The PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding is a 3- to 5-year doctoral-level research-based program that is designed with emphasis on advanced plant genetics, biotechnology, and crop improvement, as in molecular breeding. The program provides education to complete independent research into genetic improvement, biodiversity, conservation, and making plant and seed technology more productive.
To be eligible for the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding, students need to have a Master’s degree in the relevant field such as agriculture/genetics/plant breeding/biotechnology, with a minimum of 55–60%. The admission to the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding is based on the entrance exams conducted at the National level, such as ICAR-AICE-JRF/SRF/CSIR-NET, or a university-specific test, followed by presentation of the research proposal and personal interview.
The average course fees for the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding ranges from INR 30,000 – 2,00,000 based on the institute type. Some of the colleges offering the course include the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Punjab Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and Banaras Hindu University.
Graduates with a Ph.D in this domain can work as Plant Geneticists, Crop Researchers, Agriculture Scientists, University Professors, and R&D Heads in agricultural firms. Employment opportunities are available in ICAR institutes, state agricultural departments, seed companies, biotech firms, and international organizations like CIMMYT and IRRI. The average salary students can expect after a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding is between INR 6 LPA – 10 LPA.
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Highlights
- What is a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding?
- Why Study a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding?
- Who Should Study a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding?
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding – Entrance Exams
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Colleges in India
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Syllabus
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Vs. PhD in Plant Pathology
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Job Opportunities in India
- PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding FAQs
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Highlights
Given below are the basic key highlights for the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding:
What is a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding?
The PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding program is a 3–5 year research-based doctoral program for applicants seeking to develop new knowledge and innovations in agricultural science through genetics to improve crops and plant varieties. The program supports students who have completed graduate-level work in agriculture, biotechnology, or life sciences and whose advanced studies will focus on research in plant genetics, molecular biology, seed technology, and sustainable crop production.
The program provides in-depth learning opportunities for students to advance fundamental genetics principles, breeding methods, statistical tools, and applications of biotechnology that can improve yields, quality, and resistance. These experiences will enable the candidates to analyze what crop traits and genetic variability are available and then create breeding strategies that fit specific environmental and social/economic contexts.
Also, read PhD in Plant Pathology
Why Study a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding?
A PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding will provide you with the opportunity to have an impact on the challenges of food production by leading/initiating new varieties of crops through research.
Given below are some of the points on why you should study the course:
- Students conducting research as part of their advanced degree are trained to contribute to innovation and respond to the pressing challenges of agriculture through creating crops with high yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience.
- The Ph.D. program will provide students with a deep, specialized knowledge of advanced genetics principles and plant breeding and enhancement methods. Students will design and conduct independent research, analyze complex information and data, and publish their research results.
- A Ph.D. in the discipline opens up a wealth of high-impact career opportunities. Graduates may work as research scientists for government or private organizations, lead academic research teams of faculty, or become professors at universities.
- The program uses applied research. Students will work on applied projects in which they are employed to assist in partnership with companies or international research centers.
- Graduates of the program will contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by producing crops that require fewer resources, are more resilient with respect to environmental stress, and contribute to ecosystem services.
Who Should Study a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding?
Here are some of the ideal profiles of candidates who can consider enrolling in the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding. However, if the student is certain that their research will bring some serious changes to society, they can also pursue the course irrespective of their profile being mentioned below:
- Postgraduates in agriculture, plant science, biotechnology, or genetics who are interested in research and who want to focus on the development of high-yield, climate-resilient, disease-resistant crops.
- Researchers who are exploring food security, biodiversity conservation, or seed technology issues and foresee working with ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, or International Research Organisations like IRRI, CIMMYT, or FAO.
- People who want to work on tangible agricultural problems like drought, pest resistance, and soil health, using applied genetic and molecular breeding strategies.
- Candidates who want a long-term career working in agricultural R&D in an academic or government capacity as scientists, plant breeders, faculty, or contributors to policies that enable agricultural development.
- Aspiring individuals who want to lead agricultural innovation or sustainable development projects, particularly in developing economies or climate-sensitive regions.
- Students with aspirations to lead agri-tech startup companies, seed corporations, or rural development, and who want to follow research with practical agricultural implementation.
