Top 10 Agriculture Courses After 12 in 2025
Are you in Class 12 or passed your board exams in the science stream? Are you interested in taking courses in agricultural science streams? This article will help students to make a decision on why they should join such courses and what are eligibility criteria of a particular course.
Pursuing agriculture after 12th opens opportunities for interested students. It makes a thriving career in the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the Indian economy. It all depends on the student whether they want to do a diploma, undergraduate, or masters in agriculture, whatever course they pursue, eventually students will get to know about the farming techniques, sustainable agricultural practices. As there is a great demand for innovation in agricultural technology.
Explore colleges based on CUET
Students can check out the list of top agriculture courses after class 12, eligibility criteria, course period, and list of top agriculture colleges in India in this Shiksha article here.
What is an Agriculture Course?
CUET UG scores are not accepted by IITs. Common University Entrance Test for UG is conducted for admission to state, central, private, deemed and government institutions. Admission to UG courses of IITs is offered through other national level entrance examinations.
CUET UG is conducted for admission to more than 260 universities across India. List of programs offered through CUET UG are:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
- B.A (Hons.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Bachelor of Sience (B.Sc.) (Hons.)
- Bachelor of Vocational studies
- B.Sc-M.Sc. Integrated program
- Integrated M. Optometry
- Integrated M.A
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.)
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) (Hons.)
- Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Investment Analysis) [BBA (FIA)]
- Bachelor of Business Economics (BBE)
- Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
An agriculture course is an academic program that focuses on science and practice of cultivating crops and raising livestock. It covers a wide range of subjects, including
- Plant Science is the study of plant growth, development, and physiology.
- Soil Science understanding soil properties, fertility, and management.
- Crop Production learning about crop cultivation techniques, including planting, irrigation, and fertilization.
- Animal Science studying animal nutrition, breeding, and health.
- Agricultural Economics analysing economic principles as applied to agriculture.
- Agricultural Engineering applying engineering principles to agricultural problems.
Also Read: Top 10 Universities in India 2025: Check NIRF Ranking
- Agriculture Courses After 12
- Agriculture Syllabus 2026
- Top Agriculture Courses, Duration and Eligibility Criteria
- Top Agriculture Exams After Class 12
- Agriculture Courses: Career Scope & Opportunities
Agriculture Courses After 12
Candidates can pursue their undergraduate degree in agriculture domain and its allied sector from many top agriculture universities in India. In general, agricultural courses in India last for three to four years for undergraduate degree courses:
BTech in Agricultural Science
Key Areas of Study
CUET UG langauge section will now consist of 13 languages instead of 33 languages. The 13 langauges of CUET UG 2026 are: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Whereas, the languages which have been deleted are: Arabic, Bodo, Chinese, Dogri, French, German, Italian, Janpanese, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Manipuri, Nepali, Persian, Russian, Santhali, Sindhi, Spanish, Tibetan, Sanskrit.
The following colleges participate in the MCAER CET exam:
1. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri
2. Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
3. Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani
4. Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli
These colleges offer a variety of postgraduate degree programs in agriculture and allied sciences, such as:
1. Master of Science in Agriculture (MSc (Ag.)
2. Master of Science in Horticulture (MSc (Hort.)
3. Master of Science in Forestry (MSc (For.)
4. Master of Science in Food Science and Technology (MSc (FST)
5. Master of Science in Dairy Science and Technology (MSc (DST)
6. Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (MSc (Ag. Eco.)
7. Master of Science in Agricultural Extension (MSc (Ag. Ext.)
8. Master of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology (MSc (Ag. Biotech.)
9. Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering (MSc (Ag. Engg.)
Candidates can choose the colleges and courses they want to apply for while filling out the MCAER CET application form.
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) score 2026 will be accepted by more than 205 universities (central, state, private and deemed) across India. On the basis of the CUET UG score, candidates are offered admission to UG programme of the participating colleges. Candidates applying for admission to UG programme must ensure to check the course eligibility criteria before filling the application form.
Some of the top CUET accepting universities with NIRF ranking 2024 are:
| Name | State | NIRF Rank 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | 2 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | 3 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh | 5 |
| University of Delhi | Delhi | 6 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh | 8 |
- Farm Machinery: Design, operation, and maintenance of agricultural machinery.
- Soil and Water Conservation: Techniques to protect soil and water resources.
- Irrigation and Drainage: Design and management of irrigation and drainage systems.
- Agricultural Structures: Design and construction of farm structures like barns and silos.
- Food Processing Technology: Processing of agricultural products into value-added food items.
- Renewable Energy: Harnessing renewable energy sources for agricultural applications.
