Top 10 Diploma Courses in Agriculture in 2024

Diploma Courses in Agriculture: The one course after 12th which provides hands-on practical knowledge to students in any filed is a diploma course. Pursuing a diploma course is not only going to enhance your skills but also equip you with ample knowledge about the subject.

Out of the many career options in science which are available, diploma courses in agriculture are slowly becoming the favourite choice of students. Here is a comprehensive list of the most sought-after diploma courses in agriculture:

1. Diploma in Food Processing

• Eligibility: In order to be eligible for this diploma course in agriculture, students must have completed their 10th in science stream from a recognized board. A 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology would be a better option.
• Course Duration: The entire duration of the course is 2 years
• Entrance Exam: No specific entrance exam required as admission is on merit basis (the marks scored in 10th standard).
• Best Colleges: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

• Future Scope: Graduates can find employment in the agricultural sector, government departments, agribusiness firms, NGOs, and research organizations, or pursue higher studies like B.Sc. (Agriculture) for better career prospects.

Check out the Top Entrance Exams in India!

2. Diploma in Horticulture

• Eligibility: In order to be eligible for this diploma course, students must have completed their 10th in science stream from a recognized board. Passing 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry and Biology would provide a variety of options
• Course Duration: The duration of this course is 2 years.
• Entrance Exam: Although, mostly the admission is on the merit basis, yet there are some universities and colleges which conduct their own entrance examination.
• Best Colleges: Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh; Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala

• Future Scope: Graduates can work as horticulturists, nursery managers, floriculturists, landscape designers, or opt for higher studies like B.Sc. (Horticulture) for better career opportunities.

Check popular diploma courses after 12th science here!

3. Diploma in Agricultural Engineering

• Eligibility: A student must complete their 10th standard in science stream with mathematics as a core subject from a recognised board. A minimum aggregate of 50% is required for general category students.
• Course Duration: Unlike other diploma courses in agriculture, the duration of a diploma in agricultural engineering course is 3 years.
• Entrance Exam: Mostly admission is merit-based but some eminent universities and colleges accept CUET UG scores or conduct their own entrance examination.

Check the latest entrance exam news here!

• Best Colleges: Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore
• Future Scope: Graduates can work in the agricultural machinery industry, irrigation sector, farm equipment manufacturing companies, or pursue higher studies like B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering) for enhanced career prospects.

Also check High Salary Courses after 12th!

4. Diploma in Dairy Technology

• Eligibility: Eligibility for this diploma courses in agriculture requires candidates to have successfully completed their 10th grade in the science stream from a recognised board with an aggregate of 50% marks. Additionally, having passed the 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology opens up a wide range of options.

• Course Duration: The duration of this course is 2 years
• Entrance Exam: The admission process for these diploma courses is primarily merit-based, where candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements. However, a few colleges and universities have started considering CUET scores as an additional criterion for admission.
• Best Colleges: National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Haryana; Gujarat Agricultural University, Gujarat
• Future Scope: Graduates can find employment in dairy processing plants, milk cooperatives, ice cream manufacturing companies, or pursue higher studies like B.Tech. (Dairy Technology) for better career growth.

Check high salary courses after 12th in 2024 here!

5. Diploma in Sericulture

• Eligibility: A student must complete their 10th grade in the science stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% in aggregate is a prerequisite for eligibility in these diploma courses.
• Course Duration: 2 years
• Entrance Exam: Admission is primarily based on merit, with candidates being selected on the basis of their academic performance. However, certain colleges and universities have recently begun considering CUET scores as well.
• Best Colleges: University of Mysore, Karnataka; Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, West Bengal
• Future Scope: Graduates can work in silk production, sericulture farms, silk weaving industry, or pursue higher studies like B.Sc. (Sericulture) for advanced career opportunities.

6. Diploma in Agricultural Marketing Management

• Eligibility: Fulfilling the eligibility criteria for these diploma courses entails having completed the 10th grade in the science stream from a recognized board. Additionally, individuals who have completed their 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology have an extensive range of possibilities to explore.
• Course Duration: The duration of this diploma course varies between 1-2 years, depending upon the college or university offering it.
• Entrance Exam: The selection of candidates for these diploma courses in agriculture is primarily done on the basis of merit, considering their academic accomplishments. However, there is a growing trend among some colleges and universities to also consider CUET scores during the admission process.
• Best Colleges: Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad; National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Rajasthan
• Future Scope: Since it is an evolving career prospect, candidates who have completed their diploma in this particular field will have multiple career options to choose from. They can find employment in agricultural marketing boards, agribusiness firms, commodity exchanges, or pursue higher studies like MBA in Agribusiness for managerial roles.

7. Diploma in Agrochemicals and Pest Management

• Eligibility: Candidates aspiring to pursue these diploma courses must fulfill the eligibility criterion of completing their 10th grade in the science stream from a recognized board.
• Course Duration: The entire duration of this diploma course is 1 year, divided into two semesters.
• Entrance Exam: While the admission process for these diploma courses heavily relies on merit, with candidates being chosen based on their academic excellence, certain colleges and universities have recently started incorporating CUET scores as an additional factor for admission consideration.
• Best Colleges: Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab; Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat
• Future Scope: Graduates can work as agronomists

8. Diploma in Seed Technology

• Eligibility: In order to be eligible for this diploma course, students must have completed their 10th in science stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% in aggregate.
• Course Duration: 1 year
• Entrance Exam: The admission process for these diploma courses is primarily merit-based. However, a few colleges and universities have started considering CUET scores as an additional criterion for admission.
• Best Colleges: National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad; University of Agricultural Sciences, Karnataka
• Future Scope: Graduates can work as agricultural input dealers, agribusiness consultants, extension officers, or pursue higher studies like B.Sc. (Agricultural Extension) for better career prospects in agricultural extension services.

9. Diploma in Organic Farming

• Eligibility: The students must pass his/her 10th standard in science stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
• Course Duration: 1 year
• Entrance Exam: While the admission process for these diploma courses heavily relies on merit, certain colleges and universities have recently started incorporating CUET scores as an additional factor for admission consideration.
• Best Colleges: Institute of Organic Farming and Technology, Kerala; Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm, Uttarakhand
• Future Scope: Graduates can work as organic farm managers, organic certification officers, consultants for organic farming practices, or start their own organic farms.

10. Diploma in Animal Husbandry

• Eligibility: Students interested in pursuing this diploma course, must have completed their class 12th with science stream. In case of 12th pass out students who with Physics, Chemistry and Biology their core subjects.
• Course Duration: The duration of this course is 1 year
• Entrance Exam: Merit plays a significant role in the admission process for these diploma courses. Nevertheless, a few colleges and universities have started taking CUET scores into consideration for admission purposes.
• Best Colleges: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi; University of Agricultural Sciences, Karnataka
• Future Scope: Graduates can work as an animal nutrition and deed technology, animal breeding and genetics, animal breeding and genetics, livestock farming and management, veterinary service etc.

Online Diploma Courses in Agriculture

There are many initiatives under the Government of India to provide viable means of education whoever is wiling to learn. Online, self-paced learning could prove to be very advantageous for working professionals and students who want to continue learning.

Institutions like Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi School of Open Learning, the Distance Education branch of Jamia Millia Islamia etc. Hence, there are a lot of diploma courses in agriculture offered in these prestigious universities. Here is a list of a few institutions and colleges offering online courses:

1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
   • Online Diploma in Dairy Technology
   • Online Diploma in Poultry Farming
2. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
   • Online Diploma in Organic Farming
3. Kerala Agricultural University (KAU)
   • Online Diploma in Organic Agriculture
4. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
   • Online Diploma in Agricultural Marketing Management
   • Online Diploma in Agrochemicals and Pest Management
5. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
   • Online Diploma in Horticulture
6. Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU)
   • Online Diploma in Animal Husbandry
7. National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)
   • Online Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers
8. Navsari Agricultural University (NAU)
   • Online Diploma in Agriculture
9. University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
   • Online Diploma in Sericulture

Did you read the article on diploma courses after 12th science?

Conclusion

Choosing a diploma course in agriculture can be a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in the agricultural sector. The top 10 diploma courses in agriculture in India mentioned above provide diverse specializations and career opportunities. Depending on your interests and eligibility, you can select the course that aligns with your goals.

Remember to research the best colleges, check the eligibility criteria, and consider the future scope before making a decision. Agriculture offers immense potential, and these diploma courses can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of the agricultural industry in India.

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