M.Sc. Horticulture: Course, Eligibility, Admission Process, Fees, Syllabus, Scope

M.Sc. in Horticulture or Master of Science in Horticulture is a two-year postgraduate degree. M.Sc. in Horticulture focuses on the scientific study of plant cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. This Horticulture course provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience. In India, more than 60 colleges offer MSc in Horticulture courses.

To be eligible for an M.Sc. in Horticulture, students must complete either a B.Sc. in Agriculture, B.Sc. in Agriculture Hons., B.Sc. in Horticulture, or equivalent. Subjects like Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops, Systematic Horticulture, Nursery Husbandry, Orchard Management, Orchard Management, and Spices And Plantation Crops are covered in the curriculum of M.Sc. in Horticulture.

Candidates after doing an M.Sc in Horticulture can pursue a career role as a Horticulture Research Scientist, Crop Consultant, Nursery Manager, Agronomist, Plant Breeder, Crop Production Manager, and Botanical Garden Curator. Top recruiters for these profiles are the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), NHB, the Indian Department of Horticulture in various state governments, Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, and UPL Limited.

M.Sc. in Horticulture Highlights

M.Sc. in Horticulture Eligibility Criteria

There is a specific eligibility criteria that aspiring candidates should consider before applying for an M.Sc. in Horticulture. This eligibility criteria is set by various colleges and universities that offer M.Sc. in Horticulture. Below are the eligibility criteria for M.Sc. in Horticulture.

• Candidates need to successfully complete a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related fields.
• They also need to qualify for a specific entrance exam like CUET PG to get admission to M.Sc. in Horticulture.

M.Sc. in Horticulture Admission Process

The admission process for M.Sc. in Horticulture is simple. There are several steps involved in the admission process. Below is the list of steps, candidates need to follow for successful application submission for M.Sc. in Horticulture.

• As the first step, candidates need to check their eligibility.
• If they are eligible for M.Sc. in Horticulture, candidates can start by visiting the admission portal of the desired colleges and universities.
• Candidates need to create their accounts and start filling out their admission forms.
• Candidates also need to register for the specific entrance exams along with the application form.
• They have to sit for the entrance exam on the specified date and centre as set by the conducting body.
• If candidates qualify for the entrance exam, they can sit in the counselling process of the universities.
• The colleges of the universities verify their applications, and entrance exam scores and verify the documents.
• After performing the above step, colleges roll out their list of shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates finalise their admissions by making complete payments for the programme.

M.Sc. in Horticulture Entrance Exam

As per the eligibility criteria, candidates need to first qualify for the entrance exam to be able to sit in the counselling process for admission to M.Sc. in Horticulture programme. The specific entrances like CUET PG and JET are two entrance exams that candidates need to take for admission to M.Sc. in Horticulture.

Skills Required for M.Sc. in Horticulture

M.Sc. in Horticulture equips candidates with a blend of theoretical and aptitude skills that focus on plant cultivation and research. Aspiring candidates are required to possess some skills before the start of the programme. The list of skills required for an M.Sc. in Horticulture is given below.

Skills Required:

• Data Analysis
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Research Methodology
• Statistical Analysis
• Horticultural Techniques

M.Sc. in Horticulture Subjects/Syllabus

The syllabus of the M.Sc. in Horticulture provides students with a comprehensive education in fields of plant science, crop cultivation techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices. The syllabus of the M.Sc. in Horticulture as prescribed by the Central University of Tamil Nadu is divided into four semesters over two years.

M.Sc. in Horticulture Fees Structure

The fee structure of M.Sc. in Horticulture varies for different institutions and colleges. The average fee structure of M.Sc. in Horticulture ranges from Rs. 8,300 to Rs. 1.82 lakhs. This fee depends on factors like the type of institution, the location, the facilities available, and the faculty expertise.

