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B-SC-HONS in Agriculture at Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences

Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, is a premier private university established in 2009. Recognized by the UGC, it offers over 140 diverse programs across various disciplines, emphasizing biotechnology and management. Located in Himachal Pradesh, the university boasts strong academic offerings, a vibrant campus, and impressive rankings, including top positions among private universities in India.

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Solan, Himachal Pradesh

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About the Specialization

What is Agriculture at Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Solan?

This B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture program at Shoolini University focuses on developing comprehensive expertise in agricultural science and technology. It integrates modern biotechnology, management practices, and traditional farming methods to address contemporary challenges. The curriculum prepares students for diverse roles in India''''s rapidly evolving agri-food sector, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovation for enhanced productivity and rural development.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with a science background (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics or Agriculture) who are passionate about sustainable food production, rural development, and applying scientific principles to agriculture. It caters to aspiring agronomists, plant breeders, soil scientists, and agribusiness professionals seeking to contribute to India''''s agricultural growth story.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in government (ICAR, state agriculture departments), private agri-businesses, and research institutions. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 10-15 LPA for experienced professionals. Roles include agricultural officers, farm managers, research scientists, and agri-entrepreneurs.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Build Strong Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)

Focus on understanding core principles of Agronomy, Soil Science, Botany, and Entomology in Semesters 1-2. Actively participate in lab sessions to grasp practical concepts and correlation with theory. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics and reinforce learning.

Tools & Resources

Textbooks, University labs, Agricultural magazines, Peer study groups

Career Connection

A robust foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and provides the bedrock for specialized roles like research and development in agriculture.

Develop Practical Field Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)

Engage diligently in all practical and field visits from the beginning. Learn to identify crops, pests, diseases, and different soil types. Practice using basic farm tools and equipment. Seek opportunities to assist local farmers or university farm staff during non-class hours.

Tools & Resources

University farm, Field manuals, Local farmer interactions

Career Connection

Early exposure to field realities hones practical skills, making students more competent for farm management, extension work, and research field trials, enhancing employability.

Enhance Communication and Soft Skills- (Semester 1-2)

Utilize communication skills courses to improve public speaking, presentation abilities, and interpersonal skills. Participate in university debates, club activities, and student organizations to build confidence and leadership qualities.

Tools & Resources

Communication skills workshops, Student clubs, Public speaking events

Career Connection

Effective communication is vital for extension officers, marketing roles, and leadership positions in agribusiness, facilitating technology transfer and stakeholder engagement.

Intermediate Stage

Seek Applied Industry Exposure- (Semester 3-5)

Look for short-term internships or summer training programs with agri-input companies, seed production units, or food processing firms. Actively observe and learn about operational processes, quality control, and supply chain dynamics.

Tools & Resources

University career services, Industry contacts, Agri-tech startups

Career Connection

Direct industry exposure provides invaluable real-world experience, bridging academic knowledge with industry demands, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations.

Specialize and Build Technical Expertise- (Semester 3-5)

Identify areas of interest (e.g., plant breeding, soil fertility, pest management) and pursue additional certifications or online courses. Engage in mini-projects under faculty guidance to deepen technical knowledge and apply theoretical concepts.

Tools & Resources

NPTEL courses, Coursera/edX for agriculture, Faculty mentorship

Career Connection

Specialized skills make graduates highly competitive for specific roles in R&D, specialized consultancy, and high-tech farming, increasing earning potential.

Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-5)

Attend agricultural conferences, seminars, and workshops. Connect with alumni through university events and professional platforms like LinkedIn. These interactions can provide mentorship, internship leads, and insights into industry trends.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, University alumni network, Industry events (e.g., AgriTech India)

Career Connection

Networking is instrumental for discovering hidden job opportunities, gaining industry insights, and building a professional support system that accelerates career growth.

Advanced Stage

Excel in Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE)- (Semester 7)

Approach RAWE as a critical learning and application phase. Immerse yourself in village life, understand farmer challenges, and implement extension activities. Document all learnings meticulously and present findings professionally.

Tools & Resources

RAWE manual, Field journals, Local community interaction

Career Connection

Successful RAWE provides strong practical credentials for government roles (e.g., Agricultural Officer) and NGOs focused on rural development, demonstrating direct impact and problem-solving abilities.

