PhD in Horticulture: Course Details, Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Career Options

PhD in Horticulture: Course Details, Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Career Options

Edited By Ankita Sinha | Updated on Dec 11, 2024 06:09 PM IST | #Ph.D

PhD Horticulture is a research-focused curriculum that explores the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It focuses on cutting-edge methods for enhancing crop sustainability, quality, and production through soil science, biotechnology, advanced breeding, and pest control. The programme seeks to solve important agricultural concerns like resource conservation, food security, and climate change adaptation.

This Story also Contains
  1. PhD Horticulture Course Details
  2. PhD Horticulture Eligibility Criteria
  3. PhD Horticulture Admission Process
  4. Cutoff of Top Colleges
  5. PhD Horticulture Syllabus
  6. PhD Horticulture Fees Structure
  7. Scope of PhD Horticulture
  8. List of Top colleges in India offering PhD Horticulture

Students are prepared for jobs in academia, research facilities, and the landscaping, agro-based business, and agricultural sectors. To make a substantial impact on both rural and urban agricultural systems worldwide, scholars are prepared to contribute to developments in sustainable horticulture, post-harvest technology, and urban landscaping.

PhD Horticulture offers graduates job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 9.3 LPA in companies like Horticulture Board, State Agricultural Universities, Bayer CropScience, Mahyco Seeds and International Food Policy Research Institute. Graduates can opt for job roles like Horticultural Consultant, Plant Breeder, Biotechnologist and Policy Analyst.

PhD Horticulture Course Details

ParticularsValues

Degree Name

PhD Horticulture

PhD Horticulture Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy

PhD Horticulture Duration

2-3 years

PhD Horticulture

Eligibility Criteria

Completed M.Phil. coursework or its equivalent from a recognised institute with a minimum of 55 per cent

PhD Horticulture Admission Process

Merit-based

PhD Horticulture Average Fees

Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 4 Lakhs

PhD Horticulture Average Salary

Rs. 9.3 LPA

PhD Horticulture Job Profiles

Horticultural Consultant, Plant Breeder, Biotechnologist and Policy Analyst

PhD Horticulture Top Recruiters

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, National Horticulture Board, State Agricultural Universities, Bayer CropScience, Mahyco Seeds and International Food Policy Research Institute

PhD Horticulture Eligibility Criteria

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

  • Candidates who have cleared the M.Phil course work or its equivalent from a recognised institute.
  • They must have scored a minimum of 55 per cent in their respective degrees.

PhD Horticulture Admission Process

Candidates need to follow a predetermined admission procedure to get admitted into a college of choice. The admission process for PhD Horticulture may vary by 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

Many Government and Private universities offer PhD Horticulture to aspirants. Each of these institutes has a different cutoff rank or score that needs to be met by the aspiring candidates. These cutoff ranks, scores or percentile are determined by a range of factors like the merit scores of students and the number of applicants.

PhD Horticulture Syllabus

The academic curriculum of PhD Horticulture degree equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge. This course includes four to six semesters focused on advanced plant science, crop production techniques, and sustainable horticultural practices. In the table below, we have mentioned the PhD Horticulture syllabus provided by Rajiv Gandhi University:

1st Semester

2nd Semester

Recent Trends in Vegetable Production

Biodiversity and Conservation of Vegetable Crops

Advances in Breeding of Vegetable Crops

Biotechnological Approaches in Vegetable Crops

Statistical Methods for Applied Sciences

Experimental Designs

Seminar

Seminar

3rd Semester

4th Semester

Research

Research

PhD Horticulture Fees Structure

The fee for PhD Horticulture largely depends on which institution one attends. In comparison to private colleges, government universities will most certainly charge lower fees. The fee for PhD Horticulture ranges from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 4 Lakhs. Students are advised to verify the information by visiting the official website of the colleges.

Scope of PhD Horticulture

PhD Horticulture graduates can work in universities and research facilities as professors, researchers, or extension experts, advancing crop improvement, creative growing methods, and sustainable horticultural practices. By carrying out cutting-edge research in fields like plant genetics, pest control, and post-harvest technology, they significantly contribute to the solution of global issues including food security, climate change, and resource conservation.

Graduates are in high demand in agro-based sectors, seed and fertiliser companies, and landscaping corporations. They can serve as consultants for governmental and non-governmental organisations, offering advice on horticultural and urban agriculture-related policies. The experience of horticulture specialists is becoming more recognised in both rural development and urban planning projects worldwide as sustainability and eco-friendly techniques get more attention.

