Updated October 18, 2022
MSc Horticulture or Master of Science in Horticulture is a two-year postgraduate course that comprises four equal semesters of study. The program involves the study of plant harvesting and its management that including breeding, storage, packaging, transportation, etc. It also imparts more profound concepts on Eco-friendly practices of food production techniques.
For being eligible for this program, aspirants are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in science stream with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Admission offered to the MSc Horticulture course is either based on the candidate’s score in the Bachelor’s degree exam or their performance in the entrance exams conducted by different institutions.
MSc Horticulture Course Highlights
Below mentioned are Highlights of Master of Sciences in Horticulturist course.
| Course Name | MSc Horticulture |
| Full Name | Masters of Science in Horticulture |
| Education Level | Postgraduate |
| Course Type | Degree Program |
| Duration of Course | Two years |
| Basic Educational Qualification | BSc Horticulture degree or equivalent from a recognized university with minimum aggregate of 50% marks. |
| Average Fees | INR 10,000 to 100,000 per year |
| Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 to 9,00,000 lakhs per annum |
| Job Options | Floriculturist, Olericulturist, Floriculturist, Pomologist, Horticulturist, etc. |
| Employment Areas | Forest Department, Food Processing Units, Research Department, etc. |
MSc Horticulture Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for any program, candidates must meet certain parameters, and the same goes with MSc Horticulture. The minimum eligibility criteria for admission to the Master of Science in Horticulture course are follows.
- The candidate must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in Botany, agriculture, Horticulture, etc., such as BSc in Agriculture, BSc Biotechnology, BSc Horticulture, or any other equivalent discipline from a recognized institute.
- They should have scored 50-60%- minimum aggregate in their BSc degree.
MSc Horticulture Admission Process
Admission offered to the Master of Science in Horticulture program is commonly based on the score obtained by a candidate in an entrance exam. However, some colleges also offer direct admission based on candidates’ merit in their Bachelor’s degree. Below are the various steps involved in the admission process to the MSc Horticulture program.
Merit-Based Selection
The important steps involved in the merit-based selection process are mentioned below.
- Students need to apply for admission to the colleges or universities they are interested in.
- After some time, institutes release their cutoff lists. And candidates are required to check if they are eligible for admission.
- Candidates who find themselves eligible need to visit the college and submit all the required documents for registering for the respective academic session.
Entrance Based Selection
The essential steps of entrance exam-based admission are mentioned below.
- Candidates need to apply and appear for the entrance exams.
- After the examination, institutions release the merit list of the shortlisted candidates.
- Candidates who made it to the merit list are called for the further selection process that may include GD and PI conducted by the institutes.
- And at last, based on the overall performances of the candidates, institutions offer them admission to the program.
MSc Horticulture Entrance Exams
In most leading institutions, the admissions to the MSc Horticulture program are made through entrance tests. Below are some of the popular all India entrance exams conducted for admission to the program.
- UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination)
- APU UG NET (Azim Premji University National Entrance Test)
- PUBDET (Presidency University Bachelor Degree Entrance Test)
- BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test)
- TS EAMCET (Telangana State Engineering Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test)
Master of Science in Horticulture Syllabus
Students go through various important subjects and topics during the study of the MSc Horticulture course. And we have listed here the semester-wise breakup of the syllabus for the Master of Science in Horticulture syllabus program.
Particulars of Master’s in Horticulture Syllabus
| Semesters | Syllabus |
| Semester I | Vegetable Crop |
| Statistical Method | |
| Systematic Horticulture | |
| Plant Propagation and Nursery Husbandry | |
| Semester II | Spices Plantation |
| Orchard Management | |
| Design of Experiments | |
| Tropical and Subtropical Fruits | |
| Semester III | Minor Fruits |
| Temperate Fruits | |
| Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | |
| Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops | |
| Semester IV | Spices Plantation |
| Orchard Management | |
| Design of Experiments | |
| Tropical and Subtropical Fruits |
Top MSc Horticulture Colleges
Horticulture is one of the emerging fields in India. MSc Horticulture is taught in some of the best-affiliated universities/colleges. Here, we have mentioned some of the famous colleges that are offering this course in India.
- Sikkim University, Gangtok
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat
- University of Allahabad, Chidambaram
- Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow
- CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur
- GB Pant University of Agriculture and technology, Pantnagar
- Centurion University of Technology & Management, Paralkhemundi
MSc Horticulture Career Options and Scope
After graduating with an MSc Horticulture degree, candidates can explore numerous job opportunities in Seed Technology, Biochemistry, Plant Breeding, Plant Cultivation, and Plant Physiology. Some Government organizations like the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare are also a secure place to start a career after graduating with a Master of Science in Horticulture.
Apart from providing employment opportunities, MSc in Horticulture course also has some excellent future scope. The program aims to expose the students to numerous ways in which they can build their careers. And in this case, the options are PhD in Horticulture and MPhil in Horticulture. These advanced courses broaden the career aspects of the students regarding knowledge and higher job opportunities.
MSc Horticulture Job Prospects
MSc Horticulture is a diversified field, and candidates can look for ample employment opportunities after completing the course. Listed below are some of the popular job positions offered to graduates.
- Soil Scientist
- Seed Analyst
- Field Officer
- Floriculturist
- Horticulturist
- Forest Officer
- Assistant Professor
- Scientific Administrative Assistant
- Horticultural Education Supervisor
Graduate with MSc Horticulture Salary
The average annual salary offered to MSC Horticulture graduates ranges from 4 to 9 Lakh per annum. Differences in the earnings of the graduates depend on their job profile, experience skillset and recruiter. We have listed below the top job profiles after a Master’s in Horticulture with an average annual salary package.
- Soil Scientist:- INR 8 Lakh Per Annum
- Floriculturist:- INR 6 Lakh Per Annum
- Seed Analyst:- INR 7 Lakh Per Annum
- Horticulturist:- INR 9 Lakh Per Annum
- Scientific Administrative Assistant:- INR 7 Lakh Per Annum
- Horticultural Education Supervisor:- INR 8 Lakh Per Annum
Mostly Asked Questions on Master’s in Horticulture Program
Ans:- Although every subject is important and best in its way, some of the best subjects for Master of Science in Horticulture include Biotechnology, Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Seed Technology, Plant Microbiology, etc.
Ans:- The average salary received by MSc Horticulture Postgraduates ranges between 4 to 9 lakh per annum depending on the candidates’ job profile, experience, skillset, etc.
Ans:- Master of Science in Horticulture is a two-year postgraduate degree program for those who have completed their graduation in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Forestry from a recognized institute with a minimum of at least 50% marks.
Ans:- In the field of Horticulture, many job opportunities are available for graduates. Some popular job roles are Project Manager, Gardener, Foreman, Horticulturist, Horticultural Education Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Human Resources, Professor Scientist, etc.