Undertake Impactful Research Projects- (Semester 8)

Choose a research project in Semester 8 that addresses a relevant agricultural problem, preferably with practical implications. Focus on robust methodology, data analysis, and clear communication of results. Aim for publication if possible.

Tools & Resources

Research papers, Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS), Library resources, Faculty advisors

Career Connection

A well-executed research project showcases analytical skills, independent thinking, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in research institutions, academia, and R&D divisions of agri-companies.

Prepare Rigorously for Placements & Higher Studies- (Semester 6-8)

Engage actively with the career services cell for resume building, mock interviews, and group discussion practice. Explore options for competitive exams (e.g., ICAR-JRF, state PSC exams) or pursue postgraduate studies, preparing with dedicated study plans.

Tools & Resources

Career Services Cell, Online aptitude tests, Previous year question papers, Mentors

Career Connection

Thorough preparation ensures securing desirable placements in top agri-firms, government jobs, or admission to prestigious postgraduate programs, setting the trajectory for a successful career.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics or Agriculture) with minimum 50% marks.

Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters

Credits: 194 Credits

Assessment: Internal: 50% (for theory courses), External: 50% (for theory courses)

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
AGR-101Fundamentals of AgronomyCore3Agriculture and Agronomy Scope, Cropping Systems, Tillage and Seedbed Preparation, Nutrient Management, Weed Management
AGR-101 (P)Fundamentals of Agronomy (Practical)Lab1Farm Implements, Weed Identification, Seed Identification, Fertilizer Calculations, Cropping Scheme Preparation
BOT-101Fundamentals of BotanyCore2Cell Biology, Plant Tissues, Morphology of Angiosperms, Plant Reproduction, Plant Systematics
BOT-101 (P)Fundamentals of Botany (Practical)Lab1Microscopy, Cell Structure, Anatomy of Plants, Flower Dissection, Taxonomic Studies
ENT-101Fundamentals of EntomologyCore2Insect Morphology, Insect Classification, Insect Physiology, Insect Ecology, Pest Management Principles
ENT-101 (P)Fundamentals of Entomology (Practical)Lab1Insect Collection, Insect Preservation, Identification of Common Insects, Pest Damage Symptoms, Insecticide Application
SOIL-101Fundamentals of Soil ScienceCore2Soil Formation, Soil Physical Properties, Soil Chemical Properties, Soil Biology, Soil Classification
SOIL-101 (P)Fundamentals of Soil Science (Practical)Lab1Soil Sampling, Soil Texture Analysis, pH Measurement, Organic Matter Estimation, Soil Profile Study
HORT-101Fundamentals of HorticultureCore2Scope of Horticulture, Plant Propagation, Fruit Production, Vegetable Production, Floriculture and Landscaping
HORT-101 (P)Fundamentals of Horticulture (Practical)Lab1Nursery Management, Propagation Techniques, Pruning and Training, Garden Tools, Identification of Horticultural Crops
EXT-101Rural Sociology & Educational PsychologyCore2Rural Sociology Concepts, Social Change in Rural India, Principles of Psychology, Learning and Motivation, Extension Education
AEC-101Fundamentals of Agricultural EconomicsCore2Definition and Scope of Agricultural Economics, Farm Management Principles, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Finance, Agricultural Policies
COM-101Communication Skills and Personality DevelopmentAbility Enhancement2Basics of Communication, Listening and Speaking Skills, Presentation Skills, Interview Techniques, Personality Development
COM-101 (P)Communication Skills and Personality Development (Practical)Lab1Group Discussions, Role Plays, Public Speaking Practice, Resume Building, Mock Interviews

