Degree Course Type 

Diploma

Entry Level Qualification 

Class 10

Degree Course Duration 

2 Year

Course Fields 

Agriculture

Degree Course Entrance Exam 

No Entrance Exam

Average Course Fee 

5000 - 200000

Average Salary Offered 

200000 - 1000000

Course Details 

Course Highlights 

Check out some of the Diploma in Agriculture course highlights from the table provided below:

About Course 

Diploma in Agriculture is a two years long course that imparts knowledge about various forms of agriculture, livestock and crop management, agricultural extension, agricultural chemistry and more. Diploma in Agriculture is for candidates interested in agriculture and related research fields. The course curriculum is divided into four semesters. Candidates must have passed the 10th class or equivalent examination from a recognised board with a minimum overall aggregate score of 50% to be eligible for the course. Soils and Fertility Management, Principles of Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Principles of Genetics, and other topics are covered in the Diploma in Agriculture curriculum. Admission to the Diploma in Agriculture is primarily based on marks obtained in the 10th or other equivalent intermediate examinations. However, some colleges offer admission based on an entrance examination. TS POLYCET, AP Agriculture Polytechnic Admission, and other entrance exams are available.

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, and others are among the top colleges that offer the Diploma in Agriculture course. In India, the average Diploma in Agriculture course fee ranges between INR 5000 and INR 100,000. Working professionals who want to work in agriculture can enroll in the Distance Diploma in Agriculture programme. The average Diploma in Agriculture Distance Mode course fee ranges between INR 10,000 and INR 40,000.

Students who complete this course will be able to work in a variety of private and public sectors as an Agricultural Engineer, Business Manager, Research Associate, Agricultural Inspector, Agricultural Ecologist, Lecturer, and so on. The average starting salary for an Agriculture Diploma holder ranges between INR 2,00,000 and 10,00,000 per year, with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field increasing with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field.

Why Choose Course And Required Skills 

There are plenty of reasons to study Diploma in Agriculture. The nation wants professionals who possess good agricultural knowledge and could do something for the betterment of the farmers of the country. Most of the students prefer studying Diploma in Agriculture course because of the following reasons:

1. More Opportunities: The Diploma in Agriculture opens a pool of opportunities in various fields especially in the agricultural sector. For example, candidates after completion of course can get an opportunity to work in various sectors of agriculture that includes horticulture, pisciculture, agronomy, agriculture economy and many more. The agriculture sector is expected to grow by 12 % till 2026, creating job opportunities for the Diploma holder in Agriculture.

2. Chance to an early career: The candidates who undertake Diploma in Agriculture course or UG diploma course get a chance to study a specialized course at an early stage soon after the completion of Class 10. It allows them to start an early career and help them gain valuable experience before they come back to complete their graduation. Candidates can pursue a degree programme after the completion of UG diploma programme with good knowledge and skills about the course.

3. Those who complete the Diploma in Agriculture course can directly get a job in the relevant field based on their skills, knowledge and calibers.

4. Competitive salary: The course offers a handsome salary package ranging from INR 2,00,000 to 10,00,000 or higher. According to the website payscale agriculture specialists in India can earn a salary of INR 558,000 per annum, thus making the diploma in agriculture one of the most profitable courses in the country.

5. Chance to work with the MNCs: Diploma in Agriculture course opens up various career opportunities in front of students. Students can choose to work in top-notch companies. Top companies such as ITC, Britannia, Godrej Agrovet, Rallis India Limited, and many more hire Diploma in Agriculture candidates or professionals. Apart from this, yet another option for students is to pursue higher education.

Research opportunities: Diploma in Agriculture course allows the aspirants to work in various research related to agriculture and its related field.

Eligibility  

Students who wish to pursue a Diploma in Agriculture course must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.

1. The candidate must have passed Class 10.

2. The candidate must have a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.

3. 5% relaxation in marks will be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories on the submission of supported documents.

4. However, in the case of Diploma in Agriculture admission through the entrance examination, there are some minor changes in the eligibility criteria:

5. Candidates who have scored 35 % in their class 10 board examination are eligible to appear for the entrance examination.

6. The candidates must complete 15 years of education to be eligible for admission to the Diploma in Agriculture Course.

Entrance Exams Details 

There are only a selected number of colleges that conduct an entrance test for admission to the Diploma in Agriculture course. The examination mostly has a duration of 2 to 3 hours during which the students are required to attempt objective-type questions. Diploma in Agriculture examination’s details are released by the colleges every year. Some entrance exams are mentioned below for admission in Diploma in Agriculture: 

1. ICAR AIEEEA

2. BCECE 

3. JCECE 

4. KCET 

5. BVP CET

6. OUAT 

7. TS POLYCET 

8. AP POLYCET

Degree Course Syllabus 

The syllabus for a Diploma in Agriculture degree course typically covers various aspects of agricultural science, including crop production, soil science, animal husbandry, and farm management. Here is an overview of the common subjects studied in the Diploma in Agriculture course:

Diploma in Agriculture Syllabus:

1st Year:

1. Fundamentals of Agronomy

Introduction to Agronomy

Crop Classification and Production

Soil and Water Management

2. Principles of Soil Science

Soil Properties and Composition

Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

Soil Conservation Techniques

3. Introduction to Plant Pathology

Plant Diseases and Their Management

Disease Control Methods

Use of Fungicides and Biopesticides

4. Fundamentals of Horticulture

Basics of Horticulture and its Branches

Horticultural Crops and Their Importance

Nursery Management

5. Agricultural Economics

Introduction to Agricultural Economics

Farm Management

Agricultural Marketing and Finance

6. Livestock Production and Management

Types of Livestock

Breeding, Feeding, and Management Practices

Animal Health and Diseases

2nd Year:

