Sericulture Syllabus & Subjects 2023: Semester-wise List, Top Colleges Syllabus PDF
Akansha BishtContent Writer
Sericulture refers to rearing silkworms for producing high-quality silk. It is widely practised in the rural parts of India and is a part of the cottage industry. The silkworms are specially grown in mulberry trees where the cocoons of the silkworms are used for making silk.
Students who want to learn about Sericulture or want to start a business in this field can opt for the Sericulture courses. While there are diploma and certificate courses in Sericulture, one may also opt for Bachelor's degree courses.
Upon completion of BSc in Sericulture, students can also pursue a master’s degree. Even MPhil and PhD degrees are available for the students who have completed their master’s degrees in Sericulture.
- Sericulture Syllabus - Important Facts for Sericulture
- List of Subjects in Sericulture Syllabus
- 2.1 Typical Core Subjects for Sericulture
- 2.2 Typical Elective Subjects for Sericulture
- Detailed Syllabus for Sericulture
- Specialisations offered in Sericulture Syllabus
- Books and Authors related to Sericulture Syllabus
- Entrance Exams for Sericulture
- Sericulture Syllabus for Distance Programmes
- Top Colleges for Sericulture
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sericulture Syllabus
Sericulture Syllabus - Important Facts for Sericulture
Take a look at the types of Sericulture courses offered and a brief about the syllabus.
1. BSc in Sericulture is a six-semester course: BSc in Sericulture is a three-year course and its syllabus is divided into 6 semesters. It mainly focuses on silkworm rearing and the production of high-quality silk from cocoons.
2. MSc in Sericulture is a four-semester course: MSc in Sericulture is a two-year course and its syllabus is divided into four semesters. It mainly focuses on the advanced technologies used to rear silkworms and methods of cultivating silk through mulberry and non-mulberry plantations.
3. Exam pattern: Exams are held after every semester and consist of both theoretical and practical exams. Many universities and colleges employ credit-based systems where the students earn varying credits for core, elective, and practical and theoretical subjects.
4. Changes in the Sericulture syllabus: The syllabus for Sericulture courses has remained mostly the same over the years. However, recent innovations in Sericulture like genetically or transgenic modified mulberry plants, genetically modified silk moths, etc. lead to some changes in the syllabus.
5. Scope in India: The students who complete their degrees or diploma courses in Sericulture can join the research departments of the government or teach the related subjects in the college or university. They can also find work in agriculture banks and Sericulture units.
List of Subjects in Sericulture Syllabus
The Sericulture syllabus is segregated into core subjects and elective subjects. The below tables bring the list of core and elective Sericulture subjects.
Typical Core Subjects for Sericulture
| Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
| General Sericulture |
This subject deals with the origin and history of sericulture. The impact of sericulture on the environment, employment generation through sericulture and characteristics of this industry is also discussed in this subject. |
| Grainage and Seed Technology |
It deals with breeding stations and the management of grainage. The difference between diapausing and non-diapausing eggs, embryonic incubation, egg storage methods, etc. are also explained in it. |
| Biology of Silkworm and silkworm crop protection |
The lifecycle and taxonomy of silkworms, classification and different races of silkworms, silkworm morphology, anatomy, and diseases are discussed in it. |
| Silkworm rearing |
Silkworm rearing methods, rearing techniques and appliances used, how worms are fed, cocoon harvesting, maintaining adequate space, etc. are explained in this subject. |
| Non-mulberry sericulture |
Scope of sericulture without mulberry trees and the difference between mulberry and non-mulberry sericulture along with the different aspects of non-mulberry sericulture are included in it. |
| Sericulture Economics and Statistics |
Economic advantages of sericulture, the scope of sericulture in India, and different statistical methods that show the economic feasibility and other aspects of this industry are discussed here. |
| Sericulture Marketing |
Different sericulture markets, marketing issues, marketing of by-products and cocoons, etc. are included in this subject. |
| Sericulture Organisation and Management |
The organisational setup of sericulture, central silk boards, technology management, financial management, marketing management, etc. are included in this subject. |
| Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Development |
Entrepreneurship opportunities in the sericulture industry and the need for human resource development are discussed in it. |
| Biology of Mulberry plant, Mulberry cultivation and protection |
The biology of the mulberry plant, its cultivation methods, and ways of protecting it from worms, pests, and environmental factors are discussed in this subject. |
| Sericulture Extension Education |
