Eligibility

Twenty years ago it was widely believed that for those taking up farming and its allied fields, no formal training was required. However, given the growing competition and the use of advanced technology, it is advisable for persons interested in this field to undergo some form of formal
training. Training is also required for those entering the areas of research as well as agro-industry.
Institutions. 

There are now a large number of institutions, which offer graduate and postgraduate programmes in agriculture and its allied fields. Universities offer both a B.Sc. and M.SC. in agriculture. There are also two institutes, which offer postgraduate programmes in rural management, namely the Institute of Rural Management (IRMA) at Anand in Gujarat and the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University at Hisar. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the B.Sc. in agriculture, candidates would have to clear an entrance exam and should have passed their 10+2 with science subjects. To be eligible for a M.Sc. in agriculture, candidates should have completed their B.Sc. in agriculture or related fields. Candidates who have completed their graduation or who are in their final year of graduation may apply for the postgraduate programme at IRMA.

Selection

For the B.Sc., M.Sc., and the management programmes, selection is made on the basis of a common entrance exam, which includes papers in biology, botany, chemistry, physics and mathematics. For the course at IRMA, candidates who clear the written test are called for a personal interview on the basis of which they are finally selected.

DURATION

The B.SC. course in agriculture is for duration of four years, at the end of which a B.Sc. degree is awarded. The M.Sc. course and the rural management programme are for duration of two years. The two-year course in rural management also includes a two-month apprenticeship.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Hardwork, patience, dedication, enterprise.

RELATED CAREERS

Academics, management, business, research, food processing.