M.Sc. Plant Pathology is a postgraduate degree that focuses on understanding plant diseases, their origins, and management strategies to maintain crop health and productivity. It looks at plant-harming pathogens like nematodes, bacteria, viruses, and fungi as well as environmental variables that influence disease outbreaks. To prevent crop losses by illnesses, students study disease diagnostics, epidemiology, and integrated disease management strategies.
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M.Sc. Plant Pathology Course Details
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Eligibility Criteria
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Admission Procedure
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Syllabus
Scope of M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Expected Salary After M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Top Colleges in India Offering M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Top Government College in India Offering M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Top Private College in India Offering M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Along with international agricultural practices aimed at reducing chemical inputs and improving ecological health, the programme also places a strong emphasis on the creation of sustainable plant protection measures. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of fields, such as extension services, crop protection companies, government and private agribusinesses, and agricultural research.
Graduates are offered job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 5.5 LPA in roles like Plant Pathologist, Agricultural Consultant, Pest and Disease Management Specialist and Biotechnologist. Recruiters for this course include BASF, Syngenta, Cortiva Agriscience, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and DuPont.
Amity University-Noida M.Sc Admissions 2026
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Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology or a related field with a minimum of 55 per cent
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Admission Process
Merit-based
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Average Salary
Rs. 5.5 LPA
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Job profiles
Plant Pathologist, Agricultural Consultant, Pest and Disease Management Specialist and Biotechnologist
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Top recruiters
BASF, Syngenta, Cortiva Agriscience, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and DuPont
M.Sc. Plant Pathology Eligibility Criteria
To get admitted, candidates who want to pursue an M.Sc. Plant Pathology must meet specific qualifying requirements. Each institute may have different requirements for eligibility. However, the following are some general requirements for admission that candidates must meet:
Students must have completed their bachelor’s degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry from any recognised university.
They must have scored a minimum of 55 per cent in their respective subjects in undergraduate.
To apply for M.Sc. Plant Pathology degree, aspiring students must adhere to a specific admissions process. To get admitted to the college of their choice, applicants must complete a series of requirements. The admissions process varies from college to institution. However, a general framework of the procedure is as follows:
Aspirants must either visit the college campus or fill out the application form online through the college’s website.
They must ensure that all the relevant documents are attached to the application form.
The admission criteria may vary by the institute, hence, candidates need to satisfy the cutoff of the particular college to get admission there.
JSS University Mysore 2025
NAAC A+ Accredited| Ranked #24 in University Category by NIRF | Applications open for multiple UG & PG Programs
Merit is the only consideration for granting admission to students. Hence, admission into M.Sc. Plant Pathology is given to students who satisfy the merit cutoff percentage, ranks, or scores. A student must score a minimum of 55 per cent in their bachelor’s degree in plant pathology or a related field.
Required Skills for M.Sc. Plant Pathology
M.Sc. Plant Pathology requires a combination of scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and real-world problem-solving talents. Proficiency in laboratory methods for identifying plant diseases and a strong background in biology, particularly microbiology and plant sciences, are essential. Some of the necessary skills to pursue an M.Sc. Plant Pathology is as follows:
In-depth Knowledge of Plant Biology and Microbiology
M.Sc. Plant Pathology provides an academic curriculum that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge and provides a holistic learning experience. The two-year postgraduate programme has a well-defined curriculum that may vary from one institution to another. The syllabus taught as per Bundelkhand University (BU), Jhansi is provided below.
1st Semester
2nd Semester
Introductory Mycology
Principles of Plant Pathology
Introductory Bacteriology
Plant Pathological Techniques
Introductory Virology
Diseases of Field Crops
Statistical Methods
Design of Experiments
3rd Semester
4th Semester
Plant Diseases Management
DISEASES OF SPICES
MEDICINAL AND FRUIT CROPS
Diseases of Vegetable Crops
Epidemiology and Forecasting of Plant Diseases
Seed Pathology
-
Non Parasitic Diseases and Phanerogamic Parasites
-
Scope of M.Sc. Plant Pathology
M.Sc. Plant Pathology covers a wide range of positions in the public and private sectors. Graduates can find employment in government agricultural departments, extension services, and agricultural research institutes, where they can collaborate with academic institutions or research centres, advancing sustainable agriculture and methods for managing plant diseases.
