PG. Programme (Plant Pathology)

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Programme Overview

The University offers a comprehensive Post Graduation Programme in Plant Pathology i.e., Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) frameworks to cultivate highly skilled professionals and future research leaders in the science of plant diseases and their effective management. This meticulously designed programme uniquely blends in-depth theoretical knowledge with extensive practical, hands-on learning, research exposure, and potential national and international collaborations. As the first private university to establish an in-house academia-industry ecosystem, KU benefits from strong collaborations with leading organizations such as Netafim Irrigation, TAFE, Marut Drones, and BIPA. This unique environment provides postgraduate scholars with access to state-of-the-art laboratories for mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology, alongside advanced facilities for plant disease diagnostics, biological control studies, and molecular plant pathology research. Through specialized training in core areas like molecular plant pathology, advanced disease management strategies, intricate host- pathogen interactions, and holistic integrated disease management (IDM), the programme empowers graduates to excel in protecting crop health, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and contributing to cutting-edge research.

The fully residential Post Graduation Programme envisions fostering plant pathologists with not only deep expertise in disease diagnosis and management but also a unique ability to adapt their knowledge and skills to the emerging global challenges of climate change, water security, soil health, food & nutritional security, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You will be empowered to adopt cutting-edge technologies that are redefining the future of agriculture and technology, while simultaneously developing the acumen to navigate the complexities of multinational agro-industries within the specialized domain of plant health.

Sponsored by GVBRV Trust, a subsidiary of Kaveri Seeds, the flagship company of the Kaveri Group. Kaveri University’s purpose is “To educate future citizens for and of a better world ensuring that learners emerge as leaders and innovators who are not only capable of shaping the future but are also deeply connected to their communities and the planet contributing to a more just, sustainable and peaceful global society.

Our Vision

To develop multi-skilled next-generation leaders equipped with a blend of technical expertise, critical reflection, and creative innovation, committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable progress in agriculture, technology and rural development

To aim for transformative education that combines science, technology, skills development, and design thinking, fostering interdisciplinary academic excellence to make meaningful contributions to agriculture and society

To create a learning ecosystem that balances academic knowledge with experiential learning through net-working and entrepreneurial projects aimed at addressing real- world complex agricultural problems and fostering innovative and sustainable solutions

A balanced faculty roster that combines national and international expertise with rich industry-academic background, research focus, global perspectives and local relevance ensures that the curricula remain contemporary, constantly evolving, and aligned to the emerging global challenges and industry needs while maintaining a strong local foundation.

Programme Highlights

An ICAR-BSMA (Broad Subject Matter Area) Curriculum with Research Focus.

State-of-the-Art Research and Training Facilities.

Potential International Collaborations and strong industry linkages.

Mandatory 100% residential programme.

Curriculum Overview

The programme encompasses a comprehensive range of advanced topics in Plant Pathology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address plant health challenges in modern agriculture. Core focus areas include Plant-Microbe Interactions, Disease Diagnosis and Epidemiology, Fungal, Bacterial, and Viral Pathology, Molecular Plant Pathology, Integrated Disease Management (IDM), Host Resistance and Plant Immunity, Disease Forecasting and Modelling, and Bio-control Strategies.

This curriculum ensures that students develop both theoretical foundations and hands- on expertise in diagnosing, managing, and researching plant diseases. It prepares graduates to innovate in sustainable crop protection, work at the intersection of pathology and biotechnology, and respond to emerging threats in a changing climate and globalized agricultural systems.

Duration:

M.Sc.: 2 years (4 semesters)

Ph.D.: 3 years (6 semesters)

Objectives:

To equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases caused by various pathogens, utilizing both conventional and modern techniques.

To prepare research-oriented and practically skilled professionals capable of developing and implementing sustainable strategies for plant disease control, thereby contributing to enhanced crop production and reduced agricultural losses.

Programme Structure

Kaveri University's School of Agriculture offers a dynamic Postgraduate Programme in Plant Pathology, emphasizing advanced research, practical training, and innovation in crop protection. The programme is designed with a strong focus on skill development, hands-on learning, and industry integration, ensuring that students are both academically and professionally prepared.

This programme is designed to foster leadership in agricultural research and innovation, equipping post graduate scholars with the expertise and exposure necessary to excel in academia, industry, and policy sectors.

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Credit Load – M.Sc.