Meaning of sericulture extension, its objectives, extension programmes, teaching aids, etc. are included in this subject. |
| Silkworm Physiology, Silkworm Breeding, and Genetics |
Digestion of silkworms, feeding methods, respiration, excretion, and other natural processes are discussed in it. |
Typical Elective Subjects for Sericulture
| Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
| Soil Science |
Soil Science definition, important soil types in India, factors that contribute in soil forming, physical and chemical attributes of soil, etc. are discussed in this subject. |
| Rural Development |
Understanding the meaning of rural development, sustainable rural development concept, essential rural social institutions, rural leadership, local leaders, rural governance and administration in India, elements of Indian constitution, etc. are explained in it. |
| Insect Biology and Classification |
Introduction to entomology, importance of insects in biology, classification and diagnostic features of insects, structure and functions of insects, internal anatomy, insect growth and development, insect and plant interactions, etc. are discussed in this subject. |
| Insect Endocrinology |
Introduction to Insect Endocrinology, hormone transport and regulation, chemical structure of hormones in insects, etc. are included in this subject. |
| Computer Application |
Definition of computer, hardware components, computer terminology, computer tools and utilities, etc. are covered in it. |
| Environmental Science and Management |
Introduction to environmental science, environmental cycles, types of ecosystems, environmental ecology, source of energy, environmental management, etc. are covered in this subject. |
| Seri-Biotechnology |
Scope, introduction, and importance of plant biotechnology, plant tissue and cell culture methods, preparation of culture media, insect transgenesis, silkworm transgenesis, application of biotechnology in development of silk fibres, etc. are explained in it. |
| Seri-Textile Technology |
Classification of textile fibres, identification of silk fibres, chemical test, microscopic examination, cross section and longitudinal view of silk fibres, etc. are taught in it. |
| Organic Farming |
Development and origin of organic farming, principles of organic production, organic soil fertility practices, grass and forage management, ecological weed control measures, etc. are included in it. |
Detailed Syllabus for Sericulture
The Sericulture syllabus depends upon the course that the students have opted for. Also, different universities and colleges might follow a slightly different syllabus and curriculum. The detailed syllabus for MSc in Sericulture is given below:
| Semester |
Core/Elective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 |
Elective |
Mulberry Biology & Physiology |
This subject covers topics like Mulberry taxonomy, floral biology and anatomy, and morphology, propagation and agro-climatic factors, farming systems and nutrient management, mulberry agronomy and farm management, respiration and transpiration, photosynthesis, and other related concepts. |
| Semester 1 |
Elective |
Silkworm Biology and Rearing Technology |
Topics like classification of insects and metamorphosis, insect and silkworm egg, morphology of silkworm and its classification, anatomical features of silkworm (Bombyx Mori), silk synthesis, planning for silkworm rearing, etc. are covered in it. |
| Semester 1 |
Core |
Microbiology |
It includes topics like history and methods of Microbiology, microbial cell, growth and nutrition, bacterial genetics, medical microbiology, microbes in extreme environments, and mycology. |
| Semester 2 |
Core |
Cell Biology and Genetics |
Cell membrane, structural organisation and functions of intracellular organelles, cell to cell communication, cell cycle and death, organisation of genes and chromosomes, classical genetics, fine structure of gene, DNA replication, gene regulation, etc. are discussed here. |
| Semester 2 |
Core |
Mulberry Cytogenetics and Breeding |
Cytology, cytogenesis, genetics of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, quantitative and biometrical genetics, classical and modern means of crop breeding and improvement, etc. are the important concepts that are taught in this subject. |
| Semester 2 |
Core |
Silkworm Physiology and Biochemistry |
Physiology of insects and silkworms, history of insect muscles, endocrinology, nutritional and respiratory physiology, excretory physiology, carbohydrates and its metabolism, bioenergetics, etc. are covered in it. |
| Semester 3 |
Core |
Molecular Biology and Immunology |
Tools of molecular biology, DNA ligase, vectors used in gene clothing, PCR and its applications, immunity, antigen and antibody, complement system, cells associated with immune system, hypersensitivity and autoimmune diseases, etc. are discussed in this subject. |
| Semester 3 |
Core |
Mulberry and Silkworm Crop Protection |
It deals with general overview of mulberry diseases, overview of mulberry pests, diseases, and silkworm pests. |
| Semester 3 |
Core |
Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity |
It includes topics like factors of the environment, population dynamics, community and behavioural ecology, biodiversity, etc. |