In the commercial sector, plant pathologists are needed by biotechnology companies, agrochemical companies, and agribusinesses to help develop bio-control products, fungicides, and insecticides. Opportunities can also be found in seed and crop protection businesses, where experts create disease-resistant seeds and carry out integrated pest control initiatives.
Career Options After M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Graduates can pursue a variety of jobs in applied and research areas in biotechnology and agriculture. They can work in research institutes, private agribusiness companies, and government agricultural agencies where their knowledge of plant disease control, diagnostics, and sustainable farming methods is crucial. Some of the most common job roles provided to graduates are:
Job Role
Job Description
Plant Pathologist
Plant Pathologists is a scientist who specialises in the causes, transmission, and control of crop-damaging infections. To provide healthier and more robust crops for sustainable food production, they strive to create methods and remedies to stop agricultural losses.
Agricultural Consultant
Agricultural Consultants provide guidance to farmers and agribusinesses on sustainable agricultural methods, pest control, and crop and soil health best practices. They assist clients in maximising yields while reducing their negative effects on the environment by analysing agricultural operations to increase production and efficiency.
Pest and Disease Management Specialist
Pest and Disease Management Specialists use integrated and sustainable pest management techniques to prevent and control diseases and pest infestations that endanger crop health. To reduce crop losses and support thriving agricultural ecosystems, they advise farmers on efficient control techniques.
Biotechnologists use biological and technological concepts to solve problems in agriculture, including producing genetically engineered crops that are disease and pest resistant. Using cutting-edge biotechnology techniques, they carry out research to advance sustainable agricultural practices, improve plant attributes, and increase crop yields.
Top Recruiters
Promising career prospects with leading recruiters in the biotechnology and agriculture sectors are available to graduates of M.Sc. Plant Pathology. Plant pathologists are demanded by top companies for their proficiency in controlling crop diseases and creating disease-resistant cultivars. Some prominent employers in this field are as follows:
BASF
Syngenta
Cortiva Agriscience
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
DuPont
Benefits of M.Sc. Plant Pathology
M.Sc. Plant Pathology gives graduates a thorough understanding of plant health management, which is crucial for raising agricultural sustainability and productivity. With the use of this specialised expertise, graduates may greatly reduce agricultural losses from illnesses by implementing integrated pest management strategies and helping to produce disease-resistant crop varieties.
Expected Salary After M.Sc. Plant Pathology
The average salary of graduates of M.Sc. Plant Pathology can be dependent on factors like the location of the job, the company, the expertise, or the specialisation. Graduates can expect to be placed in high-paying job profiles in highly reputed design firms. The average salary structure of some of the most common job profiles are:
Role
Average Salary
Plant Pathologist
Rs. 4.6 LPA
Agricultural Consultant
Rs. 5.4 LPA
Pest and Disease Management Specialist
-
Biotechnologist
Rs. 6.3 LPA
Source: Ambition Box
Top Colleges in India Offering M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Two of the most reputed Government and Private colleges in India offer M.Sc. Plant Pathology to aspiring students. These colleges provide the best facilities and a highly qualified faculty. The institutes that provide M.Sc. Plant Pathology is as follows:
Top Government College in India Offering M.Sc. Plant Pathology
Attending a government college is less expensive than attending a private college. IARI New Delhi is well known for their high academic standards throughout India. These institutions provide a good return on investment to students as they offer high-paying job opportunities to graduates.
Top Private College in India Offering M.Sc. Plant Pathology
A Private college in India offers M.Sc. Plant Pathology to aspirants. TERI SAS New Delhi provides technologically advanced facilities and a multipurpose campus along with a highly qualified faculty. Students can consider the college if they wish to avail the best facilities and quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there any entrance exams for M.Sc. Plant Pathology?
