PhD in Agronomy (Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy) is a 3-6 year research-focused course program that focuses on advanced research in crop production, soil fertility, and sustainable farming practices. The course, thus, seeks to equip students with the analytical research abilities required to work in business, academia, and other service-related fields.
Students eligible to pursue a PhD in Agronomy must hold a The student must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field like Agronomy, Agriculture, or related disciplines with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade from a recognized university. The students must appear for entrance exams like UGC NET/CSIR NET/GATE/ICAR AICE JRF/SRF and a personal interview round to present their research proposal, if applicable.
The colleges which are offering a PhD in Agronomy include Lovely Professional University, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, ITM University, Sanskriti University, The Neotia University, SGRR University, Deshbhagat University, and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, where the total course fee ranges from INR 1,26,000- 3,00,000.
The course of a PhD in Agronomy is associated with various jobs and opportunities. Different job profiles include Agronomist, Corporate Agronomist, Soil Scientist, Research Scientist / Associate, Crop Scientist, and Farm Manager. The average salary graduates can earn after getting a PhD in Agronomy degree is somewhere between INR 6 – 10 LPA.
Table of Contents
- Ph D Agronomy Key Highlights
- What is a Ph D Agronomy?
- Why Study a Ph D Agronomy?
- Who should study for the Ph D Agronomy course?
- Ph D Agronomy Eligibility Criteria
- Ph D Agronomy Entrance Exams 2025
- Ph D Agronomy Colleges in India
- Ph D Agronomy Admission Process 2025
- Ph D Agronomy Syllabus
- Ph D Agronomy Job Opportunities in India
- Ph D Agronomy Vs PhD Soil Science Comparison
- Ph D Agronomy FAQs
Ph D Agronomy Key Highlights
Given below are some of the PhD Agronomy key highlights:
What is a Ph D Agronomy?
PhD in Agronomy is a 3-6 year research-focused course program that seeks to equip students with the analytical research abilities required to work in business, academia, and other service-related fields. Through a PhD in Agronomy, the students learn how to grow and use plants for fuel, food, fiber, and reclamation, as the course helps agronomists build skills and knowledge in agronomy.
The course covers specific topics such as agricultural chemistry, genetics, medicinal plants and aromatherapy, biochemistry, entomology, food science, public health, agricultural meteorology, and nematology. With such a rigorous course, the students are equipped with various advanced research and practical knowledge in the field of agronomy.
Why Study a Ph D Agronomy?
The Ph D Agronomy is a highly preferred program among students interested in research about Agronomy; hence, it is offered in different colleges and universities in India. The reasons to opt for a Ph.D. Agronomy is given below:
- The course of a PhD in Agronomy opens gateways and multiple opportunities for researchers and academicians, leading to securing top positions in reputable institutions and universities worldwide, paving the way for excellent careers in both academics and research.
- Due to an increased focus on food security, climate-resilient crops, and sustainable agriculture, there is a high demand for skilled professionals and experts in agronomy across government sectors, agri-tech startups, research bodies, and NGOs in India and globally.
- A PhD in Agronomy helps build a strong network among different PhD scholars through valuable connections with industry professionals, researchers, which helps boost long-term career growth and project funding opportunities.
- Having a PhD often opens up multiple opportunities and careers, and it also helps students secure international corporate job opportunities and academic research roles.
- There is a sense of fulfillment in the minds of those wanting to pursue a PhD as they are highly driven by curiosity and a passion for research; hence, it is also one of the key reasons why students should pursue a PhD in Agronomy.
Who should study for the Ph D Agronomy course?
Reasons, which include individuals who might be a good choice for pursuing a PhD in Agronomy in different colleges in India, are mentioned below:
- A PhD in Agronomy is highly suitable for those passionate about improving crop yields, conserving resources, and developing climate-resilient farming practices. Students with a passion for sustainable agriculture advocacy will find a Ph.D. in Agronomy fulfilling and impactful.
- Students aiming to work with government and making bodies like ICAR, agricultural ministries, or policy think tanks to shape national food and agriculture strategies should choose to opt for a PhD in Agronomy.
- Students who want to become professors and want to teach at a higher university level, and want to become researchers, should choose to study a PhD course in Agronomy.
- A PhD in Agronomy is also best suited for those seeking to work internationally, in research labs, or at universities. Due to the global relevance of an Agronomy specialization, the course should be opted for by those wanting to seek careers internationally, since the specialization offers excellent global career mobility.
Ph D Agronomy Eligibility Criteria
To secure a seat in the top colleges and institutes in India for a Ph D Agronomy course, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria to be selected for further application and the admission process. The detailed eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
- The student must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field like Agronomy, Agriculture, or related disciplines with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade from a recognized university.
