Programme Overview

M.Sc. in Plant Pathology is a UGC-approved, two-year full-time postgraduate programme offered at Rabindranath Tagore University. The programme is designed to provide advanced knowledge in plant health, disease diagnostics, and crop protection, with a strong focus on scientific and research-based learning. Students gain exposure to specialized areas such as host–pathogen interactions, disease identification, and integrated disease management. The curriculum emphasizes laboratory work, field studies, and research, enabling students to develop analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to modern agriculture. The programme prepares graduates for careers in agricultural research, academia, and allied sectors, while also opening pathways for higher studies and research opportunities in plant sciences.

  • 2 Years

    Duration of programme

  • PG

    Level of Study

Key Highlights

Advanced study of plant diseases
Hands-on laboratory and field research
Focus on disease diagnostics techniques
Exposure to integrated disease management
Strong foundation for research careers

How will you benefit

Expands career opportunities across research, academia, agri-business, and technical roles.
Provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies and advanced research in plant sciences.
Builds expertise in plant pathology, integrated crop and pest management, and related domains.
Opens career pathways in agricultural and forestry services, research institutions, agrochemical industries, NGOs, and government sectors.

What will you study

Fundamentals of biology and applied agricultural sciences

Study of plant–pathogen interactions in agriculture

Role of microbe–plant interactions in disease control

Understanding diverse pathogens and plant diseases

  • PO1: Enriched knowledge on recent developments in soil and crop management with respect to improvement and productivity, water and nutrient management and their interaction with an integrated approach, and disease and pest management in an integrated manner The economic indices of the package of practises developed and their transfer to farmers make the students eligible for advanced studies at the doctoral level.
  • PO2: With specialised knowledge in a particular discipline of agricultural sciences, the students are worth being absorbed into different fields of academics, research, and extension under different organisations.
  • PO3: Agriculture being an applied science, the skills developed in the fields of crop improvement, crop production, crop protection, and social science fields make the students an asset for taking up the assignments both at the organisational and field level.
  • PO4: The knowledge, skills, and expertise gained during the `study of the course curriculum provide an opportunity to take up entrepreneurship holistically as a joint venture.

  • PSO1: To diagnose diseases of different crops and identify their possible causes.
  • PSO2: To formulate management strategies for effective and eco-friendly disease management.
  • PSO3: To identify and mass multiply beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agriculture.
  • PSO4: To emphasise disease epidemiology and the development of disease forecasting models.
  • PSO5: To impart training on various methods and laboratory techniques and familiarise themselves with instruments for the in-depth study of agriculturally important microorganisms.

  • PEO1: Biological control companies- Important Bio Pesticide Companies in India where students can pursue their careers are Agromore (P) Limited, Agrosynth Chemicals Limited, Barrix Agro Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Bethal Products Pvt. Ltd., Bio Pest Management Pvt. Ltd., Bio State, Cropex Pvt. Ltd., and Geolife Agritech India Pvt. Ltd.
  • PEO2: USDA-Agricultural Research Service- The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal in-house research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ARS is one of four agencies in the USDA's Research, Education, and Economics mission area. ARS is charged with extending the nation's scientific knowledge and solving agricultural problems through its four national programme areas: nutrition, food safety, and quality; animal production and protection; natural resources and sustainable agricultural systems; and crop production and protection. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority.
  • PEO3: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for the protection of human health and the environment. EPA provides technical assistance to support recovery planning for public health and infrastructure, such as waste water treatment plants.

  • PEO4: Environmental, agricultural, and patent law firms- Students will be ready for employment in functional areas like environmental, agricultural, and patent law firms.

Curriculum

  • Mycology, Plant Virology, Principles of Plant Pathology, Detection and Diagnosis of Plant Diseases, Disease Resistance in Plants, Classification of Insects, Principles of Integrated Pest Management, Statistical Methods and applied sciences, Library and information services, Technical writing & communication skills, Intellectual property its management in Agriculture

  • Plant Bacteriology, Seed Health Technology, Integrated Disease Management, Nematode Management, Biological Control of Crop Pests and Weeds, Pests of Field Crops, Experimental design, Basic concepts in laboratory techniques, Agriculture research, Research, ethics and rural development programme, Disaster management

  • Master’s Seminar, Master’s Research

  • Master’s Research

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Assistant Plant Breeder
Field Scientist
Plant Pathologist
Plant Pathology Manager

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

B.Sc. in relevant field (agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or Biology)

Any other relevant equivalent degree,50% minimum a...

 

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info@rntu.ac.in

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