universities

ONGOING

04 Feb '25

ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling Round 4: Seat Acceptance Fee deposition

ONGOING

08 Feb '25 -

11 Feb '25

ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling Mop-Up: Registration, Counselling Fee & Choice filling

15 Feb '25

ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling Mop-Up: Seat Allotment & Document Upload

17 Feb '25

ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling Mop-Up: Online Document Upload

18 Feb '25

ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling Mop-Up: Document Verification by Universities

DatesPast Exam Dates

Jan '25

TIFR GS Final Answer

14 Dec '24

TIFR GS 2025 Provisional Answer Key

08 Dec '24

TIFR GS 2025 Exam

Q:   How to prepare for UGC NET?

A:

Preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the UGC NET exam:

a) Understand the syllabus: The first step in preparing for the UGC NET exam is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern. Go through the syllabus thoroughly and make a study plan accordingly.

B) Follow a structured study plan: Make a study plan that covers all the topics and subtopics in the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each topic and subtopic, and ensure that you cover all the important concepts.

C) Use standard study materials: Use standard study materials and books recommended by experts and previous-year toppers. This will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and topics covered in the exam.

D) Solve previous year's papers: Solving previous year's question papers and mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in the exam. It will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

E) Practice time management: Time management is crucial in the UGC NET exam, as you have to complete both papers in a limited time. Practice time management by solving mock tests and previous year's papers within the given time frame.

F) Stay updated with Current Affairs: Stay updated with Current Affairs and developments in your field of study, as questions related to Current Affairs and recent developments are often asked in the exam.

G) Take breaks and stay healthy: Taking regular breaks and staying healthy is important for effective preparation. Ensure that you take regular breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. In summary, preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. By following these tips, you can prepare effectively for the exam and increase your chances of qualifying.

Q:   What is GATE 2025 Exam structure?

A:

GATE papers have three major sections; General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics & Specific Subject. There are 65 questions asked for 100 marks in GATE exam.  

General aptitude questions are asked for 15 marks, Engineering mathematics in some paper codes (Check GATE 2025 Exam pattern) for 13 marks and the rest 72 marks from the chosen subject.  

In some paper codes engineering mathematics will be excluded only 15 marks general aptitude questions and rest 85 marks will be of chosen subject. 

Q:   When should I start preparing for CSIR NET?

A:

It is recommended to start preparing for the CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) exam as early as possible. The exam is highly competitive and requires a comprehensive understanding of the subject and a strong foundation in the basic concepts.

Starting the preparation early will give you enough time to cover the entire syllabus, practice, and revise. Ideally, you should start preparing for the exam at least 6-12 months in advance, depending on your familiarity with the subject and the amount of time you can devote to studying. This will give you enough time to cover all the topics in the syllabus, practice solving questions, and take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and assess your preparation.

However, if you have missed the opportunity to start early, it is still possible to prepare effectively for the exam in a shorter time frame. With a focused and dedicated approach, you can cover the important topics, solve questions, and take mock tests to improve your chances of success.

PhD Botany Syllabus 2024

PhD Botany syllabus is generally divided into 6 semesters following the 3-year curriculum. However, students can take up to 6 years to complete the syllabus, as it involves extensive research, practicals, fieldwork, etc. Here is a general idea of PhD in Botany subjects for interested candidates.

PhD in Botany Subjects

Research Methodology

Plant Physiology

Taxonomy, Biodiversity & Conservation

Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry

Research Proposal

Applied Botany

Recent Advances in Ecology

Biotechnology and Human Welfare

Recent advances in Plant Physiology

Analytical Techniques and Computer Applications

Trends in Biotechnology

Plant Disease Management

Recent advances in Mycology and Plant Pathology

Mushroom Cultivation

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

PhD Botany topics students are interested in:

All about Botany Subjects

Popular Specializations

Q:   What are the various types of Ph.D in Botany available in India?

