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B-SC-HONS-AGRICULTURE in General at Quest Group of Institutions
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is General at Quest Group of Institutions Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar?
This B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture program at Quest Group of Institutions is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of agricultural science and its practical applications. It covers a wide array of subjects from crop production, soil science, entomology, and plant pathology to agricultural economics and extension. The curriculum is deeply rooted in India''''s agricultural context, aiming to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector and equip students with modern farming techniques.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring agriculturalists, rural development enthusiasts, and individuals passionate about sustainable farming. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into the diverse agro-industry, those aiming to contribute to food security, or individuals looking to start their own agri-businesses. Students with a science background (Medical/Non-medical) in 10+2 are particularly suited for this rigorous yet rewarding field.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles in agri-business, agricultural research, extension services, banking, and government sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-10 LPA. The growth trajectory is strong, particularly in areas like agricultural consultancy, farm management, and food processing, aligning with national initiatives for agricultural modernization.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Agricultural Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong base in subjects like Agronomy, Soil Science, and Horticulture. Utilize practical sessions in labs and fields to solidify theoretical knowledge. Create detailed notes, participate actively in discussions, and clarify doubts promptly to ensure fundamental concepts are crystal clear.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks prescribed by IKGPTU, Field visit reports, College library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is critical for advanced subjects and for passing competitive exams like ARS (Agricultural Research Service) or state PSC agriculture officer exams, opening doors to research and government roles.
Develop Essential Communication & IT Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in courses like ''''Communication Skills in English and Personality Development''''. Practice public speaking, presentation skills, and professional writing. Simultaneously, familiarize yourself with basic computer applications and digital tools relevant to agriculture, such as spreadsheet analysis for farm data.
Tools & Resources
English language labs, Microsoft Office Suite, Online communication tutorials, College''''s computer labs
Career Connection
Effective communication and digital literacy are vital for interacting with farmers, stakeholders, and colleagues in any agricultural job, from extension work to agri-business management.
Engage in NSS/NCC for Community Exposure- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in NSS/NCC or similar community engagement programs. This helps in understanding rural dynamics, social structures, and the challenges faced by farming communities firsthand, which is crucial for agricultural professionals in India.
Tools & Resources
NSS/NCC activities and camps, Local village outreach programs
Career Connection
These experiences build empathy and practical understanding of rural India, essential for roles in agricultural extension, rural development, and NGOs working with farmers.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Practical-Oriented Learning- (Semester 3-5)
Deep dive into practical applications through lab work and field experiments in subjects like Crop Production, Plant Protection, and Soil Fertility Management. Seek opportunities for short-term projects or internships during semester breaks at local farms, agri-businesses, or research centers.
Tools & Resources
College farm and labs, Local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agri-input companies, Summer internships
Career Connection
Hands-on experience distinguishes you in the job market, providing practical skills valued by employers in sectors like farm management, sales, and technical support.
Explore Agri-Business & Entrepreneurship- (Semester 3-5)
Start exploring the business side of agriculture through courses like Agricultural Marketing and Finance. Attend workshops, webinars, and talks by agri-entrepreneurs. Begin developing basic business ideas related to agricultural value chains, food processing, or agri-tech innovations.
Tools & Resources
Business plan templates, Startup India resources, NABARD schemes, Local industry experts
Career Connection
Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset can lead to launching your own successful agri-startup or securing roles in agri-business development and management in India''''s growing economy.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 3-5)
Connect with faculty, visiting experts, and alumni. Attend agricultural fairs, exhibitions (like Kisan Mela), and industry events. Use platforms like LinkedIn to network with professionals in the agri-sector, seeking mentorship and insights into career paths.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Agricultural exhibitions and trade shows, Alumni meet-ups, Industry conferences
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, industry insights, and future job prospects, giving you a competitive edge in finding relevant roles and collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE)- (Semester 7)
Treat RAWE as a capstone experience. Immerse yourself completely in village attachment programs, crop production exposure, and extension activities. Document your learnings diligently, identify problems, and propose practical solutions relevant to the local farming community.
Tools & Resources
RAWE manual and guidelines, Field notebooks, Digital cameras for documentation, Local farmers and agricultural officers
Career Connection
RAWE provides invaluable real-world exposure, making you highly suitable for roles in agricultural extension, rural banking, or field operations with agri-companies.
Specialize through Experiential Learning Program (ELP) & Project Work- (Semester 8)
Choose ELP modules and project topics that align with your career aspirations (e.g., protected cultivation, seed production, food processing). Conduct thorough research, execute projects with dedication, and prepare a high-quality report and presentation. Consider an industry internship for additional specialization.
Tools & Resources
Research papers and journals, Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS), Project mentors, Industry partners for internships
Career Connection
ELP and project work allow you to develop specialized skills, demonstrate initiative, and create a strong portfolio, which is crucial for higher studies, research positions, or niche roles in the agri-sector.
