BSc Horticulture is an undergraduate programme for 3 years focused on the science of cultivating and managing plants and crop management. The course offers a broad scope in areas like Crop Production, Plant Conservation, Landscape Restoration, Soil Management, Arboriculture, etc.
For a BSc Horticulture Science degree, candidates must have qualified 10+2 in a Science background with Biology as a major. Admission to this course is either merit-based or entrance-based.
Some universities conduct university-level entrance exams or may consider state-level exams for admission to the BSc Horticulture Science programme.
- BSc Horticulture Course Highlights
- What is BSc Horticulture?
- Why Pursue BSc in Horticulture Science
- BSc Horticulture Science Eligibility
- BSc Horticulture Science Admission Process
- BSc Horticulture Science Colleges in India
- BSc Horticulture Subjects
- BSc in Horticulture Science Jobs
- BSc Horticulture Science Vs. BSc Agriculture
- BSc Horticulture FAQs
BSc Horticulture Course Highlights
Given below is the key highlights for the BSc in Horticulture Science:
Particulars | Details |
Programme name | BSc Horticulture Science |
Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility | Minimum 50% 10+2 in Science with Biology |
Admission Process | Both Merit and Entrance Based |
Average Annual Fee | Government institutes: INR 30,000 to 50,000
Private institutes: INR 2 to 3 Lakhs |
Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 to 4,00,000 |
Job Options | Plant Breeders, Marketing Managers, Gardeners, Agricultural Researchers, among others. |
Areas of Employment | Agrochemicals, Agriculture Research Laboratories, Orchids, etc. |
What is BSc Horticulture?
The BSc Horticulture deals with plant breeding, including conventional and hybrid methods. It covers subjects related to plant nutrition, pesticides, plant pathology, crop management, and fertilizers.
The course mainly teaches about flowering plants, medicinal plants, crops, and fruit-vegetable producing plants. Apart from plant study, it also discusses the soil preparation, soil quality, and soil requirements for the specific types of plants.
Along with the plant and soil science, BSc Horticulture also teaches agro-marketing, crop management, and farm management, which prepares students to manage and run any agricultural farm successfully.
Why Pursue BSc in Horticulture Science
BSc Horticulture Science imparts knowledge regarding plant breeding that helps in any kind of plant/agricultural research and breeding improvement.
- The course ensures a stable career in Agro products manufacturing companies.
- One can establish a startup for biofertilizer production that improves crop quality.
- This course offers a vast opportunity for government jobs such as Field Officer, Extension Officer, and Specialist Officer in the Forest.
- It opens the door for agricultural research for those who wish to work on advancements in plant science and cultivation techniques.
BSc Horticulture Science Eligibility
The minimum eligibility criteria for a BSc Horticulture Science degree are 50% marks in the 12th grade.
Candidates must have studied Biology at the 10+2 level. Some universities may conduct an entrance exam as part of the selection process. Therefore, students have to qualify for the cut-off score in such tests.
BSc Horticulture Science Admission Process
Admission in BSc Horticulture is generally on the basis of 12th merit, and application is through the online admission portal of the institutes. Here is the basic online process followed by the Sanskriti University:
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the Sanskriti University. Click on the programs and navigate to the School of Agriculture.
Step 2: Now, click on the “Admission Form” provided to you on the screen. The website will redirect you to the Admission page. Students need to fill out the form by providing their required information.
Step 3: After filling the form, submit it and pay the application fee. As soon as the university gets your candidature, they’ll evaluate your application and will send you a mail regarding the further process.
Step 4: After your application gets approved, you’ll need to upload further documents such as academic and personal. Post uploading, the candidate needs to pay the course fees.
Step 5: As soon as the university receives your payment, they’ll contact you officially and will release a confirmation mail. The confirmation mail will include program orientation and commencement date.
BSc Horticulture Science Colleges in India
There are several government and private colleges/universities offering this course with theory and practical sessions, along with field work. The table below represents some of the best colleges for BSc Horticulture Science.
