PG Programme (Genetics & Plant Breeding)

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Programme Overview

The university offers a specialized post graduate programme (M.Sc. & Ph.D.) in Genetics and Plant Breeding aimed at developing skilled professionals in crop improvement, plant genetics, and modern breeding technologies. The program combines rigorous academic instruction with hands-on research and practical exposure, preparing students to address real-world challenges in agriculture.

A key advantage of this program is its strong industry integration through the Kaveri Seed Company, the university's sponsor and a leading name in Indian agriculture. Students benefit directly from access to in-house R&D facilities, gaining exposure to cutting-edge breeding programs, molecular tools, and real-time crop evaluation trials. They also have the unique opportunity to collaborate with Kaveri Seed Company researchers on live research projects, giving them valuable industry-aligned experience.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced topics such as molecular breeding, marker- assisted selection, transgenic crop development, Intellectual property Rights and climate-resilient crop improvement, supported by facilities including tissue culture labs, genomic analysis platforms, and high-throughput phenotyping systems.

In addition to the university’s internal resources, the program is enriched through collaborations with international universities and national research institutes, expanding students learning horizons through joint research and exposure to global best practices.

With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and industry readiness, the post graduate programme in Genetics and Plant Breeding program at Kaveri University equips graduates with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to lead in agricultural research institutions, seed companies, and agri-biotech industries.

Our Vision

To cultivate globally competent professionals in plant genetics and breeding who can lead advancements in sustainable agriculture and contribute to global food security through innovative research and technology.

To drive cutting-edge research and innovation by integrating advanced genomic tools, biotechnology, and precision breeding techniques for developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant crop varieties.

To foster global and industry partnerships that provide students with international exposure, real-world experience, and collaborative opportunities, ensuring they are both academically proficient and industry-ready.

Programme Highlights

Specialized curriculum focusing on plant genetics, crop improvement, and sustainable agriculture.

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including molecular biology, tissue culture, genomic labs, and precision breeding tools.

Training in advanced breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection, transgenics, and plant biotechnology.

Industry collaboration with Kaveri Seed Company, offering real-world insights into commercial breeding programs.

Prepares students for careers in research, agribusiness, and biotechnology, with global exposure through exchange programs and joint research with leading global universities and research institutes.

Curriculum Overview

The programme covers a broad spectrum of advanced topics in Genetics and Plant Breeding, with key focus areas including Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Hybrid Breeding, Molecular Biology, Quantitative Genetics, Molecular Breeding and Bioinformatics, Seed Production and Certification, Breeding for Stress Resistance and Climate Change, and Plant Genetic Engineering. These core areas ensure that students gain both theoretical understanding and practical expertise needed to innovate and lead in the field of sustainable crop improvement and agricultural biotechnology.

Duration:

M.Sc.: 2 years (4 semesters)

Ph.D.: 3 years (6 semesters)

Objectives:

To equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in plant genetics, breeding techniques, and biotechnology, enabling them to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties.

To prepare industry- and research-ready professionals capable of addressing global challenges in sustainable agriculture, food security, and crop improvement through innovation, critical thinking, and collaborative research.

Programme Structure

Kaveri University's School of Agriculture offers a dynamic Postgraduate Programme in Genetics and Plant Breeding, emphasizing advanced research, practical training, and innovation in crop improvement. 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 9 3 3 3 0 0 18
II 11 5 0 2 0 0 18
III 0 0 3 0 1 15 19
IV 0 0 0 0 0 15 15
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 7 6 0 0 0 13
II 5 0 5 1 3 14
III 0 0 0 1 18 19
IV 0 0 0 0 18 18
V -- -- -- -- 18 18
VI -- -- -- -- 18 18
Total 12 6 5 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 Genetics and Plant Breeding 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 Genetics & Quantitative Genetics: Study inheritance patterns and traits controlled by multiple genes to understand genetic variation in crops.

Plant Breeding & Hybrid Breeding: Learn methods to develop improved and high-yielding crop varieties through conventional and hybrid breeding techniques.

Molecular Biology & Molecular Breeding: Use molecular tools for gene identification, marker-assisted selection, and precision breeding strategies.

Bioinformatics: Apply computational tools to analyze genetic data and support decision-making in breeding programs.

Seed Production & Certification: Understand the processes involved in producing, processing, and certifying quality seeds for commercial agriculture.

Breeding for Stress Resistance & Climate Change: Develop crop varieties that can withstand biotic and abiotic stresses, ensuring productivity in changing environments.

Plant Genetic Engineering: Explore genetic modification techniques to introduce novel traits and enhance crop performance beyond conventional methods.

Career Opportunities

Plant Breeder/Geneticist– Work in public or private seed companies to develop improved crop varieties.

Research Scientist – Join agricultural research institutions (like ICAR, IARI, or international centers) for cutting-edge research in crop genetics and breeding.

Biotech and Agri-Tech Companies– Engage in molecular breeding, genomic research, or genetic engineering projects.

Seed Production & Quality Control Officer – Oversee certified seed production and ensure compliance with quality standards.

Bioinformatics Specialist– Apply data analysis tools in genomic selection, trait mapping, and breeding program optimization.

Academic Roles – Pursue teaching and research careers in universities and colleges.

Fee Structure

Students Under Indian Category ₹ Per Annum
Academic Fees
(All Inclusive Academic Fees)
₹ 3,00,000
Hostel Fees
(2 Sharing All Inclusive Hostel & Mess Charges)
₹ 1,50,000
Hostel Fees
(4 Sharing All Inclusive Hostel & 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.