PhD in Entomology - Course, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Syllabus, Career Options

PhD Entomology is a doctoral degree programme that focuses on the scientific study of insects and how they interact with the environment, people, animals, and plants. It includes topics like insect physiology, ecology, behaviour, taxonomy, disease transmission, and pest control. Students focus on specialised research projects that address real-world issues, such as researching disease-transmitting insect vectors or creating sustainable pest control systems.

Graduates work in academia, research facilities, government organisations, and the agricultural or biotechnology sector, advancing fields including disease control, crop protection, and environmental conservation. The course offers a substantial opportunity to influence practices that affect food security and public health, given the growing significance of ecological conservation and sustainable agriculture.

PhD Entomology offers graduates job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 6.3 lakhs per year in companies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, World Wildlife Fund, Bayer CropScience and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Graduates can opt for job roles like Entomologist, Integrated Pest Management Specialist, Biotechnologist and Pollinator Specialist.

PhD Entomology Course Details

PhD Entomology Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfil a few of the most common mandatory criteria to get enrolled into PhD Entomology. Along with the knowledge of the course, candidates must be aware of the mandatory criteria that are required to pursue PhD Entomology. Some of the basic requirements are:

• Candidates must have completed their post-graduation in Entomology or a relevant field from a recognised university.
• They must have scored a minimum of 55 per cent in their respective degrees.

PhD Entomology Admission Process

Candidates need to follow a predetermined admission procedure to get admitted into a college of their choice. The admission process of PhD Entomology may vary depending on the institute. The admission process involves the completion of a few basic steps. Some common steps to be followed in the procedure are as follows:

• Candidates must fill out the application forms of all colleges separately and before the given deadline.
• The candidates must attach all the relevant documents along with their application form.
• Aspirants must appear for relevant entrance examinations and interviews.

Cutoff of Top Colleges

Aspirants can pursue PhD Entomology at numerous government and private universities. Aspiring candidates must meet a separate cutoff rank or score for each of these institutes. A variety of factors, including the number of applications, the students' merit scores, and the results of any entrance exams, are used to calculate these cutoff ranks, scores, or percentiles.

Required Skills for PhD Entomology

Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities are necessary for PhD Entomology. In addition to being able to perform both lab and fieldwork and successfully evaluate and communicate research findings, candidates must be proficient in scientific procedures and pay close attention to detail. Some of the required skills and qualities for students to pursue PhD Entomology are:

• Research and Analytical Skills
• Field and Laboratory Skills
• Taxonomy and Classification
• Ecological and Environmental Knowledge
• Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
• Data Analysis and Software Proficiency

PhD Entomology Syllabus

In addition to specialised subjects like pest management, molecular entomology, and insect physiology, PhD in Entomology programme's curriculum usually consists of advanced courses in insect biology, ecology, and behaviour. Students also study research methodology, statistical analysis, and research ethics. Below, we have provided the syllabus of PhD Entomology offered by the College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar.

PhD Entomology Fees Structure

The fee for PhD Entomology largely depends on the institution one attends. In comparison to private colleges, government universities will most certainly charge lower fees. The fee of PhD Entomology is averaged at Rs. 1,60,000. Students are advised to verify the information by visiting the official website of the colleges.

Scope of PhD Entomology

PhD Entomology can be applied to a wide range of disciplines, such as biotechnology, public health, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Graduates can create sustainable pest management strategies, which are essential for raising agricultural output and reducing the negative effects of chemical pesticides on the environment. Their knowledge is crucial for preventing damaging insect infestations in forests, crops, and natural environments.

Graduates study insect-borne illnesses like dengue, malaria, and the Zika virus in public health. They aid in comprehending the behaviour of disease vectors and creating plans to stop their spread. They play a critical role in identifying long-term solutions for environmental preservation, food security, and health as global issues like climate change affect insect populations and ecosystems.

Career Options After PhD Entomology

Graduates can work in a variety of settings, including government organisations, academia, research, and sectors like biotechnology, public health, and agriculture. They are useful in tackling global issues pertaining to food security, illness prevention, and environmental preservation. Some of the job profiles offered to the graduates are as follows:

Entomologist: Entomologists investigate the biology, behaviour, and interactions of insects with their surroundings. They address issues with biodiversity, disease transmission, and pest management in domains like public health, agriculture, and environmental conservation.

Integrated Pest Management Specialist: Integrated Pest Management Specialists minimise the usage of chemical pesticides by creating environmentally friendly, sustainable methods of pest management. To save crops and preserve natural equilibrium, they collaborate with farmers, agricultural associations, and environmental organisations.

Biotechnologist: Biotechnologists use biological concepts and methods to create goods and procedures that benefit agriculture, the environment, and human health. They focus on creative answers to pressing problems in a variety of industries, including genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural biotechnology.

Pollinator Specialist: Pollinator Specialists study and protect pollinators, such bees and butterflies, which are important for agricultural productivity and environmental health. They focus on habitat restoration, conservation initiatives, and methods to slow the loss of pollinator numbers.

Top Recruiters

Academic institutions, governmental organisations, research centres, and commercial businesses involved in biotechnology and agriculture are among the top employers for PhD Entomology graduates. To address important concerns in food security, public health, and environmental sustainability, these organisations look for entomologists with experience in insect biology, pest control, and ecological conservation. Some of the top recruiters of the programme are:

• Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
• Environmental Protection Agency
• World Wildlife Fund
• Bayer CropScience
• International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Benefits of PhD Entomology

PhD Entomology students carry out significant research that addresses global concerns in agriculture, public health, and environmental preservation. Graduates gain specific knowledge and skills that open doors to a range of career opportunities in academia, business, and government while also having a significant impact on food security, pest control, and biodiversity preservation.

Expected Salary after PhD Entomology

The compensation of PhD Entomology graduates might vary greatly depending on a number of criteria, including experience level, work industry, and geographic region. Graduates have a possibility of earning more in specialised positions or leadership roles in business, government, or academia. Some of the high-paying job profiles in the field are as follows:

Source: Ambition Box

List of Top colleges in India offering PhD Entomology

A variety of educational institutions in India offer PhD Entomology. Admission is offered based on previous academic achievements. These colleges provide successful placement reports. Some of the colleges are:

Top Private PhD Entomology Colleges in India with Fees

Some of the best private colleges in India offer PhD Entomology. The course fee is higher as compared to government colleges, however, these colleges provide the best faculty along with a multipurpose infrastructure. Two of the highly reputed colleges offering PhD Entomology are as follows:

• MIMT Kota
• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Jaipur Campus

Top Government colleges in India offering PhD Entomology

Many Government colleges offer the programme at an affordable tuition fee. The college promises a good return on investment for students. These colleges provide technologically advanced facilities and a multipurpose campus along with a highly qualified faculty and a promising return on investment. Two of the most known Government colleges are:

• IARI New Delhi
• Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur

PhD Entomology provides a thorough understanding of insect science and prepares graduates for influential jobs in agricultural innovation, environmental management, and research. With this advanced degree, students can help solve important problems including sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and pest management.