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BSc Horticulture: Course Details, Colleges, Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Jobs, Salary, Scope

Course

Simran Kaur

Updated on 11th December, 2023 , 11 min read

The full form of BSc Horticulture is Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. It is a three-year undergraduate course. BSc Horticulture is the science and skill of growing and developing plants, particularly those used for food and aesthetics. 

BSc Horticulture eligibility is 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board. The required subjects may vary, but typically include physics, chemistry, biology, and/or mathematics. .

BSc Horticulture fees is INR 15,000 – 3 Lakhs. BSc Horticulture colleges include Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jaipur National University, Shivaji University, Manipur University and Annamalai University among others.

BSc Horticulture subjects include Plant Biology, Botany, Genetics, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Economics. 

The BSc Horticulture syllabus includes topics on plant physiology, soil science, entomology, agronomy, horticultural technology, environmental horticulture, and landscape design.

Also Read: BSc Courses after 12th

BSc Horticulture jobs include horticulturist, agronomist, greenhouse manager, plant breeder, food safety inspector, soil scientist, landscape designer, and entomologist. The BSc Horticulture salary ranges from INR 3–8 LPA.

Some of the top recruiters for this course are Mahindra & Mahindra, Netafim India, AgroStar, Bharat Biotech, Godrej Agrovet, Tata Chemicals, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. 

BSc Horticulture scope includes courses such as  Master of Science (MSc) in Horticulture, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Horticulture.

More BSc Courses:

BSc IT

BSc Biology

BSc Honours

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics

BSc Geography

BSc Forensic Science

BSc Nursing

BSc Sports Management

BSc Biotechnology

BSc Agriculture

BSc Fashion Designing

BSc Microbiology

BSc Psychology

BSc Anthropology

BSc Environmental Science

BSc Genetics

BSc Computer Science

BSc Zoology

BSc Electronics

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BSc Horticulture: Course Details

bsc-horticulture

Details

Particulars

Course Name

BSc Horticulture

Course Level

Undergraduate

Course Full Form

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture

Course Duration

3 Years

Course Types

Full time/Distance Education

Admission Process

Merit/Entrance based

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50% marks from a recognized board.

Entrance Exams

UPCATET, CG PATSET,  CUCETCUET and NPAT

Course Fees

15,000 – 3 Lakhs

Subjects

Plant Biology, Botany, Genetics, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Economics.

Syllabus

Plant Physiology, Soil Science, Entomology, Agronomy, Horticultural Technology, Environmental Horticulture and Landscape Design.

Top Colleges

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jaipur National University, Shivaji University, Manipur University and Annamalai University among others.

Average Salary in India

INR 3 – 8 LPA

Job Profiles

Horticulturist, Agronomist, Greenhouse Manager, Plant Breeder, Food Safety Inspector, Soil Scientist, Landscape Designer and Entomologist.

Top Recruiters

Mahindra & Mahindra, Netafim India, AgroStar, Bharat Biotech, Godrej Agrovet, Tata Chemicals, and Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Scope

Master of Science (MSc) in Horticulture, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Horticulture.

What is BSc Horticulture? 

BSc Horticulture is the science and skill of growing and developing plants, particularly those used for food and aesthetics. Plant biology, botany, genetics, entomology, plant pathology, and agricultural economics are common subjects studied by students in this course.

Why pursue BSc Horticulture? 

BSc Horticulture offers a captivating journey into the world of environment, nature, and plants. It is suited for people who want to gain a deeper understanding of plant biology, cultivation, and management.

There are several factors why pursuing a BSc Horticulture degree in India might be a wise choice. Given below are some of the factors:

  • Career Opportunities: A BSc Horticulture opens the door to a variety of job prospects in agriculture, landscaping, greenhouse management, floral design, research, and development. 
  • Innovation and Technology: Studying horticulture exposes one to cutting-edge developments in plant breeding, genetic engineering, and precision agriculture.
  • Personal Gardening and Landscaping: The knowledge provided in this course can greatly enhance one’s personal gardening and landscaping skills, leading to beautiful outdoor spaces.
  • Personal Fulfillment: If working with plants and the natural environment gives one personal fulfilment and happiness, a BSc Horticulture can lead to a rewarding career. 

Who Should pursue BSc Horticulture? 

