BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BOTANY
Degree Course Type
Bachelors
Entry Level Qualification
Class 10+2
Degree Course Duration
3 Year
Degree Course Entrance Exam
CUET UG, CUET PG
Average Course Fee
45000 - 100000
Average Salary Offered
250000 - 1200000
Course Details
BSc Botany is an undergraduate degree programme mostly preferred by students who have studied Biology or similar subjects in Class XII. The duration of the B.Sc course is 3 years. The course is designed to study the plant kingdom and the species found on the planet. Students who are interested in ecology, forestry, and plants can pursue this course after Class XII.
The BSc Botany programme covers academic activities within the classroom sessions along with practical concepts at laboratory sessions. Infield, outstation activities and projects are also organized for real-life experience and learning. Candidates who have curiosity about plant kingdoms, and ecosystems, love exploring exotic places, and wish to work as researchers or professionals like botanists, conservationists, Ecologists, etc. can choose B.Sc Botany course.
BSc Botany and BSc Zoology Course Comparison
BSc Botany and BSc Zoology are the most preferred courses by the candidates after the 12th. Though both the subjects are offered under Life Sciences, there are huge differences between them. Detailed below is the comparison between BSc Botany courses and BSc Zoology:
Parameters | BSc Botany | BSc Zoology |
Course Descriptions | The course deals with the study of plants where students gain knowledge on plant and their developments | BSc Zoology is about the study of living and extinct animals and their relationship with ecosystems. The subjects taught in the course are Physiology, Biotechnology, Bio-diversity, etc. |
Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years |
Eligibility | Must qualify in (10+2 ) in Science stream and score at least 55%-60% in class 12th board exam Must have studied Biology with Physics and Mathematics | Must qualify in (10+2 ) in Science stream and score at least 50% in class 12th board exam Must have studied Physics, Mathematics, and Biology |
Admission Process | Merit/Entrance Exam Based | Merit/Entrance Exam Based |
Job Roles | Botanists, Microbiologists, Horticulturists, Plant Biochemists, etc. | Environmental Consultant, Teachers, Wildlife Biologists, Ecologists, Zoologists, etc. |
Career Prospective | Opportunities are high for the BSc Botany students as more job scopes use to opening up in this field | The career growth is steady for the BSc Zoology graduates as more species are yet to be discovered and more professionals will be required to do that. |
Govt. Jobs | Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute | Zoological Survey of India Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute Assistant Forest Conservator and Range Officer |
Average Salary | INR 4 to INR 8 Lakhs | INR 4 to INR 7 Lakhs |
Govt. Recruitment Tests | State Public Service Commission exams SSC CGL UPSC | State Public Service Commission exams SSC CGL UPSC |
Course Highlights
Check highlights of the BSc course in the following table:
Course Name | Bachelor of Science in Botany |
Degree Level | Undergraduate |
Duration | 3 years |
Course fees | INR 45,000 to INR 1.0 lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 2.50 to 5.0 lakhs |
About Course
BSc Botany is an undergraduate degree programme mostly preferred by students who have studied Biology or similar subjects in Class XII. The duration of the B.Sc course is 3 years. The course is designed to study the plant kingdom and the species found on the planet. Students who are interested in ecology, forestry and plants can pursue this course after Class XII.
The word “Botany” is derived from a term called “Botanic” which is also taken from the Greek word ‘Botane’. According to Wikipedia, Botany is considered Plant Sciences or phytology which is all about plant life. Botany, a branch of Biology focuses on the scientific learning of plants and their related aspects including plants and their diseases, growth, etc. The concept of modern botany has expanded a lot. It is now a multidisciplinary subject interlinked with other science domains. In this 3-year degree course, candidates learn about the different types of plants, their features, and uses. In today’s plant sciences, molecular genetics and epigenetics are important domains the candidates are taught about. There are many branches in botany like Agronomy, Biotechnology, Dendrology, Arboriculture, Astrobotany, etc. To enroll in the BSc Botany course, candidates must have studied science in their class 12th.
The BSc Botany programme covers academic activities within the classroom sessions along with practical concepts at laboratory sessions. Infield, outstation activities and projects are also organized for real-life experience and learning. Candidates who have curiosity in plant kingdoms, ecosystems, love exploring exotic places and wish to work as researchers or professions like botanists, conservationists, Ecologists, etc. can choose B.Sc Botany course.