Career Options After PhD Horticulture

PhD Horticulture offers numerous job options in academia, research, agricultural consulting, and industry. Graduates can work with organisations that prioritise agricultural improvement and environmental conservation, or they can contribute to biotechnology, plant breeding, and sustainable agriculture. Some of the job profiles offered to the graduates are as follows:

Horticultural Consultant: Horticultural Consultants offer knowledgeable counsel on sustainable farming methods, pest control, and crop development. They support politicians, agribusinesses, and farmers in enhancing environmental sustainability, quality, and yield.

Plant Breeder: Plant Breeders create new and improved crop varieties with improved features, such as increased yield, disease resistance, and climatic adaptability. To solve issues in agriculture, they work for biotech corporations, seed companies, or research institutes.

Biotechnologist: Biotechnologists use biological methods to create genetically modified plants, increase crop yields, and strengthen plant resistance to pests and illnesses. To develop sustainable solutions, they work in research labs, agri-biotech companies, or agricultural associations.

Policy Analyst: Policy Analysts study and assess agricultural policies, offering governments or organisations recommendations on how to improve food security and sustainable farming methods. They collaborate with international organisations including the FAO, think tanks, and government organisations.

Top Recruiters

Governmental organisations, biotech firms, agribusinesses, and top agricultural research institutes are among the top employers for PhD Horticulture graduates. ICAR, the National Horticulture Board, agricultural technology companies, and multinational corporations like Syngenta and Bayer CropScience are examples of notable employers. Some of the top recruiters of the programme are:

  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research
  • National Horticulture Board
  • State Agricultural Universities
  • Bayer CropScience
  • Mahyco Seeds
  • International Food Policy Research Institute

Benefits of PhD Horticulture

PhD Horticulture graduates are equipped to lead innovations in crop production, pest management, and sustainable agricultural practices because of their in-depth understanding of plant science. The degree promotes environmental sustainability and global food security by giving access to leadership roles in academia, research, and the agriculture industry.

Expected Salary after PhD Horticulture

The expected salary after a PhD in Horticulture varies depending on the role, location, and employer. In addition to prospects for career advancement and specialisation in fields like plant breeding and biotechnology, graduates can anticipate competitive earnings, particularly in research, academia, and the agribusiness sector. Some of the high-paying job profiles in the field are as follows:

Job Profiles

Average Salary

Horticultural Consultant

Rs. 8.5 LPA

Plant Breeder

Rs. 11.2 LPA

Biotechnologist

Rs. 8.9 LPA

Policy Analyst

Rs. 7.2 LPA

Source: Ambition Box

List of Top colleges in India offering PhD Horticulture

Candidates who wish to pursue PhD Horticulture have a variety of options to choose from. The following colleges are highly reputed and offer high-paying job opportunities. These top colleges in India offer PhD Horticulture at a justified tuition fee. Some of the colleges are:

Top Private PhD Horticulture Colleges in India with Fees

Many Private colleges in India offer PhD Horticulture to aspirants. These colleges are reputed for their holistic academic curriculum and qualified faculty. Private colleges usually charge a higher fee than most government colleges. Some of the top private colleges offering the course are:

Colleges

Fee Structure (Entire Course)

Udai Pratap College Varanasi

-

Ch Chhotu Ram PG College, Muzaffarnagar

-

Dr Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Sirmour

Rs. 3.83 Lakhs

Top Government colleges in India offering PhD Horticulture

Attending a government college is less expensive than attending a private college. These colleges are well known for their high academic standards throughout India. These institutions provide a good return on investment to capable students as they offer high-paying job opportunities to graduates.

CollegesFee Structure (Entire Course)

College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat

Rs. 60,000

Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur

-

North Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus, Shillong

-

College of Agriculture, Bikaner

-

Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi

-

Swami Vivekanand College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology and Research Station, Raipur

-

College of Horticulture, Bengaluru

-

ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari

-

Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir

-

SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner

-


PhD Horticulture gives people the advanced knowledge and abilities they need to tackle issues in crop enhancement and sustainable agriculture. Offering a range of employment options in academia, business, and research, it provides a means of making a substantial contribution to environmental preservation and global food security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is PhD Horticulture?

PhD Horticulture is a research-focused programme that explores advanced plant science, crop production, and sustainable agricultural methods. It gives academics the know-how to develop in fields including post-harvest management, biotechnology, and plant breeding.

2. Are there any entrance exams for PhD Horticulture?

No, there are no known entrance examinations for PhD Horticulture as of now.

3. What are the eligibility criteria to pursue PhD Horticulture?

Students must have completed M.Phil. course work or its equivalent from a recognised institute with a minimum of 55 per cent.

4. What job can I get after a PhD in Horticulture?

Horticultural Consultant, Plant Breeder, Biotechnologist and Policy Analyst are some job profiles one can pursue after PhD Horticulture.

5. What is the average salary one can expect after a PhD in Horticulture?

The average salary of graduates of PhD Horticulture is Rs. 9.3 LPA in various roles in Horticulture Board, State Agricultural Universities, Bayer CropScience, Mahyco Seeds and International Food Policy Research Institute.

