Forestry: Eligibility, Courses, Degree, Subjects, Entrance Exams, Scope

Updated on May 19, 2023 03:48 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Forests form a significant part of the natural resources of a country due to which it becomes vital to conserve and manage them. The forestry courses are the science of planting, managing, maintaining as well as conserving forests and their related resources. The professional who has pursued Forestry courses and practices forestry is known as a forester.

A forester is involved in many activities such as the protection of natural resources, ecological restoration, timber harvesting, etc. A forester also develops forest management plans, selects sites for growing new trees, and plans and supervises forestry projects. Due to declining forest cover and competing demands on resources, the field of forestry courses has good potential for employment in the coming years. 

Latest Updates:

CUET (ICAR-UG) 2023 Exam to be held from May 21; know the exam pattern

OUAT Entrance Exam Admit Card to be released soon; know how to download

UPCATET 2023 Admit Card to be released on May 20; know how to download

FRI Entrance Exam 2023 (Online) to be held on May 21; know the exam pattern

Table of Contents
  1. Forestry Course: Highlights
  2. All About Forestry Course
    • 2.1 Why Study Forestry Course?
  3. Forestry Entrance Exams 2023
  4. Forestry Course: Eligibility Criteria
  5. Forestry Syllabus
  6. Top Colleges for Forestry Courses
    • 6.1 Top Government Colleges for Forestry Courses
    • 6.2 Top Private Colleges for Forestry Courses
  7. Forestry Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 7.1 Top Recruiters in Forestry
    • 7.2 Job Profiles in Forestry
  8. FAQs on Forestry

Forestry Course: Highlights

Candidates who enrol in the Forestry courses learn how to manage plantations, different cash crops, sanctuaries, botanical gardens, and forests. To pursue forestry courses after the 12th, an applicant must have a class 12 diploma or an equivalent diploma from a recognised board and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 50% to be eligible for Forestry courses. Candidates can look at the key points of Forestry courses in the table given below.

Particulars Details
Course Level UG, PG, PhD
Course Duration 2 - 4 years
Entrance Exams

ICAR AIEEA, OUAT, MCAER CET, UPCATET, Rajasthan Pre PG, FRI Entrance Exam

Job Profiles Forester, Forest Range Officer, Forestry Technician, Forestry Consultant, Forestry Scientist/Silviculturist, etc.
Average Annual Salary INR 2.1 Lakh - INR 10 Lakh
Top Recruiters Century Paper Mill, Star Paper Mills, WIMCO Match Industry, K Corps Limited, Ballarpur Industries Limited, etc.

All About Forestry Course

There are various forestry courses available for candidates in different specialisations. Some of the popular forestry specialisations that candidates can pursue at a master’s level include Forest Economics, Forest Management, Commercial Forestry, Wildlife Science, Wood Science & Technology, etc. The Forestry courses can be studied at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The duration of the UG level Forestry courses is four years and that of the PG courses is two years. The Certificate courses’ duration ranges from a few months to one year.

Why Study Forestry Course?

A degree in a specialised sector that is in demand right now is offered through Forestry courses. All students who successfully complete their intermediate exams in the science stream are eligible for admission to the Forestry courses. Even though there are several benefits of studying Forestry courses, some of the more important ones are listed here. 

  • Numerous work prospects are available after completing the Forestry courses at an accredited institution or university.
  • After completing Forestry courses, there is always room to pursue higher education in order to improve the skills.
  • After completing the Forestry courses, candidates also gain an understanding of environmental preservation and protection.

Forestry Entrance Exams 2023

After successfully passing the Class 12 science test with a mix of PCB/PCM/PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics) topics, students are eligible to enrol in the Forestry courses. For admission to the Forestry courses, a few common entrance exams are held. The following list of popular entrance exams is available for candidates to review. 

Exam Name Exam Dates Exam Details
ICAR AIEEA May 21 - May 31, 2023 For admission to bachelor's degree programmes in agriculture and allied sciences (other than veterinary sciences) at agricultural universities, the All India Entrance Examination for Admission, CUET (ICAR-UG), would be held on 15–20 per cent of the available university seats
OUAT June 22 - June 23, 2023 Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) holds the OUAT entrance exam to provide admission to candidates for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate degrees
MCAER CET To be announced To select candidates for admission to PG-level courses, the Maharashtra Agriculture Universities Examination Board (MAUEB) administers the MCAER PG CET
UPCATET May 30 - May May 31, 2023 The UP Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) is an entrance examination held to admit individuals with ties to the state of Uttar Pradesh to various UG and PG programmes.
Rajasthan Pre PG To be announced In order to gain admission to the MSc programmes in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, home science/community science, and MFSc fisheries science offered at the Rajasthan State Agricultural Universities, the Rajasthan Pre-PG entrance exam is held
FRI Entrance Exam May 21, 2023 The Forest Research Institute (Deemed) University administers the FRI Entrance Exam to select candidates for the master's programmes the institution offers
Confused about which Course & Career to choose?
Take Shiksha Career Test and make the right Course & Career decision!
Get Unique Recommendations based on your Personality, Hidden Strengths and Natural Abilities

Forestry Course: Eligibility Criteria

There are various courses available in the field of Forestry. Candidates can choose to pursue Forestry courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and PhD levels. Given below are the eligibility criteria for UG and PG levels of forestry courses:

UG Level: Candidates should clear Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects securing at least 50 per cent aggregate.

