Out of the many career options in science which are available to students after 12th, diploma courses in agriculture are slowly becoming the favourite choice of students.
Agriculture is one of the most employable sector in India, with 42.86% percent of country’s workforce is directly or indirectly employed in Agriculture.
The one course after 12th which provides hands-on practical knowledge to students in any filed is a diploma course. Pursuing a diploma course is not only going to enhance your skills but also equip you with ample knowledge about the subject.
Here in this article, we have listed of the most sought-after diploma courses in agriculture. Learn more about career scope, course duration and job opportunities.
Top Diploma Courses in Agriculture
Here is the list of best diploma courses in agriculture for the session 2024-25:
Diploma in Agriculture
Diploma in agriculture is 2 or 3 year diploma course which focuses on the theoretical & practical aspects of agricultural practices.
This course is suitable for students who are interested in agriculture and willing to contribute towards the sustainable farming practices.
The eligibility criteria for admission to this course is 10th passed with science or Physics, Chemistry or Biology/Mathematics at 10+2 level.
Interested in Science?
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Diploma in Horticulture
Horticulture is a brach of agriculture which focuses on growing plants, crops, nuts, herbs for human consumption or non-food crops like ornamental grass or trees for decoration purpose.
A diploma in horticulture is a 2 year course which candidates can pursue after 10th or 12th. In India, many colleges or Institutions offer diploma horticulture courses on the basis on merit or entrance exam.
The eligibility criteria for diploma horticulture course is 10th or 12th passed with science subject.
Diploma in Food Processing
If you are interested in food industry, then pursuing a diploma course in food processing could be a good career choice.
The course duration of this course is 2 years and the eligibility criteria for admission is 10th with science or 12th passed with any stream.
After completing the course students may work in food processing units, food manufacturing, quality control, and food safety departments.
Learn More About – Agriculture Courses in India
Diploma in Dairy Technology
Diploma in dairy technology is a one year or two year’s duration depending on the college or institution. The programme offered by institutions is recognised by ministry of food processing industries, Govt. of India.
The course curriculum of diploma dairy technology focuses on procurement of milk, fluid milk processing, production of value added products and quality control aspects in dairy industry.
For admission, students must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations.
Diploma in Sericulture
A diploma in sericulture is a two year programme which involves various aspects of silk farming.
The admission in sericulture (diploma) course is based on merit score, candidates must have passed 10th or 12th class examination from a recognised board of school education.
After completing the course candidates can work in silk production, sericulture farms, silk weaving industry, or pursue higher studies like B.Sc. (Sericulture) for advanced career opportunities.
Diploma in Agricultural Marketing Management
A diploma in agricultural marketing management can be a good course option for those students who posses a UG degree course in agriculture or related field.
The course duration is 2 year which focuses on the knowledge and skills required to effectively market agricultural products.
The admission to this course is based on CUET, MAT or other state level entrance examinations. After course completion students can find employment in agricultural marketing boards, agribusiness firms, commodity exchanges, or pursue higher studies like MBA in Agribusiness for managerial roles.
Diploma in Seed Technology
A diploma in seed technology focuses on the technical aspects of seed production, processing, and quality control.
The course duration is 1 year and the eligibility criteria to pursue the course is 10th passed with science stream.
Diploma in Animal Husbandry
Diploma in animal husbandry is 2 years programme which focuses on the care, breeding, and management of livestock.
After completing the course graduates can pursue careers in various roles, such as farm managers, livestock breeders, veterinary assistants, animal health technicians, and dairy managers.
Diploma in Organic Farming
Organic farming is a growing trend in agriculture, focuses on producing food by using natural resources. As the demand of organic food increases pursuing a diploma course in Organic farming could be a good career option.
The course duration is 1 year and the basic eligibility criteria is 10th or 10+2 passed.
Agriculture Entrance Exams
The admission in UG, PG & Diploma courses in Agriculture is based on agriculture entrance exams. Some of the common entrance exams are listed below:
For admission to diploma courses, some universities shortlist students on the basis of polytechnic entrance exams or through direct admission (board merit score).
Top Agriculture Colleges in India
As per the NIRF Rankings, the top agriculture colleges in India are listed below:
| College Name | Rank | State |
| Indian Agricultural Research Institute | 1 | Delhi |
| ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute | 2 | Haryana |
| Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana | 3 | Punjab |
| Banaras Hindu University | 4 | Uttar Pradesh |
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | 5 | Tamil Nadu |
| Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar | 6 | Uttar Pradesh |
| Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Fishries University | 7 | Maharashtra |
| G.B. Pant Universtiy of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar | 8 | Uttarakhand |
| Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar | 9 | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University | 10 | Haryana |
If you have any queries regarding Top Diploma Courses in Agriculture for 2024-25, feel free to drop your comments below.
Diploma Courses in Agriculture FAQ’s
Q) Which course is best for diploma agriculture?
Ans) Out of the many options available, we have listed some of the top diploma in agriculture courses for you. All the necessary details have been mentioned in the article.
Q) Is diploma in agriculture good for future?
Ans) Certainly, diploma courses are good for gaining practical knowledge and developing a skillset. But students are always suggested to opt for higher education for better career prospects.
Q) Can we do agriculture after 12th arts?
Ans) You can certainly pursue a diploma course in agriculture if you passed your 10th standard with science. Although, graduation degree would require you to pass 12th board with science having Biology as your core subject.
Q) What will be the salary after completing a diploma in agriculture after 12th?
Ans) The salary of a new entry of a diploma graduate in India will be somewhere between 3-5 LPA. For better salary packages, students must go for degree courses in agriculture.