Summary of Credit Distribution Among Different Categories of the
Course (Credit Hours)

Semester Major Courses Minor Courses Supporting Courses Common Courses Seminar Research Total
I 12 3 3 3 -- -- 21
II 8 5 3 2 -- -- 21
III -- -- -- -- 1 16 17
IV -- -- -- -- -- 14 14
Total 20 8 6 5 1 30 70

Credit Load - Ph.D.

Summary of Credit Distribution Among Different Categories of the
Course (Credit Hours)

Semester Major Courses Minor Courses Supporting Courses Seminar Research Total
I 6 3 3 -- -- 12
II 6 2 3 1 3 15
III -- -- -- 1 18 19
IV -- -- -- -- 18 18
V -- -- -- -- 18 18
VI -- -- -- -- 18 18
Total 12 5 6 2 75 100

Eligibility Criteria

M.Sc. The Program is open to candidates with Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or any equivalent degree from Institute/Colleges having ICAR accreditation and affiliated colleges with SAUs having ICAR accreditation or government-recognized private/ autonomous university with a minimum CGPA of 6/10.

Ph.D. M.Sc. in Plant Pathology with a minimum OGPA of 6.50/10.00 (or equivalent) from Institute/Colleges having ICAR accreditation and affiliated colleges with SAUs having ICAR accreditation or government-recognized private/ autonomous university.

The basic degree of four (4) years duration from Institute/Colleges having ICAR accreditation and affiliated colleges with SAUs having ICAR accreditation or government-recognized private/ autonomous university.

Note:
(i) Students getting admitted through entrance test mode need to have 60% or equivalent grade in 10+2 from any Statutory Board.
(ii) Exact cut-off rank would be announced upon declaration of results.

Key Areas of Study

Plant-Microbe Interactions Explore the complex relationships between plants and pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes) to understand disease development and defense mechanisms.

Disease Diagnosis & EpidemiologyLearn to identify plant diseases accurately using field symptoms, microscopy, and molecular tools. Study disease dynamics, transmission, and outbreak patterns to inform control strategies.

Fungal, Bacterial & Viral Pathology Examine the biology, classification, and pathogenicity of various plant pathogens to devise targeted management approaches.

Integrated Disease Management (IDM) Design sustainable strategies combining cultural, biological, chemical, and genetic control methods to reduce disease incidence and crop loss.

Molecular Plant Pathology Use genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to investigate host-pathogen interactions and discover resistance genes and virulence factors.

Resistance Breeding & Host Defense Mechanisms Collaborate with breeders to develop disease-resistant cultivars by identifying resistance genes and understanding plant immune responses.

Plant Disease Forecasting & Modelling Utilize data-driven tools and predictive models to anticipate disease outbreaks and guide timely interventions in agricultural systems.

Career Opportunities

Plant Pathologist– Work in research institutes, agricultural departments, or agribusinesses to diagnose and manage plant diseases.

Crop Protection Specialist – Advise farmers, agronomists, or industry stakeholders on integrated pest and disease management practices.

Research Scientist– Join institutions like ICAR, IARI, or international organizations (e.g., CIMMYT, IRRI) to advance research in plant disease management.

Agrochemical & Bio-control Industry Expert – Contribute to the development and evaluation of fungicides, bio-pesticides, and microbial antagonists.

Molecular Diagnostics Specialist– Design and implement diagnostic assays for early and precise pathogen detection in labs or field conditions.

Academic and Extension Roles – Teach plant pathology, train extension workers, and contribute to public awareness and outreach programs.

Policy Advisor & Regulatory Officer – Support plant health regulations, quarantine protocols, and biosecurity frameworks in government or international agencies.

Fee Structure

Students Under Indian Category ₹ Per Annum
Academic Fees ₹ 3,00,000
Hostel Fees
(2 Sharing Includes Room & Mess Charges)
₹ 1,50,000
Hostel Fees
(4 Sharing Includes Room & Mess Charges)
₹ 1,25,000
Caution Deposit
(Refundable at the End of the Course or After Graduation)
₹ 20,000
Students Under PIO/NRI Category $ USD Per Annum
Academic Fees $5000
Hostel Fees
(Includes Room & Mess Charges)
$2000
Caution Deposit
(Refundable at the End of the Course or After Graduation)
$400

Refund Rules:
Fee Refund & Cancelation Policy will be as per guidelines published by UGC / Statutory Authorities.

Important Dates

Important Dates to Remember (Subject to Revision)

Last Date to receive Application for Admissions 2025 -5thOctober, 2025

Merit List / Counselling -10thOctober, 2025

Orientation and Classes Begin -13thOctober, 2025

Kaveri University was established as per the Telangana Private Universities (Establishment & Regulation) Act, 2018 under section 3.