M.Sc. in Horticulture Scope

M.Sc. in Horticulture provides students with a broad scope of career opportunities. It is a good course for candidates who aspire to contribute to plant biology, genetics, crop management, and sustainable agriculture. The candidates get to work in research institutions, governmental agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organisations.

In recent times, there has been a lot of emphasis on organic farming and sustainable practices. The cities are also seen integrating modern high-technology techniques in the field of Horticulture like vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and urban farming projects. Also, as the issue of global climate change is increasing, the research opportunities are expanded in the field of climate-resilient crops and Horticulture.

MSc in Horticulture Career Options

There are lots of career opportunities available for candidates after successful completion of an M.Sc. in Horticulture. It offers ample opportunities for meaningful and impactful careers in various sectors of agriculture and related fields. Candidates can pursue roles as Horticulture Research Scientists, Crop Consultants, Agronomists, Plant Breeders, and Crop Production Managers.

Research Scientist: Research Scientist is responsible for conducting experiments and analysing data related to plant biology and crop management. He or She can also publish his or her findings in reputed journals.

Crop Consultant: Crop Consultant is responsible for providing advice and consultancy to farmers and related businesses on crop selection, planting techniques, and its management. He or She has to ensure that the yields get optimised and profitability improves for his or her clients.

Extension Specialist: Extension Specialist is responsible for providing education and outreach programmes to farmers, gardeners, and communities. He or She provides information and awareness on horticulture techniques, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.

Plant Breeder: Plant Breeder is responsible for developing new plant varieties using their judgement and planting techniques. He or She creates disease-resistant plants, that have higher yields and have improved nutritional content.

Greenhouse Manager: Greenhouse Manager is responsible for overseeing the management of facilities at greenhouses. He or She keeps a check on plant propagation, cultivation, pest control, and environmental management.

Agricultural Inspector: The Agricultural Inspector is responsible for overseeing the working of farms, nurseries, and agricultural facilities. He or She has to ensure that these locations have proper compliance with government regulations and industry standards.

Agronomist: Agronomist is responsible for optimising crop production through soil analysis, pest management, and crop rotation planning. He or She uses agriculture techniques and researches to improve agricultural practices and sustainability.

Top Recruiters:

• National Horticulture Board (NHB)
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
• Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)
• National Seeds Corporation (NSC)
• State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and their research stations
• Tata Chemicals
• Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd.
• Godrej Agrovet Limited

Benefits of Studying MSc Horticulture

Studying M.Sc. in Horticulture provides candidates with lots of benefits and opportunities. It equips candidates with specialised knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the agricultural sector or related. M.Sc.in Horticulture also provides candidates with hands-on experience which helps candidates gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.

M.Sc. Horticulture Expected Salary Trends

The average expected salary of candidates for M.Sc. in Horticulture varies depending on location, level of experience, industry, and job role. Below is the list of average expected salaries for some of the career profiles that candidates can pursue after an M.Sc. in Horticulture.

Source: AmbitionBox

The salary figures mentioned anywhere in these articles are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location, and numerous other factors.

Top M.Sc. in Horticulture Colleges in India with Fees

India has renowned public and private colleges that offer M.Sc. in Horticulture. These colleges are renowned for their academic excellence and research facilities. Below is the list of some good 10 colleges in India that offer M.Sc. in Horticulture.

Top Private M.Sc. in Horticulture Colleges in India

Below is a list of some good private colleges that provide M.Sc. in Horticulture in India.

Top Government M.Sc. in Horticulture Colleges in India

India also has some renowned public colleges that offer M.Sc. in Horticulture. These colleges like are famous for their comprehensive curriculum, facilities, and experienced faculty. These colleges provide similar facilities as private colleges at a lower cost comparatively.

Overall, with the increasing demand for sustainable food production and green technologies, the scope for M.Sc. in Horticulture graduates is increasing. M.Sc. in Horticulture provides candidates with financially rewarding career opportunities along with advanced future prospects. It equips students with interpersonal and intellectual skills helping them excel in particular fields of agriculture or related fields.