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B-SC-HONS in Agriculture at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Nadia, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Agriculture at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Nadia?
This B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture program at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya focuses on equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills across agricultural sciences. Designed to meet India''''s growing food and nutritional security demands, the curriculum integrates crop production, soil science, plant protection, horticulture, and agricultural economics. The program emphasizes sustainable farming practices, modern technologies, and agribusiness management essential for transforming the Indian agricultural landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for young aspirants passionate about agriculture and rural development, seeking to contribute to India''''s primary sector. It attracts fresh 10+2 science graduates eager to delve into scientific farming, research, or agri-business. Career changers looking for a grounded, impactful career, and individuals from farming backgrounds aiming to modernize their family enterprises, will also find immense value in this comprehensive agricultural education.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and rewarding career paths within India''''s vast agricultural sector. Opportunities range from agricultural officers in government, extension specialists, farm managers, to roles in agribusiness, rural banking, and agricultural research. Entry-level salaries typically start from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program also prepares students for higher studies (M.Sc., Ph.D.) and competitive exams for prestigious government positions like UPSC or state PSCs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate a Strong Scientific Base- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding the fundamental principles of agronomy, soil science, genetics, and plant protection. Actively participate in laboratory sessions and field visits to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Form study groups to clarify concepts and prepare for internal assessments.
Tools & Resources
University labs, Departmental farms, Basic science textbooks, ICAR e-courses, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and forms the basis for analytical thinking required in research and field roles.
Develop Observational and Field Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Spend extra time in the university''''s experimental fields and farms. Learn to identify crops, weeds, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. Document observations, take detailed notes during practicals, and ask questions to instructors and farm workers. Volunteer for farm activities to gain hands-on experience beyond classroom hours.
Tools & Resources
University research farms, Botanical gardens, Identification guides, Senior students as mentors
Career Connection
Early exposure to practical farming hones critical skills for farm management, extension work, and field research, making graduates more valuable to employers.
Master Communication and Basic Computing- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in presentations, group discussions, and report writing assignments to enhance communication skills. Utilize computer labs to gain proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for academic tasks and data presentation. These are vital for professional interactions and data handling in any agricultural role.
Tools & Resources
University language labs, Computer centers, Online tutorials (e.g., NPTEL for communication), Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Effective communication and basic digital literacy are indispensable for networking, presenting project reports, and efficient data management in any agricultural organization.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Departmental Projects & Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to assist professors or senior students in ongoing research projects within different departments (e.g., Agronomy, Horticulture, Entomology). Look for short-term internships or summer training programs with local agricultural industries, NGOs, or government farms to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty, University career services, Local agri-businesses, State agriculture department, ICAR institutes
Career Connection
Hands-on project experience and internships provide practical skills, industry insights, and networking opportunities crucial for securing placements and choosing specializations.
Specialize through Electives and Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Thoughtfully choose elective courses that align with emerging trends in agriculture (e.g., organic farming, precision agriculture, agribusiness). Consider pursuing online certifications in specialized areas like GIS in agriculture, data analytics for farming, or specific crop cultivation techniques from platforms like Coursera or NPTEL.
Tools & Resources
Elective course catalog, NPTEL, Coursera, EdX, Industry workshops, Agricultural journals
Career Connection
Specialization makes graduates highly competitive for niche roles in modern agriculture, agribusiness, and research, potentially leading to higher earning potential.
Participate in Agri-Fests & Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in agricultural exhibitions, tech-fests, and crop production competitions organized by the university, ICAR, or other agricultural bodies. Present project ideas, showcase innovations, and engage with industry experts and fellow students. This builds confidence and provides a platform for showcasing skills.
Tools & Resources
University Agri-fest committees, ICAR events, State agricultural fairs, College clubs
Career Connection
These events offer valuable networking opportunities, exposure to new technologies, and a chance to win recognition, which can boost résumés and open doors to employment.
