PhD in Soil Science is a Doctoral Degree that focuses on agricultural sciences, with a specialization in Soil Science and applications of chemistry concepts in the agricultural setting. To be an eligible candidate for admissions to PhD in Soil Science the aspiring candidates must have attained at least 50% at M.Phil in the same field or any other equivalent degree from a recognized institute. The admissions to PhD in Soil Science are based on the performance of the students in the entrance exams conducted for the same such as CET or AGRICET. However, there are also colleges that provide admissions based upon the performance of the candidate in M.Phil.
Course type | Doctoral Degree |
Course Duration | 3-5 years |
Course Examination Type | Semester Based |
Course Eligibility | 50% at M.Phil in the same field or any other equivalent degree |
Course Admission process | Entrance Based |
Top Recruiters | Agriculture Universities, Plant Taxonomy, Animal Husbandry and much more of the same kind. |
Job Position | Horticulturist Consultant, Soil Scientist, Florist, Plant Breeder and much more. |
The entrance exam requirements for a PhD in Soil Science may vary depending on the institution. Some institutions may require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), while others may require a specific subject test such as the GRE Subject Test in Biology or Chemistry.
Entrance Exam |
CSIR UGC NET |
UGC NET |
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF |
IIT JAM |
VITMEE |
NIPER PhD Entrance Exam |
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The duration of a PhD program in Soil Science can vary depending on the institution and the student's research project. Typically, a PhD program in Soil Science takes 4-5 years to complete, including coursework, research, and dissertation writing.
The selection criteria for a PhD program in Soil Science may include academic performance, research experience, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and alignment of research interests with faculty expertise. Some institutions may also require an interview with faculty members or an admissions committee.
1.) To apply for a PhD program in Soil Science, students should first research potential institutions and faculty members whose research aligns with their interests.
2.) They should then review the admission requirements and deadlines for each institution and prepare their application materials, including transcripts, entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume/CV.
3.) Finally, students should submit their application materials through the institution's online application system or by mail, following the instructions provided by the institution.
The application form and process for a PhD in Soil Science will vary depending on the institution. Generally, students will need to complete an online application form, submit transcripts, entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume/CV. Some institutions may also require a writing sample, a research proposal, or an interview with faculty members or an admissions committee.
The application fee for a PhD in Soil Science will vary depending on the institution. Generally, the application fee ranges from $50-$100. Some institutions may waive the application fee for students who demonstrate financial need or who have other qualifications.
Physics of Soil |
Mineralogy, survey and soil classification |
Principles of research in soil science |
Viva-voce |
Field research/training |
Soil erosion, management, and conservation |
Soil Biochemistry |
Environment and Soil pollution |
Presentation and Report |
Thesis report and Seminar |
Job Profile | Job Description |
Soil Scientist | A soil scientist's duties include soil data collection, consultation, research, evaluation, interpretation, planning, and inspection. This occupation requires a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, as well as offering recommendations concerning a wide range of resources. |
Florist | A florist is a person who is interested in the decorative use of plants as well as playing an important role in the flower growth and development cycle. |
Agriculture Consultant | Agricultural Consultants are responsible for providing farmers, farm managers, and agro-processing enterprises with the best possible advice on crop sowing and management. |
Researcher | As part of the R&D process, it is an analysis and practice-based employment that requires one to complete academic projects as well as practical outings. |
Graduates of a PhD in Soil Science program can pursue a variety of career opportunities, including:
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Soil Science in the United States 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.