BSc Botany Distance Education
BSc Botany courses are available on the distance learning mode also. In this open learning platform, emphasis is given to the study of plants as well as the physiology of plants. Apart from that, all the related aspects are covered in the BSc Botany Distance Education. BSc Botany Admission for Distance Education is done based on the merit of the previous qualifying examination. The time duration for the course is about 3 to 6 years. There is no specific age limit for the course. After pursuing the BSc Botany Correspondence course candidates can begin their career in both Government and Private jobs. Those who want to pursue further studies can enroll in the Master’s programme provided they secure the required marks in the final exam.
Why Choose Course And Required Skills
The learning of the BSc Botany course provides enormous benefits to the candidates. Listed below are some of the important benefits that every candidate must consider for choosing this course:
1. The knowledge imparted through the BSc in Botany helps the candidates to understand environmental conservation. With a clear concept of this, a graduate of this stream can contribute to the field a lot
2. Similarly, they come to know about the genetic modification of different plants also
3. A good range of job opportunities is there for Botany candidates. A Botany graduate who has good scores is recruited both in the private and public sectors
4. After pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Botany, candidates can engage themselves in multiple research works based on Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Breeding, etc.
5. As a course, BSc Botany makes the foundation for further studies. Candidates who opt for a Master’s degree feel extremely benefitted by this course As the basic understanding level of the subjects is properly built up, grasping the learnings of MSc becomes easier for them
Often the MSc candidates choose a career in Research and Development for which the study of Botany in the Bachelor’s degree proves to be beneficial
Eligibility
Check the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for BSc Botany courses:
1. Candidates must have completed intermediate (10+2) studies.
2. Candidates must have studied English, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology at an intermediate level. S
3. The minimum percentage required in 10+2 may vary college-wise. The range of percentage required for admission is 55% to 60%.
Entrance Exams Details
Entrance-Based Admission Process
1. Candidates register for the BSc Botany entrance exam through the exam portal
2. They fill up the application form with the required personal and academic details
3. Within the deadline, candidates submit the form along with all the required documents and prescribed application fees
4. On the scheduled date, candidates appear in the entrance exam
5. On a pre-decided date, colleges declare the results, and candidates are given ranks
6. The selected candidates are then invited to the counseling session
7. Post document verification, candidates are offered seats and asked to pay the admission fees
8. Final admission is done after the fee payment
BSc Botany Entrance Exam:
To get BSc Botany admission, some colleges require the candidates to appear in the BSc Botany entrance exams. Listed below are some of the common entrance exams that one can check before applying for the BSc Botany course:
1. Andhra Pradesh Residential Degree Colleges Common Entrance Test
2. BHU Undergraduate Entrance Test
Degree Course Syllabus
BSc Botany course can be completed in 3 years. The course is divided in 6 terms. Check the important topics that are covered throughout the BSc course:
1st Year Syllabus |
Introduction to Biology | Algae and Microbiology |
Chemistry-I | Technical writing and Communication in English / Computational skills |
Mycology & Phytopathology | Archegoniate |
Chemistry –II | Biochemistry |
2nd Year Syllabus |
Plant Resource Utilization | Mathematics and Statistics |
Cell Biology - I | Molecular Biology - 1 |
Plant Development and Anatomy | Ecology and Phytogeography |
Cell Biology II | Molecular Biology - II |
3rd Year Syllabus |
Plant Systematics & Evolution | Plant Physiology |
Environmental Management / Bioinformatics | Genetics & Genomics -I |
Plant Metabolism | Reproductive Biology of Angiosperms |
Plant Biotechnology | Genetics & Genomics - II |
Top Colleges
Following are some of the top colleges offering Arts and Humanities courses: Jai Hind College (Mumbai), Lady Shri Ram College for Women (Delhi), St. Xaviers College (Mumbai), Gargi College (New Delhi), Shri Ram College of Commerce (Delhi).
Course Fees
The average fee for B.Sc Botany is INR 45,000 to 1,00,000 per year.
