Ph.D. Agriculture Economics: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

A Ph.D. Agricultural Economics is a three-year doctoral degree program that focuses on applying economic principles to the agricultural and rural sectors. The Ph.D Agricultural Economics program combines core economic theories with agricultural policy, agribusiness, natural resource management, and rural development.

The eligibility criteria for Ph.D. Agricultural Economics program, the candidates must have passed with a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks from a recognized university. Candidates also need to appear for some entrance examinations to get into a specific college or university. Some entrance examinations are ICAR, OUAT, RET, etc.

The total course fees for the Ph.D. Agricultural Economics program relies on whether the college or university is a private or a government institution. Typically, the course fees for these programs range between INR 28,000 – 5,00,000. Some top colleges or universities that offer these programs are Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Galgotias University, College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, and Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI).

Candidates who completed their Ph.D. Agricultural Economics programs can have a variety of job roles or opportunities available in India. Some job roles are Agricultural Economist, Policy Analyst, Research Scientist (Agri Economics), Agricultural Finance Specialist, and Agribusiness Consultant. They can also get a high-paying salary which typically ranges between INR 3-12 LPA or more depending on their skills and knowledge.

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics Key Highlights

The key highlights for Ph D Agriculture Economics are as mentioned below-

What is a Ph.D. in Agriculture Economics?

A Ph.D. Agricultural Economics is a three-year doctoral degree program that mainly focuses on the application of economic principles to the agricultural and rural sectors. This program combines the concepts from economics, agriculture, environmental science, and public policy to study issues such as agricultural productivity, resource use, rural development, food security, agribusiness, and international trade.

Additionally, this PhD program provides candidates with the conceptual, quantitative, and research abilities necessary for resolving those complex problems that come up in agriculture and rural economy.

The Ph.D. Agriculture Economics program analyzes a variety of subjects such as micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, agricultural marketing, farm management, policy analysis, and development economics.

Also, read Ph.D in Agriculture

Why Study a Ph.D in Agriculture Economics?

A Ph.D. Agricultural Economics is perfect for those candidates who are passionate about solving actual issues related to agriculture, food security, rural development, and environmental sustainability.

There are various reasons that explain why one should study this program are listed below:

• PhD holders can work as researchers and lecturers in higher education, instructing and guiding upcoming agricultural economists.
• There are a variety of opportunities that exist in government agencies involved in agricultural policy, rural development, and natural resource management.
• Agricultural economists are hired by financial institutions, consulting firms, and agribusinesses for roles such as risk management, market analysis, and strategy development.

Who should study Ph.D in Agriculture Economics?

A Ph.D. Agricultural Economics is suitable for those candidates who are passionate about the connection of agriculture, economics, and policy-making. This program is best suited for those candidates who have a strong academic background in economics, agriculture, or related fields and desire to address practical problems such as resource management, environmental sustainability, rural development, and food security.

There are several points that explain who should study this program are mentioned below:

• Candidates who are interested in solving complex economic problems related to agriculture.
• The program focuses on developing the ability to analyze and address challenges related to agricultural production, distribution, and sustainability.
• Candidates who are looking for diverse career paths and can find opportunities in government, research institutions, international organizations, and the private sector.
• Candidates who enjoy this program should find it beneficial for those who apply economic concepts to agricultural possibilities and problems.

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in Ph D Agriculture Economics in India, the applicant needs to meet certain criteria, without which admission into this course is not possible. Mentioned below are the Ph.D. Agriculture Economics eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from a recognized university.
• A minimum aggregate of 55% marks in their Master’s Degree from a recognized university.
• Qualify for certain entrance examinations such as ICAR, OUAT, RET, or a specific university entrance examination.

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics Entrance Exams 2025

In India, several entrance exams at the national, state, and university levels must be taken to pursue a Ph D Agriculture Economics. Admission to Indian colleges and universities is determined by the scores or rankings earned on these tests. Below are a few of the most competitive entrance exams for a Ph.D. in Agriculture Economics in India:

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics Colleges in India

Each Indian college has its admission exam requirements for the Ph D Agriculture Economics program. The following list includes the total cost of tuition, the NIRF Ranking, and the entrance examinations needed to get admission to some of the best Ph.D. Agriculture Economics schools in India:

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics Admission Process 2025

The admission process for Ph D Agriculture Economics is almost similar in all the institutions offering this course. For reference, the admission process for enrolling in Ph.D. Agriculture Economics at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is given below:

Step 1. First of all, Candidates should visit the official website of TNAU.

Step 2. Go to the admission portal.

Step 3. Fill in the Ph.D. application form.

Step 4. Candidates should appear for the ICAR exam to enroll in TNAU.

Step 5. On the scheduled day, just go and appear for the ICAR exam.

Step 6. After the announcement of the ICAR result, selected candidates are shortlisted for the interview round.

Step 7. Selected candidates must appear for certificate/document verification at the university, pay the admission fee, and confirm the seat.

Step 8. Register for the Ph.D. coursework and begin the academic session.

Required Documents:

• UG and PG Degree Certificates
• Migration Certificate
• Passport-size Photo
• Signature
• Aadhar Card

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics Syllabus

The syllabus for Ph D Agriculture Economics in India is more or less the same in the colleges offering the course. The syllabus may slightly differ depending on the curriculum followed by the institute. For reference, the semester-wise syllabus for Ph.D. Agriculture Economics from the College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, is mentioned below:

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics Job Opportunities in India

Some of the common job roles for Ph D Agriculture Economics graduates in India are given below:

Ph.D. Agriculture Economics FAQs