1. Irrigation Techniques and Water Management

Methods of Irrigation

Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation

Water Harvesting and Conservation

2. Organic Farming and Sustainable Agriculture

Principles of Organic Farming

Composting and Organic Manure

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

3. Farm Machinery and Power

Types of Farm Equipment

Operation and Maintenance of Agricultural Machinery

Mechanization in Agriculture

4. Pest Management in Crops

Integrated Pest Management

Chemical and Biological Pest Control Methods

Use of Pesticides and Safety Measures

5. Agricultural Meteorology

Weather and Climate in Agriculture

Forecasting and its Importance in Agriculture

Impact of Weather on Crop Production

6. Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture

Agribusiness and Startups in Agriculture

Project Planning and Farm Management

Marketing and Export of Agricultural Products

3rd Year (if applicable):

1. Post-Harvest Technology

Harvesting Methods and Techniques

Storage and Preservation of Agricultural Products

Packaging and Processing of Crops

2. Agroforestry and Environmental Science

Agroforestry Systems and Practices

Environmental Impact and Conservation

Role of Forests in Agriculture

3. Field Practical and Study Tours

On-field Training in Crop Production and Management

Visits to Agricultural Research Centers, Farms, and Cooperatives

Project Work and Presentations

4. Project Work/Internship

Practical Training in Agricultural Practices

Development of Skills in a Real-World Environment

Submission of Internship Reports

Note:

The syllabus may vary slightly depending on the university or institution offering the Diploma in Agriculture course. The focus is generally on practical knowledge and fieldwork to provide hands-on experience in agricultural techniques.

Top Colleges 

Diploma in Agriculture courses are offered by many top colleges and universities across the country. 

Course Fees 

Diploma in Agriculture courses are offered by many top colleges and universities across the country. Some of the best Diploma in Agriculture colleges in India offering this course have been mentioned below with the Diploma in Agriculture fees as well.

Top Recruiters And Salary 

The top companies that hire Diploma in Agriculture graduates are Agricultural Plantations, Government Agricultural Firms, Food Production Firms, Fertilizer Manufacturing firms, Government agricultural boards, etc. The Diploma in Agriculture average salary ranges from INR 200,000 pa to INR 10,00,000 per annum.

Top Recruiters in Agriculture Sector

1. Coromandel Fertilizers

2. Buhler India

3. Monsanto India, Bayer Crop Science, etc

4. Agrochemicals and Fertilisers, Telangana

5. Godrej Agrovet, Maharashtra

6. Krishak Bharati Cooperative, Uttar Pradesh

7. Cargill, India

Course Scope And Career Options 

Opting for a course like a diploma in Agriculture opens up multiple opportunities for the candidates. They can work in different agricultural sectors like pisciculture, horticulture, and others. An individual can opt for a job profile as per their choice. When it is to finding career opportunities, a candidate after completing a diploma in agriculture degree can work in both private as well as government sectors. It might be possible that the candidate can sit for various competitive exams to find an opportunity in the government sector as well.

Some popular career options after diploma in agriculture are mentioned below:

Agronomist

An Agronomist is responsible for increasing the productivity of the soil. He/She studies plants and soil for the better productivity of the soil. They also suggest better harvesting techniques, solve harvest problems, help in better cultivation. They help develop more effective and efficient farming practices. They conduct research, take and test samples, and solve complex agricultural problems.

Agricultural Officer

One of India's most coveted and also well-paid government jobs is agricultural officers’ post. A lot of prestige and recognition is attached to this position, and this post is bagged by thousands of students every year especially those with diploma in agriculture degree. The responsibilities of an Agricultural Officer involve taking care of the rules and regulations in the agricultural activities taking place in state and local areas. They need to make sure that the activities comply with the rules and regulations.

Agricultural Engineer

An agriculture engineer is a professional who applies and uses the principles of agriculture and engineering to come up with solutions in the agriculture sector.  An agriculture engineer is also known as a biological engineer. An Agricultural Engineer is responsible for solving problems related to agriculture like types of equipment and their efficiency, any environmental issues, storage-related hindrances, and others.

Agricultural Inspector

An agricultural inspector is someone who works to prevent food-borne diseases and provide healthy food to everyone. Anything that we eat does not come directly to us, especially in the cities. The food goes through numerous departments before finally coming to the consumer. The role of an Agricultural Inspector is to keep a check on the quality of production and ensure that all activities are in accordance with rules and regulations. They are additionally responsible for providing the necessary equipment for the production.

Admission Process 

Diploma in Agriculture Admission course will be done based on the candidate's performance in the qualifying examination i.e. Class 10 exams. In merit-based selection, marks obtained by a candidate in the qualifying examinations are considered for offering admission into the course. The various steps involved in the admission process are given below.

1. The admission process to the Diploma in Agriculture course is either entrance based or merit-based.

2. Since most colleges enroll students on the basis of merit, candidates are advised to attain high percentages in the class 10 board exams.

3. Participation and certification in various extra-curricular activities such as clubs, sports, and NGO volunteering can be a deciding factor to the list of merits.

4. In the case of entrance-based selection, it is very important to perform well and score above the qualifying marks in the entrance test in order to get admission in a good college.

5. One must be well aware of the latest exam pattern. One must also know the weightage assigned to each section in the exam and prepare accordingly.

6. One must start preparing for the entrance exam a year before as this gives ample time for learning and revision. Do keep your target institute in mind.