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Career Yatra
Agriculture and Allied Sciences

Soil Scientist

Studies and analyses soil, recommending land use that increases productivity and supports food security.

After Class 10After Class 12GraduationPostgraduateCertificateDiplomaDegreeGovernmentPrivate Sector

Overview

Soil science is the study of soil, which is the loose surface material that covers most land. Soil scientists study, analyse, and recommend appropriate land use to increase productivity of the soil. This is of great significance because soil health affects plant or crop growth, which in turn is linked to food security.

Where they work

  • Agriculture Co-operative Organizations
  • NGOs
  • Public and Private Organisations
  • Environment Consultancies
  • Research Establishments
  • Commercial and Industrial Enterprises
  • Institutes of Higher Education

Work environment

It is not a desk job and you are likely to work outdoors. You are likely to head a team. You will be working for 8 to 9 hours every day 5 to 6 days a week.

Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.

Skills and interests

This career might suit you if…

  • You have an interest in Science
  • You like working outdoors
  • You like to do experiments
  • You have a keen sense of observation
ScienceAgricultureAny Streamresearchingworking outdoorsanalysing

Eligibility and education roadmap

Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.

  1. 1Certificate: Complete Class 10 or 10+2 in any stream (preferably with Science). Look for certificate courses in soil testing, soil fertility management, or sustainable agriculture offered by agricultural training centers, vocational institutes, and private organizations.
  2. 2Diploma: Diploma in Soil Science, Soil and Water Conservation, or Agricultural Technology, offered by vocational institutes, polytechnics, and agricultural colleges.
  3. 3Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Soil Science, Agriculture, or Agricultural Chemistry.
  4. 4Postgraduate: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry or Soil and Water Conservation.

Forms, exams and applications

Not applicable / varies by institution — check directly with your chosen institute.

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

This course is offered by the Department of Agriculture.

Government institutes

  • Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Hindu College, New Delhi
  • Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
  • Farook College, Kozhikode, Kerala
  • Hansraj College, New Delhi
  • Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, Kerala

Private institutes

Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.

  • Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
  • Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, Karnataka
  • Peelame Sakthivel Gounder (PSG) College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
  • St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
  • Ramanarain Ruia College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Mar Ivanios College, Nalanchira, Kerala
  • Sir Parashurambhau College, Pune, Maharashtra

Distance learning

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

Check official institute rankings (NIRF)

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

  • 1Soil Scientist
  • 2Senior Soil Scientist
  • 3Head of Research Operation
Government roles available

Expected income

₹68,300 – ₹1,18,564 per month

The figures are indicative and subject to change.

Source

Related careers to explore

Agriculture and Allied Sciences

Agronomist

Scientist specialising in crop production and soil management to maximise yields.

After Class 12DegreeGovernment
View roadmap
Agriculture and Allied Sciences

Agricultural Engineer

Applies engineering principles to design farming equipment and sustainable agricultural solutions.

After Class 12DegreeDiploma
View roadmap

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, Agriculture, Any Stream.
  • 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

Ashok Patra — The Director of Indian Institute of Soil Science. He did his Bachelor's in Agriculture from Banaras Hindu University and his Master's in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from Indian Agricultural Research Institute. In December, 2022, he received the Glinka World Soil Prize 2022 for his 33-year dedicated career in soil science.

Source

This 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 1, printed page 39 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
  • Income source: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/soil-scientist/india
  • 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.