Diploma in Horticulture is typically a 2-year diploma for undergraduates.The most focused topics in Diploma in Horticulture courses are plantation, crops, flower farming, etc. Eligibility criteria are met if they have passed class 10 or 12 or any other equivalent qualifying exam in any stream with a minimum 35% aggregate marks from any recognized board. Well-known colleges offering a Diploma Horticulture are Dr. YSR Horticultural University, OUAT, Orissa, etc.
Most colleges offering a Diploma in Horticulture course give admission on merit and no entrance exam is conducted. Course fees start from INR 10,000 and can go up to INR 30,000 annually. The job profiles after completion of a Diploma in Horticulture are Horticulturist, Florist, Agriculture Inspector, etc. The average annual salaries for freshers are INR 2 - 5 lacs depending on skills and expertise.
- Diploma in Horticulture Course Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Horticulture?
- Why Pursue a Diploma in Horticulture?
- Diploma in Horticulture Eligibility
- Diploma in Horticulture Admission Process 2025
- Diploma in Horticulture Colleges in India
- Diploma in Horticulture Syllabus
- Diploma in Horticulture Vs BSc in Horticulture Course Comparison
- Diploma in Horticulture Job Profiles
- Diploma in Horticulture Future Scope
- Diploma in Horticulture FAQs
Diploma in Horticulture Course Highlights
Provided below are the Diploma in Horticulture course details:
Feature | Details |
Course Name | Diploma in Horticulture |
Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility | 10th or 12th pass |
Admission Process | Merit-based |
Course Mode | Full-time / Part-time |
Average Course Fee | INR 10,000 - 30,000 |
Key Subjects | Plant Propagation & Nursery Management, Soil Science & Fertility Management, Pest & Disease Control, Greenhouse & Floriculture, Landscape Gardening, Organic Farming Techniques, Post-Harvest Technology, Horticultural Marketing & Agribusiness |
Career Opportunities | Horticulturist, Floriculturist, Nursery Manager, Landscape Designer, Farm Supervisor, Agriculture Officer, Research Assistant |
Average Salary | INR 2 - 5 LPA |
What is a Diploma in Horticulture?
The Diploma in Horticulture is a professional diploma covering the scientific study and practical application of plant cultivation, garden management, floriculture, and landscape architecture. It offers foundational courses like soil technology, pest control, greenhouse management, and post-harvest technology to improve crop production and sustainability. The course is meant for students interested in new farming techniques, sustainable agriculture, and horticulture commerce.
Why Pursue a Diploma in Horticulture?
The following are the benefits of pursuing a Diploma in Horticulture:
- Aids in opening windows of employment opportunity in floriculture, landscaping, research, agriculture, etc.
- Very good opportunities for green farming, urban cultivation, and organically grown foods.
- Jobs with the government and nongovernment sectors.
- Best suited for people with an interest in plants, farming, and conserving them.
- Can be a horticulturist, nurseryman, landscape designer, or agriculture officer.
Diploma in Horticulture Eligibility
Diploma in Horticulture Eligibility requires students to complete Class 10, 12, or any other equivalent qualifying exam from a recognized board to be eligible. While no specific subject specialization is required, candidates with a background or interest in botany may be given preference. Additionally, some institutes may conduct personal interviews as part of the admission process. The selection criteria may vary depending on the institute and its specific requirements.
Diploma in Horticulture Admission Process 2025
The admission procedure for a Diploma in Horticulture involves a series of steps that may vary depending on the institute’s selection criteria.
Step 1: Submission of Application Form: Offline/online submission of the application form to the desired institute.
Step 2: Merit-Based Selection: Institutes provide direct admission based on marks.
Step 3: Declaration of the list of selected students on the official college website.
