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BSc Horticulture or Bachelor of Science (Horticulture) is a three-year undergraduate degree course. It is a combination of practical and theoretical aspects of horticulture. This course aims to develop an understanding of the different branches of horticulture, their application, and their uses in modern society.
The BSc Horticulture course imparts knowledge about the nature and functioning, principles, and processes related to horticultural practices such as growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, etc.
Students learn about plant production from seedling to harvest stage including propagation methods, use of fertilizers and pesticides etc. Students also learn about management techniques for commercial farms including irrigation systems, pest control etc.
The course has been designed in such a way that students get all the necessary training before they start working on any project related to agriculture or horticulture. This will not only help them better understand what they are doing but also teach them certain skills that they will need while working on projects related to agriculture or horticulture fields of study like botany, zoology etc.
BSc Horticulture Highlights
| Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Horticulture |
| Course Level | Undergraduate Course |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology or mathematics |
| Admission | Merit-Based or entrance exam |
Skills Required
The first and an important skill a student need to study BSc Horticulture is that he’s required to have basic knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 10+2. Other skills he should have but not be limited to are – quick thinking, innovative mind, good communication skill, project management, teamwork, and organizing skill.
But the most important criterion is that students should have a passion for learning about this field, and they should be to put forward new ideas.
If you are looking to pursue a career in horticulture, then you need to make sure that your basics are strong. Here are six skills required for a student of BSc Horticulture:
1. Good Communication Skills
Communication skills are very important for all students, but they are even more essential for those who want to pursue a career in horticulture because it helps them communicate with people from different walks of life, including farmers, scientists and technicians. These skills also help them convey their ideas clearly and concisely while interacting with others in the field or out of it
2. Aptitude for Science and Mathematics
If you want to study BSc Horticulture, you need to have a good aptitude for science and mathematics. These are the core subjects of this course and if you do not have a good understanding of these subjects, it would be difficult for you to complete the course successfully. There is no alternative to hard work if you want to become an expert in this field.
3. Analytical Thinking
BSc Horticulture is a demanding course. You will need to be able to think independently and critically, as well as be able to work collaboratively with others. You will be required to analyze complex information, evaluate it and reach conclusions based on its relevance in the real world.
4. Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills form an integral part of any subject that you study at the university level or higher education level. These skills help students develop critical thinking skills that can be used not only in academics but also in other areas of life like personal relationships or professional relationships as well.
Students must develop these skills through hands-on experience so that they become adept at finding solutions for problems that may arise during their studies or internships or employment after graduation.
5. Technical Knowledge
This is the most important skill required to study BSc in Horticulture. You need to have a good understanding of technical concepts, equipment, and machinery. Knowledge in this field will help you to understand the subject better, participate in research and development activities and contribute to the field by working on various projects.
6. Knowledge of Plant Physiology
One needs to know plant physiology before studying this course because it helps one understand how plants grow and what makes them grow healthy or unhealthy. Students learn about different parts of a plant like a stem, leaves, etc., which are important for its survival on earth.
List of Entrance Exams
MCAER UG CET
Pune administers the MCAER CET exams to select applicants for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs offered at Maharashtra State Agricultural Universities.
HORTICET
Horticulture Common Entrance Exam is a state-level exam conducted by Dr YSR Horticultural University. It provides admission to the BSc Honours course in Horticulture of the university.
ICAR AIEEA
Conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, it is a national-level entrance exam for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various agricultural universities.
TS EAMCET
Held by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, this is another state-level exam held for engineering, agriculture, and medical courses.
AP EAMCET
Held for the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the entrance exam provides admission in various courses for fields related to engineering, medicine, and agriculture.
Top Colleges for BSc Horticulture in India
- Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – [TNAU], Coimbatore, (ICAR Approved)
- Punjab Agricultural University – [PAU], Ludhiana, (UGC, ICAR Approved)
- Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute – [ADAC&RI], TiruchirappalliI, (ICAR Approved)
- SRM University Chennai – SRM Institute of Science and Technology
BSc Horticulture Fees
The fee structure of BSc Horticulture varies from college to college. Here are the fee structures for the top 5 BSc Horticulture Colleges.
| University Name | Location | Fees (Full Semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | ₹ 1,73,825 |
| Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) | Ludhiana, Punjab | ₹ 2,07,470 |
| Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute (ADAC&RI) | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | ₹ 1,10,330 |
| Annamalai University | Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu | ₹ 1,54,520 |
| SRM University Chennai – SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | ₹ 4,80,000 |
Syllabus and Subjects
Although the BSc Horticulture syllabus and subjects for different colleges may vary, there are some basic topics that every university covers. Here are the basic topics for all six semesters.