| Semester 4 |
Core |
Silkworm Genetics, Breeding, and Seed Production |
Structure and chromosome numbers in silkworm, different modes of reproduction in silkworm, concepts of silkworm breeding, heterosis and hybrid vigour, new concepts of silkworm breeding, and related concepts are discussed here. |
| Semester 4 |
Elective |
Advanced Concept in SeriBiotechnology |
Genomics, genome mapping in mulberry, comparative and functional genomics, protein structure, proteomics, silk biomaterials, and bioinformatics are the important contents of this subject. |
| Semester 4 |
Elective |
Sericulture Extension and Rural Economics |
Fundamentals of sericulture extension and communication, basics of rural sociology, communication and its application in extension, etc. are covered in it. |
Specialisations offered in Sericulture Syllabus
Many colleges and universities offer multiple specialisations in their Sericulture programmes. These specialisations allow the students to pursue a specific career as per their area of interest. Some of the popular specialisations offered in sericulture courses are described below:
| Specialisation |
Specialisation Subjects |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Silk Dyeing and Printing Technology |
|
The various dyes and chemicals used in silk dyeing and technologies involved in silk printing are discussed in this specialisation. |
| Sericulture Extension |
|
Different aspects of sericulture extension and its meaning and applications used to strengthen the silkworm farming, etc. are discussed in it. |
| Soil Science |
|
How soil is formed, how can we nourish it organically, and the role of soil in mulberry growth and development are included in this specialisation. |
| Biology of Mulberry |
|
Growth phases of mulberry plant, anatomy of mulberry plant, its cellular and tissue culture, etc. are discussed in detail here. |
| Silk Grading and Testing |
|
Different grades of raw silk and techniques used in checking the quality, tenacity, and other aspects of raw silk are discussed in it. |
| General Sericulture |
|
Rearing of silkworms, species of silkworms used in silk production, process of rearing silkworms, and other general aspects of sericulture are covered in this specialisation. |
Books and Authors related to Sericulture Syllabus
The students can refer to these books to understand the various processes involved in Sericulture:
| Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horticulture |
Silkworm Breeding |
Eikichi Hiratsuka |
The basic concepts involved in silkworm breeding are covered in this book. |
| Plant Biotechnology |
Mulberry Breeding |
Amitabha Sarkar |
The way in which sericulture is carried out on the Mulberry trees is explained in this book. |
| Silkworm Physiology |
Experimental Physiology |
Ather Siddiqui |
The basic structure of Silkworm and its cocoon are described in it. |
| Soil Science |
Textbook of Soil Science |
T. D Biswas and S. K. Mukherjee |
The formation of soil and its properties are discussed with respect to sericulture. |
| Soil Science |
Soil and Its Properties |
A. K. Sacheti |
The different physical and chemical properties of soil are explained in it. |
| Soil Science |
Manual of Soil and Water Conservation Practices |
B. P. Joshi, Gurmel Singh, G. Sastry, Venkataramanan |
The sustainable approach to agriculture through soil and water conservation is explained in it. |
| Insect Entomology |
The Science of Entomology |
W.S, Romoser, and Stoffolano |
The detailed study of insects, their structure, bodily functions, etc. are covered in this book. |
| Insect Entomology |
The Insects: An Outline of Entomology |
Gullan, Cranston, and P. J |
The basics of insect entomology are discussed in it. |
| Sericulture Organisation and Management |
Entrepreneurial Development |
S. S. Khanka |
It talks of the development of sericulture and other horticulture as a successful business. |
| Sericulture Organisation and Management |
Entrepreneurship Development |
A. Nirjar and Sanbun |
The business aspects of Sericulture and its management processes are discussed here. |
Entrance Exams for Sericulture
Most colleges and universities offer direct admission to students on the basis of their Class 12 scores. The students who wish to appear for MSc in Sericulture might need to clear the ICAR AIEEA PG which is a national-level entrance exam. However, some colleges and universities might also offer direct admission to the MSc courses.
ICAR All India Entrance Examination Entrance Test helps students secure admission to agricultural universities and colleges across India. This entrance test is also applicable for some UG and doctoral programmes in Allied Sciences and Agriculture programmes. It is a computer-based test and its syllabus comprises the following subjects:
-
Agronomy
-
Forestry/Agroforestry and Silviculture
-
Plant Biotechnology
-
Water Science and Technology
-
Animal Sciences
-
Physical Science
-
Home Science or Community Science
-
Entomology and Nematology
-
Animal Biotechnology
The difficulty level of this entrance test is moderate. The students can learn the essential topics of these subjects and attempt maximum sample question papers and mock tests to score well in the exam.
