BSc.Agriculture v/s Diploma in Agriculture: A Comparative Guide

Nepal is an agricultural country- it is a fact we have always known, but the thought of pursuing agriculture as a career with proper academics was never thought about.

But with the tides changing, people are slowly realising that agriculture can be pursued as a successful career with proper academics and a modern and scientific approach.

Currently, there are two options available for students who wish to study agriculture in Nepal: the first one being getting a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, and the second being getting a diploma in Agriculture, both of which present as good options.

If you are a student aspiring to study agriculture and are unsure about which option will be the right one for you, this post will help you decide.

Bachelor’s in Agriculture

The Bachelor in Agriculture is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with in-depth knowledge of modern agriculture, covering subjects such as crop science, soil science, horticulture, animal science, agribusiness, and agricultural technology.

The objective of this program is to prepare students for professional roles in research, farm management, agribusiness, government agencies, NGOs, and further studies like a Master’s in Agriculture.

It is offered by:

Tribhuvan University
Agriculture and Forestry University
Kathmandu University
Purbanchal University
Far Western University
Mid-Western University
Madhesh Agricultural University
Rajarshi Janak University

Diploma in Agriculture

A Diploma in Agriculture is a three-year technical course that provides practical, hands-on training in farming, livestock management, crop production, and basic agricultural techniques.

It is especially targeted for students who want to quickly enter the workforce as a technician, farm supervisor, or agricultural assistant.

Institutions, affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) that provide this course are:

Dhading Polytechnic School
Jiri Technical School
Karnali Technical School
Kisan Polytechnic Institute
Madan Bhandari Memorial Academy
Ratna Kumar Bantawa Polytechnic Institute
Sailaja Acharya Memorial Polytechnic
Seti Technical School

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Comparing the two courses

Here is a comparison between the two programs:

	BSc.Agriculture	Diploma in Agriculture
Level	Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)	Technical diploma
Duration	4 years	3 years
Elgibility	Must have completed +2 in the science stream or equivalent	Must have completed Secondary Education Examination
Course Focus	In-depth study of agriculture, crop science, animal science, agribusiness, research, and technology	Practical knowledge of farming, livestock, crop production, and basic agricultural techniques
Curriculum Depth	Advanced and research-oriented, and combines theory with fieldwork	More skill-based and focused on technical and hands-on training
Skills Developed	Research, agribusiness management, farm management, scientific analysis, policy understanding	Practical farming techniques, crop and livestock management, basic agri-extension
Career Opportunities	Agricultural officer, researcher, agribusiness manager, lecturer, NGOs, INGOs, government jobs	Junior Technician, assistant in agricultural projects, farmer, farm supervisor, and more traditional roles
Further Studies	Eligible for a Master’s in Agriculture, Plant Science, Animal Science, and other related programs	Can pursue or upgrade to a BSc.Agriculture after meeting entry requirements
Recognition	National and international recognition	Recognized for technical-level jobs in Nepal and limited scope abroad

Which one should you choose?

The right choice for you depends on your own situation.

BSc.Agriculture can be the right choice for you if:

You are interested in modern farming techniques and food production.
You are passionate about sustainable agriculture and rural development.
You are someone who enjoys science, technology, and innovation in agriculture.
If you are aiming for a career in agricultural research and development.
If you intend to work in agribusiness, NGOs, or government agencies.
If you want to contribute to food security and community development.
You want to pursue higher studies and academics in the field of agriculture and eventually get a master’s or doctoral degree.
If you are looking for a degree that will provide stable career prospects in Nepal and abroad in the agricultural sector.

You should consider studying the Diploma of Agriculture if:

You want to start your career quickly in the agricultural field.
You are interested in practical, hands-on training in farming and livestock.
You prefer technical and skill-based education rather than theory-heavy courses.
Your aim is to work as a farmer, farm supervisor, technician, or agricultural assistant.
You plan to further your studies and get a Bachelor’s Degree in the future, but it is not a priority for now.
You are passionate about improving farming practices in rural communities.
You are seeking affordable education and faster employment opportunities.
You want to contribute as a grassroots-level agricultural worker in Nepal.

Future Prospects

BSc.Agriculture and Diploma in Agriculture set the setting stone for various opportunities in Nepal’s growing agricultural sector, but the level and type of prospects are different.

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BSc Agriculture Graduates

Graduates of BSc Agriculture have a wide range of opportunities.

You are able to work in government agencies like the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, research institutions, NGOs, and international organizations that focus on food security and sustainable farming.

You can also pursue a career in agribusiness, agricultural technology, seed companies, fertilizer and pesticide industries, and farm management.

You also have the option to pursue higher studies either in Nepal or abroad, enhancing your career prospects even more.

There is a growing demand for agricultural experts in Nepal as well as globally, and you can find jobs both nationally and internationally.

Diploma in Agriculture Graduates

Once you graduate from this course, you have strong prospects at the grassroots level.

You can work in the role of a junior technician, agricultural extension worker, farm supervisor, or livestock manager.

Most of the graduates are given opportunities in rural municipalities, cooperatives, community projects, and local NGOs, where they can play a crucial role in supporting farmers directly.

With the diploma, you can also start your own farm or agribusiness ventures, using the practical skills learnt.

You can also further your education in the future by enrolling in a Bachelor’s program.

Conclusion

Coming to a conclusion, both BSc.Agriculture and Diploma in Agriculture are great study options in Nepal, but are designed for different needs and career goals.

BSc.Agriculture is the more suitable choice for you if you are looking for advanced knowledge, higher studies, research opportunities, and leadership roles in agriculture and related fields.

A Diploma in Agriculture, on the other hand, will better fit your needs if you are seeking practical skills, quicker employment, and grassroots-level impact in farming communities.

Making a choice between the two depends solely on your interest, financial situation, strengths, weaknesses, and long-term career aspirations.

Despite your choice among the two, there is no doubt you will surely be contributing to the agricultural sector of Nepal, strengthening it and moving it towards a sustainable future.