M Sc Botany is a specialized postgraduate program for 2 years. The key focus of this program is studying the science of the plant kingdom. It involves plant speciation, classification, plant anatomy, plant reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, genetics, ecology, distribution, and evolution.
To study M Sc Botany, eligibility criteria is passing BSc in Botany or any other life science major with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Admission is mostly based on graduation merit and common entrance exam scores. Some widely accepted entrance exams are CUET PG, ICAR AIEEA, CPGET, etc. Some universities may consider state/university-specific entrance exams like MAH CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test), LPUNEST, JMI entrance test, etc.
BSc graduates with any of the above-mentioned entrance exam qualifications can apply to both, government or private universities such as Sardar Patel University, LPU, Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, University of Calcutta, Mount Carmel College, C.V. Raman Global University, etc. Post MSc Botany, graduates may work as Lecturer, Lab Technician, Research Fellow, Research Assistant, Assistant Professor, or can pursue PhD in relevant areas.
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M Sc Botany Key Highlights
The key highlights of MSc Botany are tabulated below.
What is an M Sc Botany?
M Sc Botany is a Plant science specialization that aims to train students in classifying, identifying, and breeding various plant species. It also teaches hands-on practical skills required in screening healthy plants to breed, developing hybrids, identifying pathogens in plants, and probable solutions to avoid plant pathogenesis.
It leads to a career in research as well in academia. One can pursue a PhD or join government-funded research projects in Plant Biotechnology, Plant Science, or Agricultural research. Such positions are called JRF or SRF.
Why Study M Sc Botany?
Studying MSc Botany offers diverse and well-reputed career opportunities in both the government and private sectors. One can work in research (academic or industrial), agriculture (plant breeding, pathology, agronomy), biotechnology, environmental consulting, forestry, botanical gardens, pharmaceuticals, and even education.
- People can contribute to critical global issues such as food security, climate change mitigation (e.g., carbon sequestration), biodiversity conservation, and the discovery of new medicinal compounds from plants.
- One can also delve into Ayurveda and medicinal plant research, making it a breakthrough for human welfare.
- Graduates can work on preserving endangered plant species, restoring degraded ecosystems, monitoring environmental health, and developing sustainable practices, directly impacting the planet's well-being.
M Sc Botany Eligibility Criteria
To study M.Sc Botany, candidates must meet below mentioned eligibility criteria.
- Applicants must have obtained at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in UG.
- A bachelor’s degree should be in the Biological or Life Science discipline. For instance, BSc Botany/Biology/Life Science/Microbiology, etc.
- Apart from UG merit, candidates are required to qualify a common entrance exam conducted by national/state/university-specific governing bodies. Admission to MSc Botany in some government universities is through CUET PG or ICAR AIEEA merit. Also, some private universities grant direct admission based on UG marks.
- Therefore, candidates are advised to go through the admission and selection guidelines of their chosen university, beforehand.
M Sc Botany Entrance Exams
M Sc Botany admission is through an entrance exam conducted by national authorities like ICAR and CPGET. Applicants may also consider state-specific or university-specific entrance exams such as LPU NEST or MAH CET, AP CPGET, etc.
M Sc Botany Colleges in India
M Sc Botany is offered by many prestigious government and private institutes affiliated to UGC-approved universities. Some of the best MSc Botany Colleges are given in the table below.
M Sc Botany Admission Process
Admission to M.Sc Botany is generally held through an online application process where candidates need to register themselves on an admission portal and fill out an online application form by providing required information and preferred college, program, etc.
A step-wise explanation for the MSc Botany admission process at Delhi University is given below.
Step 1. Registration: After appearing for CUET PG, candidates must also register on the University of Delhi's Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS-PG) portal. This is a separate application process specifically for DU admissions.
Step 2. Application: Fill out an application form with accurate details like Educational, Personal, and Contact information. Also, upload all your documents in a prescribed format.
Step 3. Enter your CUET PG details and score card and submit your candidature by paying an application fee (through given payment option).
Step 4. Merit Preparation: Delhi University will prepare a merit list based solely on the scores obtained in the CUET PG and will notify shortlisted candidates for further process.
Step 5. Counselling & Seat Allotment: DU conducts several rounds of seat allocation through the CSAS-PG portal.
Step 6. Document Verification: After seat allotment, candidates will be called for document verification and the admission confirmation process. Selected students have to pay initial course fees to confirm their seat in the allotted college.
Documents Required:
- Original Marksheet of 10th and 12th grade, Graduation certificate
- CUET PG Scorecard
- School Leaving Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
- Passport-size Photograph
M Sc Botany Syllabus
M Sc Botany Syllabus is divided into 4 semesters, including subjects like Taxonomy, Analytical Techniques, Biophysical Techniques, Botany Practicals, Plant Tissue Culture, Research Methodology, etc. Students will have to pursue a Dissertation and submit a thesis in their final semester as a partial fulfillment of the degree.
Given below is MSc Botany Syllabus followed by LPU, Phagwara.
M Sc Botany Job Opportunities in India
M Sc Botany graduates will find jobs in research, agronomy, pharma/biotech industries, academics, and in forest services. Here are some of the popular MSc Botany jobs with potential recruiters, experience required, and salary range.
M Sc Botany FAQs
Is MSc Botany the same as MSc Plant Biotechnology?
No, MSc Botany and Plant Biotechnology are not the same. Although they deal with plants in a broad term, these two specialisations have different curriculum, program specific outcomes, and offer different career paths. MSc Botany is a broad study of Plant Kingdom, including taxonomy, speciation, plant pathology, ecology, genetics, breeding, etc. Plant Biotechnology is a more specialized discipline, focusing on plant growth using biotech principles/methods. The major goal of Plant Biotechnology is to train students to grow plants in vitro, without soil. This involves various culture techniques unlike MSc Botany.
Can I pursue an MSc in Botany with BSc in Zoology?
Yes, one can pursue M Sc Botany with BSc in any biological science major. However, having a BSc in Botany is preferred and beneficial to understand theoretical aspects taught in MSc Botany. Students with BSc Zoology have studied animal kingdom in detail but not the plant kingdom, making it a little difficult to study the advanced curriculum of Botany at Master’s level.
What is ICAR?
An ICAR stands for Indian Council for Agricultural Research. It is a national body working and managing agricultural studies, research and development across the country. It runs various study programmes, PhD programs, grants for research, and conducts workshops to spread awareness on ongoing agriculture progress in India. It also conducts Entrance exams like ICAR NET, ICAR AIEEA for admission to MSc Botany and for JRF positions in Plant or Agricultural research.
