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Simple Guide on How to Become a Plant Scientist in the World of Genetics

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How to Become a Plant Scientist

Introduction

Plant breeding is the study of modifying plant properties to achieve desired results. Plant breeding jobs may be pursued in various ways, from selective breeding of plants with desirable traits to propagation breeding. Farmers, gardeners, and professionals working for universities, crop-specific companies, research centers, and government agencies all utilize plant breeding techniques. This is one of the paths on how to become a Plant Scientist.

Hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and other health-related businesses also offer employment opportunities. It instructs you on how clinical biochemical genetics diagnostic laboratories work. Entrance examinations are generally used to determine program admission. The candidate must have graduated from a recognized high school and studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics in the qualifying test.

In the fields of biology, biomedical science, and life sciences, numerous employment options are available. The work market for those with a genetics and plant breeding degree is growing, with a high demand for this sector due to its vital role in increasing global food security. This is another way on how to become a Plant Scientist.

Skills Required

IT Skills

Eligibility and Courses

Stream

Graduation

Post-graduation

P.hD.

Any educational board’s 10+2 exam must be passed by the candidate.

To pursue a career in this profession, the individual must have a bachelor’s degree.

Candidates can also pursue a master’s degree if they so want. This option does not have to be pursued necessarily.

The applicants can also pursue a Ph.D. if they so choose. It is, however, not required to do so.

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) should be included as core courses.

They can earn a bachelor’s degree in plant breeding and genetics. To get into a post-graduate program, try to maintain a 50-60% average.

They can pursue  M.Sc.  in  Plant breeding and genetics. 

They can pursue P.hD. in  Plant breeding and genetics.

On the test, the candidate should strive for a minimum score of 50-60%. They will only be eligible for a bachelor’s degree after that.

The candidate must pass the entrance examinations to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program.

To enroll in a master’s degree program, the candidate must pass the admissions tests.

Plant Breeding & Genetics Courses-

Top Colleges

College name

Location

Bihar Agriculture University

Bihar

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Tamil Nadu

Punjab Agricultural University

Punjab

Banaras Hindu University

Banaras

Indian Agriculture Research Institute

New Delhi

University of Kerala

Kerala

Lovely  Professional University

Ludhiana

Birsa Agricultural University

Ranchi

Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology

Uttrakhand

Internships for Plant Breeding & Genetics students- The internship’s objective is to teach students about plant breeding programs and activities, cultivar development and commercialization, seed production, and turfgrass production. In most agriculture internships, interns are employed for crop care, soil and plant sampling, inventory monitoring, and delivery, data entry and analysis, and research. Interns should be able to communicate effectively and provide good customer service, as well as have a positive attitude.

Internships include a range of advantages for students. Among the advantages of internships are the following:

  • An internship is a great way to gain real-world experience.
  • It also enables students to put their academic abilities, expertise, and theoretical understanding into practice.
  • An internship allows you to show a potential employer your skills, dedication, and worth.
  • Internships help employees develop closer bonds. As an intern, you’ll have additional chances to network with industry professionals. It will aid your professional advancement.

Entrance Exams

1. National level exams

Exam Name

Conducting Body

Duration

Frequency

JEE Mains – Joint Entrance Exam Mains

National testing agency (NTA)

3 hours

Twice a year

ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission)

National testing agency (NTA)

2 hours 30 minutes

Once a year

2. State-level exams

Exam Name

Conducting Body

Duration

Frequency

WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)

West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board

2 hours

Once a year

BCECE  ( Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination )

Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board

1 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

UPCET (Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test)

National Testing Agency (NTA)

3 hours

Once a year

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)

Karnataka Examinations Authority

1 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

AUCET (Andhra University Common Entrance Test )

Directorate of Admission Andhra University

1 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture & Medical Common Entrance Test)

JNTUK Kakinada 

3 hours

Once a year

3. University-level exam

Exam Name

Conducting Body

Duration

Frequency

(CG PAT) Chhattisgarh Pre Agriculture Test 

Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board

3 hours

Once a year

GBUPAT (The Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology)

Pant University of Agriculture and Technology

3 hours

Once a year

BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test)

Banaras Hindu University

3 hours

Once a year

VITEEE (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination)

VIT University, Vellore

1 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

SRMJEEE (SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam)

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

2 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

MET (Manipal Entrance test)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

2 hours 18 minutes

Once a year

Job Profiles

Job name

Job description

Plant breeders

They work with a variety of plants to find and develop new plants and crops. They do tests to see what innovative breeding combinations they can come up with. They are attempting to discover efficient methods for producing large quantities of crops with few resources.

Agronomist

Their job is to regulate the distribution of nutrients in the crops that are produced. They keep track of the manure inventory, inspect it for quality, and oversee the workers. They also conduct tests and assessments.

Plant scientist

Plant experts are concentrating their efforts on boosting the quantity and quality of food generated by the country’s food supply.

Geneticist

They undertake DNA testing and other genetic studies, as well as evaluate genetic data. Analyzing statistical genetic information, databases, and other computer files is one of their tasks.

Bio technician

A bio technician collaborates with biologists and other scientists to solve scientific issues involving live creatures and plants. Biotechnology is a field that integrates biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science.

Research associate

In a specialized field, they perform experiments for research businesses or academic organizations. They are in charge of collecting, preparing, analyzing, and evaluating specimens. They also provide master’s and bachelor’s student’s lectures.

Farm Manager

They are in charge of a farm’s operations, which typically involve production planning and management as well as business administration. They maintain the farm’s equipment and buildings regularly. They are also in charge of hiring, training, and supervising personnel and their actions.

Research Geneticists

Research geneticists work mostly in government organizations’ research and development divisions, commercial laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. Their study is primarily focused on improving plant knowledge and treatment of diverse hereditary traits.

Assistant Professor

Colleges and universities are the most common employers. They are in charge of instructing and supervising the graduates. They also do their research and help teachers with their studies.

Top Recruiters

The following are some companies that hire graduates of the Plant Breeding & Genetics sector-

  1. DuPont India
  2. Rallies India Limited
  3. Nuziveedu Seeds Limited
  4. Lemken India Agro Equipments Private Limited
  5. Advanta Limited
  6. Monsanto India
  7. Poabs Organic Estates
  8. National Agro-Industry
Cons
FAQs

What is plant breeding?

Plant breeding is the science of modifying plant properties to achieve desired results.

What are the job opportunities in plant breeding?

There are numerous opportunities in universities, crop-specific companies, research centers, government agencies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical firms.

What is the admission process for a degree in genetics and plant breeding?

Admission is generally determined through entrance examinations.

What subjects are required in the qualifying test for admission?

The candidate must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics in the qualifying test.

How to become a Plant Scientist?

One can become a Plant Scientist by pursuing a degree in genetics and plant breeding and gaining experience in the field.

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