Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agriculture (Genetics and Plant Breeding)

About the Programme

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agriculture (Genetics and Plant Breeding) is a research intensive program that focuses on the genetic improvement of crops through advanced breeding techniques, molecular biology applications, and biotechnology. The program typically lasts between 3 to 5 years, depending on research progress and university requirements. Eligibility criteria include a Master's degree in Agriculture (Genetics & Plant Breeding) or a related discipline, with a minimum required percentage (usually 55%–60%) and qualification in national-level entrance exams such as ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF, CSIR-NET, or UGC-NET, depending on the institution. The admission process generally involves an entrance exam followed by an interview, and candidates may be required to submit a research proposal. Core areas of study include molecular breeding, hybrid breeding, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, marker-assisted selection, and breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in academia, agricultural research institutes, seed and biotech industries, and government organizations involved in crop development and food security initiatives.

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.