Advanced Stage
Maximize Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE)- (Semester 6 (Full Semester))
Treat RAWE as a foundational practical immersion. Take initiative during village attachment to understand real-world farming challenges, engage with farmers, conduct surveys, and implement extension activities. Document experiences meticulously, build rapport with local farmers and extension officers, and seek feedback to refine practical skills.
Tools & Resources
RAWE program coordinators, Assigned villages, Local KVKs, State agriculture extension offices
Career Connection
RAWE is a critical component for practical exposure, essential for roles in extension, rural development, and direct farm management, significantly enhancing employability.
Focus on Project/Industrial Attachment & Placement Preparation- (Semester 8)
Dedicate the final semester to a high-impact student project or industrial attachment. Choose a topic or company aligned with career goals. Network with potential employers during the attachment. Simultaneously, start rigorous placement preparation: résumé building, mock interviews, aptitude tests, and public sector exam coaching (e.g., IBPS AFO, UPSC Agriculture Optional).
Tools & Resources
Project guides, Industry mentors, Career counseling cells, Online aptitude platforms, Coaching institutes
Career Connection
A strong final project/attachment is a key differentiator. Combined with focused placement preparation, it directly translates into successful career launches in various government, private, and research organizations.
Develop Agri-Entrepreneurial Mindset & Network- (Semester 7-8)
Explore opportunities to convert academic projects into viable business ideas. Attend workshops on agri-startup ecosystems, government schemes for agricultural entrepreneurship (e.g., Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers). Build a strong professional network by connecting with alumni, industry leaders, and researchers through conferences and LinkedIn.
Tools & Resources
Startup incubation centers, Government scheme websites (NABARD, MSME), LinkedIn, Alumni network, Professional associations
Career Connection
Fosters self-employment opportunities and leadership skills. A robust network provides mentorship, job leads, and partnership potential in India''''s dynamic agri-food sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidate must have passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture from a recognized board, securing a minimum aggregate percentage as per admission guidelines (Derived from general admission requirements for ICAR affiliated institutions and BCKV admission pages).
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-101 | Fundamentals of Agronomy | Core | 3 | Agriculture & Agronomy concepts, Crop classification and growth, Tillage & soil environment, Nutrient management, Weed management, Dryland agriculture |
| HORT-101 | Fundamentals of Horticulture | Core | 3 | Importance of horticulture, Plant propagation techniques, Orchard management, Pruning & training, Post-harvest technology, Horticultural therapy |
| GPB-101 | Fundamentals of Genetics | Core | 3 | History of genetics, Mendelian laws, Chromosome theory of inheritance, Gene interactions, Linkage & crossing over, Quantitative genetics |
| SSAC-101 | Fundamentals of Soil Science | Core | 3 | Soil formation & composition, Soil physical properties, Soil chemical properties, Soil organic matter, Soil classification, Problematic soils |
| ENTO-101 | Fundamentals of Entomology | Core | 3 | Insect morphology & anatomy, Metamorphosis, Insect classification, Beneficial insects, Economic importance, Pest management strategies |
| PATH-101 | Fundamentals of Plant Pathology | Core | 3 | History & scope, Disease classification, Causal organisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses), Disease cycles, Epidemiology, Disease management principles |
| EXT-101 | Fundamentals of Rural Sociology & Educational Psychology | Core | 2 | Rural society, Social stratification, Community development, Rural leadership, Learning processes, Motivation theories |