BSc Horticulture is the perfect course for people who are passionate about Plants. However, it might be a good fit for the following potential candidates:

  • Students who were in the science stream in 12th and scored a minimum of 50% marks. 
  • Individuals who have a genuine passion for plants, gardening, and agriculture are well-suited for horticulture. 
  • People who are concerned about environmental sustainability and want to contribute to more eco-friendly agriculture and land use practices. 
  • Individuals who are interested in food production, crop management, and sustainable farming practices can find horticulture rewarding.

BSc Horticulture: Course Duration

The duration of BSc Horticulture in India is 3 years, which is divided into 6 semesters. However, BSc Horticulture distance education and online programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years. 

BSc Horticulture: Course Types 

  • BSc Horticulture Full-time: This course is designed in a systematic way and provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to the students. To build a strong foundation in BSc Horticulture various aspects of plants are taught in detail.
  • BSc Horticulture Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis and require flexibility in choosing their study time. Throughout the program, students will engage in fieldwork, and research projects, allowing them to develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience.  
  • BSc Horticulture Online: Online BSc Horticulture programs are like distance education programs but are conducted entirely through the internet. Students can access course materials, participate in virtual discussions, and complete assignments online. Online programs offer a high degree of flexibility and are ideal for students who require a self-paced learning approach.

BSc Horticulture: Fees

BSc Horticulture in India normally costs anywhere between 15,000 – 3 Lakhs. Depending on the university, college, and region, different BSc Horticulture programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course. 

  • Government Colleges/Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of a BSc Horticulture at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 3,000 – 50,000. 
  • Private Colleges/Universities: The fee in a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 25,000 to 3 Lakhs or more.

Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.

BSc Horticulture: Colleges

Given below is a list of the top BSc Horticulture colleges in India along with their fees:

Name of the College/University

Location

Average Annual Fees

Visva Bharati University

West Bengal

INR 2,000

Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya

West Bengal

INR 4,000

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University

Maharashtra 

INR 6,000

Jawaharlal Nehru University

New Delhi

INR 6,000

Calcutta University

West Bengal

INR 12,000

Banaras Hindu University

Uttar Pradesh

INR 13,000

Central University of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

INR 27,000

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University

Uttar Pradesh

INR 61,000

Aligarh Muslim University

Uttar Pradesh

INR 1,00,000

Amity University

NCR

INR 3,00,000

GLA University

Uttar Pradesh

INR 3,00,000

SOA University

Orissa

INR 3,00,000

Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education

Tamil Nadu

INR 5,00,000

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Uttar Pradesh

INR 5,00,000

Lovely Professional University

Punjab

INR 7,00,000

BSc Horticulture: Admission Process

It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their high school examinations or prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of both the modes of admission: 

BSc Horticulture Admission: Merit Based

  • An aspirant should score more than 50% marks in their high school examinations to be applicable for merit-based admission.
  • Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
  • Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Aadhar Card, Photographs etc.) in hand.  
  • Merit lists are usually updated on the official website of the colleges and need to be checked regularly by the aspirant.
  • If selected, the aspirant can pay the required fees and the admission process will be complete.  
  • Finally, candidates must attend the counseling or orientation organised by the institution for further details, if selected from the merit list.  

BSc Horticulture Admission: Entrance Based

  • Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
  • The application form will require the candidate to register themselves with an email ID, password, and mobile number along with academic and course details. 
  • The candidate is required to upload the necessary documents online, such as Photograph, 10th, and 12th Certificates, Aadhar Card etc.)
  • Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee. 
  • It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam and entrance exam syllabus. 
  • Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center and timings. 
  • The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability. 
  • If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counselling organised by the college for further information.

Further Reading: Top BSc Colleges in India 

BSc Horticulture: Eligibility 

  • 10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50-55% marks from a recognised board.
  • The required subjects may vary, but typically include Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics.
  • The minimum age for this course is 17 years. 

BSc Horticulture: Entrance Exams

BSc Horticulture entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and normally lasts 2-3 hours, with the total amount of questions and marks varying depending on the institution. In some colleges there might be negative marking as well.

