BSc Botany (Hons) is a 3-year undergraduate course that offers a detailed study of plants, their structure, physiology, and anatomy, along with a wide range of plant species. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of plant life, from its molecular and genetic level to ecosystems.
Those who have passed 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with at least 50% marks in aggregate are eligible to apply for a BSc Hons Botany. An average course fee for government institutes ranges between INR5,000 and INR 20,000, whereas a private institute charges around INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 for the entire course.
The graduates will be able to find jobs in areas like Agricultural Research Services, Biotechnology Firms, Botanical Survey Centres, Colleges/ Universities, Cosmetic Companies, Eco-botany, Environmental Management Units, Farm Management Organisations, etc. The average package for freshers ranges between INR 2 to 8 LPA.
BSc Botany (Hons) Highlights
BSc Hons. Botany provides complete learning and training in plant forms, plant genetics, taxonomy of flora, seed biology, biotechnology, and cell biology, concerning the Indian environment, ecology, forestry, and commodities. The details about the course are mentioned below:
Programme name | Bachelor of Science (Honors) Botany |
Duration | 3 years (full time) |
Eligibility | 10+2 with Biology as a major from any recognised board |
Admission | Merit/Entrance exam-based |
Average Course Fee | Government Institutes: 5,000 to 20,000
Private Institutes: 2 to 4 Lakhs |
Subjects | Plant Anatomy, Physiology, Breeding, Diversity, Defence Mechanisms, and Reproduction. Plant tissue dissection, observation, identification, and prediction of reproduction rate, fruit quality, potential disease, etc. |
Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 8 LPA |
Top Recruiting Companies | Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, Bombay Natural History Society, World Wide Fund for Nature, TRAFFIC India, Wildlife Trust of India, etc. |
Top Job Areas | Agricultural Research Services, Biotechnology Firms, Botanical Survey Centres, Colleges/Universities, Cosmetic Companies, Eco-botany, Environmental Management Units, Farm Management Organisations, etc. |
Top Job Positions | Botanist, Biological Technician, Conservationist, Ecologist, Environment Consultant, EthnoBotanist, Farming Consultant, Florist, Forester, etc. |
Why Pursue BSc Botany (Hons)
Pursuing BSc Hons. Botany fosters in-depth knowledge in plant science, leading to diverse career paths in research, environmental management, agriculture, and biotechnology fields.
- It offers diverse job opportunities as Plant Breeder, Machine Operator, QA/QC Executive, etc.
- One can opt for higher studies in the biology domain, such as MSc Botany, PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, Agriculture, etc.
- The course equips the learners with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, increased observational and interpretation skills, and research exposure in the Plant Kingdom.
BSc Botany (Hons) Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have passed 10+2 in a Science backgroundwith at least 50% marks.
For BSc Hons Botany, one must have studied Biology as a major in the 12th grade.
Some government or renowned private universities will conduct a university-level entrance exam as the selection criteria.
BSc Botany (Hons) Admission Process
The admission to the BSc Hons. Botany is generally merit-based. One can apply online through the admission portal of the chosen institute. However, some universities consider the scores of the entrance exam conducted by them.
Here are the basic steps for BSc Botany Hons admission:
- Interested candidates will have to visit the official website of the institute and register through the admission portal.
- They can then fill out the application form with personal & educational details, upload the supporting documents like identity proof and marksheets, pay the registration fees, and submit the application.
- The applicants will have to appear in entrance tests or interviews.
- The candidates will be selected based on their performance in the entrance exam or interview, and the list of selected candidates will be released on the official website.
- The selected candidates will have to accept their admission by paying the admission fees.
BSc Botany (Hons) Colleges in India
Many private and government institutes offer regular BSc as well as BSc Hons. Botany courses. Some of the best institutes are tabulated below.
College name | NIRF Ranking 2024 | Average course fee/year (INR) | Admission |
Hindu College, New Delhi | 1 (overall) | 30,000 | CUET and interview |
Delhi University | 6 (University) | - | CUET UG |
Miranda House, New Delhi | 2 (Overall) | 20,000 | CUET UG |
Christ University, Bangalore | 60 (University) | 30,000 | Merit-based |
University of Lucknow | NIRF 2024 97th (university) | 10,000 | UGET |
St. Xavier College, Ahmedabad | 101-150 band (college) | 15,000 | Merit-based |
Mount Carmel College, Bangalore | 101-150 band (college) | 50,000 | Merit-based |
BSc Botany (Hons) Syllabus
BSc Hons. Botany is an advanced bachelor's course focusing on plant biology. The curriculum involves core subjects, Practical sessions, and internships for industrial exposure.