| FMPE-101 | Fundamentals of Agricultural Engineering | Core | 2 | Farm power & machinery, Tillage implements, Irrigation methods, Drainage engineering, Post-harvest technology, Protected cultivation |
| AEC-101 | Rural Marketing & Farm Business Management | Core | 2 | Rural market structure, Marketing functions, Market intelligence, Farm planning, Budgeting, Risk management |
| FWE-101 | Environmental Studies & Disaster Management | Core | 2 | Ecosystems & biodiversity, Environmental pollution, Climate change, Natural resources, Disaster preparedness, Mitigation strategies |
| EL-101 | Introductory Biology / Elementary Mathematics | Elective | 1 | Biology: Cell structure, Plant tissues, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant hormones, Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Vectors, Statistics |
| EL-102 | Comprehensive Course | Elective | 1 | English communication, Listening skills, Public speaking, Computer fundamentals, MS Office applications |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-102 | Crop Production Technology - I (Kharif Crops) | Core | 3 | Kharif crop cultivation, Cereals (rice, maize), Pulses (pigeonpea, greengram), Oilseeds (groundnut, soybean), Fiber crops (cotton), Commercial crops |
| HORT-102 | Production Technology for Vegetables & Spices | Core | 3 | Vegetable classification, Solanaceous vegetables, Cucurbits, Cole crops, Bulb crops, Spice crops cultivation |
| GPB-102 | Fundamentals of Plant Breeding | Core | 3 | Plant breeding history, Modes of reproduction, Domestication, Selection methods, Hybridization, Mutation breeding |
| SSAC-102 | Soil Fertility, Nutrient Management & Fertilizer Technology | Core | 3 | Essential nutrients, Nutrient cycles, Soil testing, Fertilizers & their use, Integrated nutrient management, Bio-fertilizers |
| ENTO-102 | Agricultural Entomology | Core | 3 | Insect pests of field crops, Insect pests of horticultural crops, Integrated pest management, Biological control, Chemical control, Insecticides |
| PATH-102 | Agricultural Microbiology | Core | 3 | Microbes in soil, Nitrogen fixation, Phosphate solubilization, Bio-control agents, Plant-microbe interactions, Fermentation |
| EXT-102 | Fundamentals of Extension Education | Core | 3 | Extension philosophy, Communication models, Teaching methods, Adoption & diffusion, Program planning, Rural development programs |
| AEC-102 | Agricultural Finance & Co-operation | Core | 2 | Agricultural credit, Rural indebtedness, Sources of finance, Crop insurance, Cooperative movement, Microfinance |
| AEC-103 | Farm Management, Production & Resource Economics | Core | 2 | Farm management principles, Production functions, Cost concepts, Resource allocation, Risk & uncertainty, Linear programming |
| EL-201 | Physical Education & Yoga Practices | Elective | 1 | Basic exercises, Aerobics, Yoga asanas, Meditation techniques, Sports rules, Healthy lifestyle |
| EL-202 | NCC / NSS / Other activities | Elective | 1 | Community service, Leadership development, Teamwork, Social awareness, Disaster relief |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-201 | Crop Production Technology - II (Rabi Crops) | Core | 3 | Rabi crop cultivation, Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil, Rapeseed-mustard, Sugarcane |
| HORT-201 | Production Technology for Fruit & Plantation Crops | Core | 3 | Orchard establishment, Mango, Citrus, Guava, Banana, Plantation crops (tea, coffee) |
| GPB-201 | Principles of Seed Technology | Core | 3 | Seed quality, Seed production, Seed processing, Seed testing, Seed storage, Seed certification |
| SSAC-201 | Irrigation & Water Management | Core | 3 | Water resources, Irrigation methods, Water use efficiency, Drainage systems, Soil moisture conservation, Drought management |
| ENTO-203 | Pests of Field Crops & Their Management | Core | 3 | Major pests of cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, Fiber crops, Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, Chemical control |
| PATH-202 | Diseases of Field Crops & Their Management | Core | 3 | Major diseases of cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, Fiber crops, Disease diagnosis, Fungicides, Bio-control |