PG Level: Candidates should clear graduation in Forestry or a related subject with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent CGPA.

Note: The eligibility criteria mentioned above might vary depending on the university to which a candidate is applying for admission. 

Also Read: Top Forestry Degree Colleges in India

Forestry Syllabus

The Forestry syllabus and courses have been creatively created to expose students to a variety of both core and elective disciplines. Due to rising market needs as well as a desire to work in a demanding environment, Forestry courses are growing in popularity among young people. The course covers a variety of topics related to forest management, including understanding a forest's structure and composition, protecting the environment, and conserving wildlife. The Forest syllabus seeks to prepare students for the varied methods and abilities needed for the efficient upkeep and utilisation of all natural resources. 
As mentioned above, there are various forestry courses offered at different universities across India. However, given below is the course curriculum for two popular forestry courses – BSc Forestry and MSc Forestry:

BSc Forestry

4-Year BSc Forestry Course Curriculum

Fundamentals of Geology and Soil Science

Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Introductory Botany

Basic Mathematics

Principles of Plant Physiology

Structural Grammar and Spoken English (NC)

Forest Entomology and Nematology

Entrepreneurship Development and Communication Skills

Marketing and Trade of Forest Produce

Principles of Forest Economics

MSc Forestry (Curriculum for core courses, supporting courses and specialisation courses)

Core Courses

Silviculture    

Forest Resource Management and Economics

Forest Biometry  

Forest Protection                           

Forest Management   

Forest Policy And Laws and International Conventions

Forest Products – Chemistry and Industries

Tree Improvement

Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation

Forests and People

Top Colleges for Forestry Courses

Depending on the admissions process, the BSc Forestry application process varies. However, candidates can submit an online application to their top BSc Forestry colleges. To apply for BSc Forestry courses online, students must complete the necessary fields in an online application form on the official university website of their individual institutions. The following table brings the top government and private colleges offering Forestry courses.

Top Government Colleges for Forestry Courses

Candidates can check the table below to know more about the top government colleges offering Forestry courses in India.

College Name Total Fees (in INR)
Jawaharlal Nehru University 5 K - 6 K
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 76 K
North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 3 K
Mizoram University 20 K
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry 72 K
Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhuban 51 K - 55 K
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University 3 K
Tripura University 4 K
North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology 34 K
Kumaun University 1 K - 4 K

Top Private Colleges for Forestry Courses

Candidates can check the table below to know more about the top private colleges offering Forestry courses in India.

College Name Total Fees (in INR)
Amity University, Noida 2 L - 3 L
Shoolini University 4 L
Integral University  2 L
Sanskriti University 3 L
Malla Reddy University 9 L
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences 2 L - 5 L
Uttaranchal College of Science and Technology 2 L
Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University 3 L
BFIT Group of Institutions 1 L - 2 L
SAM Global University 70 K

Click here to know about the top Forestry colleges in India

Also Read: Top-Ranked Science Colleges in India 2022

Forestry Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

There is a rising demand for forestry courses as the nation becomes more conscious of the need of preserving trees and forests and of forestry for survival. Because it prepares them for employment with the opening of so many national parks and wildlife refuges, candidates choose this programme. The departments of wildlife and forests are constantly on the hunt for brilliant young brains who can aid in influencing public perception of the need to safeguard wildlife and forests. Candidates for the forestry programmes contribute to the formulation of critical decisions in the organisations where they work.

Candidates can obtain lucrative work in a variety of organisations with a linked sector after earning a degree in forestry. Candidates may engage in advanced courses after finishing the Forestry courses. After finishing their BSc in Forestry, most applicants go on to study for MSc in Forestry.

Top Recruiters in Forestry

Some of the popular companies that recruit candidates with a degree in forestry are:

  • Century Paper Mill
  • Star Paper Mills
  • WIMCO Match Industry
  • K Corps Limited
  • Ballarpur Industries Limited
  • Orient Paper Mills
  • ITC Bhadrachalam Paper Boards Limited

Job Profiles in Forestry

Candidates looking for a career in the industry of forestry can find jobs at places such as educational institutions, forest services companies, seed and nursery companies, food companies, biotechnology firms, plant health inspection service companies, biological supply houses, etc. 

