The Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] in Genetics and Plant Breeding at College of Agriculture, Hassan, Karnataka, is a three-year full-time research programme for candidates who wish to contribute original research in genetics and plant breeding. Research spans crop improvement and varietal development, molecular breeding and marker-assisted selection, quantitative and population genetics, cytogenetics, and seed production technology. College of Agriculture, Hassan is a constituent college of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, established in 2006 on a campus at Karekere, Hassan, and accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Total programme fee is INR 2,46,000. Admission is through the UAS Bangalore doctoral entrance test for state seats and ICAR AICE-SRF for the all-India quota.
📋 Admission Status: The PhD admission notification for 2026-27 is expected between June and August 2026. The UAS doctoral entrance test is expected around September to October 2026.
Key Points
- The Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding at College of Agriculture, Hassan is a three-year full-time ICAR-pattern doctoral programme under UAS Bangalore.
- Research areas include crop improvement and varietal development, molecular breeding and marker-assisted selection, quantitative and population genetics, cytogenetics, and seed production technology, supervised by faculty with active publication and project records.
- Graduates can pursue careers as assistant professor at agricultural universities, plant breeder and geneticist at ICAR institutes, research associate in the seed industry, and postdoctoral researcher.
- Total programme fee is INR 2,46,000 for three years; ICAR SRF and NET-JRF holders receive a monthly fellowship that offsets the cost.
- Admission requires a master’s degree with 65% marks; ICAR AICE-SRF or NET-JRF qualified candidates are admitted to the all-India quota.
College of Agriculture, Hassan Ph.D. (Genetics and Plant Breeding) Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Total Fees (3 years, Hostel charges separate) | INR 2,46,000 |
- Fee as per latest published university schedule for 2026-27.
- Hostel and mess charges payable separately per university norms.
College of Agriculture, Hassan Ph.D. (Genetics and Plant Breeding) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| PhD Admission Notification | June to August 2026 (expected) |
| Application Window | June to September 2026 (expected) |
| UAS PhD Entrance Test | September to October 2026 (expected) |
| Counselling and Admission | October to November 2026 (expected) |
| Commencement of Classes | November to December 2026 (expected) |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
| UAS PhD Entrance Test | September 2026 (expected) | October 2026 (expected) | November 2026 (expected) |
- UAS doctoral entrance test for state-quota research seats.
- ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF qualified candidates admitted to ICAR quota.
- Minimum 65% OGPA or equivalent in master’s degree.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold an M.Sc in Genetics and Plant Breeding or a related discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 65% marks or equivalent OGPA (relaxed for SC/ST and reserved category candidates per ICAR and university norms).
- Candidates appearing in the final semester of their master’s programme may apply provisionally and must submit the completed degree certificate before joining.
- A valid UAS doctoral entrance, ICAR AICE-SRF, or NET-JRF qualification is required as per the seat category.
Admission Process
- Watch the UAS Bangalore website for the PhD 2026-27 admission notification, expected between June and August 2026, and submit the application with master’s mark sheets and a research interest statement.
- Appear for the UAS doctoral entrance test (expected September to October 2026) if not holding an ICAR AICE-SRF or NET-JRF exemption; shortlisted candidates attend an interview before the departmental committee.
- For the ICAR all-India quota, apply through ICAR AICE-SRF counselling with the valid score and category documents as applicable.
- Complete document verification and pay the fee at College of Agriculture, Hassan; ICAR SRF and NET-JRF holders register their fellowship to activate the monthly stipend.
✓ Opt for this if
- master’s holders pursuing crop-improvement research
- aspirants targeting ICAR scientist or breeding-faculty roles
- seed-industry-bound researchers seeking doctoral credentials
- Karnataka candidates seeking affordable doctoral study
✗ Skip if
- candidates without plant-breeding master’s degree
- those wanting medical or human-genetics careers
- aspirants needing metro corporate placements
- those seeking private-brand prestige
College of Agriculture, Hassan Ph.D. (Genetics and Plant Breeding) Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| ICAR SRF Fellowship | As per ICAR norms | AICE-SRF qualified doctoral students |
| UGC/CSIR JRF Fellowship | INR 37,000 per month as per norms | NET-JRF qualified research scholars |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) | As per government norms | SC/ST category PhD students |
| State Merit Scholarship | As per university norms | Top-ranking research scholars |
- Apply via National Scholarship Portal immediately after admission.
- ICAR and merit scholarship details via the university office.
Comments