| Degree | Masters |
| Full Form | Master of Science in Horticulture |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Age | Maximum of 25 years |
| Subjects Required | Botany, Plant Study and Basic Biology |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% in Undergraduation from Relevant Course |
| Average Fees | ₹5K – 1 LPA |
| Similar Options of Study | M.Sc Plant Biotechnology |
| Average Salary | INR4 – 7 LPA [Source: PayScale] |
| Employment Roles | Horticulturist, Agronomist, Research Analyst, Project manager, Floriculturist. |
| Top Recruiters | Godrej, Heritage Foods Ltd, Kannan Devan Plantations, ICAR |
According to Wikipedia, “The M.Sc Horticulture is the postgraduate program in the plant science sector awarded by universities and conservatories. The course combines advanced studies in an applied area of environmental science and technology which develops and uses Horticulture is the art of cultivating plants in gardens to produce food and medicinal ingredients, or for comfort and ornamental purposes. The course falls under the umbrella of the M.Sc course and therefore, follows the syllabus pattern.
Table of Contents
M.Sc Horticulture admission is offered to only those students who meet the eligibility requirements. The candidates must have a B.Sc or any other degree in science with a minimum 50% aggregate score in the final examination. There is no age limit for the course. The admission process can be either entrance exam-based or merit-based.
Students must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility criteria for M.Sc Horticulture in India. M.Sc Horticulture admission 2021 is done through entrance exam scores or on a merit basis. Admission procedures may vary across different M.Sc Horticulture universities in India. Mentioned below are the details of the admission process in general:
M.Sc Horticulture course details and procedures for admission can be found on the college’s official websites. To apply for the course, visit the official university admission portal and register for the entrance exam. After that fill the application form by providing the required details.
Admission is strictly offered to only those students who clear the M.Sc Horticulture eligibility criteria. The list of shortlisted candidates can be availed through the college’s official website or will be informed via email regarding the result and the further admission process.
Admission to the M.Sc Horticulture course in India is mainly through entrance examinations. Entrance exams for M.Sc Horticulture India are usually conducted on the university level. The most common exams that most candidates apply to are as follows:
To get admitted, students must ensure whether they satisfy the eligibility for the M.Sc Horticulture course. To clear the entrance exam, students should study the exam pattern and syllabus well before time. This will assist students in timely preparation for the entrance exams. Listed below is the general pattern for the entrance exams:
Various institutes offer M.Sc Horticulture. Students can opt for the M.Sc Horticulture best college depending upon their merit and specialization needed. Some of the M.Sc Horticulture top colleges are listed below:
SI.No | Name of the institute |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | University in Dharwad, Dharwad |
4 | |
5 | JAU, Junagadh |
6 | |
7 | |
8 | |
9 | |
10 |
M.Sc Horticulture fees range from INR 5,000 – 1 LPA. The fees may vary according to the college or university based on the type of institute, location, infrastructure, faculties, and facilities available. Below listed are the M.Sc Horticulture fees structure of some colleges:
Sl. No. | Name of the Institute | Average Annual Fees |
1 | BHU, Varanasi | INR 7,000 PA |
2 | GBPUAT, Pantnagar | INR 50,000 PA |
3 | UAS, Dharwad | INR 30,000 PA |
4 | AAU, Anand | INR 25,000 PA |
5 | JAU, Junagadh | INR 30,000 PA |
Master of Science in Horticulture is a two-year postgraduate course in plant cultivation of fruits, vegetables, or medicines. M.Sc Horticulture course is a comprehensive study on plant agriculture dealing with fruits, vegetables, medicinal, and ornamental plants cultivation in gardens. The subjects related to this course vary according to specializations and the institutes. The syllabus includes theory papers and a project paper. The compulsory subjects include:
Read More About M.Sc Horticulture Syllabus and Subjects
Students often wonder about M.Sc Horticulture course details before choosing the course. Before deciding on a career, students come across queries like, “What is the M.Sc Horticulture course?” and “Why choose M.Sc Horticulture?”. To clearly understand answers to these questions, we have framed the following three pointers:
Master of Science in Horticulture is a postgraduate program that deals with the study of the production of crops, the study of fruits, and advanced study in floriculture. The course has its principles from various fields like crop management, fruit study, spice and effective crops, medicinal crops, etc. thus incorporating them into a single horticulture program.
The M.Sc Horticulture postgraduates can find jobs in areas like Environmental Science, Agriculture, Nursery, Research & Development, Medicine Manufacturing Companies, Food Crops, And Fertilizer Production Organizations and so on. They can work as Assistant Professor, Horticulturist, Florist, Agriculturist, Project Manager, Agronomist, Environmental Officer, etc.
Horticulturist: Horticulturist deals with the work with plants to improve the health and growth of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and non-food crops. Their main responsibilities include boosting plant output, vigor, size, and flavor. They also coordinate certain crop research initiatives.
Career prospects for M.Sc Horticulture greatly vary. It depends on the respective specialization and demand. Candidates also make use of the environmental education with science to provide the degree to get a job in the Environment sector, Government, University Administration, or in Research and Development.
Career Scope and Options: An M.Sc Horticulture provides a lot of job opportunities, aspirants who have completed the course can mainly start a career as Horticulturist, Agronomist, Research Analyst, Project Manager, Floriculturist, Agriculturist, Scientist, etc.
Read More About M.Sc Horticulture Jobs
Some of the course preparation tips for the M.Sc Horticulture course are listed below:
Know The Syllabus And Exam Pattern: To prepare well for the entrance exams the candidates should be aware of the syllabus, exam pattern, and the books to equip the knowledge required.