The table represents the semester-wise subjects taught at Delhi University:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Microbiology and Phycology | Mycology and Phytopathology |
Biomolecules and Cell Biology | Archegoniatae |
English | Communication |
Environmental Science | Environmental Science |
Biodiversity | Plant Anatomy and Embryology |
Plant Diversity and Human Welfare | Laboratory Sessions |
Laboratory Sessions | |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Anatomy of Angiosperms | Molecular Biology |
Economic Botany | Ecology |
Genetics | Plant Systematics |
Ethnobotany | Biofertilisers |
Intellectual Property Rights | Medicinal Botany |
Plant Ecology and Taxonomy | Economic Botany and Biotechnology |
Environmental Biotechnology | Laboratory Sessions |
Laboratory Sessions | |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Reproductive Biology of Angiosperms | Plant Metabolism |
Plant Physiology | Plant Biotechnology |
Analytical Techniques in Plant Sciences | Industrial and Environmental Microbiology |
Biostatistics | Bioinformatics |
Laboratory Sessions | Laboratory Sessions |
BSc Botany (Hons) Jobs & Salary in India
Bsc Hons. Botany offers diverse job opportunities in the field of research, academics, industries, forestry, fertilisation manufacturing, etc.
- One can opt for higher studies in Botany, like MSc Botany, PhD Botany, or PhD Plant Biotechnology, etc.
- Graduates can apply for government jobs and can prepare for competitive exams like UPSC or the Indian Forest Service for a forest officerpost.
- The initial salary ranges between INR 2 to 3 LPA, which further increases up to 6 to 8 LPA based on job profile, industry type, expertise, and location.
Some of the jobs are mentioned in the table below with job roles and average salary as per the current market and government pay scale policies for respective sectors.
Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
Botanist | A botanist is in charge of researching different types of plants and determining how various plants respond in various environments. | INR 3,50,000 |
Horticulturist | A Horticulturist is responsible for conducting research in landscaping and gardening, crop production, plant propagation, genetic engineering, plant breeding, plant psychology, and plant biochemistry. | INR 2,55,000 |
Forester | Foresters are responsible for managing forests. They are generally involved in a wide range of work covering timber harvesting, ecological restoration, and daily management of secured areas. | INR 2,50,000 |
Lab Technician | A lab Technician is responsible for managing laboratory set-ups, preparation of chemical reagents, records, documents, etc. | INR 2,00,000 |
QA/QC Personnel | They are responsible for working on the quality aspects of the product in the company. It includes analysis, documentation, reporting, releasing the data, etc. | INR 3,00,000 |
BSc Botany (Hons) Vs. BSc Agriculture
Both BSc Hons. Botany and BSc Agriculture are focused on Plant Science in general. However, these two specialisations bring different expertise, knowledge, and skills to work with plants, breeding, and farming.
Parameter | BSc Hons. Botany | BSc Agriculture |
Duration | 3years | 3 to 4 years |
Focus | Focuses on the study of plants, including their structure, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. | Focused on a broader perspective on agriculture, encompassing plant sciences, animal husbandry, soil science, harvesting, seed storing, and agricultural economics |
Curriculum | It covers topics like plant anatomy, cell biology, plant physiology, genetics, plant taxonomy, and plant biotechnology | It includes subjects like agronomy, plant biotechnology, plant pathology, horticulture, animal husbandry, entomology, extension education, and soil chemistry. |
Career | Research, teaching, environmental conservation, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and horticulture | Agricultural research, extension services, fertiliser production, consultants, and agribusiness. |
Initial Salary | 2.5 to 6 LPA | 3 to 6 LPA |
BSc Botany (Hons) FAQs
What is the future of BSc Hons Botany?
BSc Hons. Botany offers a promising career in India as Agriculture is widely explored, adapted, and accepted here. After graduating, they can work as a botanist or researcher in various fields, including plant physiology, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology. One can also opt for an academic career in universities or government positions in the Forest, Diversity Conservation sector, Forensic lab, etc.
Which government job is best after a BSc Hons Botany?
There are various high-paying and well-reputed government jobs for BSc Hons. Botany graduates. Some of the jobs include a Forest officer, Lab Assistant, Ecologist, Genetics, Biochemist, Biofertilizer producer, etc.
Can I work as an assistant professor directly after BSc Botany Hons?
No, for the position of an Assistant Professor, one has to qualify MSc and a PhD as per the UGC norms. However, BSc graduates can try to apply for a Teaching Assistant position in private institutes. It might be promoted further if the candidate pursues an MSc or PhD in the field.
What practical skills does one gain during a BSc Hons. Botany?
While pursuing BSc Botany Hons, one acquires knowledge in the Plant kingdom along with practical skills like handling the plant tissue, dissection, isolating pigments from leaves, observing plant organelles, identifying plant species, etc.
