
B-SC-HONS-AGRICULTURE in General at Guru Nanak Khalsa Institute of Technology and Management

Yamunanagar, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is General at Guru Nanak Khalsa Institute of Technology and Management Yamunanagar?
This B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture program at Guru Nanak Khalsa Institute of Technology and Management focuses on modern agricultural practices, sustainable farming, and food security. It addresses the growing need for skilled professionals in India''''s diverse agricultural sector. The program integrates scientific principles with practical field experience, preparing students for challenges in crop production, farm management, and agri-business. India''''s economy is largely agrarian, making this field highly relevant and in demand for national development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 science graduates (PCB/PCM/Agriculture) passionate about sustainable food production and rural development. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into agricultural research, extension services, or agri-business. It also suits individuals from farming backgrounds aiming to modernize practices and enhance productivity, and aspiring entrepreneurs in the agri-food value chain, contributing to India''''s agricultural progress.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in India, including agri-business management, farm operations, research and development, and government roles in agricultural departments. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5-4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-15 lakhs or more for experienced professionals. The program aligns with certifications in organic farming, soil science, and food processing, fostering robust growth in Indian agricultural companies and contributing to national food security.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Core Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering foundational subjects like Soil Science, Agronomy, Botany, and Chemistry. Utilize university labs for practical experiments and observe local farming practices. Regularly revise concepts using NCERT and standard agricultural textbooks. This strong base is crucial for understanding advanced topics and performing well in competitive exams for government agricultural jobs like Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) and state agricultural services.
Tools & Resources
University Labs, Local Farms, NCERT Textbooks, Standard Agricultural Books (e.g., Reddy & Reddy for Agronomy)
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures academic excellence and provides the necessary knowledge base for entry-level roles in agricultural research, extension, and competitive government positions.
Develop Effective Study Habits & Time Management- (Semester 1-2)
Implement a structured study schedule, allocating specific time for each subject, including practicals and field visits. Form study groups with peers to discuss concepts, solve problems, and prepare for internal assessments. Early adoption of these habits ensures consistent academic performance and reduces exam-related stress, fostering a disciplined approach to learning, crucial for the comprehensive B.Sc. Agriculture curriculum.
Tools & Resources
Study Planners, Peer Study Groups, Library Resources, Online Learning Platforms for conceptual clarity
Career Connection
Good study habits lead to better academic performance, which is a key criterion for scholarships, internships, and postgraduate admissions.
Engage in Early Field Exposure- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in farm visits, demonstrations, and local agricultural fairs organized by the institute. Volunteer for campus farm activities or nearby agricultural initiatives. Early exposure to practical farming scenarios helps connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, building practical skills and clarifying career interests in the diverse agricultural sector, particularly relevant to India''''s varied agro-climatic zones.
Tools & Resources
College Experimental Farm, Local Farmer Cooperatives, Agricultural Exhibitions (e.g., Krishi Mela)
Career Connection
Practical exposure enhances understanding, making students more competent for practical roles in farm management, extension services, and agricultural input companies.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Industry Internships & Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively search for and apply to internships with agri-businesses, seed companies, fertilizer manufacturers, food processing units, or government agricultural departments during semester breaks. Work on short-term research projects or case studies related to local agricultural issues. These experiences provide invaluable industry exposure, build a professional network, and enhance employability in the competitive agri-sector in India.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, Online Internship Portals (e.g., Internshala), Company Websites (e.g., Bayer, UPL, ITC Agri-Business), ICAR Institutes
Career Connection
Internships lead to practical skills, industry contacts, and often direct placement offers, significantly boosting career prospects.
Specialise in Emerging Agricultural Technologies- (Semester 3-5)
Explore and gain proficiency in modern agricultural tools and techniques like precision farming, drone technology in agriculture, and basic data analytics for crop yield prediction. Attend workshops and short courses on agricultural software (e.g., GIS for agriculture, Farm Management Software). This specialization makes graduates highly competitive for roles in modern, tech-driven farming enterprises and agri-tech startups across India.
Tools & Resources
Online Courses (NPTEL, Coursera), Workshops by Agri-Tech Companies, GIS Software (e.g., QGIS), Drones for Agriculture, IoT in Agriculture
Career Connection
Acquiring future-ready skills in agri-tech opens doors to high-growth areas, making students sought after by companies investing in agricultural innovation.
