Agricultural Research Scientist – How to become an Agricultural Research Scientist?
India’s agricultural sector is a key contributor to the nation’s economy, accounting for almost 30% of the GDP and employing 65% of the workforce. As a science-based and high-tech industry, it provides various career opportunities, including the role of an Agricultural Research Scientist. These professionals play a vital role in enhancing and maintaining the country’s agricultural productivity by studying crops and animals, developing ways to improve their quality and quantity, and applying principles of biology, physics, and chemistry.
Agricultural Research Scientists are specialized professionals, and their job duties vary based on their area of expertise. The role demands a high level of patience, perseverance, and the ability to analyze and understand details thoroughly. They must possess strong interpretation skills, be confident in accepting challenges, and have a passion for improving existing agricultural products.
Eligibility to Become an Agricultural Research Scientist
To pursue a career as an Agricultural Research Scientist, one must first complete a graduate course in Agricultural Engineering, such as BE/BTech or a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering. The eligibility criteria require candidates to have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations with physics, chemistry, and mathematics/biology with a minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate in the subjects concerned. Graduates in related fields are eligible to pursue advanced courses such as Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Research in Agriculture.
Becoming an Agricultural Research Scientist requires a significant amount of hard work and dedication, but it offers enormous opportunities for career advancement, personal satisfaction, and financial rewards. For those who have a desire and capacity for it, this profession can be an excellent career choice that contributes to the development of India’s agricultural sector.
Agricultural research is an important aspect of this industry and offers a plethora of career opportunities for individuals interested in research work. If you’re interested in becoming an Agricultural Research Scientist, here’s what you need to know.
Steps to Becoming an Agricultural Research Scientist:
- Apply for entrance tests: The first step in becoming an Agricultural Research Scientist is to apply for entrance tests conducted by universities and independent institutions offering undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural engineering.
- Pursue an agricultural engineering course: The next step is to pursue a graduate course in Agricultural Engineering, such as BE/BTech or a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering. The eligibility criteria for these courses require candidates to have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations with physics, chemistry, and mathematics/biology with a minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate in the subjects concerned.
- Clear entrance exams: Selection to graduate courses is based on merit, which is determined by the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through the entrance test. Selection to postgraduate courses is through an entrance exam conducted by the respective educational institutions.
- Appear for competitive exams: After completing their studies, aspiring candidates need to sit for the combined entrance exams conducted by various state and central recruitment agencies to join as Agricultural Research Scientists in various departments of state and central governments. Alternatively, candidates can take the Agricultural Research Scientist Exam, also known as the ARS/NET exam, to work as lecturers in various agricultural universities and their affiliated colleges.
Agricultural Research Scientist Job Description
The job of an Agricultural Research Scientist involves studying farm crops and animals and developing ways to improve their quality and quantity. The specific job duties can vary based on their area of specialization.
Agricultural Research Scientist Career Options
A career as an Agricultural Research Scientist offers many opportunities for growth, including becoming a lecturer or production in-charge in the food and allied industries. Employment opportunities are available in private and public sector organizations, as well as international organizations working in this field.
Agriculture Research Scientist Salary
The salary of an Agricultural Research Scientist varies based on their academic qualifications, the institute or university from which they graduated, and their level of work experience. Fresh graduates from prestigious institutes like IIT can earn between Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 60,000/- per month in the corporate sector, while a BTech graduate from other universities can earn around Rs. 35,000/- to Rs. 40,000/- with many increments in the future.
Overall, becoming an Agricultural Research Scientist requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and a passion for improving existing agricultural products. If you possess these qualities, this career path can be an excellent choice for you, providing both financial rewards and personal satisfaction.
What are the best colleges for Agriculture in India?
For Graduation
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – [TNAU]-, Coimbatore
- Anand Agricultural University – [AAU], Anand
- Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
- Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth – [MPKV], Pune
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur
- Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences – [SHUATS], Allahabad
- Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya – [IGKV], Raipur
- Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University- [YCMOU], Nashik
- Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth – [DBSKKV], Ratnagiri
- Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya – [UBKV], Cooch Behar
For Post Graduation
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute – [IARI], New Delhi
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – [TNAU]-, Coimbatore
- Anand Agricultural University – [AAU], Anand
- Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University – [ANGRAU], Hyderabad
- Punjab Agricultural University – [PAU], Ludhiana
- Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata
- Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth – [MPKV], Pune
- Birsa Agricultural University – [BAU], Ranchi
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur
What is the best entrance exam for Agriculture in India?
For Graduation
- Kerala Engineering Agricultural Medical Entrance Examination-KEAM 2022
- Andhra Pradesh Engineering Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test-AP EAMCET 2022
- Karnataka Common Entrance Test-KCET 2022
- Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination-JCECE 2022
- Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test-BHU UET 2022
- Tripura Joint Entrance Examination-Tripura JEE 2022
- Centurion University Entrance Examination-CUEE 2022
- Chhattisgarh Pre Agriculture Test-CG PAT 2022
- AISECT Joint Entrance Exam-AJEE 2022
- The Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology-OUAT 2022
For Post Graduation
- Jawaharlal Nehru University Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology-JNU CEEB 2022
- The Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology-OUAT 2022
- AISECT Joint Entrance Exam-AJEE 2022
- Maharashtra Council of Agriculture Education and Research Common Entrance Test-MCAER PG CET 2022