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
AGR-201Crop Production Technology-I (Kharif Crops)Core2Kharif Cereals Cultivation, Kharif Pulses Production, Oilseeds Management, Fiber Crops, Fodder Crops
AGR-201 (P)Crop Production Technology-I (Kharif Crops) (Practical)Lab1Field Preparation, Sowing Techniques, Crop Identification, Yield Estimation, Pest/Disease Identification
GEN-201Fundamentals of GeneticsCore2Mendelian Genetics, Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance, Gene Interactions, DNA Structure and Replication, Gene Expression
GEN-201 (P)Fundamentals of Genetics (Practical)Lab1Monohybrid Cross, Dihybrid Cross, Chromosomal Aberrations, DNA Isolation, Mitosis and Meiosis
PATH-201Fundamentals of Plant PathologyCore2Disease Concepts, Pathogen Classification, Disease Cycles, Symptoms and Signs, Disease Management Principles
PATH-201 (P)Fundamentals of Plant Pathology (Practical)Lab1Microscopy of Pathogens, Disease Diagnosis, Isolation of Pathogens, Fungal Culture, Host-Pathogen Interaction
AEB-201Agricultural MicrobiologyCore2Microbial Diversity in Soil, Nitrogen Fixation, Decomposition, Biocontrol Agents, Fermentation Technology
AEB-201 (P)Agricultural Microbiology (Practical)Lab1Sterilization Techniques, Microbial Culturing, Staining Techniques, Microbial Counts, Biofertilizer Production
SSAC-201Agricultural BiochemistryCore2Biomolecules, Enzymes, Metabolism, Photosynthesis, Respiration
SSAC-201 (P)Agricultural Biochemistry (Practical)Lab1Carbohydrate Estimation, Protein Estimation, Enzyme Activity, Chromatography, Spectrophotometry
STAT-201Agricultural StatisticsCore2Basic Statistical Concepts, Measures of Central Tendency, Probability, Hypothesis Testing, Experimental Designs
STAT-201 (P)Agricultural Statistics (Practical)Lab1Data Collection, Graphical Representation, Mean, Median, Mode Calculation, ANOVA, Regression Analysis
ENGG-201Farm Machinery and PowerCore2Farm Power Sources, Tractors, Tillage Implements, Sowing and Planting Equipment, Harvesting Equipment
ENGG-201 (P)Farm Machinery and Power (Practical)Lab1Tractor Operation, Implement Adjustment, Machine Maintenance, Field Capacity Calculation, Engine Components

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
AGR-301Crop Production Technology-II (Rabi Crops)Core2Rabi Cereals Cultivation, Rabi Pulses Production, Oilseeds Production, Sugar Crops, Forage Crops
AGR-301 (P)Crop Production Technology-II (Rabi Crops) (Practical)Lab1Field Visit to Rabi Crops, Cultural Operations, Yield Component Analysis, Fertilizer Application, Harvesting Techniques
GEN-301Crop Improvement (Genetics and Plant Breeding)Core2Modes of Reproduction in Plants, Domestication and Origin of Crops, Principles of Plant Breeding, Selection Methods, Heterosis Breeding
GEN-301 (P)Crop Improvement (Practical)Lab1Emasculation and Hybridization, Pollen Viability, Seed Viability, Germplasm Collection, Breeding Techniques
PATH-301Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops and their ManagementCore2Diseases of Cereal Crops, Diseases of Pulse Crops, Diseases of Vegetable Crops, Diseases of Fruit Crops, Integrated Disease Management
PATH-301 (P)Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops and their Management (Practical)Lab1Disease Identification, Pathogen Isolation, Fungicide Application, Resistant Variety Identification, Survey and Surveillance
SSAC-301Manures, Fertilizers and Soil Fertility ManagementCore2Essential Plant Nutrients, Organic Manures, Inorganic Fertilizers, Biofertilizers, Integrated Nutrient Management
SSAC-301 (P)Manures, Fertilizers and Soil Fertility Management (Practical)Lab1Fertilizer Identification, Compost Preparation, Soil Test for Nutrients, Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms, Fertilizer Application Methods
ENT-301Pest of Field and Horticultural Crops and their ManagementCore2Pests of Cereal Crops, Pests of Pulse Crops, Pests of Vegetable Crops, Pests of Fruit Crops, Integrated Pest Management
ENT-301 (P)Pest of Field and Horticultural Crops and their Management (Practical)Lab1Insect Pest Identification, Damage Assessment, Pesticide Application, Biocontrol Agents, Pheromone Traps
AEC-301Agricultural Marketing, Trade & PricesCore2Agricultural Marketing Concepts, Marketing Channels, Market Institutions, Price Analysis, International Trade
AEC-301 (P)Agricultural Marketing, Trade & Prices (Practical)Lab1Market Survey, Price Data Collection, Market Functionaries Study, Commodity Exchange Visit, Marketing Efficiency Calculation
ENGG-301Protected Cultivation and Secondary AgricultureCore2Greenhouse Technology, Polyhouse Cultivation, Hydroponics, Mushroom Cultivation, Post-Harvest Technology
ENGG-301 (P)Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Practical)Lab1Greenhouse Operations, Shade Net House Construction, Mushroom Unit Visit, Value Addition Techniques, Post-Harvest Losses Assessment

