Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture at GPCAR

The Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture is a four-year undergraduate program offered by Girija Prasad Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre in Gothgaun, Morang. GPCAR is a constituent college of Purbanchal University.

The program combines agricultural science with laboratory practicals, project work, field activities, elective study, internship, and thesis research. Students study crop production, soil, horticulture, plant health, animal science, agricultural economics, extension, rural development, and research methods. The curriculum is organised into eight semesters and carries 166 credit hours.

Quick highlights

Course objectives

The program aims to prepare graduates with scientific knowledge and practical experience in agriculture. It introduces both agricultural developments and indigenous technologies used by farmers.

Students also study agricultural communication and extension methods, development agencies, market forces, production constraints, and approaches to agricultural problem-solving. Project activities and research components encourage independent inquiry and the application of academic knowledge.

Eligibility and admission

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed +2 Science or an equivalent qualification with at least 45% overall marks or second division.

Admission: Enrolment is based on marks obtained in the entrance examination conducted by Purbanchal University.

The program has an intake capacity of 96 students.

Duration and credit structure

The Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture runs for four years across eight semesters. The curriculum includes 139 credit hours of core courses and 27 credit hours covering elective study, internship, and thesis work.

Of the total 166 credits, 101 credits are allocated to theory and 65 credits to practical study. This represents a 60% theory and 40% practical distribution.

Students complete an internal assessment in each semester before appearing in the final semester examination. Assignments also form part of internal assessment.

Curriculum and study areas

The first six semesters build knowledge across agricultural science, production, management, and rural development.

First and second semesters

Initial courses cover:

• Plant Physiology

• Microbiology

• Introductory Soil Science

• Crop Science

• Introductory Animal Science

• Rural Sociology

• Economics

• General Biochemistry

• Soil Physics and Conservation

• Crop Production

• Horticulture

• Livestock Production and Management

• Extension Education and Communication

• Farm Power and Machinery

• Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change

Third and fourth semesters

Students move into plant genetics, crop health, production systems, irrigation, horticultural crops, nursery management, animal nutrition, soil fertility, plant breeding, plant biotechnology, and plant clinic work.

Project activities begin from the third semester alongside laboratory practicals.

Fifth and sixth semesters

The later middle semesters include agroforestry, aquaculture, post-harvest technology, integrated pest management, seed technology, agricultural marketing, animal biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, rural development, apiculture, sericulture, agricultural policy, and planning.

Practical components include livestock or poultry production, agricultural biotechnology, and project work.

Elective study

In the seventh semester, students complete Bio-Statistics, Research Methodology, and Proposal and Thesis Writing. They also select one 12-credit elective area from the following options:

• Sustainable Agriculture

• Horticulture

• Plant Protection

• Plant Breeding

• Animal Science

• Soil Science

• Agricultural Economics and Business Management

• Development Studies

The elective component allows students to concentrate on a defined agricultural field before beginning the final internship and thesis.

Internship and thesis

The last semester includes a field-based internship connected with the student’s elective area. Internship settings may include agro-based industries, research farms, private farms, and non-governmental organisations working in different agro-ecological conditions.

Students must also complete thesis research and prepare a thesis. These components connect field experience with research planning, data handling, academic writing, and subject-specific investigation.

Learning environment at GPCAR

The agriculture program is supported by laboratories, research farms, field activities, educational tours, and project-based study. Relevant academic departments include Plant Breeding and Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Plant Agricultural Economics, and Entomology.

Students also have access to facilities and services such as sports, cafeteria, counselling, conference facilities, auditorium, journals, and placement-related support.

Scholarships

GPCAR provides scholarships through merit and reserved-category provisions. Reserved-category scholarships follow Purbanchal University norms, while financial support is also available for deserving students facing economic difficulty.

Who may consider this course?

The program may suit students interested in crop production, plant science, soil management, horticulture, animal science, agricultural economics, rural development, or field-based research.

Its laboratory, project, internship, and thesis requirements also call for sustained participation in practical work, data collection, academic writing, and field observation.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture?

The program takes four years and is divided into eight semesters.

Which university manages the program?

The program is offered under Purbanchal University through its constituent college, GPCAR.

What is the eligibility requirement?

Applicants need +2 Science or an equivalent qualification with at least 45% overall marks or second division.

Is an entrance examination required?

Yes. Enrolment is based on marks obtained in the entrance examination conducted by Purbanchal University.

How many credits does the program carry?

The curriculum carries 166 credit hours, including 101 theory credits and 65 practical credits.

Does the program include practical work?

Yes. It includes laboratory practicals, project work, field activities, educational tours, an internship, and thesis research.

When does project work begin?

Project work begins from the third semester alongside laboratory practicals.

What happens in the final semester?

Students complete a field-based internship related to their elective subject and prepare a thesis based on research.

How many seats are available at GPCAR?

The Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture program has 96 seats.