A:
No, there are no entrance examinations for M.Sc. Plant Pathology as of now.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria to pursue M.Sc. Plant Pathology?
A:
Students must have completed their bachelor’s degree in plant pathology or a related field from a recognised institution with a minimum of 55 per cent.
Q: What job can I get after M.Sc. Plant Pathology?
A:
Plant Pathologist, Agricultural Consultant, Pest and Disease Management Specialist and Biotechnologist are some job profiles one can pursue after M.Sc. Plant Pathology.
Q: What is M.Sc. Plant Pathology?
A:
M.Sc. Plant Pathology is a postgraduate programme focusing on the study of plant diseases, including their causes, consequences, and management approaches. It blends environmental science, biology, and microbiology to give students the tools they need to safeguard crops and raise agricultural output.
Q: What is the average salary one can expect after M.Sc. Plant Pathology?
A:
The average salary of graduates of M.Sc. Plant Pathology is Rs. 5.5 LPA in various roles in BASF, Syngenta, Cortiva Agriscience, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and DuPont.
Yes, you can do an IGNOU B.Ed (distance mode) along with a regular M.Sc from another university at the same time.
UGC rules now allow students to pursue two degree courses simultaneously.
One course should preferably be in distance/ODL mode and the other in regular mode, which fits your case.
Both degrees will be considered valid, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each course. You will need to manage your classes, exams, and schedules on your own. It’s always best to confirm once with IGNOU and your M.Sc university before final admission.
Sorry, but the Fakir Mohan University in Balasore doesn't offer the MSc in distance education or any other correspondence course. This university only offers distance learning for programs like arts, commerce, and social work disciplines.
Yes, you can pursue an
MSc in Aquaculture
after completing a Food Technology course, but it depends on the university and its eligibility criteria. Some universities may allow students from related fields like Food Technology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences. Others may prefer candidates with a background in Fisheries, Zoology, or Aquaculture.
It’s best to check the specific eligibility requirements of the university or institute where you want to apply. You may also need to complete certain bridge courses or prerequisites in aquaculture.
Yes, you can apply for several FSSAI-related posts, but it depends on the specific post and its eligibility rules.
For FSSAI recruitment, different posts require different educational backgrounds. M.Sc. Food Science and Nutrition is generally considered a relevant qualification for many food-safety-related roles, but B.Sc. Zoology alone does not meet the criteria for most positions.
Here is how it works:
• For the Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) post, the required qualification usually includes a degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Dairy Technology, or related fields. Nutrition and Food Science are considered relevant for this post, so your M.Sc. fits the requirement. Your B.Sc. Zoology does not create any issue because the highest qualification is considered.
• For Technical Officer roles, they also accept specialization related to food science, food safety, biochemistry, microbiology, and allied fields, so your M.Sc. Food Science and Nutrition again makes you eligible.
• For Assistant or Administrative posts, any graduation is accepted, so you are eligible through B.Sc. as well.
In short, because you hold an M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition, you meet the qualifications for CFSO and several other technical posts. Make sure to check the exact notification when applications open, as requirements may slightly change from one cycle to another. All the best.
Entrance exams for MSc Biotechnology are usually conducted once a year, and most universities hold them between April and July. If you are completing your BSc Biotechnology in March 2026, you will be eligible to apply for the 2026 admission cycle. National-level exams like CUET PG generally open applications around December to January, with exams held in March or April. Many universities such as state universities, central universities and private institutes also conduct their own entrance tests, usually after your final semester exams.
You should start checking notifications from December 2025 onwards, as most application forms are released in the first few months of the year. You can apply even if your final results are not declared, as universities allow provisional admission based on a final pass in graduation. Make sure to follow the timelines of the specific university where you want to join MSc Biotechnology. All the best.
Master's programs in Sustainability Science and Practice; Climate Change Science and Practice; Urban Economic and Infrastructure Development; Human Development Policy and Practice
