How to become a Agricultural Scientist

What does a Agricultural Scientist do?

Agricultural scientists research crops, soil, livestock and farming methods to raise yields and help farmers. The usual route is a four-year B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture followed by a master’s and often a PhD.

An agricultural scientist plans field trials, tests seeds, soil and pests, analyses results and shares new methods with farmers through extension work.

In India agricultural scientists work in ICAR institutes, state agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, seed and fertiliser companies and government agriculture departments.

How to get there

1. Class 10Study Science well
2. Class 11–12Take at least three of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (Agriculture can count) with 50% (40% for SC/ST/PwBD)
3. UGComplete the four-year B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture
4. PGComplete a master's (M.Sc Agriculture) and often a PhD
5. First roleJoin ICAR as a scientist through the ARS route (master's degree is the minimum) or a university or company research team

Courses that lead here

Further study

• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Colleges for these courses

Skills you need

• Communication with farmers
• Field experimentation
• Lab techniques
• Plant and soil science
• Report writing
• Statistics

It suits people who are

• Patient
• Observant
• Practical
• Curious

Where you work and how you grow

Where people work

• ICAR institutes
• State agricultural universities
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras
• Seed and agri-input companies

Growth path

1. Scientist → Senior Scientist → Principal Scientist → Head or Director of institute

Related careers

Frequently asked questions