B.Sc. (Agriculture) Bachelor of Agriculture

Agriculture is a field of science involved in cultivating soil, producing crops and to some extent raising livestock. Bachelor of Agriculture is an Undergraduate Academic Degree which is awarded for a course or program in the field of Agriculture. The bachelor degree course of Agriculture is known as B.Sc. Ag. or B.Sc. (Agri) which is an abbreviated form of Bachelor of Agricultural Science. Before 1998, B.Sc. Ag. degree was known as B.Sc. Ag. & AH (AH= Animal Husbandry) but soon it was designated as B.Sc. Ag. and the 'AH' part was transferred to B.VSc. (Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences), which is now designated as B.VSc. & AH. However, some Institutes may have retained BSc. Ag. in Animal husbandry and nutrition. The duration of  B.Sc. Ag. is 4 years divided into a number of semesters, which are mostly 8 in number. B.Sc. Agriculture course syllabus covers a variety of topics related to design and production of agricultural machinery, planning, design and construction of farm buildings and associated equipment, irrigation, drainage, land resource planning and service engineering for farm machinery.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in Agriculture including Horticulture, Fisheries and Animal Sciences in India. ICAR, New Delhi, conducts All India Entrance Exam to fill 15% seats in all Agriculture Universities all over India.

The examination scheme of B.Sc in Agriculture consists of 1 paper on Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture carrying 180 questions. Candidates have to attempt (1) Physics (2) Chemistry (3) Biology or Mathematics or Agriculture papers as per their eligibility and choice of the subject. Each subject has 60 questions.

The course requirements for various subjects are as follows :

• Agriculture - PCBM/AGRI.
• Horticulture - PCB (Physics,Chemistry, Biology)
• Fisheries science - PCB.
• Forestry - PCB.
• Home science - PCB.
• Sericulture - PCB.
• Veterinary Science - PCB.
• Agriculture Engineering - PCM (Physics,Chemistry, Mathematics).
• Dairy Technology, Food science & Technology - PCM.
• Agricultural Marketing, Banking & Co-operation - PCM.

B.Sc. Ag. (Hons) and through correspondence is also available in a number of Institutes.

Some of the Institutes providing B.Sc. Ag. (Hons):

1. Banaras Hindu University.
2. G.B Pant College of Agriculture.
3. NG Ranga Agriculture University.

Some of the Institutes which offer Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (normal)

• Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University.
• Anand Agricultural University.
• Birsa Agricultural University.
• University of Agricultural Sciences.

Eligibility

Candidates who want to pursue B.Sc in Agriculture should be 10+2 pass in Science stream with Physics Chemistry and Biology as subjects. Candidates should have obtained not less than 50% marks in aggregate for admission under General, UPS and OBC categories, 40% marks in aggregate for admission under SC, ST and PH categories in 10+2 examination with PCM/PCB/PCMB/PCA/PCH subject combinations.

Candidates having compartment/ supplementary in any subject in 10+2 examination are not eligible for admission. Candidates appearing for 10+2 examination can also apply but will have to produce 10+2 pass certificate with appropriate Percentage marks during counselling. Pass in English in 10+2 examination is essential for admission in some of the Universities.

Candidates should not have completed the age of 21 years on the first day of July of the admission year. Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) conducts All India Entrance Examination (AIEEA-UG) for Admission to Bachelor's degree in Agriculture. A candidate need to clear this exam to get admission into his desired Institution.

Bachelor of Agriculture Subjects

Bachelor of Agriculture Subjects are dependant on one's chosen field of specialisation.

Bachelor of Agriculture Specialisations

• Agronomy.
• Agricultural Economy.
• Agricultural Biochemistry.
• Agricultural Meteorology and Physics.
• Genetics.
• Animal Science and Biotechnology.
• Instrumentation and Environmental Sciences.

Who can and Who should pursue Bachelor of Agriculture Degree

Candidates who love Plants and Agriculture related activities can pursue this degree. It is also suitable for those candidates who want to improve and revolutionise the Agriculture sector in order to reduce wastage, benefit the economy and gain repute for his/her work.

Advantages or Benefits of Bachelor of Agriculture Degree

• After B.Sc. Agriculture, M.Sc. Agriculture can be done with further specialization.

• Agriculture is a field which requires new blood and revolutionise techniques to increase and improve the Agriculture output. There is so much that needs to be done in this sector. And one can benefit himself and benefit others by gaining a degree in Agriculture.

Bachelor of Agriculture Jobs

The Green Revolution led to the development of government ministries and departments, research institutions, agricultural universities and various agricultural service organisations. These organisations have expanded and as such these constantly requires new and advanced technology. This brighten the prospect of those studying Agriculture.

Employment Areas

• Tea Gardens.
• Coffee and Rubber Plantations
• Fruit Orchards.
• Research Organizations.
• Educational Institutes.
• Research and Development.
• Agricultural Production Centres
• National Seed Companies.
• Cotton/ Jute/ Tobacco Companies.
• Agricultural and Food Products Related Companies.
• Pesticide Control.
• Fertilizer Companies.
• National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development.

Job Types

• Agriculture Technician.
• Senior Agriculture Specialist.
• Deputy General Manager (Production).
• Seed Technologist.
• Senior Associate - Research.
• Business Development Executive.
• Agriculturists.
• Agriculture Scientist.
• Data Curator.
• Rice Breeder.
• Marketing Executive.