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
AGR-401Farming System and Sustainable AgricultureCore2Concept of Farming System, Components of Farming System, Sustainable Agriculture Principles, Organic Farming, Climate Change and Agriculture
AGR-401 (P)Farming System and Sustainable Agriculture (Practical)Lab1Farming System Model Visit, Resource Recycling, Composting Techniques, Agroforestry Practices, Energy Auditing in Farms
HORT-401Production Technology for Vegetable and SpicesCore2Production of Solanaceous Vegetables, Cucurbits Production, Cole Crops Production, Root and Tuber Crops, Production of Major Spices
HORT-401 (P)Production Technology for Vegetable and Spices (Practical)Lab1Nursery Raising, Cultivation Practices, Harvesting and Post-Harvest, Pest/Disease Identification, Seed Production
HORT-402Production Technology for Ornamental Crops, Medicinal and Aromatic PlantsCore2Floriculture Industry, Cultivation of Cut Flowers, Loose Flowers Production, Medicinal Plant Cultivation, Aromatic Plant Cultivation
HORT-402 (P)Production Technology for Ornamental Crops, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (Practical)Lab1Flower Identification, MAP Propagation, Essential Oil Extraction, Landscaping Techniques, Post-Harvest Handling
ENT-401Insect Ecology and IPMCore2Insect Population Dynamics, Ecological Factors, Biological Control, Chemical Control, Integrated Pest Management Strategies
ENT-401 (P)Insect Ecology and IPM (Practical)Lab1Insect Sampling, Pest Monitoring Tools, Biocontrol Agent Identification, Insecticide Compatibility, IPM Module Development
PATH-401Plant Disease Epidemiology and ManagementCore2Principles of Epidemiology, Disease Forecasting, Chemical Control of Diseases, Host Resistance, Quarantine Measures
PATH-401 (P)Plant Disease Epidemiology and Management (Practical)Lab1Disease Survey, Incidence and Severity, Fungicide Application, Disease Resistance Screening, Diagnostic Kits
GEN-401Principles of Seed TechnologyCore2Seed Quality, Seed Production, Seed Processing, Seed Testing, Seed Storage
GEN-401 (P)Principles of Seed Technology (Practical)Lab1Seed Purity Analysis, Germination Test, Moisture Content, Seed Treatment, Seed Health Testing
EXT-401Extension Methodologies for Technology TransferCore2Extension Education Principles, Methods of Extension, Diffusion of Innovations, Communication Models, Participatory Rural Appraisal
EXT-401 (P)Extension Methodologies for Technology Transfer (Practical)Lab1Conducting Demonstrations, Farm Visits, Exhibition Organization, Preparation of Extension Materials, Feedback Collection

Semester 5

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
AGR-501Rainfed Agriculture and Watershed ManagementCore2Characteristics of Rainfed Agriculture, Drought Management, Water Harvesting, Watershed Management Principles, Contour Farming
AGR-501 (P)Rainfed Agriculture and Watershed Management (Practical)Lab1Rainfall Data Analysis, Crop Planning for Rainfed Areas, Runoff Measurement, Erosion Control Structures, Participatory Watershed Planning
AEB-501Principles of Organic FarmingCore2Concept of Organic Farming, Organic Nutrient Sources, Organic Pest Management, Organic Certification, Economics of Organic Farming
AEB-501 (P)Principles of Organic Farming (Practical)Lab1Compost and Vermicompost, Biofertilizer Application, Organic Pesticide Preparation, Organic Farm Visit, Certification Process Study
HORT-501Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition of Fruits and VegetablesCore2Maturity Indices, Harvesting Techniques, Storage Methods, Processing Techniques, Value Added Products
HORT-501 (P)Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition of Fruits and Vegetables (Practical)Lab1Quality Assessment, Packaging Materials, Canning and Bottling, Jam and Jelly Making, Drying and Dehydration
AEC-501Farm Management, Production & Resource EconomicsCore2Farm Planning, Cost Concepts, Production Functions, Resource Allocation, Risk and Uncertainty in Agriculture
AEC-501 (P)Farm Management, Production & Resource Economics (Practical)Lab1Farm Budgeting, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Break-Even Analysis, Farm Record Keeping, Profitability Analysis
AEB-502Livestock Production and ManagementCore2Importance of Livestock, Breeds of Cattle and Buffalo, Poultry Production, Dairy Management, Disease Management
AEB-502 (P)Livestock Production and Management (Practical)Lab1Breed Identification, Feed Formulation, Housing Management, Vaccination Schedules, Milk Testing
AEB-503Agricultural BiotechnologyCore2Recombinant DNA Technology, Tissue Culture, Genetic Engineering in Crops, Molecular Markers, Biosafety and Ethics
AEB-503 (P)Agricultural Biotechnology (Practical)Lab1Media Preparation, Explant Culture, PCR Techniques, Gel Electrophoresis, Bioinformatics Tools
SSAC-501Problematic Soils and their ManagementCore2Acid Soils, Saline and Alkali Soils, Waterlogged Soils, Erosion Prone Soils, Reclamation Technologies
SSAC-501 (P)Problematic Soils and their Management (Practical)Lab1Identification of Problematic Soils, Gypsum Requirement, Leaching Experiments, Green Manuring, Soil Amendments
ENGG-501Renewable Energy and Green TechnologyElective2Solar Energy, Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Biofuels, Energy Conservation