Diploma in Horticulture Colleges in India
Given below is a list of colleges that offer a Diploma in Horticulture along with their mode of education and course fees. All these colleges accept admissions on a merit basis for Diploma in Horticulture:
College Name | Location | Fees (per annum) |
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | INR 20,000 |
University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (UAHS) | Shimoga, Karnataka | INR 25,000 |
Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University (SKRAU) | Bikaner, Rajasthan | INR 20,000 |
Jamal Mohamed College | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | INR 15,000 |
Adhiparasakthi Horticultural College (APHC) | Ranipet, Tamil Nadu | INR 25,000 |
Diploma in Horticulture Syllabus
Given below is the Diploma in Horticulture syllabus from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU):
Semester | Course Name |
Semester I | Principles of Horticulture |
Plant Propagation and Nursery Management | |
Principles of Agronomy and Agricultural Meteorology | |
Fundamentals of Soil Science | |
Basics in Applied Entomology | |
Communication Skills | |
Physical Education | |
Semester II | Production Technology of Fruit Crops |
Production Technology of Vegetable Crops | |
Production Technology of Flower Crops | |
Basics of Plant Pathology | |
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management | |
Fundamentals of Computer Applications | |
Semester III | Greenhouse Technology and Protected Cultivation |
Post-Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops | |
Pest and Disease Management in Horticultural Crops | |
Landscape Gardening and Ornamental Horticulture | |
Organic Farming and Certification | |
Agricultural Extension and Marketing | |
Semester IV | Practical Training and Field Visits |
Project Work and Internship |
Diploma in Horticulture Vs BSc in Horticulture Course Comparison
Given below is a comparison between Diploma in Horticulture and BSc in Horticulture for students to make a better informed decision:
Criteria | Diploma in Horticulture | B.Sc. in Horticulture |
Duration | 2 years | 3 years |
Eligibility | 10th or 12th pass (varies by college) | 12th pass with Science (PCB/PCM) |
Curriculum | Covers basics of fruit & vegetable cultivation, soil science, plant propagation, pest control, and greenhouse management | Includes advanced subjects like genetics, biotechnology, agribusiness, plant pathology, breeding, and post-harvest technology |
Career Opportunities | Nursery management, garden supervisor, farm assistant, greenhouse technician | Horticulturist, researcher, agribusiness consultant, landscape designer, plantation manager |
Job Prospects | Entry-level jobs in nurseries, farms, and government schemes | Higher-level roles in research, agribusiness, and commercial horticulture |
Higher Studies | Can pursue a B.Sc. in Horticulture for further specialization | Can opt for an M.Sc. in Horticulture or related fields for advanced research and career growth |
Diploma in Horticulture Job Profiles
Given below is an overview of career opportunities and salary ranges for professionals post the completion of a Diploma in Horticulture:
Job Profile | Description | Average Salary INR |
Horticulturist | Specializes in the cultivation and management of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. | 2.8 LPA |
Agricultural Equipment Technician | Develops and maintains farming machinery and equipment for efficient horticultural practices. | 4 LPA |
Horticulture Office Assistant | Manages horticultural projects, ensuring plant health and overseeing operations. | 5 LPA |
Landscape Designer | Designs outdoor spaces using plants and horticultural elements for aesthetic and functional purposes. | 4.8 LPA |
Floriculturist | Cultivates flowers and ornamental plants for commercial use in gardens, bouquets, and decorations. | 4.6 LPA |
Diploma in Horticulture Future Scope
Upon the completion of a Diploma in Horticulture, students can follow the following career paths:
- One can pursue a BSc in Horticulture for further in-depth knowledge in this field.
- Certification courses by KVK and NCOF can also be done for upskilling.
- Some colleges offer an Advanced Diploma or a PG Diploma in Horticulture and related fields that can help with specialisation.
Diploma in Horticulture FAQs
Is there any minimum or maximum age requirement to join a Diploma in Horticulture?
The majority of institutes seek candidates in the age group of 15–18 years, with a minimum qualification of basic school (10th or 12th pass) to join a Diploma in Horticulture.
Does a Diploma in Horticulture include an internship and training?
Yes, a Diploma in Horticulture does include an internship and training as part of the curriculum to provide hands-on experience.
Are there any scholarships available for a Diploma in Horticulture?
Yes, scholarships are available for a Diploma in Horticulture by many state agricultural universities and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
What software or tools are commonly used in a Diploma in Horticulture?
Tools like GIS mapping, greenhouse automation software, crop monitoring apps, and precision farming tools are commonly used for managing international trade operations in a Diploma in Horticulture.