Practice Question Papers: Practice solving previous years’ papers to understand the type of questions asked. It also helps to improve and prepare students for the actual exam.
Take Mock Tests: Solving as many mock tests can help students gain speed and accuracy.
Prepare Time Table: Finish preparation well in advance, to have enough time for revision of the content.
After completion of M.Sc Horticulture, the candidates can choose to take up jobs or can continue with their higher studies. An additional degree in the same field improves job opportunities. The graduates can specialize in specific areas like Private Plants, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing Firms, Private Colleges, Fertilizer Production Companies, Marketing Firms, Landscape Design and Interior Design firms, and much more. Some higher education options are:
The average salary of an employee with a degree in Master of Science Horticulture is INR 3- 7 LPA (Source: Glassdoor) for freshers. The salaries and annual earnings depend on the specific companies they work for, the methods of practice, expertise, and other related aspects.
Read More About M.Sc Horticulture Salary
After completion of the course, the postgraduates can find jobs in areas like Private Plants, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing Firms, Private Colleges, Fertilizer Production Companies, Marketing Firms, Landscape Design, and Interior Design firms, Research & Development, Colleges & Universities, etc. The postgraduates can even apply for the UGC-NET/SET or JRF exam. Clearing these exams makes a career in teaching or research.
Some job roles offered to postgraduates are:
Some people are passionate about working in the environmental sector and solving problems related to plant cultivation, production and ornamentation professionally in the future. M.Sc Horticulture is wide-ranging and deep in the subjects it explores the different methods and technological advancements in the plant cultivation sector. Some required skills are:
The MSc Horticulture program covers plant agriculture, including crops, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of plant cultivation, production, management, and ornamentation. The M.Sc Ag Horticulture syllabus is organized by semester and can be found in the table below.
The table given below represents the 1st year MSc Horticutlure syllabus:
Semester I | Semester II |
Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops | Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops |
Systematic Horticulture | Spices and Plantation Crops |
Tropical and Dry Land Food Production | Production Technologies of Warm Season Vegetable Crops |
Vegetable Crops | Tropical and Subtropical Fruits |
MSc Horticulture 1st Year Practicals
The list given below proives the practicals in 1st year of MSc Horticulture Syllabus:
The table given below represents the 2nd year M.Sc Horticutlure syllabus:
Semester III | Semester IV |
Laboratory Techniques, Library Information and Technical Writing | Production & Breeding of Plantation and Medicinal Crops |
Temperate Fruits | Post Harvesting Management and Processing Crops |
Minor Fruits | Seminar |
Landscape, Gardening and Production of Plantation Crops | Thesis |
M.Sc Horticulture 2nd Year Practicals
The list given below proives the practicals in 1st year of MSc Horticulture Syllabus:
M.Sc Horticulture subjects studies the theoretical and practical aspects of topics like Systematic Horticulture, Orchard Management, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Breeding of Horticultural Crops, etc. The syllabus of MSc Horticulture is divided into three categories: core, elective and practicals, which are given below:
In the list given below are MSc Horticulture subjects as core subjects:
In the list given below are M.Sc Horticulture subjects as elective:
In the list given below are MSc Horticulture subjects as practicals:
Msc Horticulture Subjects deals with many topics in fruits and vegetable production, management, storage and shipment. In the table below are MSc Horticulture subjects and topics:
| M.Sc Horticulture Subjects | Topics |
| Orchard Management | Importance of orchard management, selection of site and location, planning, selection of planting material, preparation of soil, layout of pits and planting, care and protection of young plants. Water requirement of fruit trees, disorder due to excess and deficiency of moisture. |
| Minor Fruits | Importance and scope of minor fruits in India with special reference to Bundlekhand region. Practices involve in the production of Karonda, Strawberry, Bael, Jamun, Phalsa, Fig, Annona and Shahtoo. |
| Temperate Fruits | Importance and scope of temperate fruits in India. Practices involve in the production of Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Apricot, Cherry, Almond and Walnut. |
| Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | Importance of medicinal and aromatic plants in human health , national economy and related industries, classification of medicinal and aromatic plants according to botanical characteristics and uses. |
| Breeding of Horticulture Crops | Importance and prospects, history of crop improvement, major bottleneck in improvement of horticultural crops. Breeding of important fruit crops viz. Mango, guava, banana, citrus, aonla, grape, apple, pear. |
| Post Harvet Technology of Horticulture Crops | History, present position and future scope of fruit, vegetable and flower preservation industry in India, principles and methods of fruits and vegetables preservation, canning of important fruit and vegetables, spoilage in canned products. |
MSc Ag Horticulture syllabus structure includes the study’s theory and practical paper aspects. The course structure is designed to include classroom training and practicals in the course curriculum. The course structure is given below:
The MSc Ag Horticulture syllabus considers different teaching methods, including industrial sessions. Practical sessions are integral to the course, as candidates must be prepared for the industry. Listed below are the teaching methodology and strategies in general:
Research projects in the M.Sc Horticulture syllabus help students develop practical skills and prepare for careers in the industry. Examples of project topics are included in the syllabus
Multiple authors and publications provide MSc Horticulture books online and offline for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The MSc Ag Horticulture syllabus includes several reference books list in the table given below:
Books | Authors |
| Principles of Horticulture | C R Adams |
| Biopesticides Handbook | NPCS Board of Consultant and Engineer |
Glaustas Horticulture | P Muthukumar and R Selvakumar |
Textbook of Food Science & Technology | Avantina Sharma |
