PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Eligibility Admission Syllabus and Career 2026 | Updates | Search Shiksha
PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Eligibility Admission Syllabus and Career 2026

PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Eligibility Admission Syllabus and Career 2026

Category: Admission Updates
19Nov, 2025

PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry is research based doctorate program designed to study soil characteristics soil fertility plant nutrition crop production environmental chemistry and sustainable farming practices This program aims to enhance soil health maximize crop yields develop ecofriendly fertilizers and discover new solutions for farming challenges PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry is very useful for India as the country greatly relies on agriculture for its economy A soil research doctorate prepares students for jobs in research institutes universities agriculture labs fertilizer companies government agencies and environmental groups

 

What is PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry?

PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry is a research course that takes three to eight years. In this program, students study:

Soil formation and classification

Soil fertility and productivity

Plant nutrient management

Soil chemistry and mineral analysis

Water conservation

Environmental pollution

Organic farming

Fertilizer technology

Soil microbiology

Students do experiments. They study soil. They write research papers. They make a thesis. All this work is for a goal. It is to find help for farms. It is to help people to have food.

 

Why Choose PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

There are many benefits of choosing this specialization:

High demand in agriculture sector

Agriculture schools and labs and fertilizer firms must have soil docs.

Contribution to food security

You help farmers grow more food and keep their dirt strong.

Government and private sector support

A lot of agri missions soil health schemes and government schemes want experts.

Good career stability

Research institutes universities and industries offer stable jobs for sure.

Scope for innovation

Opportunities for new fertilizers, ways to make the land better and to farm on new climate.

 

Eligibility for PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

A Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agriculture Chemistry, Agronomy, Agriculture Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science or related fields

Minimum 50 to 55 percent marks in post-graduation

A valid score in entrance exams such as UGC NET, ICAR entrance exam or university test

A research proposal related to soil science or chemistry

Students with laboratory or field work experience have an advantage.

 

Entrance Exams for PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

Admission often does not require entrance test. Common exams include

UGC NET Agriculture Science

Accepted by many state and central universities.

ICAR AICE JRF SRF

Important in farming and popular in farming schools.

University Entrance Exams

Universities do written tests on soil science, chemistry and research methods

Institute Level Exams and Interviews

Some institutions take interviews or practical assessments.

 

PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Admission Process

The admission process usually includes:

1. Select University

Select the universities that have research in soil science technology and fertilizer and plant nutrition

2. Check Eligibility Criteria

Verify marks, subject background and exam requirements.

3. Submit Application Form

Attach all required documents including:

Mark sheets

Entrance exam score

Research proposal

Certificates

ID proof

4. Appear for Entrance Exam

Attempt UGC NET, ICAR exam or university test.

5. Attend Interview

Shortlisted student chat about research thought and study.

6. Final Selection

Only for entrance score, interview and academic record.

7. Enrollment

Pay fees and begin coursework and research work.

 

Syllabus of PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

The syllabus is on soil research and on chemistry and plant food. Some common subjects are as follows:

Core Subjects

Soil Physics

Soil Chemistry

Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition

Soil Microbiology

Soil and Water Conservation

Environmental Chemistry

Soil Mineralogy

Research Subjects

Research Methodology

Data Analysis

Dissertation

Seminars

Field Work

Elective Subjects

Organic Farming

Fertilizer Technology

Wastewater Management

Climate Change and Soil Health

Soil Pollution and Remediation

Students also do experiments in the lab about testing the soil, testing nutrients, and testing fertilizer.

 

Top Colleges for PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

Many good schools have this program including:

  1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi
  2. Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana
  3. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore
  4. Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University
  5. Banaras Hindu University Varanasi
  6. University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru
  7. GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology
  8. Dr YSR Horticultural University

These schools have good labs, soil test labs and smart teachers.

 

Job Roles after PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

PhD can do these work in farming, environment, fertilizer and research etc.

Soil Scientist

Agriculture Research Scientist

Fertilizer Development Officer

Soil Conservation Officer

Environmental Consultant

Agriculture Extension Specialist

Research Associate

Assistant Professor

Soil Testing Lab Expert

Plant Nutrition Specialist

These jobs include going to places, doing lab work, searching, classroom work, and making rules.

 

Top Recruiters

ICAR institutes

Agriculture universities

Soil testing laboratories

Fertilizer companies

Pesticide companies

Krishi Vigyan Kendras

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Environmental research organizations

NGOs and consultancy firms

 

Salary after PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

Salary depends on job role and experience:

Job Role

Expected Salary

Soil Scientist

₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA

Agriculture Research Scientist

₹8 LPA to ₹15 LPA

Fertilizer Development Officer

₹7 LPA to ₹14 LPA

Assistant Professor

₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA

Environmental Consultant

₹8 LPA to ₹18 LPA

International agricultural organizations offer higher packages.

 

Career Scope of PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry

There is a growing need for soil experts due to:

Rising soil pollution

Need for sustainable farming

Climate change issues

Decline in soil fertility

Demand for high crop yield

Government focus on soil health

Graduate can find jobs at the universities, public offices, the plant company and the world organization

 

FAQs

Q. What is the duration of PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry
A. The duration is usually three to eight years.

Q. What is the eligibility for PhD in this field
A. A Master’s degree in Agriculture Science or related field with 50 to 55 percent marks.

Q. What entrance exams are required
A. UGC NET, ICAR entrance exam or university level exam.

Q. What is the average fee
A. Fees range between three lakh and five lakh depending on the university.

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