Given below are the details of some of the entrance exams conducted by various universities along with their details: 

Name of the Exam

Registration Date

Exam Dates

SET

December 10 – April 12, 2023

May 06, 2023 (Test 1)     
May 14, 2023 (Test 2)

CG PAT

June 2024

July 2024

CUCET

November 28 - May 30, 2023

November 28 - May 30, 2023

CUET

April 2023

May 21 – 31, 2023

NPAT

December 01, 2022 – May 21, 2023

January 04, 2023 – May 31, 2023

BSc Horticulture: Entrance Exam Syllabus 

BSc Horticulture Entrance exam syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the syllabus:

Subjects

Topics

Biology

Plant Biology, Genetics, and Plant Physiology

Chemistry

Chemical Reactions, Elements, and Compounds

Physics

Principles of Physics

Mathematics

Algebra, Geometry, and Basic Statistics

General Agriculture

Agriculture Practices, Principles, and Techniques

Horticulture-related topics

Crop Production, Plant Propagation, Pest and Disease Management, and Soil Management

Botany

Plant Anatomy, Taxonomy, and Plant Identification

Current Affairs

Latest developments and trends in the field of Horticulture, Agriculture, and the Environment.

English Language and Comprehension

Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary.

Further Reading: High Salary Courses after 12th Science 

BSc Horticulture: Syllabus 

BSc Horticulture is divided into 6 Semesters which must be covered in 3 years. The syllabus will vary from college to college; however, a brief is given in the following tables:

BSc Horticulture Syllabus: 1st Year

Semester - 1

Semester – 2

Fundamentals of Horticulture

Crop Production Technology

Plant Anatomy and Physiology

Principles of Genetics and Plant Breeding

Soil Science

Plant Biochemistry

Agricultural Microbiology

Horticultural Crop Pests

Introductory Plant Pathology

Introductory Entomology

English Communication Skills

Environmental Science

 

BSc Horticulture Syllabus: 2nd Year

Semester - 3

Semester – 4

Vegetable Crops

Floriculture and Landscaping

Fruit Science

Post-Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops

Nursery Management

Greenhouse Technology

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Water Management in Horticulture

Principles of Organic Farming

Pest and Disease Management

Field Visit and Practical Training

Computer Applications in Horticulture

 

BSc Horticulture Syllabus: 3rd Year

Semester - 5

Semester – 6

Plantation Crops

Plantation Management

Seed Production and Testing

Protected Cultivation

Horticultural Biotechnology

Organic Farming and Certification

Horticultural Biotechnology

Industrial Training

Project Planning and Management

Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship

Farm Machinery and Equipment

Research Project

BSc Horticulture: Subjects 

Given below is the detailed subject list of BSc Horticulture, year-wise and semester-wise:

BSc Horticulture Subjects: 1st Year

Semester – 1

Semester – 2

Introduction to Soil Science

Fundamentals of Statistics

Crop Physiology

Elements of Computer Application

Fundamentals of Horticulture

Plant-Parasitic Nematode

Plant Propagation

Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

 

BSc Horticulture Subjects: 2nd Year

Semester – 3

Semester – 4

Temperate Fruits

Spices

Ornamental Horticulture

Commercial Floriculture

Biochemistry

Plantation Crops

Fundamentals of Entomology

Orchard Management

 

BSc Horticulture Subjects: 3rd Year

Semester – 5

Semester – 6

Organic Farming

Remote Sensing

Introduction of Major Field Crops

Entrepreneurship Development

Introductory Agroforestry

Seed Production

Apiculture

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Course Comparison: BSc Horticulture vs BSc Agriculture

Features

BSc Horticulture

BSc Agriculture

Course Name

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Overview

This course focuses on the skill of growing and developing plants, particularly those used for food and aesthetics.

This course focuses on crop cultivation, animal husbandry, soil science, agricultural economics, and agribusiness

Course Level

Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Duration

3 Years

3 Years

Course Types

Full-time/Distance Education

Full-time/Distance Education

Course Syllabus

Plant Physiology, Soil Science, Entomology, Agronomy, Horticultural Technology, Environmental Horticulture and Landscape Design.

Principles of Agriculture, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Organic Farming, Weed Science, Soil and Water Conservation.

Average Course Fee

INR 15,000 – 3 Lakhs

INR 2 – 3 Lakhs

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50% marks from a recognised board.

10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50% marks from a recognised board.

Admission Process

Merit and Entrance Based

Merit and Entrance Based

Top Colleges

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jaipur National University, Shivaji University, Manipur University and Annamalai University.

Amity University, Chandigarh University, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, University of Agricultural Sciences, and Siksha O Anusandhan University.

