Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agriculture (Soil Science)

About the Programme

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agriculture (Soil Science) is a research-intensive program that delves into the fundamental and applied aspects of soil health, fertility, and sustainable land management. Spanning 3 to 5 years, this program is designed for candidates with a Master’s degree in Agriculture (Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry) or a related discipline, typically requiring a minimum of 55%–60% marks and qualification in ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF, CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, or institutional entrance exams. The admission process includes an entrance test, interview, and submission of a research proposal, allowing scholars to explore key areas such as soil microbiology, nutrient dynamics, soil fertility management, land degradation, bioremediation, climate change impacts on soil, and precision agriculture. With an emphasis on both laboratory and field research, this program equips scholars with expertise in modern analytical techniques and sustainable soil management strategies. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, agricultural research institutions, environmental consultancy, soil conservation agencies, agribusiness, and policy-making organizations, playing a crucial role in addressing global challenges like soil degradation, food security, and climate resilience.

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.