Participate in Agri-Competitions & Clubs- (Semester 3-5)
Join agricultural clubs or student organizations within the institute or university. Participate in inter-college quizzes, crop-demonstration competitions, and agricultural innovation challenges. This involvement hones presentation skills, encourages teamwork, and develops leadership qualities while fostering a deeper understanding of agricultural challenges and solutions, highly valued by employers in both public and private sectors.
Tools & Resources
College Agricultural Society, Student Chapters of Professional Bodies, National Level Agri-Competitions, Rural Youth Clubs
Career Connection
Participation demonstrates initiative, leadership, and teamwork, which are critical soft skills for managerial and extension roles, improving overall employability.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Research and Project Development- (Semester 6-8)
Undertake a significant final-year research project or thesis, focusing on a pressing agricultural issue relevant to India, such as climate-resilient crops, sustainable water management, or value addition for local produce. Utilize advanced lab techniques and data analysis tools. A strong research project showcases problem-solving abilities and deep subject knowledge, critical for higher studies (M.Sc./Ph.D.) or R&D roles in agricultural institutions.
Tools & Resources
Research Labs, Statistical Software (SPSS, R), Literature Databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Faculty Mentors
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates research aptitude, crucial for postgraduate studies, research positions, or innovation-driven roles in agri-industry.
Intensive Placement & Career Preparation- (Semester 6-8)
Actively engage in campus placement drives, attend resume-building workshops, and practice interview skills tailored for agricultural companies, government jobs (e.g., Agricultural Field Officer exams conducted by IBPS), and state agricultural departments. Network with alumni and industry professionals through seminars and conclaves. This focused preparation ensures readiness for the job market and helps secure rewarding career opportunities post-graduation.
Tools & Resources
Placement Cell Services, Mock Interview Sessions, Online Job Boards (Naukri, LinkedIn), Alumni Network, Government Exam Portals (IBPS AFO, UPSC, State PSCs)
Career Connection
Targeted preparation significantly increases the chances of securing desirable placements in public sector banks, government departments, or leading private agri-companies.
Develop Entrepreneurial Acumen- (Semester 6-8)
Explore opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurship by studying agri-business models, market analysis, and value addition to farm produce. Attend workshops on agri-startups, incubator programs, and government schemes for rural enterprises (e.g., NABARD initiatives, Startup India). Understanding the business side of agriculture can open paths to becoming a successful agri-preneur, creating jobs and contributing to rural economic growth in India.
Tools & Resources
Agri-Business Incubation Centers, Government Schemes (NABARD, MSME), Business Plan Competitions, Mentorship from Agri-Entrepreneurs
Career Connection
Entrepreneurial skills empower graduates to create their own ventures, contributing to innovation in the agricultural sector and building self-sustaining careers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) from a recognized board.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 173 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% for Theory, 50% for Practical, External: 75% for Theory, 50% for Practical
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-101 | Fundamentals of Agronomy | Core Theory | 3 | Agriculture and Agronomy Scope, Tillage and Soil Management, Crop Density and Geometry, Nutrient Management Principles, Weed Management Principles |
| AGRO-101 P | Fundamentals of Agronomy Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Identification of crops, Common weeds, Tillage implements, Sowing methods, Fertilizer application methods |
| PPATH-101 | Fundamentals of Plant Pathology | Core Theory | 3 | Introduction to Plant Pathology, Causes of plant diseases, Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses Classification, Disease diagnosis and control, Integrated disease management |
| PPATH-101 P | Fundamentals of Plant Pathology Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Fungal structures observation, Bacterial streaming, Disease symptom identification, Inoculation methods, Preparation of culture media |
| EXTN-101 | Fundamentals of Agricultural Extension Education | Core Theory | 3 | Extension Education Principles, Rural Development Programs, Communication Models, Adoption and Diffusion of Innovations, Participatory Rural Appraisal |
