Agriculture Diploma vs BSc Agriculture - Which is a Better Option?

Agriculture is so important in India that there is always a high demand for professionals and skilled workers. As a result, many Indian students are interested in pursuing studies in agricultural fields. Almost every state in India has an agricultural university that provides a variety of agricultural courses. The country also has agricultural research institutes, which play an important role in the development of India's agriculture sector and provide job opportunities for students.

The two most popular courses in the agricultural stream after high school and senior secondary school in India are Agriculture Diploma and BSc Agricultural degree programmes respectively. While the Agriculture Diploma course can be undertaken soon after the competition of Class 10th, the BSc agricultural courses can opt after Class 12th or a diploma holder can take direct admission in the second year BSc agricultural course.

This article is for students who want to pursue a course in agriculture but are unsure whether to pursue an Agriculture Diploma course or a BSc Agricultural course. After reading the entire article, the candidate will have a better understanding of both courses and will be able to make an informed decision about which course to pursue.

Agriculture Diploma vs BSc Agriculture - Detailed Comparison

The following parameters can be used to compare the diploma in agriculture and the BSc in agriculture:

Also Read: Diploma in Agriculture- Details

Benefits of Agriculture Diploma Course

Agriculture Diploma is an ideal course for students who wish to study a foundation course soon after the completion of Class 10th studies. The curriculum of Agriculture Diploma course is technology-driven with essential concepts. Students who complete a polytechnic diploma course can start working at an early age with good practical skills.

Following are the reasons to opt Agriculture Diploma course

• The course can opt soon after Class 10th study

• It is a short term course of 1 to 2 years

• Plenty of jobs opportunities

• Candidates can directly take admission in 2nd year BSc agricultural course after Agriculture Diploma

• The course emphasises on practical concepts

Benefits of BSc Agricultural Course

BSc Agricultural Course can be pursued by candidates who are interested in working as agriculture professionals in specific disciplines and hold a degree. Following are the list of advantages of BSc Agricultural Course:

• Detailed curriculum

• Ample job opportunities in government, private and research centres

• Payscale is high

• Diverse career options like dairy, fisheries, health and nutrition, horticulture etc

• Can pursue higher education after course like Agribusiness management, MBA, MSc., PGDM in relevant disciplines from India and abroad

All About Agriculture Diploma Course

After completing their 10th grade studies, students should consider pursuing an agriculture diploma. The course duration ranges from one to two years, depending on the institute's curriculum. After completing the course, the candidate can pursue a career in agricultural nurseries, farm production activities, and industries. They can work in government organisations that deal with food, fertilisers, agricultural assets, or horticulture.

Higher education, such as a BSc in agriculture, is another option. A diploma holder candidate will benefit from direct admission to the BSc agriculture course. The degree obtained after completing higher education can help candidates open up a wide range of opportunities in government, private, and research sectors. They can also pursue a PG diploma or MSc agricultural course and earn a substantial salary. Agricultural Diploma courses are available in a variety of colleges. Courses can last anywhere from one year (two semesters) to two years (four semesters), depending on the curriculum of the university/institute.

Here is the list of Agriculture Diploma courses that a student can opt:

• Diploma in Agriculture
• Diploma in Food Processing
• Diploma in Seed Technology
• Diploma in Horticulture
• Diploma in Organic Farming
• Diploma in Animal Husbandry
• Diploma in Agro Products Processing
• Diploma in Post Harvest Technology

Higher Education after Agriculture Diploma courses

Agriculture diploma holders can get direct admission in BSc agricultural courses. Further, they can go for an MSc in an agriculture degree programme from a good institution to pursue a career as a lecturer or professor.

The institutes in India accept direct admission in second year BSc agriculture course on the merit basis or specific entrance examination acceptable by the institutes.

Top Agriculture Diploma Colleges in India

Check the list of Institutes that offer Diploma agriculture courses in India:

• Punjab Agriculture University

• MVKR Fisheries Polytechnic, Bhavadevarapalli

• Sanskriti University

• Government Polytechnic (GP KASHIPUR), Kashipur

• Government Polytechnic (GP), Bhagalpur

• Jawahar Lal Nehru Polytechnic (JLNP), Moradabad

• Jagannath University NCR Haryana

Also Read: BSc in Agriculture- Details

All About BSc Agricultural Course

The BSc Agricultural course is a degree programme that can be completed in 3 to 4 years depending on the institute's curriculum. The course is not limited to the study of crops or agricultural processes, but also includes dairy, fisheries, packaging, nutrition and diets, and a wide range of other course options. Candidates who successfully complete the BSc agricultural course have numerous job opportunities in government, private, and research institutions. The course also allows students to pursue higher education in the agricultural field and contribute to the improvement of India's agricultural sector.

There are various Bachelor of Science (BSc) courses that a student can pursue under an agricultural stream. Here are the options available for students interested in pursuing BSc in the agricultural stream:

• BSc Agriculture

• BSc Horticulture

• BSc Agricultural engineering

• BSc Forestry

• BSc Fisheries

• BSc Food Technology

• BSc Nutrition and Dietetics

Higher Education after BSc Agricultural Course

Candidates who complete the BSc agricultural course may pursue further studies in areas of interest. MSc agriculture and PG Diploma courses in agriculture are among the higher education options. Following a BSc agricultural programme, candidates can pursue management courses such as Agri-Business Management, MBA Agriculture, or PGDM in agriculture.

Top BSc Agricultural Colleges

Check the list of colleges that offer BSc Agricultural Course in India:

• Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

• Punjab Agriculture University

• Lovely Professional University

• Banaras Hindu University

• Sanskriti University

Agriculture Diploma vs BSc Agricultural Course Scope And Career Opportunities

There are numerous opportunities available in this Diploma Course in the Agriculture field. This enables candidates to search for and select from an incredibly diverse range of job roles. A diploma course serves as a stepping stone to a career in the agricultural sector. Agriculture offers the following career opportunities; Agriculture sales officer in private organisations, Self-employment such as farm machine shops, repair shops, etc., Poultry Farming, Horticulturist, Professionals in Food Production, Agriculture Consultant, Distributor, Researcher, etc. Where on the other hand, Students who have completed their BSc Agriculture course can find employment in both the private and public sectors. So, in terms of government jobs, graduates can work at the officer level in State Agriculture Departments.
Candidates can find employment in the private sector as Officers at Fertilizer Manufacturing Companies, Managers at Plantations, Agricultural Products Marketing Companies, Agriculture Machinery Industries, Food Processing Units, and so on. Candidates who have completed their education can, however, work as independent consultants after gaining some work experience. After completing their BSc Agriculture, candidates who want to work as teachers can pursue an MSc Agriculture. They can also pursue PhD programmes to conduct agricultural research.

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