| 1st Semester | 2nd Semester |
| Fundamental of Geology & Soil Science | Introduction of Microbiology |
| Elementary Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology | Genetics & Cytogenetics |
| Principle of Plant Physiology | Apiculture |
| Statics and Computer Application | Medicinal & Aromatic Plant |
| Communication (English) | Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management |
| Elective I | Environmental Science |
| Elective II |
| 3rd Semester | 4th Semester |
| Tropical & Subtropical Fruits | Spices & Condiments |
| Weed Management | Temperate Fruits |
| Tropical & SubTropical Vegetables | Ornamental Horticulture |
| Orchard management | Water Management |
| Principle of Plant Breeding | Plantation Crops |
| Nursery management | Organic Farming |
| Elective III | Elective IV |
| 5th Semester | 6th Semester |
| Temperate Vegetable | Tuber Crops |
| Principle of landscape | Breeding of Vegetables & Spice Crops |
| Farm Power & Machinery | Post Harvest Management |
| Fruits & Plants Diseases | Seeds Production |
| Insects Pests for Plants & Crops | Insect Pests |
| Communication Skills | Commercial Floriculture |
| Elective V | Elective VI |
Difference between BSc Horticulture and BSc Agriculture
Horticulture deals with the science of plant cultivation, management, and production. It is a branch of botany that deals with the cultivation and care of plants. The word horticulture comes from the Latin Hortus meaning “garden” and colo meaning “to cultivate.” In contrast, Agriculture is the process of cultivating the land to produce food or other crops. It involves farming, gardening, or raising farm animals such as cattle, poultry, and fish.
The major difference between these two fields is that Horticulture focuses on producing high-quality plants for ornamental purposes while Agriculture focuses on producing food for human consumption. Horticulture has become an important part of many countries’ economies as it provides employment opportunities for millions of people worldwide.
BSc Horticulture is a professional course for students who have an interest in horticulture. It does not prepare students for employment in agriculture. It is only meant for those students who want to pursue a career in horticulture.
BSc Agriculture (Horticulture) prepares students for employment in agriculture and other allied fields. It is a four-year undergraduate degree program which provides a strong foundation of the fundamentals of agriculture and horticulture with a special emphasis on management and entrepreneurship.
This course provides a solid foundation in agricultural science, including agronomy, entomology and plant pathology along with specialization in one or more areas such as floriculture, landscape gardening or nursery management.
Jobs After BSc Horticulture
There are many opportunities for horticulture graduates to find a job in a range of industries. Horticultural jobs are available all over the world, but the majority of positions are found in large cities or towns.
Horticulture graduates are employed by many different types of businesses, including retail outlets, government agencies, and schools. Some examples include:
1. Scientist
A scientist research horticulture, its nature and its application. They study various aspects of the subject like plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology. Scientists can work for government agencies or private firms. The job requires a PhD degree in horticulture from an accredited university. The average salary ranges from 4.2 LPA to 8.8 LPA.
2. Horticulturist
Horticulturists are employed in a variety of settings, including the commercial flower industry and public gardens. They develop and implement plans for growing plants and trees for conservation, recreation, landscaping and agriculture. Horticulturalists may also work with ornamental plants and flowers that are grown indoors in greenhouses or other controlled environments. The average salary is 7.1 LPA.
3. Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists work in a wide variety of fields, including ecology, geology, chemistry and biology. They study the effects humans have on their environment and how people can manage their impact on the planet.
Environmental scientists may work for government agencies or private companies that need to assess their environmental impact and develop strategies for maintaining healthy ecosystems. They may also study the spread of disease or pollution sources and recommend ways to improve air quality or reduce waste in waterways.
The average base salary is 5 LPA, with the highest mark reaching 9.8 LPA.
4. Project Manager
This is a high-level position which requires experience and education. The project manager is responsible for planning, organizing and leading projects of varying sizes and complexity. The project manager must have excellent communication skills as well as good interpersonal skills. This role often requires travel which may involve spending time away from home for weeks at a time. The average salary for a horticulture project manager is 13.5 LPA.
5. Gardeners
They work with plants in their natural environment rather than in greenhouses or nurseries. Gardeners maintain gardens and tend to plants including trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables. They may also be hired as garden designers who create spaces for people to enjoy or as landscape architects who create master plans for areas like parks or campuses using plants as well as other materials such as stone or wood structures.
The starting salary for a gardener is 2.2 LPA.
Salary Source: Ambitionbox, Glassdoor, Payscale
Conclusion
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! BSc horticulture is a wonderful course that will give you a solid foundational knowledge in horticulture and the ability to pursue any career path in the field. The scope of horticulture is widely spread over several industries. Candidates can get the opportunity to work at some of the top-notch designation with descent salary packages.
BSc in Horticulture presents a great scope to students in diverse working sectors. Students can find numerous legitimate job opportunities with exciting salary packages. After your BSc in horticulture, you will be ready to pursue a career in the field. You can explore a variety of occupations, including a gardener, horticulture technician, horticulturist, etc.
The salary package after BSc Horticulture basically depends on the candidates’ job profile and the recruiting company. The salary scale of the candidate increases with their gaining experience in the field. The BSc horticulture salary in India is around INR 2.5 lakhs per annum. This is the average annual salary for graduates from this program in India.
BSc horticulture subjects are the core of your degree. These are the subjects that you’ll take over three years, and they’ll give you a solid foundation in the basics of horticulture and related fields.
1. Principle of Plant Psychology
2. Microbiology
3. Apiculture
4. Ornamental Horticulture
5. Organic Farming
6. Seeds Production
7. Horti-Business Management
8. Processing of Horticulture
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