Some of the popular job profiles for candidates with a degree or diploma in forestry are as follows.

Job Profiles Job Description Average Annual Salary (in INR)
Forester As mentioned above, a forester is a person involved in the science of managing forests. 2.1 lakh
Forest Range Officer A forest range officer is the executive charge of the range. The major responsibility of a forest range officer is to ensure efficient management of the range. 8.9 lakh
Forestry Technician A forestry technician is a professional who gathers, protects as well as maintains data that eventually lead to effective decision-making related to forestry and compliance monitoring. 3.8 lakh
Forestry Consultant A forestry consultant is a professional who consults on problems such as land use, pest control, tax issues, etc. The consultant may also perform duties such as producing environmental impact statements, boundary surveys, damage estimates, etc.   4.3 lakh
Forestry Scientist/Silviculturist A silviculturist is a professional who is trained to identify pests and diseases that helps in controlling the quality of trees and forest regeneration. 7.8 lakh
Agri-Credit Manager An Agri-credit manager is responsible for overseeing the development of crops and protecting animals as well as other items that can be sold to businesses or private consumers. 4.7 lakh
Entomologist An Entomologist is a scientist who is involved in the study of different types of insects such as agricultural pests, urban pests, forest pests, and medical and veterinary pests. 10 lakh

Read More:

B.Sc. in Forestry colleges in Delhi/NCR 

Top 10 BSc/MSc Colleges in India

Career Guide as Forest Officer

FAQs on Forestry

Q: What is the Forestry course?

A: Forestry is a specialised branch of science that deals with the study of nature, types, maintenance and sustainable development of forests. The course teaches students the management of forests, types of plantations and the natural resources present in forests. It is carried out using the applied sciences of ecology, silviculture, and management. It is grounded in the fundamental sciences of biology, chemistry, and mathematics. A forester's actions are guided by science, but they are not determined by it. Foresters must put their expertise to use in a decision-making environment where there are often no obvious answers, competing human interests must be taken into account, and competing perspectives must be reconciled. The art of forestry revolves around the necessity for subtlety, diplomacy, and expert judgement.

Q: What are the top colleges offering Forestry courses?

A: Some of the top colleges offering Forestry courses include:

  • Forest Research Institute Dehradun
  • Amity University Noida
  • Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Bhubaneswar
  • Punjab Agricultural University, etc.

Q: What are some of the top specialisations of Forestry?

A: Some of the top specialisations of Forestry are:

  • Silviculture and Agroforestry
  • Forest Genetic Resource
  • Forest Product and Utilisation
  • Natural Resources Management
  • Forest Business Management, etc.

Q: Is Mathematics a compulsory subject in a Forestry course?

A: No, Mathematics is not a compulsory subject for studying Forestry course. However, one must be well-versed in the subject to be successful in completing the programme, as well as professionally.

Q. Is forestry a worthwhile major?

A. Forestry is a fantastic alternative for anyone looking for a meaningful job, whether they are students or not. It is a field that is not only in high demand and is predicted to continue growing but is also very good for both physical and mental health. Students who major in forestry gain a variety of transferable abilities, including research aptitude, laboratory proficiency, logical reasoning, and understanding of environmental and sustainability issues.

Q. Is Forestry a decent major for a BSc?

A. Candidates who desire to investigate the technical aspects of Forestry are better suited for the BSc Forestry programme. The applicants are qualified to work in a variety of positions, including those of assistant manager, manager, nursery manager, farming manager, etc.

Q. Does NEET cover Forestry?

A. In India, there is an admission test called the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test or NEET-UG. You wish to pursue a degree in Forestry, which does not require NEET scores since you are applying for an agricultural degree, yet Forestry is a medical degree programme. 

Q. Does Forestry require math?

A. No, math is not required for those pursuing a BSc Forestry. Candidates must pass Class 12 exam from a recognised board in the science stream to be eligible for the BSc Forestry programme. You would be qualified if you have successfully passed your Class 12 in the science stream.

Q. Is studying Forestry challenging?

A. The Forestry is regarded as a challenging course. Although advanced arithmetic abilities are not necessary, you must pass many science-based classes, so analysis and logical reasoning are crucial. An undergraduate degree in forestry is not only an academically demanding endeavour, but it also offers a number of professional pathways and specialisations. However, it is less well-known than some of the other science-based fields, such as chemistry, engineering, or wildlife biology.

Q. Is there a big demand for Forestry?

A. Since the 1800s, there have been Forestry careers available, and demand is only increasing. Specialized foresters and conservation experts are required globally to assist conserve one of our most important natural resources: trees, as a result of the devastating effects of climate change.