Focus on Placement Preparation & Competitive Exams- (Semester 7-8)
Actively participate in campus placement drives. Refine your resume, practice interview techniques, and develop strong group discussion skills. Simultaneously, prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSC (Agriculture Officer), IBPS AFO, or JRF for postgraduate studies, if that is your goal.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Mock interview sessions, Online aptitude test platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
This integrated approach maximizes your chances of securing a desirable job right after graduation, whether in the private sector, government, or pursuing advanced academic opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Medical/Non-medical) with 50% marks, with subjects like Maths/Biology/Agriculture
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 190 (Includes Experiential Learning/RAWE) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (Theory), 60% (Practical), External: 60% (Theory), 40% (Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR-111 | Principles of Agronomy and Agrometeorology | Core Theory & Practical | 4 | Agronomy principles, Weather elements, Climate classification, Crop ecology, Tillage and sowing, Nutrient management |
| ENT-111 | Introductory Entomology | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Insect morphology, Insect anatomy, Insect classification, Insect pests, Pest management principles |
| PAT-111 | Introductory Plant Pathology | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Plant disease concepts, Pathogen types, Disease cycles, Epidemiology, Disease control methods |
| AEX-111 | Rural Sociology and Educational Psychology | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Rural sociology concepts, Social groups and institutions, Rural development, Educational psychology principles, Communication in extension |
| AEC-111 | Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Prices | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Agricultural marketing principles, Market structures, Price analysis, Agricultural trade policies, Value chain management |
| GEN-111 | Principles of Genetics | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Mendelian genetics, Gene interaction, Chromosome theory, Linkage and crossing over, Mutation and its types |
| AEN-111 | Soil and Water Conservation Engineering | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Soil erosion types, Erosion control measures, Watershed management, Rainwater harvesting, Drainage engineering |
| HOR-111 | Fundamentals of Horticulture | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Branches of horticulture, Plant propagation, Orchard management, Vegetable production, Floriculture basics |
| SSC-111 | Fundamentals of Soil Science | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Soil formation, Physical properties of soil, Chemical properties of soil, Soil organic matter, Soil classification |
| ENG-111 | Communication Skills in English and Personality Development | Foundation Theory & Practical | 3 | Grammar and vocabulary, Reading comprehension, Public speaking, Interview skills, Group discussions |
| EVS-111 | Environmental Studies and Disaster Management | Foundation Theory | 2 | Environmental ecosystems, Biodiversity conservation, Pollution control, Sustainable development, Disaster preparedness |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR-121 | Crop Production Technology-I (Kharif Crops) | Core Theory & Practical | 4 | Kharif crop cultivation, Rice production, Maize and millets, Pulses and oilseeds, Weed management |
| PPB-121 | Crop Physiology | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Plant water relations, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant growth regulators, Stress physiology |
| SSAC-121 | Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Plant essential nutrients, Fertilizer types, Nutrient deficiencies, Integrated nutrient management, Soil testing |
| HORT-121 | Fundamentals of Entomology | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Insect anatomy, Insect metamorphosis, Pest identification, Beneficial insects, Integrated pest management |
| GPB-121 | Principles of Plant Breeding | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Plant breeding objectives, Modes of reproduction, Selection methods, Hybridization techniques, Heterosis breeding |
| AEC-121 | Farm Management, Production & Resource Economics | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Farm management concepts, Production economics, Resource allocation, Cost-benefit analysis, Farm planning |
| AEX-121 | Fundamentals of Extension Education | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Extension education principles, Extension teaching methods, Adoption and diffusion, Extension programs, Communication process |
| FPT-121 | Agricultural Engineering (Farm Machinery & Power) | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Farm power sources, Tractors and engines, Tillage implements, Sowing and planting equipment, Harvesting machinery |
| HORT-122 | Production Technology for Vegetables & Spices | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Vegetable crop cultivation, Spice crop production, Nursery management, Protected cultivation, Post-harvest handling |
| FST-121 | Food Processing & Safety Issues | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Food processing principles, Food preservation methods, Food quality control, Food safety standards, Agri-food industries |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR-231 | Crop Production Technology-II (Rabi Crops) | Core Theory & Practical | 4 | Rabi crop cultivation, Wheat and barley, Chickpea and lentil, Mustard and rapeseed, Integrated crop management |
| PAT-231 | Diseases of Field & Horticultural Crops and their Management-I | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Diseases of cereals, Diseases of pulses, Diseases of oilseeds, Fungicides and their use, Disease diagnosis |
| ENT-231 | Pests of Field & Horticultural Crops and their Management-I | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Insect pests of cereals, Insect pests of pulses, Insect pests of oilseeds, Insecticides and their use, Biological control |
| SSAC-231 | Manures, Fertilizers and Soil Fertility Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Organic manures, Chemical fertilizers, Biofertilizers, Nutrient cycling, Sustainable soil fertility |
| GPB-231 | Breeding of Field Crops | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Breeding methods for self-pollinated crops, Breeding methods for cross-pollinated crops, Hybrid seed production, Maintenance breeding, Intellectual property rights |
| FST-231 | Dairy Science | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Milk production, Milk processing, Dairy products, Hygiene and sanitation, Dairy farm management |
| FOR-231 | Forestry | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Forest types, Silviculture principles, Agroforestry systems, Forest products, Forest conservation |
