How do you become an agricultural engineer?

The process of how to become an agricultural engineer typically begins when a student completes their 12th/PUC. This is followed by pursuing a B.Tech or B.E. in Agricultural Engineering from a reputed or recognised university. With a combination of research projects, training, and internships, students must build career-ready skills. After graduation, individuals can then work in government departments, agritech firms, research organisations, or other industries. Further specialisation can be achieved through M.Tech or PhD.

What are the necessary agricultural engineer qualifications?

The core agricultural engineer requirements include a B.Tech. or B.E. degree in agricultural engineering. Before this, students must have a minimum of 60-70% (depending on the institute or category) aggregate marks in PUC/12th with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Entrance exams, like JEE Main, ICAR, or state engineering tests, are necessary at every juncture. In particular, professional certifications, internships, and practical project work are essential to enhance employability.

How to become an agronomist in India?

To become an agronomist in India, students usually pursue a B.Sc. Agriculture or B.Tech. Agricultural Science through exams like ICAR AIEEA or state-level admissions. Many pursue higher education through an M.Sc. in Agronomy to specialize in areas like drought-resistant cropping, precision fertilization, or other fields of interest. Such specialisations are beneficial and offer better work opportunities.

Which are the top agricultural engineer colleges?

There are several top reputed colleges that offer agricultural engineer course. This popularly includes institutes like the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (New Delhi), GBP University of Agriculture and Technology (Pantnagar), University of Agricultural Sciences (Bangalore), Kerala Agricultural University (Thrissur), and College of Agricultural Engineering (Raichur).

What are the average agricultural engineering fees?

The fees for an agricultural engineering degree may vary depending on a variety of reasons. This includes the particular course, the level of the course, the location, the institute, and additional fees. The average cost of an agricultural engineering degree in total ranges between Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 8 lakhs, in which the fees in a year may range upwards of 50,000 rupees.

How to Become an Agricultural Engineer?

Team Learntech
| July 17, 2024 at 5:20:53 AM UTC

Aside from the roles and responsibilities of Agricultural Engineers, the path itself to being one can seem pretty challenging. With the demanding skills and qualifications, you may feel disheartened. But fret not, we will guide you through it all!

Be it the required skills for Agricultural Engineering or career opportunities after Agricultural Engineering, this blog covers everything you need to know.

But first, what is Agricultural Engineering? Keep reading to find out.

What is Agricultural Engineering?

To put it short, Agricultural Engineering refers to a branch of Engineering combining Agriculture and Technology. Under this, you will have a thorough understanding of the basics of agriculture and the ways in which you can leverage technology to meet farming needs and enhance quality.

Here are some of the key topics that you will come across when you sign up for Agricultural Engineering programs:

Soil Management
Soil Science
Farm Structure and Machinery
Water Conservation
Crop Process Engineering

So, how to become an Agricultural Engineer is the next question that we will address. With the global food market growing rapidly, the demand for skilled Agricultural Engineers is on the rise more than ever!

How to become an Agricultural Engineer?

As you already know, India has an ever-growing agricultural sector, playing a major role in the country’s economy. In fact, it is referred to as the backbone of the Indian economy. Hence, there are plenty of colleges in India that offer courses in Farm and Agricultural Engineering with promising career opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for Agricultural Engineering

First things first, you need to have a strong passion to explore the farming industry and be willing to find ways to contribute to its effective growth and maintenance. A good start would be a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering, followed by an M.Tech in the same. You will have to meet the eligibility criteria for Agricultural Engineering which also involves clearing the entrance exams for both UG and PG courses.

If you are planning for your UG in Agricultural Engineering, you need to have a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry in Class 10+2.

For a PG in Agricultural Engineering, a degree in Agricultural Engineering or Biological Engineering from a recognised institute is expected.

Entrance Exams for Agricultural Engineering

The entrance exams for Agricultural Engineering are ICAR AIEEA, JEE Mains, or BITSAT for UG aspirants.

For a Master’s in Agricultural Engineering, candidates have to clear the ICAR AIEEA-PG or GATE exams and attain the cut-off score.

Although these contribute to a solid theoretical foundation, certain practical skills are crucial to becoming a professional Agricultural Engineer. Let’s have a look at each of them.

What are the Skills Required for Agricultural Engineering?

For a career in Agricultural Engineering, you need to be well-versed in Maths, Science, and Engineering principles. In addition to learning about the A-Z of soil, crops, agricultural practices, environmental conservation, plant physiology, etc, there comes design and development. You will be introduced to the development of agricultural machinery, and equipment, the management of irrigation systems, and more.

According to several Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, here are some of the required skills for Agricultural Engineering jobs:

- Analytical: For efficient critical analysis and attention to detail.
- Technical (Mechanical or Electrical): helps in handling various types of equipment and machinery.
- Research Quality: plays a major role in idea generation and knowledge enhancement.
- Design: enables an Agricultural Engineer to come up with improved agricultural tools and other equipment.
- Problem-solving Skills: to efficiently resolve any issues encountered in agricultural production or farm environments.
- Software Skills: aids in solving diagnostic problems and designing your farm machinery.

Agricultural Engineering Course Duration and Fees

The courses that come under Agricultural Engineering include B.Tech, B.E, M.Tech, and M.E. Regarding the Agriculture Engineering course duration, the UG is typically 4 years and the PG course is 2 years. You might now be wondering about the Agricultural Engineering course fees.

Well, the average fees for B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering as of now, range from INR 50,000 to 2,00,000. Whereas for M.Tech, on average, the Agricultural Engineering course fees can range from INR 30,000 to 75,000 annually. Again, it is important to note that this may vary based on the college or university.

Which are the best Agricultural Engineering Colleges in India?

While you must do sufficient research before choosing the colleges to apply, here are some of the best Agricultural Engineering colleges in India based on the NIRF rankings 2023:

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
GBP University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
College of Agricultural Engineering, Raichur
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Kangra
Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat
AAU College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Anand
REVA University, Bangalore

Career opportunities and Agricultural Engineer salary in India

As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, the agricultural sector is evolving significantly leading to an increase in job opportunities. Graduates of Agricultural Engineering are hired by government organisations, private firms, and agricultural research centres. Accordingly, the roles and responsibilities of Agricultural Engineers may vary. Here are some of the top job roles you can opt for :

Agricultural Inspector: ensures that the operations and yields involved comply with government laws and safety standards.

Agricultural Engineer: designs, builds, and improves farm machinery to enhance farming efficiency.

Agricultural Equipment Technician: works on repairing and maintenance of all agricultural equipment.

Agronomist: evaluates and enhances the seed and crop quality, protects soil and crops from pests, etc.

Soil Technician: tests, studies, and analyses the soil to determine its fertility.
IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO): assists farmers regarding loans, bank schemes, etc.

Generally, at an entry level, an Agricultural Engineer’s salary in India is INR 3 LPA. As you move up in your role, the salary may go over INR 20 LPA.

Conclusion

As India’s agriculture sector plays a vital role in the country’s growing GDP, the career opportunities after Agricultural Engineering are immense. As long as you prepare well and are determined to pursue your career in this, you can clear the entrance exams for Agricultural Engineering, successfully. Given the fact that this industry comes with various types of careers, the roles and responsibilities of Agricultural Engineers differ, resulting in unique experiences.

These experiences will thereby, assist you in attaining financial independence and an improved standard of living while also equipping you with the skills and knowledge that can enable you to act as a stronghold to support the Farmers of our Country.