DIRECTORATE OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

The Directorate of Post Graduate Studies (PGS), University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UASB) was established in 1966 with the primary objective of planning, coordinating, monitoring, and strengthening postgraduate education in agriculture and allied sciences. Since its inception, the Directorate has played a pivotal role in promoting academic excellence, advanced research, innovation, and human resource development in the field of agriculture and its allied disciplines.

The vision of the Directorate is to nurture and develop highly skilled, knowledgeable, and socially responsible postgraduate students in agricultural sciences. In the face of growing challenges such as climate change, degradation of natural resources, emerging pests and diseases, food and nutritional insecurity, and changing socio-economic conditions, advanced education and research in agriculture and allied sciences have assumed increasing importance. In this context, the Directorate places strong emphasis on quality postgraduate education, research-oriented learning, innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and capacity building. These efforts are aimed at developing skilled human resources, promoting need-based and sustainable agricultural research, and strengthening the capacity of postgraduate students to address emerging challenges in agriculture and allied sectors.

The University commenced its Master’s degree programmes during the academic year 1966–67, initially offering programmes in five disciplines, namely Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Microbiology, Plant Pathology, and Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. These programmes marked an important beginning in the development of advanced agricultural education in the State and provided opportunities for students to pursue specialized education and research in agriculture and allied sciences. At present, UASB offers Master’s degree programmes in 26 disciplines, covering a wide range of specialized areas in agriculture and allied sciences.

The University initiated its Doctoral degree programme in Plant Pathology during the academic year 1966–67. Currently, UASB offers Doctoral degree programmes in 21 disciplines. The postgraduate programmes of the University are structured to provide students with a combination of course work, research, practical training, seminars, teaching and other academic activities, enabling them to acquire advanced subject knowledge, research skills, scientific aptitude, and professional competence. The programmes also encourage students to undertake research of relevance to farmers, agricultural industries, policy makers, research institutions, and society at large.
The residential requirement for the Master’s degree programme is two years, while the maximum permissible period for completion is five years. For the Doctoral degree programme, the residential requirement is three years, with a maximum permissible period of seven years for completion.

The Directorate remains committed to excellence in postgraduate education, quality research, innovation, and the development of competent human resources capable of contributing to sustainable agricultural development and the welfare of farming and rural communities