Sericulture Syllabus for Distance Programmes
Many colleges and universities offer BSc in Sericulture (three-year) and two-year degree MSc in Sericulture courses. The eligibility criteria and syllabus are identical for both regular and distance programmes. However, distance programmes allow the students to cover the syllabus in a flexible manner. Moreover, the fees associated with distance programmes are usually lesser than that of regular programmes.
For instance, the fee range for a regular BSc in Sericulture course can vary from INR 40,000 to INR 50,000 per year whereas the distance programme fees would usually range from INR 10,000 to INR 35,000 per year. Some of the best colleges and universities when it comes to distance programmes in sericulture are listed below:
Top Colleges for Sericulture
Top colleges for Sericulture are given below. These colleges/universities/institutes have been selected on the basis of their teaching facilities, infrastructure, and placement opportunities they provide to the students.
| Sr. No. |
College/University/Institution |
Syllabus Links |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Raiganj University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 2 |
Calcutta University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 3 |
University of Mysore |
To be uploaded soon |
| 4 |
Jammu University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 5 |
Shivaji University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 6 |
Bangalore University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 7 |
Sri Krishnadevaraya University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 8 |
MK University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 9 |
Periyar University |
To be uploaded soon |
| 10 |
Sri Venkateswara University |
To be uploaded soon |
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sericulture Syllabus
Q: Which are the main contents of the Sericulture course syllabus?
A: The main contents of the Sericulture courses are given below:
-
Taxonomy and Anatomy of Mulberry
-
Mulberry Propagation
-
Mulberry Production and Management
-
Physiology and Growth of Mulberry
-
Embryology
-
Cytology, Genetics, and Breeding of Mulberry
-
Biotechnology in Mulberry
-
Introduction to Plant Diseases
-
Pest Attack on Mulberry
-
Resource Management and Economics of Mulberry
Q: Which are the main concepts of the Silkworm Seed Technology subject?
A: The main concepts of the Silkworm Seed Technology subject are listed below:
-
Introduction to Grainage
-
Situation in India when it comes to egg production of silkworms
-
Economics of egg production
-
Equipment used for Grainage
-
Model Grainage
-
Grainage system
Q: Which are the essential topics of Insect Biology and Classification subject?
A: The essential topics of Insect Biology and Classification subject are listed below:
-
Introduction to Entomology
-
Insect Biodiversity
-
Importance of insects
-
Selected diagnostic features of Insects
-
Insect Structure and Function
-
Insect Internal Anatomy and Physiology
-
Insect Growth and Development
-
Insect and Plant Interactions
Q: Which are the main topics of Insect Endocrinology?
A: The main topics of Insect Endocrinology are explained below:
-
Introduction to Insect Endocrinology
-
Macroscopic and microscopic Anatomy
-
Transport and Regulation of Hormones
-
Functions of Insect Hormones
-
Insect Growth Regulators: Hormones and Hormone Analogues
Q: Which are the essential topics covered in Sericulture Organisation and Management subject?
A: The essential topics covered in Sericulture Organisation and Management subject are described below:
-
Sericulture organisational setup
-
Financial Management
-
Marketing Management
-
Project Formulation
-
Statutory Provisions
-
Important Provisions of Factory Act, Partnership, and Sales of Goods Act
-
Management Information System i.e. MIS
Q: What does the syllabus of the Silkworm Pathology include?
A: The syllabus of the Silkworm Pathology includes these topics:
-
Introduction of Parasitism
-
Mulberry Silkworm Diseases: Pebrine, Viral, and Bacterial diseases
-
Mode of Infection
-
Prevention and control of diseases and infections
-
Commensalism
-
Symbiosis and Parasite Relationship
Q: Which are the main topics of the Silkworm Seed Cocoon Processing include?
A: The main topics of the Silkworm Seed Cocoon Processing are mentioned below:
-
Grainage Activities
-
Disinfection of Grainage
-
Cocoon Sorting and Cocoon Arrangements
-
Hibernation and Incubation of Eggs
-
Refrigeration of Male Moths
-
Pupal Gut Examination
-
Artificial Hatching Processes Hot and Cold Acid Treatment
-
Moth Examination methods
Q: What does the syllabus of Silkworm Anatomy and Physiology include?