| EXT-203 | Entrepreneurship Development & Business Communication | Core | 2 | Entrepreneurial skills, Business plan, Market survey, Communication skills, Presentation techniques, Report writing |
| AEC-204 | Agri-Business Management | Core | 2 | Agribusiness environment, Marketing management, Financial management, Human resource management, Supply chain management, Export-import |
| PP-201 | Crop Physiology | Core | 3 | Plant water relations, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant growth regulators, Stress physiology, Seed physiology |
| EL-301 | Communication Skills & Personality Development | Elective | 1 | Verbal & non-verbal communication, Public speaking, Group discussion, Interview skills, Professional etiquette, Time management |
| EL-302 | NSS / NCC / Physical Education | Elective | 1 | Community engagement, Discipline, Physical fitness, Leadership, Social awareness campaigns |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-203 | Weed Management | Core | 3 | Weed biology, Weed classification, Weed competition, Herbicides, Integrated weed management, Bio-herbicides |
| HORT-202 | Production Technology of Flowers & Landscape Gardening | Core | 3 | Commercial flower crops, Loose flowers, Cut flowers, Landscaping principles, Garden design, Lawn establishment |
| GPB-202 | Breeding of Field & Horticultural Crops | Core | 3 | Breeding methods for self-pollinated crops, Cross-pollinated crops, Asexually propagated crops, Breeding for resistance, Quality breeding |
| SSAC-202 | Problematic Soils & Their Management | Core | 3 | Saline soils, Sodic soils, Acid soils, Waterlogged soils, Soil reclamation, Nutrient deficiencies |
| ENTO-204 | Pests of Horticultural Crops & Their Management | Core | 3 | Insect pests of fruit crops, Vegetables, Flowers, Stored products, Biocontrol agents, Botanical pesticides |
| PATH-203 | Diseases of Horticultural Crops & Their Management | Core | 3 | Diseases of fruit crops, Vegetables, Flowers, Post-harvest diseases, Disease forecasting, IPM for horticultural crops |
| EXT-204 | Dimensions of Agricultural Extension | Core | 3 | Extension approaches, Participatory extension, Role of ICT in extension, Gender in agriculture, Entrepreneurial extension, Agricultural development programs |
| PP-202 | Physiology of Crop Yield & Stress Management | Core | 3 | Crop growth analysis, Yield limiting factors, Abiotic stresses (drought, salinity), Biotic stresses, Stress tolerance mechanisms, Climate resilient agriculture |
| FMP-202 | Renewable Energy & Green Technology | Core | 2 | Solar energy, Wind energy, Biomass energy, Biofuels, Energy conservation, Sustainable technologies |
| AEC-205 | Agricultural Marketing, Trade & Prices | Core | 2 | Market structure, Marketing efficiency, Agricultural price policy, International trade, WTO & agriculture, Futures trading |
| EL-401 | Computer Applications in Agriculture | Elective | 1 | Data analysis, Statistical software, GIS in agriculture, Remote sensing, Expert systems, Farm management software |
| EL-402 | Agro-Meteorology | Elective | 1 | Weather elements, Climate change impact, Weather forecasting, Crop-weather relationship, Agrometeorological observatories, Crop planning |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-301 | Cropping Systems & Sustainable Agriculture | Core | 3 | Cropping systems, Crop rotation, Intercropping, Agro-forestry, Organic farming, Conservation agriculture |
| HORT-301 | Post-Harvest Technology | Core | 3 | Maturity indices, Harvesting, Handling, Storage methods, Packaging, Value addition, Food processing |
| GPB-301 | Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | Core | 3 | DNA replication, Transcription, Translation, Recombinant DNA technology, Gene cloning, Transgenic crops |
| SSAC-301 | Soil & Water Conservation Engineering | Core | 3 | Water erosion, Wind erosion, Contour farming, Terracing, Bunding, Gully control structures |
| ENTO-305 | Beneficial Insects & Sericulture | Core | 3 | Pollinators, Predators, Parasitoids, Lac culture, Apiculture, Sericulture (silkworm rearing) |
