Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agriculture (Plant Physiology)

About the Programme

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agriculture (Plant Physiology) is an in-depth exploration of the unseen forces that drive plant life—from the way they harness sunlight to how they withstand droughts, pests, and changing climates. This 3 to 5-year research-intensive program is designed for curious minds eager to unravel the biochemical, molecular, and physiological processes that govern plant growth and resilience. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Plant Physiology, Agriculture, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 55%–60% marks, and qualify in ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or other institutional entrance exams. The admission process includes an entrance test, interview, and research proposal submission, opening doors to fascinating research areas like stress physiology, nutrient uptake, photosynthesis optimization, hormonal signaling, seed dormancy, and crop adaptation to climate change. By combining laboratory innovations with real-world agricultural applications, this program empowers scholars to develop climate-resilient crops, improve yield efficiency, and enhance global food security. Graduates step into impactful careers in academia, research institutes, biotech industries, agribusiness, and international organizations, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable farming and agricultural innovation.

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.