The course that deals with the rearing of silkworms and the production of raw silk is called Sericulture. While there are UG and PG courses in the field, the UG programme, i.e., B.Sc Sericulture is most popular, and the competition for the limited seats available in this course are high. The duration of the course is three years. Most universities in India offer a Hons course in B.Sc Sericulture while some universities offer the same with subject combinations such as Botany, Zoology, Sericulture.
The course covers topics related to various processes of Sericulture and Silk Farming. Through this course, students study techniques related to the rearing of silkworms to produce raw silk which is further used to manufacture silk clothes and products.
The implementation of Sericulture is found in the development of the rural economy of the nation. A person with a degree in Sericulture can work in cottage industry and hence the scope of employment for people from rural areas is high.
B.Sc Sericulture Course Highlights
Following are the major highlights of BSc Sericulture course: –
| Name of the Course | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Sericulture |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility | The minimum eligibility required for admission in B.Sc Sericulture is Class 12th in PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) stream. |
| Admission Process | Merit Basis/ Entrance Exam |
| Job Roles |
|
| Average Course Fees | Rs. 20,000 Per Annum |
| Starting Salary | Rs 15,000 per month |
B.Sc Sericulture Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for B.Sc Sericulture course is as follows –
| Minimum Eligibility | The minimum eligibility required to get admission in B.Sc Sericulture course is Class 12th in PCB stream. The candidates must have at least 40% of marks in 12th. |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | In most of the states across the country, the upper age limit for admission in B.Sc Sericulture course is 21 years. However, SC/ ST category candidates will have relaxation in age limit. |
| Domicile Rules | If you want to get admission in your respective state, you must be the permanent resident of your state and must have passed Class 10th and 12th from the respective state. |
B.Sc Sericulture Admission Process
The admission process for B.Sc Sericulture course is either merit-based or entrance test based. Some states conduct an entrance exam for admission in B.Sc Sericulture, and the selection of candidates will be made on the basis of the entrance exam.
Some states conduct a centralized counselling process for admission. For example, Tami Nadu conducts TNAU, a centralized admission process for Agriculture courses including Sericulture.
The number of seats available in India for B.Sc Sericulture are limited, and the aspirants can expect heavy competition for the admission.
B.Sc Sericulture Syllabus
B.Sc Sericulture is a three years course that is divided into six-semester. The semester wise syllabus of B.Sc Sericulture course followed in most institutes in India is as follows: –
Semester 1
- Principles of Agronomy
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Applied Mathematics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Agricultural Botany
- History of Sericulture Industry
- Cultivation Techniques
Semester 2
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Crop Physiology
- Plant Genetics
- Agriculture Economics
- Principles of Horticulture
- Environmental Science
- Mulberry Silkworm Rearing
Semester 3
- Fundamentals of Entomology
- Fundamentals of Plant Pathology
- Fundamentals of Soil Science
- Livestock Management
- Rural Sociology and Psychology
Semester 4
- Soil and Water Conservation
- Agribusiness Management
- Biotechnology basics
- Disease of host plants of silkworms
- Pest control of host plants of silkworms
Semester 5
- Mulberry Silkworm rearing technology
- Silk Reeling
- Mulberry production and management
- Silkworm rearing and management
- Fundamentals of nanotechnology
Semester 6
- Principles of Farming
- Extension Methodologies and Agricultural Technology
- Financial Management
- Silk throwing, dyeing and weaving
- Planning and Management of Silk Reeling Industry
- Genetics and Breeding of host plants of silkworms
- Silk Marketing, Trade and Prices
- Planning and Management of Silk Reeling Industry
B.Sc Sericulture Career Options and Job Prospects
After the completion of B.Sc Sericulture course, a candidate can apply for jobs in government sectors. Some of the job roles suitable for a B.Sc Sericulture candidate is as follows:
- Sericulturist
- Sericulture Researcher
- Sericulture Assistant
- Sericulture Instructor