After finishing class 12th, most students in India think about courses like engineering, medicine, or commerce. But have you ever thought about agriculture courses after 12th? Today, agriculture is much more than just farming. It includes new technology, research, business, and modern ways to help farmers and the country.
Some of the popular agriculture courses after 12th, students can choose are B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Tech Agricultural Engineering, B.Sc. Forestry, and more. These courses teach about modern farming, agri-technology, and food production, helping students build good careers in agriculture.
In this blog, we will also talk about why to choose agriculture, course options, entrance exams, top colleges, and how to pick the best course after 12th.
Why Choose Agriculture After 12th?
- Global need for food and food security – As the world’s population increases, there is a rising demand for safe and quality food. This creates a need for skilled professionals in modern farming and food technology.
- Wide range of career options – Graduates can explore careers in crop production, agribusiness, food processing, research, teaching, and even start their own agricultural enterprises.
- Technological advancements – Agriculture now makes use of modern tools like drones, precision farming, and data analysis, making the field dynamic and forward-looking.
- Contribution to national development – By choosing agriculture, you directly support farmers and play a role in strengthening India’s rural economy.
- Government initiatives and support – The Indian government offers scholarships, financial support, and special schemes to promote education and careers in agriculture.
- Focus on sustainability – Modern agriculture emphasises sustainable practices to protect soil, water, and biodiversity for future generations.
- Growing need for qualified professionals – The agriculture sector increasingly requires knowledgeable graduates who understand both traditional practices and modern techniques.
12 Popular Agriculture Courses After 12th in India
1. BSc Agriculture
B.Sc. Agriculture is a four-year undergraduate course that teaches students about farming, soil science, crop production, irrigation methods, and pest control.
It gives a complete understanding of modern and traditional farming practices. Students also learn about agribusiness, farm management, and how to use new technologies to improve crop yield.
Course Duration: | 4 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs |
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2. BSc Horticulture
B.Sc. Horticulture is a three-year undergraduate program focused on the science and technology of growing plants, especially those used for food, medicine, or decoration.
In this course, students learn about plant breeding, modern cultivation techniques, managing pests and diseases, and post-harvest handling to keep produce fresh and safe.
Course Duration: | 3–4 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs |
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3. B.Sc. Forestry
B.Sc. Forestry is a four-year undergraduate degree focused on the science and management of forests and natural resources.
This course teaches students how to conserve and sustainably manage forest ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity. It covers subjects like tree biology, forest management practices, wildlife conservation, and the responsible use of forest resources.
Course Duration: | 4 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs |
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4. B.Sc. Fisheries
B.Sc. Fisheries, also called BFSc, is a four-year undergraduate program that teaches the science of managing, conserving, and processing fish and other aquatic resources.
This course combines subjects from biology, aquaculture, and resource management. Students learn about fish farming, sustainable fishing practices, and keeping aquatic ecosystems healthy.
Course Duration: | 4 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs |
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5. B.Tech Agricultural Engineering
B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering is a four-year undergraduate program that blends engineering principles with agricultural science.
In this course, students learn how to use engineering and technology to make farming easier and more efficient. It covers designing farm machinery, building agricultural structures, conserving soil and water, and processing food products.
Course Duration: | 4 years |
Course Fees: | INR 3 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs |
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6. BSc Animal Husbandry
B.Sc. in Animal Husbandry is an undergraduate program that teaches the science of raising and managing farm animals.
Students learn about animal breeding, nutrition, health care, and overall welfare. This course combines scientific knowledge with practical skills to help improve animal production and ensure better living conditions for livestock.
Course Duration: | 4 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs |
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7. Diploma in Agriculture After 12th
It is a good option for students who prefer learning by doing and want to start working sooner. This diploma usually lasts one to two years and covers subjects like crop production, soil science, animal husbandry, and the basics of agricultural economics.
After finishing the course, students can work as farm assistants, field supervisors, or even manage their own small farms.
Course Duration: | 1–2 years |
Course Fees: | INR 60,000 to INR 3 Lakhs |
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8. B.Tech in Dairy Technology
B.Tech in Dairy Technology is a four-year undergraduate program that focuses on the science and technology of milk and milk products.
In this course, students learn about milk production, processing, quality control, and packaging. The curriculum includes subjects like dairy engineering, dairy microbiology, and dairy chemistry, which help students understand both the technical and scientific sides of the industry.
Course Duration: | 4 years |
Course Fees: | INR 3 Lakhs to INR 7 Lakhs |
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9. B.Sc. Sericulture
B.Sc. Sericulture is an undergraduate program that focuses on the science and practice of silk production.
In this course, students learn how to rear silkworms, grow mulberry trees (their main food), and process raw silk into threads and fabrics. It’s a multidisciplinary course that combines knowledge from biology, agriculture, and textile science.