| PATH-304 | Bio-control of Plant Diseases | Core | 3 | Biological control agents, Antagonism, Hyperparasitism, Induced resistance, Bio-pesticides, Integrated disease management |
| EXT-305 | Extension Methodologies for Technology Transfer | Core | 2 | Extension teaching methods, Audio-visual aids, Mass media, Farm advisory services, Agricultural innovation systems, Frontline demonstrations |
| AEC-306 | Agricultural Project Management & Consultancy | Core | 2 | Project cycle, Project appraisal, Feasibility analysis, Financial analysis, Project monitoring, Consultancy skills |
| ABT-301 | Production Technology of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants | Core | 2 | Importance of MAPs, Cultivation practices, Processing, Quality control, Marketing, Conservation |
| EL-501 | Protected Cultivation | Elective | 1 | Greenhouse technology, Polyhouse, Shade net, Fertigation, Hydroponics, Aeroponics |
| EL-502 | Farm Machinery & Power | Elective | 1 | Tractors, Tillage equipment, Sowing equipment, Plant protection equipment, Harvesting machinery, Post-harvest machines |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-601 | RAWE Programme (Rural Agricultural Work Experience) | Experiential Learning | 20 | Village attachment, Crop production management, Integrated pest management, Livestock management, Extension activities, Survey & data collection |
| EL-601 | Value Addition & Processing of Agricultural Products | Elective | 1 | Food processing techniques, Packaging, Preservation, Product development, Quality control, Marketing of processed goods |
| EL-602 | Organic Farming | Elective | 1 | Organic farming principles, Soil health management, Crop rotation, Bio-fertilizers, Bio-pesticides, Certification |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-401 | Agricultural Marketing & Market Intelligence | Core | 3 | Market structure, Marketing channels, Market information, Price analysis, Marketing costs, Agri-export policy |
| AGRO-402 | Precision Farming | Core | 2 | GIS & GPS, Remote sensing, Variable rate technology, Soil mapping, Crop monitoring, Decision support systems |
| HORT-403 | Commercial Horticulture | Core | 3 | High-tech horticulture, Protected cultivation, Micro-propagation, Export oriented cultivation, Nursery management, Entrepreneurship in horticulture |
| GPB-402 | Intellectual Property Rights | Core | 1 | IPR types (patent, copyright), Plant Variety Protection, Geographical Indications, Farmers'''' rights, Traditional knowledge, Biotechnological patents |
| SSAC-402 | Waste Management & Environmental Pollution | Core | 2 | Agricultural waste, Solid waste management, Liquid waste treatment, Air pollution, Water pollution, Bio-remediation |
| ENTO-406 | Toxicology of Pesticides | Core | 2 | Pesticide classification, Mode of action, Residual effects, Environmental impact, Resistance management, Safe use of pesticides |
| PATH-405 | Integrated Disease Management | Core | 2 | Principles of IDM, Cultural practices, Resistant varieties, Biological control, Chemical control, Disease forecasting |
| EL-701 | Agro-Input Retailing | Elective | 1 | Fertilizer retailing, Pesticide retailing, Seed retailing, Marketing strategies, Inventory management, Regulatory compliance |
| EL-702 | Food Safety & Quality Management | Elective | 1 | Food quality standards, HACCP, GMP, Food adulteration, Regulatory bodies (FSSAI), Traceability |
| EL-703 | Climate Resilient Agriculture | Elective | 1 | Climate change impacts, Adaptation strategies, Mitigation strategies, Drought tolerant crops, Water harvesting, Carbon sequestration |
| EL-704 | Digital Agriculture | Elective | 1 | IoT in agriculture, AI & machine learning, Drone technology, Big data analytics, Smart irrigation, Mobile applications for farmers |
| EL-705 | Agri-Entrepreneurship | Elective | 1 | Business plan development, Startup ecosystem, Funding sources, Marketing strategies, Risk assessment, Government schemes |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-801 | Experiential Learning / Student Project / Industrial Attachment | Experiential Learning/Project | 20 | Project formulation, Data collection & analysis, Report writing, Presentation skills, Practical skill development, Industry exposure |