Also Read: Top 12 BSc/MSc Scholarships in India
BTech in Horticultural Science
Key Areas of Study: Plant Propagation, Plant Physiology, Plant Pathology: Identifying and controlling plant diseases, Horticultural Entomology: Managing insect pests that affect crops, Post-Harvest Technology: Processing, packaging, and storage of horticultural products, Landscape Architecture: Designing and creating outdoor spaces, Horticultural Engineering: Applying engineering principles to horticultural practices
BSc Agriculture
Key Areas of Study
- Agronomy is science of crop production, including soil fertility, crop rotation, and weed management.
- Soil Science is study of soil properties, formation, and management.
- Plant Pathology is the diagnosis and control of plant diseases.
- Entomology is the study of insects, particularly those that affect crops.
- Agricultural Economics is the application of economic principles to agriculture.
- Agricultural Engineering is the design and operation of agricultural machinery and systems.
- Animal Husbandry is the breeding, feeding, and management of livestock.
Also Read: BSc Agriculture – Scope and Career Opportunities
BSc Forestry
Key Areas of Study
- Silviculture: The practice of growing and tending forests.
- Forest Management: The planning, organization, and control of forest resources.
- Forest Ecology: The study of the relationships between organisms and their environment in forests.
- Forest Mensuration: The measurement of forests and their products.
- Forest Protection: The prevention and control of forest fires, insect pests, and diseases.
BSc Food Science
Key Areas of Study
- Food Chemistry: The study of the chemical composition of food and the chemical changes that occur during processing.
- Food Microbiology: The study of microorganisms that can affect food safety and quality.
- Food Engineering: The application of engineering principles to food processing and packaging.
- Food Processing: The techniques used to preserve, process, and package food products.
- Food Nutrition: The study of the nutritional value of food and its impact on human health.
- Food Quality Control: The implementation of quality control measures to ensure food safety and quality.
Also Read: All about ICAR: Entrance Exam, Courses & List of Colleges
BSc Horticulture
Key Areas of Study
- Plant Physiology: The study of plant growth, development, and metabolism.
- Plant Pathology: The study of plant diseases and their control.
- Plant Breeding: The science of improving plant varieties through selective breeding.
- Soil Science: The study of soil properties and their impact on plant growth.
- Post-Harvest Technology: The handling, processing, and storage of horticultural crops.
BSc Agricultural Biotechnology
Key Areas of Study
- Molecular Biology: The study of biological molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins.
- Genetic Engineering: The manipulation of genetic material to introduce desirable traits into plants and animals.
- Microbial Biotechnology: The use of microorganisms to produce valuable products, such as enzymes, antibiotics, and biofuels.
- Plant Biotechnology: The application of biotechnology to improve plant growth, yield, and resistance to pests and diseases.
- Animal Biotechnology: The application of biotechnology to improve animal health, productivity, and quality.
Also Read: Top BSc/MSc Entrance Exams in India 2025
BSc in Fisheries Science
Key Areas of Study
- Fish Biology and Physiology: The study of fish anatomy, physiology, and behaviour.
- Fish Genetics and Breeding: The application of genetic principles to improve fish stocks.
- Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology: The development of nutritious diets for fish.
- Aquaculture: The cultivation of aquatic organisms, including fish, shrimp, and shellfish.
Agriculture Courses Syllabus
Agriculture Syllabus 2026
An Agriculture course curriculum offers subjects like Agricultural Economics, Farm Power and Machinery, Soil Microbiology, Sericulture, etc, which are crucial to make genuine growth in the agriculture or related careers. These subjects are of real-life importance as well as quite practical in their nature. India, being the most populous country in the world, could use more young Agriculture graduates to manage, allocate, and improve agricultural operations all over the country.
Agriculture Course Syllabus: UG Level
The Agriculture syllabus depends on the course level and branch chosen by a candidate. However, for candidates' reference, here is the generic syllabus for the BSc Agriculture Course covered by most of the universities/ Colleges in India.
