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.
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BSc Horticulture: Course Details
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 | |
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 |
West Bengal | INR 2,000 | |
West Bengal | INR 4,000 | |
Maharashtra | INR 6,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 6,000 | |
West Bengal | INR 12,000 | |
Uttar Pradesh | INR 13,000 | |
Tamil Nadu | INR 27,000 | |
Uttar Pradesh | INR 61,000 | |
Uttar Pradesh | INR 1,00,000 | |
NCR | INR 3,00,000 | |
Uttar Pradesh | INR 3,00,000 | |
Orissa | INR 3,00,000 | |
Tamil Nadu | INR 5,00,000 | |
Uttar Pradesh | INR 5,00,000 | |
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 |
December 10 – April 12, 2023 | May 06, 2023 (Test 1) | |
June 2024 | July 2024 | |
November 28 - May 30, 2023 | November 28 - May 30, 2023 | |
April 2023 | May 21 – 31, 2023 | |
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 | |
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