PhD in Plant Sciences is a Doctorate Plant Science that deals with the study of plants by gaining the knowledge about plant morphology, biogeography, classification, histology, physiology, and plant pathology. The subjects taught in this discipline are genetic engineering, insect physiology etc. Few Colleges grant admission to the students completely on the basis of the entrance test which is followed by a round of personal interview. Candidates must have passed a Master’s degree in relevant discipline pursued from a recognized university to be eligible for PhD Plant Sciences.
PhD students in Plant Science typically work closely with their advisors and collaborators to design and carry out experiments, analyze data, and communicate their findings through scientific publications and presentations. They may also participate in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, attend scientific conferences, and engage in outreach activities to share their research with the wider community.
Career opportunities for graduates with a PhD in Plant Science include academic positions in research and teaching, as well as research positions in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Graduates may also pursue careers in biotechnology, plant breeding, crop management, and conservation biology.
Course | PhD in Plant Sciences |
Level | Doctorate |
Examination Type | Semester wise |
Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility | Masters degree |
Admission Process | Entrance test followed by interview |
Average tuition fee | Updated Soon |
Job Positions | Lecturer, Professor, Researcher, Agronomist, Agricultural Consultant, Soil Scientist, Botanist, Food Scientist, Agriculture Manager, and more. |
Top recruiting areas | Colleges and Institutes, Research Labs and organizations etc. |
Average salary | INR 3.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs |
Most universities require applicants to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). However, some universities may waive the exam requirement for applicants with exceptional academic records or relevant research experience.
Candidates who are applying for the PhD in Plant Sciences program should beforehand have their results from the respective Entrance Exams required by the selected/opted Universities.
Applications for admissions can be availed either from the university/college website or by visiting the admissions office of the same. |
Candidates will have to fill out the required details in the application form with the documents required. |
Candidates are advised to have a look at the list of Entrance Exams applicable for PhD in Plant Sciences for various Universities. |
After clearing the entrance exam the aspirants need to appear for the personal interview round. |
Candidates should also make sure they qualify in the PhD in Plant Sciences criteria with the minimum required marks. |
The duration of a PhD in Plant Science varies depending on the university and the research project, but it typically takes 3-5 years to complete.
Selection criteria for a PhD in Plant Science may include academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, entrance exam scores (if required), and personal interview performance.
The application form for a PhD in Plant Science typically includes personal information, educational background, research experience, standardized test scores (if required), statement of purpose, and contact information for referees. Candidates may also be required to pay an application fee.
The application fee for a PhD in Plant Science varies depending on the university, but it typically ranges from Rs. Updated soon
Subjects of Study |
Research Methodology in Biological Sciences Frontiers and Techniques in Plant Biology Plant Growth analysis and Nutrition Insect Physiology Biotic and Abiotic Stress Resistance Plant Biochemistry Genetic Engineering Environmental Plant Physiology Plant Virology |
Graduates with a PhD in Plant Science have a wide range of career opportunities, including academic positions in research and teaching, as well as research positions in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. According to PayScale, the average salary for a Plant Scientist in India is Rs. 6,76,000 per year.
Career opportunities for graduates with a PhD in Plant Science include:
Some of the top colleges in India offering a PhD in Plant Science include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.