- Students must appear for entrance exams such as UGC NET/ CSIR-NET/ GATE/ ICAR AICE JRF/SRF.
- Many colleges and universities also conduct personal interview rounds as a part of the selection process. In such a round, the students must present a research proposal.
- Students belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories are often given relaxation during the admission process.
Ph D Agronomy Entrance Exams 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges in the country for a Ph.D. In Agronomy, the student has to appear for various entrance examinations. The details about the entrance examination for pursuing a Ph.D. in Agronomy have been listed in the table below:
Ph D Agronomy Colleges in India
A Ph.D. in Agronomy is a 3-6 year research-focused course opted for by students interested in learning about Agronomy and carrying out further research in the same field. Hence, it is offered by several colleges and universities across India. Colleges offering this course are listed in the table below:
Ph D Agronomy Admission Process 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges for the Ph D Agronomy in India, the student must follow a few steps first. Initially, the student must meet the eligibility criteria of the course and then fill out the application form. The detailed procedure for securing a seat in the Lovely Professional University is given below:
Step 1- The students must choose the different entrance exams for a Ph D Agronomy course that they want to appear for, which may include ICAR AICE JRF/SRF, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, etc.
Step 2- Interested students can apply online on the official website of Lovely Professional University and then proceed with the filling of their personal and academic details.
Step 3- The students then need to upload all the relevant documents and proceed with the payment of the application fee.
Step 4- The students have to check for the dates of the entrance exams, etc, and appear for the exam on the specified date. In case the student hasn't appeared for any university-specific exam,i.e., LPUNEST, then in this case, the student’s score in UGC-NET, ICAR AICE JRF/SRF, CSIR-NET, GATE, etc., will be taken into consideration.
Step 5- After the students have appeared for their exams, they must check the website again for their results. Once the results are announced, they have to keep the scorecard and save it for future reference.
Step 6- The final selection of the students will be based on their performance in the entrance exams and the personal interview round. Shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview round to present their research proposal to finalize their application further.
Step 7- The final selected students will be required to submit their original documents and get them verified by the college itself.
Step 8- The selected students will be required to confirm their admission by paying the admission fee.
Documents Required
- Post-graduation mark sheet
- Identity proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN Card
- An entrance exam scorecard
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Bank details
Ph D Agronomy Syllabus
A PhD in Agronomy is a 3-6 year full-time research program in the field of agronomy and agriculture, which is offered across different colleges and universities in India. The papers taught during the entire course at Visva Bharati University are mentioned below:
Ph D Agronomy Job Opportunities in India
Multiple job opportunities and careers are associated with a Ph.D. in Agronomy in India, which are mentioned below in the table:
Ph D Agronomy Vs PhD Soil Science Comparison
Below is a detailed comparison of a PhD in Agronomy and a PhD in Soil Science. Students who are unsure about which program to pursue can refer to the table to make an informed decision.
Ph D Agronomy FAQs
What is the primary focus of a PhD in Agronomy course?
The course of a PhD in Agronomy primarily focuses on advanced research in crop production, soil fertility, water management, and sustainable farming practices. With the help of this course, the students often work on real-world agricultural challenges to develop climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming systems.
Do colleges and universities offer fellowships or stipends to students while they are pursuing a PhD in Agronomy?
Yes. Many colleges and universities offer fellowships or stipends to students while they are pursuing a PhD in Agronomy. Many top-ranked colleges and universities offer grants and stipends to students that range from INR 25,000- 30,000 per month to support the students and offer them travel support for conferences. Many private universities also offer university-specific scholarships and project-based funding based on the merit of the student and the availability of resources.
Is it mandatory to submit a research proposal during the application for a PhD in Agronomy?
Yes. During the application for a PhD in Agronomy course, the student must present a research proposal that outlines their intended area of study, objectives, and methodology, as it is a critical component of most Ph.D. applications. And hence, a research proposal must be presented during the interview round.
Can students from a non-Agronomy background apply for a PhD in Agronomy?
Yes. The course of a PhD in Agronomy is open to all those with a Master’s degree in Agriculture or closely related fields, such as Soil Science, Horticulture, or Plant Breeding may be eligible. However, many universities across the country may require bridge courses or subject-specific qualifications.
What topics of a thesis are explored in a PhD in Agronomy course?
In a PhD in Agronomy course, the students are offered various topics for their thesis. These topics generally include nutrient management in crops, water-use efficiency, integrated farming systems, and agroecology. Such topics are usually aligned with national food security goals and sustainable development priorities.