| EXTN-101 P | Fundamentals of Agricultural Extension Education Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Study of rural organizations, Communication methods, Audio-visual aids preparation, Extension teaching methods, Interview techniques |
| HORT-101 | Fundamentals of Horticulture | Core Theory | 3 | Importance of Horticulture, Fruit and Vegetable Cultivation, Ornamental Gardening, Post-harvest Management, Nursery Management |
| HORT-101 P | Fundamentals of Horticulture Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Identification of fruit crops, Vegetable crops, Propagation methods, Nursery layout, Pruning and training |
| BCH-101 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Core Theory | 3 | Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes and Coenzymes, Vitamins and Hormones, Metabolism Pathways, Photosynthesis and Respiration Biochemistry |
| BCH-101 P | Fundamentals of Biochemistry Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Qualitative tests for carbohydrates, Lipids and proteins, Enzyme activity, pH determination, Colorimetric estimation |
| ENGG-101 | Introductory Agricultural Engineering | Core Theory | 2 | Farm Power and Machinery, Soil and Water Conservation, Irrigation Methods, Processing of Agricultural Produce, Renewable Energy in Agriculture |
| ENGG-101 P | Introductory Agricultural Engineering Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Study of farm implements, Tractor operation, Pump sets, Water measuring devices, Greenhouse components |
| BOT-101 | Fundamentals of Crop Physiology | Core Theory | 2 | Plant Water Relations, Photosynthesis and Respiration, Plant Growth Regulators, Nutrient Uptake, Stress Physiology |
| BOT-101 P | Fundamentals of Crop Physiology Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Water potential measurement, Photosynthetic rate, Stomatal density, Seed viability tests, Effect of hormones |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-102 | Crop Production Technology-I (Kharif Crops) | Core Theory | 3 | Rice Cultivation Practices, Maize Production, Sorghum and Pearl Millet, Pigeonpea and Soybean, Cotton and Groundnut |
| AGRO-102 P | Crop Production Technology-I (Kharif Crops) Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Crop identification, Seed treatment, Fertilizer calculations, Weed identification, Yield estimation |
| SSAC-101 | Fundamentals of Soil Science | Core Theory | 3 | Soil Formation and Composition, Soil Physical Properties, Soil Chemical Properties, Soil Biological Properties, Soil Classification |
| SSAC-101 P | Fundamentals of Soil Science Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Soil sampling techniques, Soil texture determination, pH measurement, Organic carbon estimation, Bulk density measurement |
| ENT-101 | Fundamentals of Entomology | Core Theory | 3 | Insect Morphology and Anatomy, Insect Metamorphosis, Insect Ecology, Pest Management Principles, Beneficial Insects |
| ENT-101 P | Fundamentals of Entomology Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Insect collection and preservation, Mouthparts study, Life cycle observation, Pesticide formulations, Integrated Pest Management tools |
| GEN-101 | Fundamentals of Genetics | Core Theory | 3 | Mendelian Genetics, Chromosome Structure, Gene Interactions, Linkage and Crossing Over, Mutations and Polyploidy |
| GEN-101 P | Fundamentals of Genetics Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Mendelian ratios, Chi-square test, Chromosome mapping, Karyotyping, DNA extraction |
| ECON-101 | Fundamentals of Agricultural Economics | Core Theory | 2 | Agricultural Economics Principles, Demand and Supply, Production Economics, Market Structures, Farm Management |
| ECON-101 P | Fundamentals of Agricultural Economics Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Farm records maintenance, Cost of cultivation analysis, Budgeting, Break-even analysis, Market survey |
| BIOTECH-101 | Fundamentals of Biotechnology | Core Theory | 2 | Recombinant DNA Technology, Tissue Culture Techniques, Molecular Markers, Genomic and Proteomic, Transgenic Crops |
| BIOTECH-101 P | Fundamentals of Biotechnology Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Sterilization techniques, Media preparation, Explant preparation, DNA isolation, Agarose gel electrophoresis |
| STAT-101 | Agricultural Statistics | Core Theory | 2 | Basic Statistical Concepts, Measures of Central Tendency, Probability and Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Experimental Designs |
| STAT-101 P | Agricultural Statistics Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Data presentation, Measures of variability, Correlation and regression, ANOVA calculations, Software for statistical analysis |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-201 | Crop Production Technology-II (Rabi Crops) | Core Theory | 3 | Wheat Cultivation, Barley and Oats Production, Chickpea and Lentil, Mustard and Linseed, Potato and Sugarcane |