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Basic Science and Humanities | Rural Sociology and the Constitution of India |
| Comprehension and Communication Skills in English | Plant Biochemistry |
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester II | |
| Agricultural Economics | Agricultural Finance and Cooperation |
| Principles of Agricultural Economics | Trade and Prices |
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester III | |
| Agricultural Engineering | Farm Power and Machinery |
| Energy Sources and Their Application in Agriculture | Protected cultivation structures and agro-processing |
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester IV | |
| Agricultural Entomology |
General Entomology |
| Crop Pests and Their Management |
Sericulture |
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester V | |
| Agricultural Extension Education | Extension Methodologies for Transfer of Agricultural Technologies |
| Dimensions of Agricultural Extension | Entrepreneurship Development and Communication Skills |
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester VI | |
| Agricultural Microbiology | Soil Microbiology |
| Agriculture Microbiology | - |
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester VII | |
| Agricultural Statistics |
Fundamentals of Statistics |
| BSc Agriculture Subjects Semester VIII | |
| Agronomy |
Introductory Agriculture, Principles of Agronomy and Agricultural Meteorology |
| Practical Crop Production |
Horticulture |
Top Agriculture Courses, Duration and Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who want to take admissions in the agriculture courses offered by institutes in India can check out the eligibility criteria and course duration from here:
| Course Name | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering | 4 Year |
|
| B.Tech in Horticultural Science | 4 Year | |
| BSc Animal Husbandry |
3 Year |
|
| BSc Agriculture | 4 Year |
|
| BSc Forestry | 3 Year |
|
| BSc Fisheries Science | 3 Year |
|
| BSc Horticulture | 3 Year |
|
| BSc Agricultural Biotechnology | 3 Year |
|
| BSc Food Science | 3 Year | |
| BSc Dairy Science | 3 Year | |
| BSc Plant Science | 3 Year | |
| BSc Plant Pathology | 3 Year | |
| BE or BTech in Agriculture and Dairy Technology |
4 Year |
|
Also Read: BSc Horticulture: Scope, Career Options and Employment Areas
Top Agriculture Exams After Class 12
Candidates who wish to be admitted to the courses offered in the agricultural sector can check list of entrance exams they need to appear in at UG level from here:
ICAR UG/ CUET UG
CUET (ICAR-UG) is being conducted for admission to Bachelor Degree programs in Agriculture and Allied Sciences (other than Veterinary Sciences), at Agricultural Universities on 20% of the University seats [100% seats in RLBCAU, Jhansi; Dr. RPCAU Pusa, Bihar; ICAR-NDRI, Karnal; ICAR-IARI, New Delhi and its Hubs.
Rajasthan JET Exam
Rajasthan Joint Entrance Test (JET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by Agriculture University, Jodhpur. It offers admission to various undergraduate programs in Agriculture and Allied Sciences at several Rajasthan Agricultural Universities, including SKRAU, Bikaner, MPUAT, Udaipur, SKNAU, Jobner AU, Jodhpur, AU, Kota, and RAJUVAS, Bikaner.
UPCATET Entrance Exam
The Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) is a state-level entrance exam held annually to select candidates for undergraduate and postgraduate agriculture programs. Conducted offline (pen-paper-based) over a three-hour duration, UPCATET is open to Uttar Pradesh domicile holders.
SHIATS Entrance Exam
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS) determines admissions to its diverse range of programs through the SHIATS Entrance Exam. This entrance exam, along with direct interviews, evaluates candidates' suitability for the various faculties and schools within SHUATS.
Agriculture Courses: Career Scope & Opportunities
BSc Agriculture graduates have ample job opportunities in the government as well as private sector. They can be hired as Agriculture Development Officers (ADO) and Block Development Officers (BDO). Employment opportunities are available as:
| Course |
Jobs |
Salary Offered (in INR LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Private jobs |
||
| Assistant Manager-Tea Plantation |
3.5 to 4 |
|
| Assistant Manager-Rubber Plantation |
3.5 to 4 |
|
| Teak Plantation Manager |
4 to 5 |
|
| Assistant Manager-Coffee Plantation |
3.5 to 5 |
|
| Manager-Jute plantation |
3 to 4 |
|
| Social Forestry Officer |
5 to 6 |
|
| Plant Breeder/Grafting Expert |
3 to 4.5 |
|
| Budding/Tissue Culture Expert |
3 to 4 |
|
| Seed/Nursery Manager |
3.5 to 5 |
|
| Agriculture Research Scientist |
6 to 7 |
|
| Officer in Quality Assurance in Related Fields |
5 to 6 |
|
| Agri-Preneurship |
4 to 5 |
|
| Farm Manager |
5 to 6 |
|
| Seed Technology Firm |
5 to 6 |
|
| Agriculture Loan Officer in Banks |
5 to 6 |
|
| Operations Manager in Fertilizer Units |
5 to 6 |
|
| Extension Officer |
5 to 6 |
|
| Government jobs |
||
| Agriculture Specialist Officer(SO) (IBPS SO exam) |
6.5 to 7.5 |
|
| Agriculture Officer (SSC, NABARD exam) |
5 to 6.6 |
|
| Food Safety Officer (FSSAI, FCI, State food safety officer exams) |
6 to 7 |
|
| Forest Officer (UPSC IFS) |
8 to 9.5 |
|
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As per the NIRF ranking 2025, the top 5 universities for CUET UG are:
NIRF 2- Jawaharlal Nehru University
NIRF 4- Jamia Millia Islamia
NIRF 6- Banaras Hindu University
NIRF 5- University of Delhi
NIRF 10- Aligarh Muslim University