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for pursuing a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding are outlined below. These may vary slightly depending on the university or research institute:
- Candidates should have a Master’s degree, such as MTech/MSc in Agriculture, preferably in Genetics/Plant Breeding/Biotechnology, or some related subject from a recognized university or institute.
- Usually, a 55–60% aggregate or equivalent CGPA is required at the PG level to apply for a Ph.D. in Agriculture. In some institutions, SC/ST/OBC or PwD candidates may be allowed a 5% concession.
- The majority of admissions will be through entrance tests, with admission based on marks obtained in ICAR-AICE-JRF/SRF/CSIR-NET/ICMR/UGC-NET, or the university-level entrance examination, followed by a personal interview and/or a research proposal.
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding – Entrance Exams
The admission process for the PhD in Genetics & Plant Breeding program is very competitive. Admission is usually recognized through a national-level entrance exam followed by an interview. Most candidates must qualify for a fellowship before being admitted by top institutions.
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Colleges in India
The PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding is a research program that is offered by several agricultural and science universities. The fees for this program would depend on the level of funding by the institution (government or private) and its reputation.
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Admission Process 2025
The admissions process to the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding is based on the entrance exam score of the candidate. Students need to have a valid entrance exam score in the UGC NET/CSIR NET/ICAR AICE JRF/SRF exam to pursue the course.
For your reference, given below is the step-by-step admission process for the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the IARI, www.iari.res.in. After checking if you’re eligible or not, students need to fill out the online application form.
Step 2: Complete the online application form by filling out the required information and pay the application fees. After that, students need to upload the required documents.
Step 3: Attend the IARI Ph.D. Entrance Exam. The exam consists of General Agriculture, Subject Knowledge, and Basic Sciences.
Step 4: Shortlisted candidates attend the interview (July). Final selection will typically be 70% for the entrance exam and 30% for the interview.
Step 5: Pay the first semester fee and report to the campus in August. You will need to go to the office for document verification, and you will have program orientation.
Required Documents:
- Master’s & Bachelor’s degree certificates
- Government ID proof
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photos
- Migration/Transfer Certificate
- Proof of entrance exam application and fee
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Syllabus
The PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding syllabus revolves around the doctoral research on the thesis/topic student has presented. The first year usually dives into topics related to plant breeding techniques and seeding.
For your reference, given below is the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding syllabus followed by the ITM University.
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Vs. PhD in Plant Pathology
The course comparison between PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Vs PhD in Plant Pathology is given below for your understanding.
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding Job Opportunities in India
After completing the PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding program, students can pursue various Job Profiles. Given below are some of the famous Job Roles you can pursue after completing the course.
PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding FAQs
Do Ph.D holders in Genetics & Plant Breeding get directly appointed as scientists, or do they need to pass more exams?
In many government research organizations like ICAR, IARI, or agricultural universities, Ph.D. graduates need to clear certain competitive exams like ASRB NET, ICAR ARS, or UGC-NET to be eligible for jobs as Scientists or Assistant Professors. But in private seed companies or biotech firms, Ph.D. holders can be hired directly based on their experience, research work, and expertise—no extra exams are usually needed.
Can Ph.D. students explore other areas like biotechnology or data analysis during their research?
Yes, definitely. Even though the Ph.D. focuses on plant breeding and genetics, many universities allow students to explore related fields. For example, students can work with biotechnology labs, use software tools to study crop traits, or join research involving plant diseases, climate impact, or new breeding methods. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged.
Is it useful to do research or a postdoc abroad after this Ph.D.?
Yes, international research experience is very valuable. A Ph.D. from places like IARI is respected globally, especially if the student has published good research papers. Postdoctoral work in countries like the USA, Germany, or Australia—or at global institutes like CIMMYT or IRRI—opens up more job opportunities and exposure to the latest research methods in agriculture.
Are there job options outside teaching and research for Ph.D. graduates?
Yes, there are plenty of options beyond academics. Ph.D. holders are hired in seed companies, agribusiness firms, farming advisory services, quality labs, and agriculture startups. They can work in roles like crop expert, field trial manager, product development specialist, or policy advisor. Having practical field knowledge along with scientific training is highly valued.
Should I do this Ph.D. right after M.Sc. or work for a while first?
Both paths are good, but having some work experience (1–2 years) before joining a Ph.D. can help. Working in a seed company or a research project gives you a better understanding of real-world problems and may help you choose a more relevant and practical Ph.D. topic.