| AGRO-201 P | Crop Production Technology-II (Rabi Crops) Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Rabi crop identification, Seed bed preparation, Fertilizer schedule, Pest and disease identification, Harvesting and storage |
| SSAC-201 | Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management | Core Theory | 3 | Essential Plant Nutrients, Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms, Fertilizer Chemistry, Integrated Nutrient Management, Biofertilizers |
| SSAC-201 P | Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Soil test report interpretation, Fertilizer grade calculations, Compost preparation, Biofertilizer application, Plant tissue analysis |
| ENT-201 | Pests of Crops and Stored Grain and their Management | Core Theory | 3 | Major Pests of Field Crops, Pests of Horticultural Crops, Stored Grain Pests, Pesticide Classification and Use, Biological Pest Control |
| ENT-201 P | Pests of Crops and Stored Grain and their Management Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Pest identification, Damage symptom recognition, Pesticide application equipment, Biocontrol agents, Storage pest management |
| GEN-201 | Crop Improvement-I (Kharif Crops) | Core Theory | 2 | Plant Breeding Methods, Selection in Crop Improvement, Hybridization Techniques, Breeding for Disease Resistance, Varietal Release Procedures |
| GEN-201 P | Crop Improvement-I (Kharif Crops) Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Emasculation and pollination, Hybrid seed production, Varietal identification, Germplasm characterization, Breeding nurseries |
| HORT-201 | Fundamentals of Plant Protection | Core Theory | 2 | Principles of Plant Protection, Integrated Pest Management, Disease and Insect Surveillance, Weed Management Strategies, Bio-control Agents |
| HORT-201 P | Fundamentals of Plant Protection Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Disease diagnosis in field, Insect pest sampling, Pesticide dosage calculation, Application techniques, Biological control release |
| ENGG-201 | Farm Machinery and Power | Core Theory | 2 | Farm Tractors and Engines, Tillage Implements, Sowing and Planting Equipment, Harvesting and Threshing Machinery, Maintenance of Farm Machinery |
| ENGG-201 P | Farm Machinery and Power Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Operation of tractor, Ploughing equipment, Seed drill calibration, Combine harvester study, Engine components identification |
| SSAC-202 | Agricultural Microbiology | Core Theory | 2 | Microbial Diversity in Soil, Nitrogen Fixation, Phosphorus Solubilization, Biogeochemical Cycles, Microbial Biofertilizers |
| SSAC-202 P | Agricultural Microbiology Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Microbial culture techniques, Isolation of beneficial microbes, Nodulation study, Microbial cell counting, Biofertilizer production |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-202 | Farming System & Sustainable Agriculture | Core Theory | 2 | Farming System Concepts, Components of Farming Systems, Integrated Farming Systems, Sustainable Agriculture Principles, Organic Farming |
| AGRO-202 P | Farming System & Sustainable Agriculture Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Farming system analysis, Crop-livestock integration, Organic farm layout, Resource cycling, Sustainable agriculture practices |
| ECON-201 | Agricultural Finance and Cooperation | Core Theory | 3 | Agricultural Credit Systems, Sources of Farm Finance, Crop Insurance Schemes, Cooperative Movement in Agriculture, Rural Banking |
| ECON-201 P | Agricultural Finance and Cooperation Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Loan application procedures, Crop insurance policies, Visit to cooperative banks, Credit eligibility assessment, Case studies on farmer finance |
| SSAC-203 | Problematic Soils and their Management | Core Theory | 2 | Saline and Sodic Soils, Acid Soils, Waterlogged Soils, Soil Degradation, Reclamation Methods |
| SSAC-203 P | Problematic Soils and their Management Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Analysis of problematic soils, Gypsum requirement, Lime requirement, Drainage methods, Salt leachability |
| BOT-201 | Principles of Seed Technology | Core Theory | 2 | Seed Dormancy, Seed Production Stages, Seed Processing, Seed Quality Testing, Seed Storage and Marketing |
| BOT-201 P | Principles of Seed Technology Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Seed viability tests, Germination tests, Purity analysis, Seed treatment, Packaging and labelling |
| HORT-202 | Production Technology for Ornamental Crops, MAP and Landscaping | Core Theory | 2 | Flower Production, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Landscaping Principles, Nursery Production, Protected Cultivation of Flowers |
