Master of Science in Genetics and Plant Breeding Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant breeding is a 2-year postgraduate course, sub-divided into 4 semesters, of 6 months each. The course is an advanced study of:

• Methods of improvement of crops and plants by inserting desirable traits to them
• application of genetics in conserving the environment while addressing the growing need for food security.

The basic qualification required for pursuance of the course is B.Sc. in a relevant discipline, completed from a recognized university. In India, the average annual fee charged for the course ranges between INR 2 and 6 lacs, varying across institutes.

Master of Science in Uttar Pradesh

Master of Science in Rajasthan

Master of Science in  Kerala

Master of Science in Bihar

Admission to the course is offered based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test, followed by a round of counseling.

The course’s curriculum integrates theoretical and practical components of the study.

Successful postgraduates of the course are hired in fields such as:

• Plant Breeding Centers
• Agriculture Sector
• Nurseries
• Agriculture Ministry
• Crop Plantation Facilities
• Colleges & universities, and such others.

The average initial annual salary offered to such postgraduates ranges between INR 3 and 10 Lacs, increasing with the candidate’s experience and expertise in the field.

M.Sc. in Genetics & Plant Breeding: Course Highlights

Tabulated below are the major highlights of the course.

M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding: What is it About?

Genetics and Plant Breeding is a new and flourishing branch of Modern Biology, which is:

• the application of Molecular Biology to insert desirable traits into plants.

• selecting the best-quality plants in any given field, growing them to full seed and then using that seed to grow further generations
• the scientific mechanism of transforming the genetic composition of plants over time, for biological and commercial purposes.

Successful postgraduates of the course interested in pursuing further studies in the discipline may pursue Ph.D., M. Phil., or higher research in the subject.

• Genetics and Plant Breeding is primarily about:
• the various technologies and ways to improve varieties and genetic stocks.
• transforming the genetic make-up of plants for better grain quality, yielding ability, and resistance to insect pests and diseases.
• maintaining and evaluating the diversity of genetic stock.
• innovative scientific ways of developing special uses for a variety of species, such as soybean with improved seed composition for food use, corn with high and low protein or oil contents, etc.
• producing improved cultivars and novel germplasms
• creating innovative breeding technologies for positively impacting the production of food, feed, and fiber.

Top Institutes offering M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding

Mentioned below are the names of some of the top institutes and colleges in the country offering a Master’s degree in Genetics & Plant Breeding, along with their corresponding locations and average annual fees charged by each.

Eligibility for M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding

In order to pursue the course, interested eligible candidates are required to satisfy the following minimum eligibility criteria.

• completed from a recognized institute.

• A minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of graduation.
• Graduation needs to have been completed in any of:

• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Forestry
• Biology

• Candidates awaiting their graduation examination’s results are also eligible to apply on provisional basis.
• Preferably, a minimum of 12 months of professional experience, as most reputed institutes prefer candidates with work experience.

M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding: Admission Process

Most institutes in India offering the course admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test. Some institutes also admit students based on the candidate’s obtained merit at the level of graduation, while some conduct their own entrance tests for offering admission. Admission process generally varies across colleges.

Some such major entrance exams conducted in the country for admission to the course are as follows.

• IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test)
• NIPER JEE (Joint Entrance Exam)

• PGIMER Chandigarh
• DAVV Admission Non-CET
• Calcutta University M. Sc. Admission
• MJP Rohilkhand University Entrance Test
• Central University of Gujarat Admission Test
• DU (Delhi University) PG Admission Test
• BIT MESRA Integrated Admission Test
• BVP M. Sc. Entrance Exam
• NIT Karnataka Admission Test

M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated below.

M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding: Career Prospects

Genetics and Plant Breeding is an emerging field and a lucrative career option, as it plays an important role in the progress of a nation, by contributing to elimination of starvation and improvement of food quality, by means of genetic modification.

Qualified Genetics and Plant Breeding professionals can find lucrative employment across both private and government sectors, in areas such as:

• Colleges and universities
• Agriculture Sector
• Nurseries, Plant Breeding Centers
• Plantation Crop Plants
• Agriculture Ministry
• Research Laboratories, Crop Research Directorates, and such.

Successful postgraduates of the course interested in pursuing further studies in the discipline may go for Ph. D. M. Phil., or further research in the subject.

Tabulated below are some of the popular professional avenues open to such postgraduates, along with the corresponding salaries and basic job responsibilities associated with each one of them.

A candidate for admission to the Master degree programmes should have minimum 60% marks (55% marks for SEBC/ST/SC ) OR 6.00 OGPA (Out of 10) at the bachelor degree level from a recognized university.

1. The eligible applicant must appear in entrance test.
2. The basis of selection of candidate for the admission shall be the merit.
3. The merit list shall be prepared by giving 50:50 weightage to the marks of OGPA (percentage marks) of the last degree and common entrance test examination.

Fee for Girls:

Fee: 12570- Per Semester.