MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding: Course Details, Colleges, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding is a postgraduate program of 2 years that focuses on improving or creating a better version of crops through genetic principles and practices. The course includes topics related to breeding methods, plant varieties, and skills to improve the crop or develop a new one.

Candidates interested in pursuing this course should have completed a bachelor's degree in any biology domain with a minimum aggregate score of 55% marks. The admissions are usually based on entrance exams conducted by the State/National or Universities. ICAR conducts an exam, ICAR AIEEA PG, for admission to MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding. The course fees range between INR 6,000 to INR 20,000 for government institutions, whereas in private institutions, the fees range from INR 2,50,000 to INR 4,00,000.

After completing the course, the graduates can build a career in research and academia. They can also pursue higher studies by doing a PhD in Genetics or any other related field. Some of the job roles available to them include Plant Breeder, Plant Geneticist, Farm Manager, Agronomist, Assistant Professor, Associate Researcher, etc. The average starting salary ranges from INR 4 to 6 LPA.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Highlights

The basic details of the MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding are mentioned below:

Why Pursue MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding

MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding is beneficial for those seeking to gain expertise in seed development and contribute to plant research, food security, biotechnology, etc.

• The course offers diverse career opportunities in the field of Agriculture and Plant research.
• Plant breeding plays a crucial role in developing plants with better genetic makeup.
• The development of such plants ensures healthy fruit and vegetable production.
• Students learn to develop genetically modified or transgenic plants.
• Students can explore research career options.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding, one must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• Should have completed a BSc degree in the Biology domain, such as BSc Agriculture, BSc Biotechnology, or BSc Hons. Botany, or an equivalent degree.
• A minimum of 55% marks is required in BSc from any UGC recognized institute. Also, qualifying for an entrance exam is mandatory for admission.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Admission Process

For admission to the MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding, many private universities considered a 10+2+3 score. However, government universities give admission on the basis of entrance exam scores. An entrance exam accepted by such institutes is ICAR AIEEA PG, LPUNEST, SAAT, OUAT, SOE TAP, or they may conduct a university-level exam.

The candidates have to follow these steps to apply for the course.

• Visit the official admission portal of a particular institute.
• Check the admission guidelines and selection criteria.
• Fill the application form with the required details and documents.
• Pay the registration fees and appear in the exam, if applicable.
• Wait for the cut-off score release from the university.
• The university will send the confirmation if the applicant is selected for admission.
• Upon selection, candidates have to go for document verification and counselling rounds. Admission will be confirmed when the candidate pays the course fees.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Colleges in India

Many government and private colleges/universities in India offer an MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding course. Some of the best institutes are tabulated below.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Syllabus

The MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding syllabus majorly includes subjects like plant genetics, crop improvement, cytogenetics, plant pathology, breeding principles, electives, and a dissertation in the final semester.

The table below represents the MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding syllabus designed by Vishva Bharti as per UGC and ICAR guidelines. The University of Kerala follows a similar syllabus with additional electives like plant biotechnology, biophysics, transgenic plants, etc.

Jobs after MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding

The MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding graduates can explore various career paths in the field of agriculture, plant research, forestry, academia, and the pharma industry. Here are some job profiles and descriptions that can be explored after an MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding. The salaries for these job roles are as per PayScale:

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Scope

MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding offers a wide scope with diverse opportunities in seed companies, research labs, plant breeding centers, etc.

• One can further opt for a PhD to gain in-depth knowledge and research skills.
• One can apply for jobs at the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations.
• With years of experience, one can also establish a startup such as a Biotechnology Firm, Pesticide-producing company, Agriculture Consulting Firm, etc.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Vs. MSc Agriculture

Though both MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding and MSc Agriculture include the study of plant science, they vary in specialisation, skills, depth of concepts, and practical training.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding FAQs