PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding: Course, Eligibility, Admission, Fees, Syllabus, Career Options

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding is a research-based PhD programme that prepares students to become authorities in crop improvement, genetic research, and the creation of sustainable farming methods. PhD degree is completed in three to five years and ends with the submission of an original research-based dissertation.

PhD Agronomy offers graduates job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 6.5 LPA in companies like Syngenta, Monsanto (now part of Bayer), Bayer Crop Science, UPL Limited, IFFCO, and Coromandel International. Graduates can find employment in job profiles like Plant Breeder/Geneticist, Agricultural Scientist, Research Associate, Seed Production Manager, Quality Assurance Analyst and Extension Officer.

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding Course Details

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding Eligibility

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding eligibility criteria are a predefined set of rules and regulations set by the admission committee for students to meet to be eligible for admission. Candidates who wish to pursue PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding must fulfil the required eligibility criteria of the programme. These criteria may differ by the institute but some basic requirements are:

• The candidate should possess A Master's degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Entrance exams or interviews may be required depending on the university or research institute.
• They must have scored a minimum of 55 per cent in their respective higher education.

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding Admission Process

The admission process for PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding varies for every university. Most of the institutes prefer admission on the basis of merit of the postgraduate degree. Whereas there are a few universities that might conduct their own university-level entrance test. Candidates can check the admission process mentioned below:

• Candidates are required to either visit the institute or fill out the application form through the college’s official website.
• Candidates must submit the required documents along with the application form.
• The candidate's merit is the only consideration in the admissions process. To get admitted to the institution of their choice, applicants must satisfy the cutoff score for admission to certain colleges in certain states.
• Some universities may also choose to conduct personal interviews.

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding Entrance Examinations

To study PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding, some colleges take direct admission but there is one entrance examination. The PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding entrance exam details are as follows:

Cutoff of Top Colleges

The PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding cut-off is dependent on a group of factors such as determining a student's merit and the number of students appearing for the test. Admission to the college is provided to those who score above the cut-off percentage, rank, or marks. Each college's cutoff depends on the merit examinations and the number of students who apply for the programme.

Required Skills for PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding

For a PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding, students must have a foundation in soil science, crop physiology, and plant genetics in addition to proficiency in data analysis and research techniques. Candidates must be skilled in critical thinking, problem-solving, and field-based and lab research. Some of the required skills and qualities to pursue this course are:

• Scientific and Technical Knowledge
• Research Skills
• Data Analysis Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Field and Laboratory Skills
• Technological Proficiency

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding Syllabus

The academic curriculum of PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding provides various agricultural techniques and entrepreneurship. In the table below, we have mentioned the PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding syllabus provided by LPU, Jalandhar.

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding Fees Structure

Various universities offer PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding at different tuition fees. The fee structure may vary depending on the location and type of the institute. The fee for PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding ranges from Rs. 3 Lakhs. Students are advised to verify the information by visiting the college's official website.

Scope of PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding offers numerous career opportunities in academia, research, industry, and government sectors. The candidates can conduct innovative research in the genetic improvement of crops. With increasing global food demand and challenges such as climate change, PhD holders in Genetics and Plant Breeding will play a pivotal role in ensuring food security.

Career growth is promising, particularly in interdisciplinary domains like AI in plant breeding, genomics-driven agriculture, and eco-friendly crop development. The candidate can also lead research projects in crop genetics and breeding. They can also work in advanced genomics to improve traits like disease resistance, drought tolerance, or yield.

Career Options After PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding

Graduates from diverse academic backgrounds such as MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding, MSc in Agriculture Analytics, and MSc in Sericulture have the opportunity to explore various job profiles across industries. Some of the job profiles after PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding are as follows:

Plant Breeder/Geneticist - A Plant Breeder/Geneticist is a scientist who studies plant genetics and breeding to improve the quality and performance of crops. They study plant DNA to identify genes responsible for specific traits. They also develop research plans and objectives and predict the cost of their work.

Agricultural Scientist - Agricultural Scientists are professionals who study and implement agricultural practices to improve the sustainability and productivity of crops and farm animals. They may also develop new food products and improve the ways they are processed, packaged, and delivered.

Research Associate - Research Associate is a professional who conducts research and development projects for a variety of organisations, including universities, private companies, and government agencies. They may work independently or in a team, and their responsibilities can include Gathering, organizing, and synthesising data, Supporting decision-making processes and many more.

Seed Production Manager - Seed Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the production and supply of high-quality seeds. This role involves managing planting schedules, crop care, harvesting, processing, and inventory management to meet the company's strategic goals.

Quality Assurance Analyst - A Quality Assurance Analyst is a technical professional who ensures that products meet requirements, align with business goals, and comply with regulations. They work throughout the product development life cycle, from conception to completion.

Extension Officer- Extension Officer also known as an Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO), is a professional who helps farmers and rural industries improve their production, processing, and distribution of farm products. They act as facilitators and communicators helping farmers to make decisions.

Top Recruiters

Academic institutions, governmental organisations, agricultural research organisations, and private agribusiness firms are among the top employers for PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding graduates. While government agencies and non-governmental organisations concentrate on sustainable farming practices and food security measures, universities and research institutes look for skilled persons to lead academic programmes and research projects. Some of the top recruiters in PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding are:

• Syngenta
• Monsanto (now part of Bayer)
• Bayer Crop Science
• UPL Limited
• IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative)
• Coromandel International
• Rallis India
• DuPont (Corteva Agriscience)
• EY
• PwC

Benefits of PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding

A PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding offers a wide range of personal, professional, and societal benefits, making it a rewarding endeavour for those passionate about agriculture, genetics, and crop improvement. The candidates gain deep expertise in genetics, molecular biology, plant breeding techniques, and bioinformatics.

Develop cutting-edge solutions for global agricultural challenges like climate change, food security, and pest resistance.

Expected Salary after PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding graduates’ average salaries might differ significantly depending on a number of factors, including area, employment specialisation, and organisation type. PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding increases earning potential and provides access to leadership positions across a range of industries. Some of the high-paying job profiles in the field of PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding are as follows:

Source: Ambition Box, Glassdoor

Top Private colleges in India offering PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding

A list of top private colleges in India offer PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding at a relatively higher tuition fee. Most of the private colleges provide good exposure to students pursuing the course. In the table below, we have mentioned the popular private colleges and their respective fee structure.

PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding is an advanced academic and research-focused programme that focuses on the study of genetic principles and how they might be applied to improve crop types. In order to solve agricultural issues and improve food production, this program blends conventional breeding methods with cutting-edge instruments including molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics.