Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in ( Horticulture ) Fruit Science

About the Programme

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Horticulture (Fruit Science) is a specialized research program focused on the scientific study and improvement of fruit crops, covering areas such as breeding, physiology, post-harvest technology, and sustainable orchard management. Typically spanning 3 to 5 years, the program is designed for candidates with a Master’s degree in Horticulture (Fruit Science) or a related field, requiring a minimum of 55%–60% marks along with qualification in ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or institutional entrance exams. The admission process generally includes an entrance test, interview, and research proposal submission, enabling scholars to explore key areas such as genetic improvement of fruit crops, climate-resilient varieties, organic fruit production, post-harvest management, value addition, and protected cultivation. With a blend of advanced research and practical applications, this program equips scholars with expertise to enhance fruit productivity, quality, and market potential. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, research institutions, horticulture based industries, agribusiness firms, government agencies, and international organizations, contributing to food security, sustainable fruit production, and the development of innovative horticultural technologies.

Eligibility

• A candidate seeking admission after a 2-year (4-semester) master’s degree should have at least an aggregate of 55% marks or its equivalent grade ‘B’ on the UGC 10-point scale.
• A candidate seeking admission after a 4-year (8-semester) bachelor’s degree in research should have a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10 with DBT-BET/ ICMR-JRF/ GATE/ UGC-NET/ CSIR-JRF/ ARS-NET/ GPAT qualifications.
• Candidates who have secured their master’s degree under (10+2) +3+2 or (10+2) +4+2 or (10+2) +4 patterns of study are eligible to enroll in the PhD programmes as per NEP 2020.
• A 1-year (2-semester) master’s degree after 4-year undergraduate degree/ 5 years integrated master’s degree with at least an aggregate 55% marks or its equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 10-point scale or an equivalent grade on a point scale wherever grading system is followed or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution accredited by approved, recognized by an authority, and established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of educational institutions.
• GU may decide its selection procedure for PhD admission of international candidates, keeping in view the guidelines/ norms issued by statutory/regulatory bodies from time to time.
• The PhD candidates from other universities can transfer their PhD to GU; the PhD credits are acceptable with the NoC from the Registrar of the migrating university if they have completed the course credits as per the minimum standards of PhD regulations of UGC, 2022. Additionally, the candidate must submit a self-attested letter stating the reason for migrating and the coursework completion certificate.