College/University name | NIRF 2024 Ranking | Admission | Average Fee/year |
Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya | 40th (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | 12th merit | 5,000 |
Bihar Agricultural University | 36th (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | 12th merit | 13,000 |
Horticultural College and Research Institute | - | 12th merit | 60,000 |
Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology | 35th (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | 12th merit | 46,000 |
University of Horticultural Science | 40th (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | 12th merit | 40,000 |
University of Agricultural and Horticultural Science | 11th rank (Agriculture and Allied Sectors) | 12th merit | 25,000 |
BSc Horticulture Subjects
BSc Horticulture subjects majorly includes plant biology, genetics, breeding, propagation, pest and disease management, soil science, and irrigation as core compulsory subjects. The table below represents the entire course curriculum for BSc Horticulture Science designed for State Agricultural Universities of Maharashtra.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Fundamentals of Horticulture | Plant Propagation and Nursery Management |
Principles of Genetics and Cytogenetics | Potato and Tuber Crops |
Elementary Statistics and Computer Application | Introductory Microbiology |
Economics and Marketing | Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops |
Elementary Plant Biochemistry | Principles of Plant Breeding |
Introductory Crop Physiology | Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management |
Fundamental of Soil Science | Water Management in Horticultural Crops |
Agro-meteorology and Climate Change | Physical Education and Yoga |
Mathematics / Botany | Information and Communication Technology |
- | Fundamentals of Entomology |
- | Environmental Studies and Disaster Management |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Tropical and Subtropical Fruits | Breeding of Fruit and Plantation Crops |
Temperate Fruit Crops | Dry Land Horticulture |
Weed Management in Horticultural Crops | Spices and Condiments |
Tropical and Subtropical Vegetables | Precision Farming and Protected Cultivation |
Fundamentals of Food and Nutrition | Temperate Vegetables |
Commercial Floriculture | Ornamental Horticulture |
Elementary Plant Biotechnology | Soil, Water and Plant Analysis |
Fundamentals of Extension Education | Insect Pests of Fruit, Plantation, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops |
Fundamentals of Pathology | Livestock Production and Management |
Insect Pests of Vegetable, Ornamental and Spice Crops | Introduction to Major Field Crops |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Plantation Crops | Seed Production of Vegetables, Tuber, and Spice Crops |
Orchard and Estate Management | Postharvest Management of Horticultural Crops |
Breeding of Vegetables, Tuber, and Spice Crops | Processing of Horticultural Crops |
Principles of Landscape Architecture | Breeding and Seed Production of Ornamental Plants |
Communication Skills and Personality Development | Horti-Business Management |
Organic Farming | Entrepreneurship Development and Business Management |
Apiculture, Sericulture and Lac Culture | Farm Machinery and Power Engineering |
Diseases of Fruit, Plantation, Medicinal, and Aromatic Crops | Diseases of Vegetables, Ornamentals and Spice Crops |
Medicinal and Aromatic Crops | Mushroom Production Technology |
Introductory Agroforestry | Nematode Pests of Horticultural Crops and their Management |
BSc in Horticulture Science Jobs
There are a plethora of career options after completing BSc in Horticulture Science. For instance, one can explore Agriculture research by pursuing higher studies, work as horticulturist, farm manager, agricultural consultant, etc.
- Students wish to pursue higher studies like MSc Horticulture and PhD in the Horticulture or Agriculture area.
- Those seeking government employment can prepare for a competitive exam for the civil services in Agriculture
One can find a job in academics or industries where agro products are manufactured. Some popular BSc Horticulture jobs are mentioned below.
- Horticulturist: They work with fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Their responsibility is to cultivate, propagate, and manage those plants/crops.
- Farm Manager: They Oversee the day-to-day operations of farms, including crop planning, supervision of farm workers, and financial management.
- Agricultural Consultant: Their job is to advise farmers, agribusinesses, and government agencies on best practices in farming, resource management, and the adoption of new technologies.
- Extension Officer: They work as an intermediary between farmers and researchers to provide education and resources to improve agricultural practices.
Entry Level | Mid Level | Advanced Level |
Horticulturist | Horticultural Education Supervisor. | Sr. Extension Officer |
Floriculturist | Senior Soil Scientist | CEO |
Junior Soil Scientist | Management Plantation | Landscape Architect |
Seed Analysts | Farm Manager | Agricultural Research Scientist |
BSc Horticulture Salary
A BSc Horticulture graduate can expect an initial salary of around INR 2 to 4 LPA. It further increases up to INR 5 to 7 LPA with mid-level positions, depending on the position, experience, industry type, and location.
With years of experience and expertise, one gets paid as high as INR 10 to 12 LPA as per the government pay scale policy for Agriculture and Farming Industries.
BSc Horticulture Science Vs. BSc Agriculture
Although both BSc Horticulture and BSc Agriculture deal with plant, soil, and farming studies, there are certain differences between these two specializations. A comparison between these two courses is given below.
Parameters | BSc Horticulture Science | BSc Agriculture |
Duration | 3 years | 4 years |
Eligibility | 10+2 (Biology) | 10+2 (Biology) |
Focus | Focuses more on plant cultivation, plant health, and management, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. | It covers a broader study of agricultural sciences, including crop production, soil science, agricultural economics, and related areas. |
Curriculum | Covers subjects like Plant biology, genetics, breeding, propagation, cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, soil science, irrigation, and crop management. | Teaches subjects like Agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, and animal science. |
Career Paths | Job positions after BSc Horticulture are Horticulturist, farm manager, landscape designer, horticultural therapist, and researcher in plant-related fields. | BSc Agriculture offers positions like Agricultural scientist, extension officer, farm manager, agricultural economist, agribusiness manager, and researcher. |
Salary | Entry-level positions can range from INR 2 to 4 LPA, | Entry-level positions can range from INR 2 to 6 LPA |
BSc Horticulture FAQs
Is BSc horticulture equivalent to BSc Agriculture?
Yes, as approved by IAUA (Indian Agricultural Universities Association), a Horticulture degree is considered as equivalent to B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture. Also, career prospects for both courses are almost similar.
What is the difference between agriculture and horticulture UPSC?
UPSC syllabus for Agriculture involves Animal Rearing, whereas horticulture is concerned with plants and cultivation relevant aspects.
Can I become a Horticulture scientist after BSc in Horticulture Science?
To become a Horticulture Scientist, one must have a PhD or relevant experience in research for 3 to 5 years. Also, candidates have to develop analytical skills, problem-solving skills, sound knowledge about horticulture practices, and problems in it.
Can I do an MBA after BSc in Horticulture?
Yes, a person with a BSc Horticulture Science degree can pursue an MBA in Agribusiness Management or other relevant areas. Such courses combine business acumen with agricultural expertise.