Average Salary

INR 3 – 8 LPA

INR 4 – 8 LPA

Job Profiles

Horticulturist, Agronomist, Greenhouse Manager, Plant Breeder, Food Safety Inspector, Soil Scientist, Landscape Designer and Entomologist.

Agriculturist, Agriculture Officer, Assistant Plantation Manager, Agricultural Research Scientist, Agriculture Development Officer, and Agriculture Technician.

BSc Horticulture: Recommended Books 

Given below are the names of some recognised books along with their authors in the field of Horticulture that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course: 

Name of the Book

Author’s Name

Horticulture: Principles and Practices

George Acquaah

Plant Physiology

Lincoln Taiz and Eduardo Zeiger

Introduction to Horticulture

Richard N. Arteca

Fundamentals of Soil Science

Henry D. Foth and Lloyd M. Carpenter

Principles of Genetics

Peter Snustad and Michael J. Simmons

Postharvest Handling: A Systems Approach

Wojciech J. Florkowski, Elhadi M. Yahia, and M. Cantwell

Pest and Disease Management Handbook

Stewart T. Reed

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences"

Michael Allaby

Horticultural Crop Production: Systems and Practices

S. Janick and A. Whipkey

Greenhouse Operation and Management

Paul V. Nelson and Robert A. Boodley -

BSc Horticulture: Jobs 

There are various BSc Horticulture jobs in India. Some of the popular job profiles along with their description are given below:

Job Profile

Job Description

Horticulturist

Horticulturists may be responsible for plant propagation, pest and disease control, soil management, and overall plant health.

Nursery Manager

Nursery managers manage the operations of nurseries and ensure the quality of plants grown for retail or landscaping purposes.

Landscaper

Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces, creating aesthetically pleasing gardens, parks, and landscapes.

Arborist

Arborists assess tree health, provide pruning and trimming services, and manage tree-related issues like disease and pests

Greenhouse Manager

Greenhouse managers oversee the operations of greenhouse facilities, including the cultivation of plants in controlled environments.

Garden Center Manager

Garden center managers operate retail stores that sell plants, gardening supplies, and related products.

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct experiments and studies to improve crop yields, develop new plant varieties, and enhance horticultural practices.

Parks and Recreation Manager

Some horticulturists work in public parks and recreational areas, managing green spaces, planting flowers, and maintaining landscapes for community enjoyment.

Plant Breeder

Plant breeders develop new plant varieties by conducting breeding programs to create and test new plant cultivars.

Agricultural Inspector

Horticulturists may work as agricultural inspectors, ensuring that plants, fruits, and vegetables meet quality and safety standards.

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and urban landscapes.

BSc Horticulture: Salary

BSc Horticulture salary ranges from INR 3 – 8 LPA. Given below are various job opportunities available in the field along with their average salary: 

Job Profile

Average Salary

Horticulturist

INR 3 - 8 LPA

Nursery Manager

INR 2.5 – 6 LPA

Landscaper

INR 2 – 5 LPA

Arborist

INR 2.5 – 6 LPA

Greenhouse Manager

INR 3 – 7 LPA

Garden Center Manager

INR 3 – 6 LPA

Research Scientist

INR 4 – 10 LPA

Parks and Recreation Manager

INR 4 – 8 LPA

Plant Breeder

INR 3.5 – 8 LPA

Agricultural Inspector

INR 3 – 7 LPA

Landscape Architect

INR 3 – 10 LPA

BSc Horticulture: Top Recruiters

Given below are the top recruiters for BSc Horticulture: 

Field of Employment

Top Recruiters

Government Agricultural Departments

Department of Agriculture

Department of Horticulture

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

State Agricultural Universities

Agricultural Research Organizations

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB)

National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG)

Seed and Agribusiness Companies

Monsanto (now part of Bayer)

Corteva Agriscience (formerly DuPont Pioneer)

Syngenta

BASF

Advanta Seeds

Rallis India (Tata Group)

Horticultural Research and Educational Institutions

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)

University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS)

Horticultural Extension Services

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

District and Block-level agricultural extension offices

BSc Horticulture: Scope 

BSc Horticulture scope includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:

  • MSc Horticulture
  • MBA in Agribusiness
  • MSc Agriculture
  • MSc Environmental Science 
  • MBA in Horticulture 

Further Reading: BSc Environmental Science 

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