Top Recruiters And Salary
The average starting salary ranges between INR 2.50 lakhs and INR 5.0 lakhs. With experience, a researcher can earn upto 12.00 lakhs per annum.
Course Scope And Career Options
After completing BSc Botany, candidates can choose various professional courses based on their area of interest. Check the list of various professions open for BSc Botany students:
1. Botanist
2. Microbiologist
3. Horticulturist
4. Palaeobotanist
5. Taxonomist
6. Plant Biochemist
7. Weed Scientist
8. Plant Researcher
9. Plant Pathologist
10. Conservationist
11. Consultant in Farming
BSc Botany Future Scopes
There are various options to do after pursuing a BSc Botany course. Scopes of BSc Botany graduates are not restricted to a single career path. Listed below are various scopes that a graduate can march out after receiving a BSc Botany degree:
Higher Education Opportunities
1. As a higher study, candidates can apply for a B.Ed course and teach as a Biology teacher in a school
2. They can choose MSc Botany for higher education
3. After MSc, candidates can enroll in PhD courses
Career Opportunities
After BSc Botany, if anyone wants to join a govt job they need to appear for the Civil Services exam, State Government exam for Teacher recruitment, Public Service Commission exam, etc. The field of Botany has diverse scopes to offer. Apart from the govt. jobs, a BSc Botany graduate can start working as an ecologist, plant pathologist, farming consultant, and in various other job profiles as mentioned before.
BSc Botany Job Roles
Botanist- The chief responsibility of a Botanist is to study and make research on the plants and their life cycles. To perform, they do fieldwork, report observations, classify plants, analyze different ways of plant conservation, etc.
Microbiologist- The job responsibilities of a Microbiologist is to observe the development of microorganisms, and microbe cultures, record, analysis and interpret data, gather samples from different locations, etc.
Horticulturist- Multiple tasks are done by a Horticulturist including planting, watering, fertilizing the plants, identifying and treating the plants’ diseases, etc.
Taxonomist- The key job role played by a Taxonomist is to classify the plants and new species and name them.
Paleobotanist- A Paleobotanist identifies and examines the fossilized extracts of dead plants that are discovered in geological formations. The works of these professionals help to trace evolution.
Weed Scientist- A weed scientist identifies weeds, and their varieties make research, and finds out ways of combatting them.
Plant Researcher- A plant researcher researches plants, soil composition, crop growth, etc. Professionals who work in this job profile help the farmers by demonstrating techniques that would help to improve production.
Plant Pathologists- The jobs of Plant Pathologists include identifying and eliminating the diseases of the plants by conducting both theoretical and practical research.
Conservationist- A Conservationist works to protect and preserve natural resources like forests, parks, etc. They are often known as soil scientists, conservation scientists, etc.
Farming Consultant- A Farming Consultant visit farms, conduct analysis, interpret data, make presentations, etc.
Admission Process
Admission in BSc Botany courses is acceptable on a merit- basis. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are considered for admission into a specific college/ institute.
BSc Botany admission is done both by merit and entrance exam. For the merit-based entrance exam, the marks of previous qualifying exams are considered. In the entrance-based admission, candidates are offered admission based on the scores earned in the respective entrance exams. Elaborated below are both the admission processes:
Entrance-Based Admission Process
1. Candidates register for the BSc Botany entrance exam through the exam portal
2. They fill up the application form with the required personal and academic details
3. Within the deadline, candidates submit the form along with all the required documents and prescribed application fees
4. On the scheduled date, candidates appear in the entrance exam
5. On a pre-decided date, colleges declare the results, and candidates are given ranks
6. The selected candidates are then invited to the counseling session
7. Post document verification, candidates are offered seats and asked to pay the admission fees
8. Final admission is done after the fee payment
Merit-Based Admission Process
In the merit-based admission process, colleges declare a cut-off mark. Those who meet the cut-off mark set by the top BSc Botany colleges and other eligibility criteria are offered final admission for the BSc Botany courses.
BSc Botany Entrance Exam
To get BSc Botany admission, some colleges require the candidates to appear in the BSc Botany entrance exams. Listed below are some of the common entrance exams that one can check before applying for the BSc Botany course:
1. Andhra Pradesh Residential Degree Colleges Common Entrance Test
2. BHU Undergraduate Entrance Test