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Questions related to Ph.D

Have a question related to Ph.D ?

Transferring PhD program is a complex process but not impossible. Here is the process that you need to go through:

Challenges and Considerations:

  • University Policies:
    • PhD transfer policies vary significantly between universities. Some may have strict rules against transfers, while others may be more flexible.
    • The receiving university must be willing to accept your previous work and progress.
  • Supervisor Compatibility:
    • Finding a new supervisor with research interests that align with your ongoing work is essential.
    • The new supervisor must be willing to take you on as a student.
  • Funding Transfer:
    • Transferring your UGC-NET JRF scholarship can be complex. You'll need to ensure the new university is eligible to receive UGC funding and that the scholarship can be transferred.
    • It is very important to contact the UGC regarding the transfer of your funding.
  • Credit Transfer:
    • The receiving university will need to evaluate your previous coursework and research progress to determine how much credit can be transferred.
    • There may be requirements to complete additional coursework or research to meet the new university's standards.
  • Research Alignment:
    • Your research topic must fit within the research areas of the new department.
    • You may need to adapt your research to align with the new university's resources and expertise.

· Identify Potential Universities:

  • Research universities in Dehradun, Delhi, and Noida that offer PhD programs in your field of study.
  • Look for universities with strong research programs and supervisors whose interests align with yours.

· Contact Potential Supervisors:

  • Reach out to potential supervisors via email or phone.
  • Explain your situation, including your research progress, funding, and reasons for transferring.
  • Send your research proposal, CV, and any relevant publications.

· Contact University Admissions/PhD Offices:

  • Inquire about the university's PhD transfer policies and procedures.
  • Ask about the required documentation and deadlines.

· UGC Consultation:

  • Contact the UGC directly to inquire about the transfer of your JRF scholarship. Obtain official guidance on the procedure and any necessary documentation.

Universities you can consider:

· Delhi:


    • University of Delhi
    • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
    • Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
    • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • Noida:
    • Amity University
    • Shiv Nadar University
  • Dehradun:
    • Forest Research Institute (FRI)
    • Graphic Era University
    • Doon University.

Hope it is helpful !


Hi aspirant,

Admission to JNU is possible even if you don’t have NET/JRF. Here's how to apply.

  • JNU conducts its entrance exam, where you have to do a written test and then an interview.
  • If you have an MPhil degree, you can apply for a PhD
  • If you have qualified for UGC NET but didn’t secure JRF, you can still apply.

JNU provide fellowships to meritorious students .

For step-by-step admission processes at JNU, visit here.

Hope this answer helps you.

Hello Pallavi,

Yes, pursuing a Ph.D. without NET/JRF is possible in JNV (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya) -related or other central universities, but with certain conditions.

How to Pursue Ph.D. Without NET/JRF:

  1. Eligibility

    • Master’s degree in a relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).

    • Some universities conduct their own entrance tests for Ph.D. admission.

  2. Universities Offering Ph.D. Without NET/JRF

    • Central Universities (like DU, BHU, AMU, etc.)

    • State Universities

    • Private Universities

    • Institutes like JNU, IGNOU, etc., may also have non-NET options.

  3. Fellowship Without NET/JRF

    • Some universities offer institutional fellowships after clearing their entrance and interview.

    • You can also apply for fellowships like Maulana Azad Fellowship, MANF, ICSSR, CSIR (non-NET), Inspire , etc.

  4. Admission Process (General Steps)

    • Apply through university's Ph.D. portal when applications are open.

    • Appear for the entrance test conducted by the university.

    • If shortlisted, attend the interview/research proposal presentation .

    • On selection, complete the registration and coursework.

  5. Alternative Path

    • If you're working (especially in educational institutes like JNV), you can also apply for a part-time Ph.D. , subject to approval from your organization and the university.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to ask. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank You and wishing you a bright future ahead.


Hii,

PhD in Hotel Management is a high-level degree you can earn after finishing a master’s degree. It’s for people who want to become experts in the hotel and hospitality industry, often to teach at universities or do advanced research.

In simple words, it’s like becoming a super-specialist in how hotels and tourism work. You study things like managing hotels, understanding customers, and improving the business. It takes a few years (usually 3-5).

After you’re done, you can become a college teacher , work in big hotel companies, or even help hotels grow by giving expert advice.


Hi aspirant,

Mumbai's Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is one option. This is a very esteemed university with an affordable tuition fee, top-notch instructors, and impressive placement rates. TISS's social work programs are well regarded.

https://university.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-phd-in-social-work-universities-in-india?page=2&sort_by=4

You can also refer to this link for more colleges offering a PhD in Social Work.

All the best!

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