| AEX-231 | Communication Skills | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Effective communication, Verbal and non-verbal communication, Report writing, Presentation skills, Conflict resolution |
| HORT-231 | Production Technology for Fruit & Plantation Crops | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Fruit crop cultivation, Plantation crop management, Pruning and training, Nutrient management, Pest and disease management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR-241 | Farming System and Sustainable Agriculture | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Farming systems concepts, Components of farming systems, Sustainable agriculture principles, Organic farming, Integrated farming systems |
| PPB-241 | Biochemistry | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, Enzymes and their function, Metabolic pathways, Nucleic acids, Vitamins and minerals |
| PAT-241 | Diseases of Field & Horticultural Crops and their Management-II | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Diseases of vegetables, Diseases of fruits, Viral diseases, Bacterial diseases, Biocontrol agents |
| ENT-241 | Pests of Field & Horticultural Crops and their Management-II | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Insect pests of vegetables, Insect pests of fruits, Stored grain pests, Pesticide application, Integrated vector management |
| AEN-241 | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Irrigation methods, Water requirement of crops, Irrigation scheduling, Drainage systems, Water quality for irrigation |
| HORT-241 | Production Technology for Ornamental Crops & Landscape Gardening | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Ornamental plant cultivation, Greenhouse management, Landscape design principles, Gardening tools and techniques, Commercial floriculture |
| AEX-241 | Agricultural Finance and Business Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Farm credit, Agricultural insurance, Financial institutions, Business planning, Entrepreneurship development |
| FST-241 | Poultry Production & Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Poultry breeds, Poultry housing, Feeding and nutrition, Disease management, Hatchery management |
| SSC-241 | Agricultural Microbiology | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Soil microorganisms, Nitrogen fixation, Plant-microbe interactions, Bioremediation, Microbial pesticides |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR-351 | Weed Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Weed classification, Weed biology, Herbicides and their mode of action, Integrated weed management, Weed control techniques |
| GPB-351 | Seed Technology | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Seed quality, Seed production, Seed processing, Seed storage, Seed certification |
| PAT-351 | Mushroom Cultivation | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Mushroom types, Cultivation techniques, Spawn production, Pest and disease management, Processing and marketing |
| ENT-351 | Beneficial Insects and Pest of Stored Products | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Pollinators, Silkworms, Lac insects, Stored product pests, Pest management in storage |
| AEC-351 | Agricultural Co-operation, Marketing and Trade | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Co-operative movement in agriculture, Marketing channels, Agricultural trade policies, Export-import dynamics, WTO and agriculture |
| HORT-351 | Post-Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Harvesting techniques, Post-harvest losses, Storage technologies, Packaging of perishables, Value addition |
| AEN-351 | Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Greenhouse technology, Polyhouse cultivation, Hydroponics and aeroponics, Precision farming, Drones in agriculture |
| SSC-351 | Remote Sensing and GIS for Agricultural Applications | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Remote sensing principles, GIS components, Satellite imagery interpretation, GPS applications, Crop health monitoring |
| AEX-351 | Entrepreneurship Development and Business Communication | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Entrepreneurial ecosystem, Business plan development, Funding opportunities, Marketing strategies, Agri-startup ideas |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR-361 | Rainfed Agriculture and Watershed Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Rainfed farming systems, Drought management, Water harvesting techniques, Watershed planning, Contour farming |
| GPB-361 | Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | DNA and RNA structure, Gene expression, Recombinant DNA technology, Genetic modification in plants, Biotechnology applications |
| PAT-361 | Integrated Disease Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Principles of IDM, Cultural control, Chemical control, Host resistance, Bio-pesticides |
| ENT-361 | Integrated Pest Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Principles of IPM, Pest surveillance, Cultural methods of pest control, Chemical control of pests, Biological pest control |
| AEC-361 | Agricultural Project Planning and Evaluation | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Project identification, Feasibility analysis, Project implementation, Monitoring and evaluation, Impact assessment |
| HORT-361 | Commercial Horticulture | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Commercial fruit production, Commercial vegetable production, Protected cultivation, Horticultural value chain, Export potential of horticulture |
| SSAC-361 | Waste Management and Utilization | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Agricultural waste types, Waste treatment technologies, Composting and vermicomposting, Biogas production, Waste-to-wealth concepts |
| AEX-361 | Agricultural Extension Systems and Management | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Extension systems in India, Extension program planning, ICT in agriculture, Participatory rural appraisal, Gender in agriculture |
| AEN-361 | Renewable Energy and Green Technology in Agriculture | Core Theory & Practical | 3 | Solar energy applications, Wind energy for agriculture, Biomass energy, Geothermal energy, Energy conservation |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAWE-471 | Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) | Experiential Learning (Compulsory) | 20 | Village attachment, Crop production technologies, Pest and disease diagnosis, Extension activities, Farm management practices, Soil health analysis |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP-481 | Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) / Skill Development | Experiential Learning (Elective Modules) | 10 | Mushroom cultivation, Protected cultivation, Seed production, Organic farming, Food processing, Plant tissue culture |
| PROJ-482 | Project Work / Internship | Project / Internship | 10 | Problem identification, Research methodology, Data analysis, Report writing, Presentation skills, Industry exposure |
