M.Sc. in Agriculture (Horticulture) 

at SOA University, Bhubaneswar

SOA is one of the top private universities in Bhubaneswar, India. It is allotted a band rank of 1201-1400 by the QS World University Rankings 2025. The NIRF 2022 ranked SOA University in 16th position. SOA University has been continuously ranked among the top 20 Universities in India by NIRF. SOA is approved by the UGC and accredited by NAAC, ABET, and NBA. It is also recognised by the Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO). The SOA University's placement drive for the batch graduating in 2022 has been successfully completed. According to the most recent data, INR 42 LPA was the highest salary package provided during the 2022 placement drive. Students from SOA University's numerous programmes, including B.Tech, MBA, MCA and BDS among others, received favourable offers from reputable businesses during the placement drive for 2022.

To secure admission at Siksha O Anusandhan University, candidates must initially qualify the entrance exam relevant to their chosen courses. Following this, they are required to complete the application process, which includes submitting the application form, paying the requisite fee, and providing the necessary documents. Admission is not direct and is based on performance in the entrance exam and fulfillment of application requirements.

The total tuition fee for the BTech programme at SOA University ranges between INR 5.1 Lakhs - INR 11 lakhs. This range of fees does not include the cost of the mess or the hostel fee. There is a range in the fee structure because the fee for each specialisation can be slightly different from the other. The BTech programme at SOA University is also provided as a three-year lateral entry programme and in this case, the candidates will not have to pay for the first year of the prgramme. The fee mentioned here is taken from unofficial sources and can be indicative.

Yes, SOA University is recognised as a reputable institution for BTech, offering a diverse range of 12 courses with tuition fees ranging from INR 5.1 Lakhs to INR 11 lakhs. The university's focus on quality education is reflected in its placement statistics, as seen in the 2021 and 2022 reports. With the highest package increasing from INR 31 LPA to INR 42 LPA and a growing number of recruiters, including renowned companies like Accenture, Adani, Amazon, and DELL, SOA University proves to be a promising choice for BTech students. Considering the affordable tuition fees and the attractive placement packages, it indeed represents a good return on investment for aspiring engineers.

The SOA University average package details have not been released on the official website. However, the highest package for the past three years of Siksha 'O' Anusandhan placements is out, which is as follows:

Eligibility for SOA's BTech programme requires candidates to have successfully completed the class 12 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC) and achieved at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in Physics and Mathematics. Additionally, candidates must have taken one of the specified subjects, such as Chemistry, to be considered eligible for admission to the BTech programme at SOA University.

Sri University and SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan both are renowned universities for B.Sc. However, in terms of affordability, Sri University is a better option since the total tuition fee for Sri University is INR 180,000 - INR 1,280,000 and the total tuition fee for B.Sc. at SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan is INR 500,000 - INR 4,675,000. In the total fees that students generally end up paying the university or the college, various other components are also included, such as the exam fee, application fee, lab and other charges.

The hostel fee structure for SOA University depends upon the number of accommodations, for double sharing with Air conditioning the fee is INR 1.20 Lacs per annum. For triple-sharing rooms with Air conditioning, the fee is INR 90,000 per annum. Siksha O Anusandhan University provides separate hostels for boys and girls with 24-hour security and Wi-Fi facilities. There are 13 boys and 11 girls hostel. The hostels also have mess facilities providing hygienic and nutritious food. The mess charges are not included in the hostel fee, candidates need to pay INR 36,000 per annum to avail of the campus mess.

A total of 256 companies visited the University campus during the 2023 recruitment process and offered the highest package of INR 46 LPA. Take a look at the table below depicting the SOA University placement details 2023:

Particulars	Placement Statistics (2023)
Highest package	INR 46 LPA
Companies visited	256