A:

PhD in Botany course is available in 3 types:

  • Full-Time PhD in Botany: PhD in Botany is a 3 to 6 years doctorate degree program. In the full-time learning mode, students have to attend regular classroom-based learning. They also need to submit all the assignments and projects and they need to appear for their exams on their institute campus. 
    Students can learn from their peers and also can solve issues with the faculty members which is the best thing in this mode of learning.
  • Part-Time PhD in Botany: A part-time course is designed for professionals who do not have the time to dedicate to a full-time course. Since it is a practical course, there is no Part-time option available.
  • Distance PhD in Botany: A distance learning course is designed for students who do not have the time and proper financial background to pursue a full-time course. Since it is a practical course, there is no distance learning option available.

Q:   Which books are recommended for Ph.D Botany?

A:

Here are some books related to PhD Botany you should read:

BooksAuthors
Plants PhysiologyEduardo Zeiger and Lincoln Taiz
Introductory Plant Biology Stern
Introduction to Plant Physiology Hopkins W.G and Huner P.A
Molecular Biology of the CellBruce Alberts
Concepts of Genetics Klug W.S., Cummings M.R., Spencer C.A

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

Best PhD Botany Colleges in India

There are more than 100 PhD in Botany colleges in India, of which, 45 are private and 32 are government colleges. These colleges, along with good learning and research options, offer placement opportunities to PhD holders. Candidates can find the college details in the tables below:

Best Government Colleges for PhD Botany

Ravenshaw University, Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, SVU University, etc., are some of the best government colleges in India offering PhD in Botany degree program. Candidates can find some more similar options in the table below:

Best Government Colleges

Tuition Fee

Ravenshaw University

INR 35,000

VMOU Kota

-

College of Sciences, SVU University

-

Queen Marys College

-

Government Science College, Jabalpur

-

Government Arts College, Udhagamandalam

-

Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University

-

M B Government Post Graduate College

-

Madhav Science College

-

Arignar Anna Government Arts College, Villupuram

-

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

Best Private Colleges for PhD Botany

Lovely Professional University, Shoolini University, Rabindranath Tagore University, etc., are some of the best private colleges in India offering PhD in Botany degree program. Candidates can find some more similar options in the table below:

Best Private Colleges

Tuition Fee

Apex University

INR 3 Lakh

Fergusson College

-

Jai Hind College

INR 1.03 Lakh

Lovely Professional University

INR 3 Lakh

Rabindranath Tagore University

INR 3.15 Lakh

Royal Global University

INR 3.25 Lakh

SAGE University Bhopal

INR 3 Lakh

SHUATS

INR 4.20 Lakh

Shoolini University

INR 5.25 Lakh

Vivekananda Global University

INR 4.5 Lakh

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

PhD Botany topics you may find useful:

Best Botany colleges in India

3 L

Botany Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1 Course
1 Course
5.58 L
4.0

Q:   Which university is best for Ph.D in Botany in India?

A:

More than 100 colleges in India offer PhD in Botany and its related disciplines. Among them, some top rated universities include Lovely Professional University and Shoolini University. The average course fee of these colleges ranges between INR 3 - 6 Lakh. 

Q:   What are the various colleges that offer Ph.D Botany with an affordable fee structure?

A:

Yes, here are some college options for PhD Botany under INR 1 Lacs fee, you can consider:

PhD Botany CollegesCourse Fee
Ravenshaw UniversityINR 35,000
NIMS Institute of Medical and Allied SciencesINR 90,000
IFTM UniversityINR 21,000

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

Popular Private PhD Botany Colleges in India

3 L

Botany Applications open. Apply Now

3 L

Botany Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1 Course

PhD Botany Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

PhD Botany Scholars can foresee their career future in numerous industries such as Agriculture, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Clinical Research, Food Processing, and more. They can go for both government and private job sectors. Candidates can take a look at some popular job profiles and PhD in Botany salary details from the table below:

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary

Taxonomist

Their job is to classify and name living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

INR 3.4 LPA

Agronomist

They advise farmers on how to improve crop yields and manage their land.

INR 5.1 LPA

Ecologist

They study the relationship between organisms and their environment, and their role in society.

INR 5.9 LPA

Research Associate

They analyze data, conduct research, write reports, provide technical support, and more.

INR 4.7 LPA

Mycologist

They study the properties of fungi such as yeast and mould.

INR 11.9 LPA

Plant Breeder

They research and improve plant characteristics to meet market demands and consumer needs.