Course Duration: | 3 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 6 Lakhs |
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10. B.Sc. Plant Pathology
B.Sc. Plant Pathology is an undergraduate program that focuses on the study of plant diseases, their causes, and how to manage them.
In this course, students learn about how different pathogens, like fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, interact with plants and the environment to cause disease. The aim is to understand these processes and develop effective ways to protect crops and reduce losses.
Course Duration: | 3 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 6 Lakhs |
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11. B.Sc. Soil Science
B.Sc. in Soil Science is an undergraduate degree that focuses on studying soil, its properties, and its importance for plant growth and the environment.
This course combines knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences to help students understand how soil works and how to keep it healthy.
Course Duration: | 3 years |
Course Fees: | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 6 Lakhs |
Career Options |
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12. Diploma in Organic Farming
A Diploma in Organic Farming is a specialised program that focuses on sustainable and chemical-free farming methods.
In this course, students learn how to manage organic farms, improve soil health naturally, and promote biodiversity. It also covers topics like crop rotation, composting, pest and disease control without chemicals, and understanding organic certification standards.
Course Duration: | 1–2 years |
Course Fees: | INR 60,000 to INR 2 Lakhs |
Career Options |
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Eligibility & Entrance Exams for the Agriculture Courses After 12th
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as subjects.
- Some institutions also accept candidates who studied Agriculture in 12th standard.
- Students need to secure at least 50–60% aggregate marks in the 12th.
- Many institutions have an age limit, usually requiring candidates to be between 17 and 25 years old at the time of admission.
Entrance Exams
- ICAR AIEEA (UG & PG): Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into B.Sc. and M.Sc. agriculture programmes across various agricultural universities in India.
- CUET UG & PG: For admission to agriculture courses offered by central universities.
- KCET: Karnataka Common Entrance Test
- MHT CET: Maharashtra Common Entrance Test
- AP EAMCET: Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test
- TS EAMCET: Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test
- KEAM: Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical Entrance Exam
- OUAT Entrance Exam: Conducted by Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology
- MP PAT: Madhya Pradesh Pre-Agriculture Test
- CG PAT: Chhattisgarh Pre-Agriculture Test
- BCECE: Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination
- JCECE: Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination
- AGRICET: Agriculture Common Entrance Test in Andhra Pradesh (for diploma holders into B.Sc. Agriculture)
Top Colleges Offering Agriculture Courses After 12th
- Mangalyatan University
- KR Mangalam University
- Lovely University
- Jain University
- Haridwar University
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi
- Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
- Teerthanker University
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
How to Choose the Best Agriculture Course After 12th
- Know your interest area:
Ask yourself which field excites you more — crop production, horticulture, engineering, animal science, or something else. Choose a course that matches your interest and strengths. - Check the college’s accreditation:
Make sure the college or university is recognised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) or relevant authorities. Accredited colleges usually have better teaching quality and research facilities. - Look at the course curriculum:
Go through the subjects offered in the course. See if they cover modern topics like precision farming, agribusiness management, biotechnology, etc. - Practical exposure:
Courses that offer field training, internships, workshops, and lab work can help you gain real-world skills and confidence. - Placement and career support:
Check the college’s placement record, tie-ups with companies, and whether they help students with internships or campus recruitment. - Future scope:
Think about what you want to do after graduation, whether it’s higher studies (like M.Sc. or MBA Agri-business), research, government exams, or starting your own business. Choose a course that supports your plan.
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Final Thoughts
After 12th, choosing agriculture as a career can be a great decision — not just because it offers good job opportunities, but also because it helps the country grow.
Agriculture today is not only about traditional farming. It includes modern technology, research, agribusiness, and new ways to protect the environment. With the right course and college, you can build a career that is stable, meaningful, and future-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which agriculture course is best after 12th?
Ans: The most common and popular course is B.Sc. Agriculture because it teaches many topics about farming, soil, and agribusiness.
Q2: Do I need to give an entrance exam for agriculture courses?
Ans: Yes, most colleges ask you to take an entrance exam. Some of the main exams are ICAR AIEEA, CUET, and state exams like KCET, MHT CET, AP EAMCET, and others.
Q3: Can commerce students do agriculture courses?
Ans: No. Most agriculture courses require you to have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in class 12th.
Q4: What can I do after B.Sc. Agriculture?
Ans: You can work as an agricultural officer, join a private company, help farmers, or even start your farm or agri-business. You can also study further, like M.Sc. or MBA in agri-business.
Q5: Are there scholarships for agriculture students?
Ans: Yes, there are many scholarships from the government, state, and universities to help students who do well in their studies or need financial help.