Semester 6

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
AGR-601Irrigation and Water ManagementCore2Water Resources, Irrigation Methods, Water Requirement of Crops, Drainage Systems, Water Use Efficiency
AGR-601 (P)Irrigation and Water Management (Practical)Lab1Irrigation System Layout, Discharge Measurement, Soil Moisture Estimation, Water Application Efficiency, Drip and Sprinkler Installation
HORT-601Technology of Production of Fruit CropsCore2Tropical Fruits Production, Subtropical Fruits Production, Temperate Fruits Production, Orchard Management, Rejuvenation of Old Orchards
HORT-601 (P)Technology of Production of Fruit Crops (Practical)Lab1Identification of Fruit Crops, Pruning and Training, Canopy Management, Nutrient Management, Pest/Disease Management
AEB-601Agro-Ecological Principles and PracticesCore2Agro-Ecosystem Concepts, Nutrient Cycling, Pest-Predator Dynamics, Cropping System Design, Agrobiodiversity Conservation
AEB-601 (P)Agro-Ecological Principles and Practices (Practical)Lab1Ecological Surveys, Soil Health Assessment, Insect and Disease Monitoring, Agroforestry Models, Integrated Crop Management
EXT-601Entrepreneurship Development and Business ManagementCore2Concept of Entrepreneurship, Business Plan Preparation, Agri-Business Opportunities, Sources of Finance, Marketing Strategies
EXT-601 (P)Entrepreneurship Development and Business Management (Practical)Lab1Case Study Analysis, Market Survey, Business Idea Generation, Interaction with Entrepreneurs, Project Report Preparation
AEC-601Agricultural Finance and Co-operationCore2Role of Agricultural Finance, Sources of Credit, Crop Insurance, Co-operative Movement in India, Rural Banking
AEC-601 (P)Agricultural Finance and Co-operation (Practical)Lab1Loan Application Procedure, Bank Visit, Co-operative Society Visit, Credit Appraisal, Risk Assessment
SSAC-601Geo-Informatics and Nano-Technology for AgricultureCore2Remote Sensing Principles, GIS Applications in Agriculture, GPS Technology, Nanomaterials in Agriculture, Precision Agriculture
SSAC-601 (P)Geo-Informatics and Nano-Technology for Agriculture (Practical)Lab1GIS Software Basics, Satellite Imagery Interpretation, GPS Device Usage, Nano-Particle Synthesis, Drone Applications
ELECTIVEElective CourseElective2As per chosen elective subject
ELECTIVE (P)Elective Course (Practical)Elective Lab1As per chosen elective subject

Semester 7

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
RAWE-701Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE)Experiential Learning10Crop Production Practices, Plant Protection Measures, Soil Health Management, Extension Activities, Farm Entrepreneurship
AIE-701Agro-Industrial Attachment / Experiential LearningExperiential Learning10Industrial Operations in Agriculture, Processing Units, Supply Chain Management, Quality Control, Agribusiness Practices

Semester 8

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
RP-801Research ProjectProject6Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation
SEM-801SeminarProject1Review of Research Topics, Presentation Skills, Scientific Communication, Q&A Handling, Current Agricultural Issues
ELECTIVEElective CourseElective3As per chosen elective subject
ELECTIVE (P)Elective Course (Practical)Elective Lab1As per chosen elective subject
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