Career in Plant Pathology

In India, there are 34 state agricultural universities, 3 deemed agricultural universities and 3 central universities offering courses in different disciplines of agricultural science at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Apart from offering Plant Pathology as an optional subject, few universities offer specialized course in Plant Pathology both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. There are total of 16 agricultural universities in India having separate department of plant pathology.

Most of the agricultural universities in India offer bachelors and masters programs in Plant Pathology. Students after completing +2 Science (with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Ag. Sc. etc) can opt for Bachelor of Science course in Plant Science with specialization in plant pathology, and options either in agricultural technology or biotechnology.

One can also pursue allied course like Entomology, Nematology, and Weed Sciences etc to become a scientist/expert in the field. For masters program in Plant Protection/ Plant Pathology/ Entomology/ Nematology and Weed sciences subjects, candidates have to pass their Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or in agriculture, under 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern.

Candidates must have obtained at least 60% marks or its equivalent overall grade point average (OGPA) for general category and for SC/ST/PH 55% marks or equivalent OGPA.

The admission can be obtained through All India Combined Entrance and State level Entrance Examinations conducted separately. The All India Entrance is being held regularly by the ICAR that also provides  the JRF scholarships to students.