Overview
Botanist studies plants and is primarily concerned with research into their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. They use this knowledge to develop and promote environmental protection programs, improve plant growing techniques and identify and extract plant products used in medicines, food, fabrics and other products.
Where they work
- Private Research Laboratories
- Biotechnology Firms
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Colleges and Universities
- Chemical Industry
Work environment
The job requires physical activity. You need not handle a team. Local travel is a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. Organizations usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 9 to 10 hours every day. This may vary from organization to organization.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like working outdoors
- You like to do experiments
- You are curious and exploratory
- You are a critical thinker
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Botany.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same or related subject.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Botany.
Government institutes
- St Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Hindu College, New Delhi
- Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Farook College, Kozhikode, Kerala
- Osmania University College For Women, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, Kerala
- Government Holkar Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Scottish Church College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, Karnataka
- PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Mar Ivanios College, Nalanchira, Kerala
- Sir Parashurambhau College, Pune, Maharashtra
- St Joseph's College, Bangalore, Karnataka
- K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee
- 2Botanist
- 3Senior Botanist
- 4Lead Researcher
Related careers to explore
Agricultural Engineer
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Applies engineering principles to design farming equipment and sustainable agricultural solutions.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Janaki Ammal — A well-known Botanist whose work focused on cytogenetics, phytogeography and plant breeding. Obtained an Honours degree in Botany from Presidency College, then a Master's degree from the University of Michigan (1926) on a Barbour Scholarship. Received the Padma Shri in 1977 for her work improving indigenous sugarcane varieties and analysing their geographical distribution across the country.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 797 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Botanist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.