INR 5 LPA

Note: The salary information is sourced from Ambitionbox.com.

PhD Botany topics you may find helpful:

Career Guidance for Botanists

PhD Botany Top Recruiters

Countless companies from numerous industries hire PhD Botany scholars for multiple job roles. Here are some examples of top recruiters for PhD Botany Scholars.

PhD Botany Top Recruiters

Swami Vivekanand Subharti University

Max Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare

Nagarjuna Agri Tech Ltd.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Ajanta Soya Ltd.

Cipla Ltd.

Nestle India Ltd.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.

Britannia Industries Ltd.

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

PhD Botany topics students find interesting:

Botany Career Scope

Q:   What is the future scope of Ph.D in Botany?

A:

As a PhD in Botany Scholar, you can find employment with government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and botanical gardens. You can also work as a taxonomist in the public and private sectors. You could also find work as an agricultural consultant, environmental scientist, or biotechnologist. Regardless of where you choose to work, you'll gain valuable skills that can be applied in many different fields.
There are many career opportunities for Botany scholars. This degree is versatile and has transferable skills that are applicable in virtually any industry or profession. For instance, you could be a Plant Ecologist, Marketing Manager, or Realtor. Having a PhD Botany degree does not guarantee you a job, but it does provide a valuable skill set. You may want to consider applying for jobs in this field or pursue your career elsewhere.

Q:   What is the average salary of Ph.D in Botany scholar in India?

A:

It is difficult to decide an average PhD in Botany salary as PhD Botany Scholars opt for a variety of career paths and every job profile attracts different salary package based on the employer, geographical location of the company, relevant experience and skillset of the candidate, and more. However, an average salary of a Botanist is INR 5.7 LPA in India.

PhD Botany FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for PhD Botany FAQs.

Q:   How do I prepare for Ph.D in Botany?

A:

There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a Diploma in Mechatronics degree. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles. 

  • Improve Vocabulary: Students need to communicate efficiently such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing which will help them to prosper in every work they do. Steady progress will help them reach their desired goals in their career.
  • Read and Practice More: Students should do more research work to indulge in this course more deeply and they should try different experiments in botanical science.
  • Have Intrinsic Knowledge and Interest in Subjects: Having intrinsic knowledge about the subject and having the same interest will keep the student motivated to learn more than what's in the syllabus.

Q:   Which is better- Zoology or Botany?

A:

 Zoology is the scientific study of animals, covering a wide range of species from microscopic organisms to complex vertebrates. It encompasses areas like animal behaviour, physiology, anatomy, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Botany is the scientific study of plants, including algae, fungi, mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants. It covers plant Anatomy,  Physiology, Taxonomy, Ecology,  Genetics, and evolution.

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

Parameters

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.

CUET, CPGET, CUET PG, URAT PG, etc.

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, etc.

Average Salary

INR 1.4 LPA - INR 8.2 LPA

INR 4 LPA - INR 5 LPA

Top Recruiters

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

Indian Forest Service (IFS), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), etc.

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Student Forum

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Answered 3 weeks ago

candidates who complete their graduation in MSc Botany are given a wide range of options to choose from, which can help them shape their career.  Apollo Hospitals, Cipla Ltd, Pfizer, Fortis, Max Healthcare, Godrej etc. are known to be the top recruiting sectors for the aspiring candidates.

A

Aadit Singh Uppal

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

MSc Botany, also known as Master of Science in Botany, is a postgraduate degree programme that focuses on studying plants, their structure, function, classification, and interaction with the environment. MSc in Botany is a specialised field of biology that delves into the intricacies of plant life a

...Read more

A

Aadit Singh Uppal

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

  • Deep Understanding of Plant Biology: MSc Botany programs provide a comprehensive understanding of plant anatomy, physiology, ecology, genetics, and evolution. 
  • Research Opportunities: Many MSc Botany programs offer research opportunities, allowing students to delve into specialised areas of plant bio

...Read more

A

Aadit Singh Uppal

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month 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

...Read more

L

Lalit Rastogi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

S

Shejal agrawal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months 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

...Read more

79324710
Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months 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

...Read more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10