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

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding is a postgraduate programme focusing on improving crops through genetic principles and practices. It imparts knowledge about breeding methods, equipping the students with skills to develop new, resilient plant varieties.

• The course fee ranges from INR 6,000 to 20,000 for government colleges whereas INR 2,50,000 to 4,00,000 lakhs for private ones.
• The admission into the course is usually based on entrance exams conducted by State/National or Universities.
• ICAR also conducts an exam, ICAR AIEEA PG for admission in MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding.
• This PG course offers a promising career in Research and Academia with lucrative salary packages starting from INR 4 to 6 LPA.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding: Course Highlights

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding is a 2-year Master-level programme that can be pursued after BSc with Biology domain. The course emphasizes the genetic improvement of crops, aiming to develop varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.

In this course, students will gain various aspects of plant breeding, including traditional selection methods and modern molecular techniques.

Why Pursue MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding

Pursuing MSc 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.
• Development of such plants ensures healthy fruits and vegetables production.
• With this course, students learn to develop genetically modified or transgenic plants.
• Students can explore research careers after completing MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Eligibility

To be eligible for MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding, one must have studied BSc in the Biology domain such as BSc Agriculture, BSc Biotechnology, BSc Hons. Botany, or other equivalent degree.

Minimum 55% marks is required in BSc from any UGC recognized institute. Also qualifying an entrance exam is mandatory for admission.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Admission Process

For admission in MSc 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 are ICAR AIEEA PG, LPUNEST, SAAT, OUAT, SOE TAP or they may conduct 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 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.

University will send the confirmation if the applicant is selected for the admission. Upon selection, candidates have to go for documents verification and counselling rounds. Admission will be confirmed when the candidate pays the course fees.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Colleges in India

There are many government and private colleges/universities in India offering this course.

Some of the best institutes are tabulated below.

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Syllabus

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

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

Jobs after MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding

One can explore various career paths in the field of agriculture, plant research, forestry, academia, and pharma industry.

One can expect the starting salary around INR 4 to 6 LPA which further increases depending on experience, expertise gained, job position, industry type, and location. One can earn up to INR 10-12 LPA for senior level roles in this field.

Here are some job profiles and descriptions that can be explored after MSc Genetics and plant Breeding

1. Plant Breeder: They develop improved plant varieties with desirable traits. 
2. Geneticist: Their job is to study and manipulate plant genes to improve its characteristics. 
3. Research Scientist: They are responsible to conduct research in areas like crop improvement, plant disease resistance, or sustainable agriculture. 
4. Plant Pathologist: They study plant diseases and develop strategies for disease control.
5. Agronomist: They work on crop production and management practices.
6. Crop Consultant: They provide expert advice to farmers on crop improvement and management.
7. Academic Positions: An academician teaches and conducts research at universities or agricultural research institutions. 

MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding Scope

MSc 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.
• After MSc Genetics and Plant Breeding, one can apply for jobs at Government and Non-Governmental Organizations.
• With years of experience, one can also establish a startup such as 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 includes study of plant science, they vary in specialization, skills, depth of concepts, and practical training.

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