| HORT-202 P | Production Technology for Ornamental Crops, MAP and Landscaping Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Identification of ornamental plants, MAPs, Flower arrangement, Nursery bed preparation, Garden design |
| PPATH-201 | Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops and their Management-I | Core Theory | 3 | Diseases of Cereal Crops, Diseases of Pulse Crops, Diseases of Oilseed Crops, Diseases of Fruit Crops, Fungicide Application |
| PPATH-201 P | Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops and their Management-I Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Disease diagnosis in crops, Collection and preservation of diseased samples, Fungicide dosage calculation, Cultural control methods, Disease severity assessment |
| EXTN-201 | Agricultural Marketing, Trade & Prices | Core Theory | 3 | Agricultural Marketing Principles, Market Channels, Marketing Efficiency, Price Determination, International Trade |
| EXTN-201 P | Agricultural Marketing, Trade & Prices Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Market survey, Price analysis, Role of middlemen, Export-import procedures, Visit to regulated markets |
Semester 5
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO-303 | Weed Management | Core Theory | 2 | Weed Biology and Ecology, Weed Classification, Herbicides and their Action, Integrated Weed Management, Crop-Weed Competition |
| AGRO-303 P | Weed Management Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Weed identification, Herbicide application methods, Adjuvants use, Weed survey techniques, Crop loss assessment due to weeds |
| SSAC-302 | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | Core Theory | 2 | Water Requirement of Crops, Irrigation Methods, Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation, Drainage Systems, Irrigation Water Quality |
| SSAC-302 P | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Field capacity determination, Irrigation scheduling, Drip irrigation system layout, Drainage design principles, Water application efficiency |
| PPATH-302 | Mushroom Cultivation | Elective Theory | 2 | Mushroom Biology and Types, Spawn Production, Cultivation Technology, Pest and Disease Management, Post-harvest of Mushrooms |
| PPATH-302 P | Mushroom Cultivation Practical | Elective Practical | 1 | Preparation of substrate, Inoculation techniques, Spawn running, Button mushroom cultivation, Oyster mushroom cultivation |
| ENT-302 | Post Harvest Management and Value Addition of Fruits and Vegetables | Elective Theory | 2 | Maturity Indices, Harvesting and Handling, Cold Chain Management, Minimal Processing, Value Added Products |
| ENT-302 P | Post Harvest Management and Value Addition of Fruits and Vegetables Practical | Elective Practical | 1 | Sorting and grading, Packaging methods, Pre-cooling techniques, Jam and jelly preparation, Juice extraction |
| EXTN-302 | Agri-business Management | Core Theory | 3 | Agri-business Concepts, Project Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship Development |
| EXTN-302 P | Agri-business Management Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Business plan preparation, Feasibility analysis, Financial statement analysis, Case studies of agri-businesses, SWOT analysis for agri-enterprises |
| AEC-301 | Protected Cultivation | Core Theory | 2 | Greenhouse Technology, Shade Net Houses, Poly Houses, Hydroponics and Aeroponics, Environmental Control |
| AEC-301 P | Protected Cultivation Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Greenhouse design principles, Environmental parameters measurement, Drip irrigation in protected cultivation, Nutrient solution preparation, Crop cultivation under protection |
| HORT-302 | Production Technology of Spices, Plantation, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | Core Theory | 3 | Spice Crops Production, Plantation Crop Management, Cultivation of Medicinal Plants, Aromatic Plants Cultivation, Processing of Spices |
| HORT-302 P | Production Technology of Spices, Plantation, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Practical | Core Practical | 1 | Identification of spices, MAPs, Processing of spices, Essential oil extraction, Value addition to MAPs |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAWE-401 | Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) | Experiential Learning | 20 | Village Attachment, Agro-Industrial Attachment, Farm Activities and Management, Extension Activities, Project Report Preparation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP-401 | Experiential Learning Programme | Experiential Learning (Elective based on student choice) | 20 | Hands-on Training in Agri-Business, Integrated Crop Production, Seed Production and Technology, Commercial Horticulture, Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition |
| ELP-402 | Project/Dissertation | Project | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation |




