Agronomist
Scientist specialising in crop production and soil management to maximise yields.
Overview
Agronomists are scientists who specialize in crop production and soil management. They try to find ways to maximize crop production. They perform experiments to determine and enhance plant nutrients and soil health.
Where they work
- Agriculture Co-operative Organisations
- Government Research Institutes
- Non-governmental Organizations
- Farms
- Private Research Companies
Work environment
It is field job. You are likely to supervise a team. You are likely to work 5 to 6 days a week, 8 to 9 hours everyday. Local travel is part of the job profile. Part-time and contractual jobs maybe available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy Science/Agriculture
- You like working outdoor
- You like to analyse things (problems and situations)
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Agriculture/Biotechnology/Microbiology/Plant Genetics or any related subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same or related field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Agricultural Sciences.
Government institutes
- Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal
- Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture & Research Institute, Puducherry
- Swami Sarvanand Institute of Management and Technology, Gurudaspur, Punjab
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
- Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Dr. DY Patil College of Agriculture Business Management, Pune, Maharashtra
- Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Agronomist
- 2Senior Agronomist
- 3Head of Engineering Operations
- 4General Manager
- 5Head of Company/CEO
Expected income
₹8,000 – ₹85,000 per month or more
These figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Agricultural Engineer
Applies engineering principles to design farming equipment and sustainable agricultural solutions.
Soil Scientist
Studies and analyses soil, recommending land use that increases productivity and supports food security.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Agriculture.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
C. Jayanthi — Director of Department of Crop Management at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), awarded the gold medal by the Indian Society of Agronomy to recognise her contribution to the field. Jayanthi pursued her Bachelor's in Agricultural Sciences from TNAU, Master's in Agronomy, and PhD in the same field in 1992.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 5 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3D0Qczk
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.