Q. Who studies Forestry and why?

A. For understanding, influencing, and putting sustainable resource management and utilisation into reality, look through the lens of Forestry. It is not only a field of study but also a vocation and a craft, unlike environmental science.

Popular Forestry Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Forestry Colleges in India. Learn more about these Forestry colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2 Courses
─
₹5.05 K - 5.85 K
₹6 - 8 LPA
─
─
₹1.88 L - 3.02 L
─
─

#37 NIRF

Forestry Applications open. Apply Now

₹76.02 K
₹4.55 LPA
─
─
1 Course
─
─
─
─
₹3.36 K
₹3 LPA
─
─
1 Course
─
₹19.86 K
₹1.8 LPA
─
─

Popular Private Forestry Colleges in India

₹1.88 L - 3.02 L
─
─

#37 NIRF

Forestry Applications open. Apply Now

─
₹70 K
─
─
─
2 Courses
₹1.6 L - 3.2 L
2.7
─
₹1.2 L - 2 L
─
─
─
₹4.2 L
─
─

#138 NIRF

Forestry Applications open. Apply Now

─
─
─
─

Popular Forestry UG Courses in India

Following are the most popular Forestry UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Forestry PG Courses in India

Following are the most popular Forestry PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Comments

V

Can you suggest the best colleges for forestry or Horticulture in Himachal Pradesh?

S

Saksham Dubey

Contributor-Level 6

5 days ago

1. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
2. Shoolini University
3. Abhilashi University
These Are Some Colleges For Forestry And Horticulture In Himachal Pradesh.

T

I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Sc. in Forestry at College of forestry, Sirsi.

S

Sonu Kumar

Contributor-Level 7

6 days ago

G

I want to know about the fee structure at College of Forestry, Ponnampet for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry.

U

Uttkarsh beriwal

Guide-Level 15

2 weeks ago

The fee structure for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry can vary from year to year and may be subject to change.To obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the fee structure for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry at College of Forestry, Ponnampet, I recommend visiting the official website of the college. ...The fee structure for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry can vary from year to year and may be subject to change.
To obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the fee structure for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry at College of Forestry, Ponnampet, I recommend visiting the official website of the college. Most colleges provide detailed information about their fee structure, including tuition fees, additional charges, and any applicable scholarships or financial aid options.
If the fee structure is not available on the college's website, I recommend contacting the college directly. You can reach out to the college's administration or admission department through email or phone to inquire about the current fee structure for the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry program.
It's important to rely on official sources and direct communication with the college to obtain the most accurate and reliable information regarding the fee structure at College of Forestry, Ponnampet.

J

I want to know about the latest cutoff information for M.Sc. in Forestry at Forest College and Research Institute.

P

Prachi Beriwal

Contributor-Level 10

a month ago

Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI) is affiliated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and offers a two-year M.Sc. degree in Forestry. The admission to this course is based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination and an entrance test conducted by TNAU.As per the off...Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI) is affiliated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and offers a two-year M.Sc. degree in Forestry. The admission to this course is based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination and an entrance test conducted by TNAU.
As per the official website of TNAU, the cutoff for M.Sc. Forestry at FCRI for the academic year 2021-22 was not available. However, you can check the official website of TNAU regularly for updates on the cutoff marks for the current academic year.
Alternatively, you can also contact the admission department of FCRI/TNAU for more information regarding the cutoff marks for M.Sc. Forestry.

S

I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Sc. in Forestry at TNAU.

M

Muhammed Adhil Pt

Contributor-Level 6

a month ago

The expected cut-off for B.Sc. in Forestry at TNAU is around 190 for OC and BC and the expected cutoff would be around 180 for SC and ST. The availability of seats is expected to be 56.

A

Can B.Voc software development graduates write UPSC IFOS exam?

13999939
Dinesh upadhyay

Scholar-Level 16

2 months ago

UGC has recently bestowed B.Voc course as equivalent to conventional degree and applicable for exams like UPSC SSC etc.

G

Are Diploma in electrical and electronics engineering students eligible for B.F.Sc. course?

51394061
Dinesh upadhyay

Scholar-Level 16

2 months ago

It depend on your 12th subjects. Candidates must qualify the 12th class with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics Biology and Chemistry from any of the recognised institutions in order to be eligible for this course. The admission process for B.F.Sc. In Aquaculture varies across institutes. Mostly b...It depend on your 12th subjects. Candidates must qualify the 12th class with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics Biology and Chemistry from any of the recognised institutions in order to be eligible for this course. The admission process for B.F.Sc. In Aquaculture varies across institutes. Mostly based on entrnace test.

We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.