A: The syllabus of Silkworm Anatomy and Physiology includes these topics:
-
Silkworm Eggs Morphology
-
Larva, Pupa, and Moth
-
Anatomy of Silkworm Larva
-
Excretory system of silkworms
-
Respiratory, central nervous system, and silk glands of silkworms
-
Male and female reproductive system of silkworms
-
Prothoracic Gland
Q: Which are the main concepts included in the Systematics and Silkworm Biodiversity subject?
A: The main concepts included in the Systematics andSilkworm Biodiversity subject are mentioned below:
-
Taxonomic Classification of Mulberry and Non-Mulberry Silkworms
-
Types of silkworms
-
Geographical distribution of Silkworms
-
Differences between Mulberry and Non-Mulberry Silkworms
-
Life Cycle of silkworms i.e. different stages like larva, pupa, and adult stage
Q: What are the main topics covered in the Resource Management and Economics of Mulberry subject?
A: The main topics covered in the Resource Management and Economics of Mulberry subject include:
-
Watershed Management Concept
-
Water Management concepts
-
Significance of Water Recharging Technologies
-
Economics of Mulberry Cultivation
-
Products of Mulberry and their industrial use
-
Intercropping and soil management
Q: What does the Mulberry Production and Management subject cover?
A: The Mulberry Production and Management subject covers the following topics:
-
Soil factors required for growth of mulberry plants
-
Cultivation of mulberry plants
-
Selection of land and its preparation
-
Methods of planting and irrigation methods
-
Manuring techniques
-
Drip irrigation and its benefits for mulberry growth
-
Furrow method used for planting
Q: What does the Mulberry Propagation subject include?
A: The Mulberry Propagation subject includes the following topics:
-
Asexual or Vegetative Propagation i.e. propagation by cutting and grafting of stem
-
Bud and root grafting
-
Layering - Trench, Simple, and Air
-
Sexual propagation through seedlings and seeds
-
Nursery Technology
Q: Which are the topics included in the Silkworm Rearing subject?
A: The topics included in the Silkworm Rearing subject are mentioned below:
-
Rearing appliances
-
Bed Cleaning and feeding worms
-
Silkworm rearing methods
-
Late Age Silkworm Rearing
-
Chawki rearing or young age worm rearing
-
Cocoon harvesting
-
Process of spinning
-
Mounting and Mountage
-
Maintaining required condition for rearing
-
Care during mounting
Q: Which are the essential topics covered in the Non-Mulberry Sericulture subject?
A: The essential topics covered in the Non-Mulberry Sericulture subject are listed below:
-
Scope of non-mulberry sericulture
-
Differences between mulberry and non-mulberry sericulture
-
Eri, Muga, and Tasar silkworms
-
Cultivation of primary food plants for different types of silkworms
-
Life cycle of different types of silkworms
-
Disease of non-mulberry silkworms
-
Causative Agent: Preventive and Control Measures
-
Bacterial Viral and Fungal Diseases
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Popular Sericulture Colleges in India
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 months ago
Apiculture and sericulture are both practices that involve raising insects for commercial purposes, but they differ in the insects used and the products they produce.
Apiculture is the process of rearing bees or maintenance of honey bee colonies or hives. Sericulture is the process of raising silkwor
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Diploma in Sericulture is a 1 Year Undergraduate Programme within agriculture science. It focuses on silkworm rearing and raw silk manufacturing. India being one among the two largest producers of silk; sericulture plays a huge role in rural development.
The areas of training are Silk Worm Rearing an
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Yes, you can pursue an MSc in Sericulture after a BSc in Agriculture. To be eligible for an MSc in Sericulture, you must have a BSc degree in Sericulture, Agriculture, or Horticulture. You may also need to have a minimum aggregate score of 55% from a recognized university.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Yes, the minimum age requirement to enrol for a BSc Sericulture course is 16 years and the maximum age is 21 years. There is no relaxation in the minimum age limit for the BSc courses.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Here are some popular colleges offering different types of Sericulture courses in Assam:
| Sericulture Colleges in Assam | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Biswanath College of Agriculture | INR 24,000 |
| SCS College of Agriculture | INR 24,000 |
| T.H.B. College | - |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
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What is the difference between Sericulture and Apiculture?