PhD in Agronomy (Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy)

PhD in Agronomy About

PhD Agronomy is a 3 year Doctorate degree course. This course deals with resource conservation, soil physical and biological characteristics, soil and tissue analysis and interpretation, irrigation, water quality, drainage, fertilizers and other nutrient sources, etc.

The subjects that are taught during the course include Agricultural Chemistry, Genetics, Medicinal Plants and Aromatics, Biochemistry, Entomology, Food and Nutrition, Agricultural Meteorology, Nematology, Public Health etc. Students who have completed their Masters in Agronomy subject are eligible to apply for admission to PhD Agronomy courses. Almost all the top agricultural colleges in our country admit students based on merit and entrance exams.

The PhD Agronomy course graduates will be able to get hired in public and private organizations in positions like Agronomy Officer, Area Sales Manager, Agronomist, Subject Matter Specialist, Corporate Agronomist, Rice Breeder, Soil Scientist, etc. They usually get employment in areas like Agriculture Sectors, Food Processing Plants, Fertilizer Companies, Manure Industries Organic Farming, FMCG Companies, etc. The average placement package that can be expected by fresh graduates of PhD Agronomy Courses usually ranges between INR 2,00,000 and INR 10,00,000.

PhD in Agronomy Course Highlights

Entrance Exam for PhD in Agronomy

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• ICAR AICE JRF/SRF
• IIT JAM
• VITMEE
• NIPER PhD

Admission Process for PhD in Agronomy

Registration: Dates of Registration are declared days before by the institutes. An account ought to be made with essential details like email, mobile number, and so on.

Fill-up Details: Fill up the application form with all extremely significant details with care. Care should be taken before filling in to guarantee all the details are precise and right. 

Submit Documents: Scan all necessary documents like imprint sheets. Documents should be transferred in a particular arrangement in particular, as determined by the institute's application portal. 

Application Fee: A minimal amount of application fees is to be paid online during the accommodation of the application form. Application Fee payment should be clear by all online payment modes. 

Download Admit Card: Admit cards will be delivered once all candidates are decided for qualification. The admit card should be downloaded and printed out should be taken to be used upon the date of the examination. 

Examination: Prepare for the entrance test according to the syllabus and past year papers. Appear for the exam on the date reported. 

Result: Results are reported after a couple of weeks of the exam day. If a candidate is lucky in qualifying for the entrance tests, they can proceed onward to the following round. 

Counseling and Admission: Counseling is held for candidates who have cleared the selection tests. The student would now be able to take admission to the PhD Agronomy Courses.

Eligibility Criteria For PhD in Agronomy

The eligibility criteria for  PhD Agronomy course aspirants are not complicated and are as follows. It must be noted that the eligibility criteria for the course will vary from institute to institute.

• Candidates must have completed their master's degree in Agronomy from a recognized University.
• Students must have at least 55 percent aggregate in Masters (PG) Degree.
• The percentage may differ from college to college.

Duration of PhD in Agronomy

PhD in Agronomy Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for admission to the program may include academic achievements, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Applicants who have a clear research focus and a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and conservation in tropical regions are generally preferred.

PhD in Agronomy How to Apply

To apply for the PhD in Agronomy with a concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development program, applicants should typically complete an online application and submit supporting materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores.

Some programs may also require a personal statement and/or a writing sample.

Applicants should check the specific requirements of each institution they are interested in applying to.

PhD in Agronomy Application Form

The application form for the PhD in Agronomy with a concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development program can usually be found on the website of the institution offering the program. Applicants will typically need to create an account, fill out the application form, and submit supporting materials, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

PhD in Agronomy Application Process

The application process typically involves submitting an online application and supporting materials by the institution's specified deadline.

Applicants may also be required to pay an application fee. After the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the institution's admissions committee, which may invite applicants for an interview before making a final decision.

Fee Structure for PhD in Agronomy

The application fee for the PhD in Agronomy with a concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development program may vary depending on the institution.

Typically, the fee ranges from Notified Soon. However, some institutions may waive the fee for applicants who demonstrate financial need.

PhD in Agronomy Syllabus

Job Scope After PhD in Agronomy

Graduates of the PhD in Agronomy with a concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development program may pursue careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private industry. The salary for these positions may vary depending on the specific job and location. According to PayScale, the average salary for a conservation scientist is $61,000 per year, while the average salary for an agronomist is $59,000 per year.

PhD in Agronomy After Career Opportunities

1. Agronomist
2. Lecturer
3. Agricultural Economist
4. Farm Manager
5. Research Associate

PhD in Agronomy Top Colleges

Admission Process for PhD in Agronomy

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by the University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by the University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by the University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required For PhD in Agronomy

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

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 of 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 the 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 - What 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 participating 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, 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.