PhD in Horticulture is a 3 year Horticulture program that involves doctoral level studies in science of cultivation of fruits, vegetables, crops, plants etc. After the completion of this three year program students are awarded a title of PhD. For applying under this course postgraduates have to clear the course of Horticulture or hold an M.Phil. Degree is considered eligible. This course comprises exams, projects and research thesis. The norms of the universities and colleges may vary as some may take an entrance test for the admission of PhD course followed by Direct Interview, and a Group discussion round, while others might carry on the process of admission based on the merit of an individual and post graduation or MPhil. Degree marks secured by the candidate.
Level of Program | Doctorate Degree |
Course level | Doctorate program |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination Type | Semester |
Eligibility | Post-graduation degree in Horticulture or an M.Phil. with aggregate marks of 50% and above. Entrance Examination. |
Admission process | Merit List |
Top Recruiting Companies | Warehousing companies, Tea gardens, Food Corporations, Agricultural Machine Companies, etc. |
Job Positions | Horticulturist, Researcher, Fruit & Vegetable Inspector, Horticulture Production Manager, etc. |
The specific entrance exam required for a PhD program in Horticultural Biology may vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. In general, however, students will be required to take a standardized exam such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
Entrance Exam |
UGC NET (June Session) |
CSIR UGC NET |
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF |
Admission to a PhD program in Horticultural Biology is typically highly competitive and requires a strong academic record, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Some programs may also require a personal statement and/or an interview as part of the admission process.
Eligibility requirements for a PhD program in Horticultural Biology may vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. Generally, however, applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, such as plant science, biology, or agriculture. Applicants should also have a strong academic record, research experience, and relevant coursework in plant biology, genetics, and related subjects.
The duration of a PhD program in Horticultural Biology may vary depending on the university or institution offering the program, but typically ranges from four to six years.
Selection criteria for a PhD program in Horticultural Biology typically include academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and performance on standardized exams such as the GRE or GMAT.
Applicants must typically submit an online application, transcripts from all previous academic work, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume or CV. |
They may also be required to pay an application fee. |
Some programs may require an interview as part of the application process. |
Overall, the application process for a PhD program in Horticultural Biology can be highly competitive, and it is important for applicants to have a strong academic record, research experience, and relevant coursework in order to be considered for admission. |
1 | The application form and process for a PhD program in Horticultural Biology may vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. |
2 | However, generally, the application form can be accessed online through the university's website. |
3 | The application form may require applicants to provide personal information, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores. |
4 | Some universities may also require applicants to submit a research proposal. |
The application fee for a PhD program in Horticultural Biology may vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. Typically, the fee ranges from Updated Soon.
Subjects |
Biodiversity and conservation of crops |
Advances in breeding of fruit crops |
Advances in production of fruit crops |
Advances in growth regulation of fruit crops |
Biotic and abiotic stress management in Horticultural Crops |
Genomics and bioinformatics in Horticulture |
Systematic of fruit crops |
Graduates with a PhD in Horticultural Biology can pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private industry. The salary and job opportunities for PhD holders in Horticultural Biology may vary depending on the position, location, and sector. However, in general, PhD holders in this field can expect to earn competitive salaries, and job opportunities are expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $70,960 as of May 2020.
Graduates with a PhD in Horticultural Biology can pursue a variety of careers, including positions as plant breeders, crop consultants, research scientists, professors at universities and colleges, and in other roles within the plant science industry. Career opportunities in horticultural biology are expected to grow in the coming years as there is an increasing demand for sustainable agriculture and development of new plant varieties.
Job Position | Job Description |
Horticulture Production Manager | Work includes supervising the administrative workings, conducting a check of technical and organizational responsibilities, directing staff to carry on their work efficiently. |
Horticulture Inspector | Work for the state, local and federal government. Ensure and enforce policies to protect public health and safety, ensuring safe production of plants and agricultural products. |
Fruit & Vegetable Inspector | Work includes inspecting the quality of plant produce, vegetables and fruits, thus ensuring good public health. |
Researcher | Work includes planning, designing, analyzing, managing, formulating the report and carry on the thesis. |
Scientist | Designing and undertaking experiments, analyzing information and formulating reports. |
Some of the top colleges offering a PhD program in Horticultural Biology are:
PH.D. ADMISSION PROCEDURE
DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? 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.