The Master of Science in Soil Science program at Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya (MGCGV), Satna, is a two-year postgraduate course designed to provide in-depth knowledge of soil properties, fertility, and sustainable land management. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, covering topics like soil chemistry, soil physics, soil microbiology, and nutrient management. Students also explore soil classification, land use planning, and the role of soil in environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes both laboratory work and field-based learning, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for research, teaching, or professional roles in agriculture and environmental science.
Admission requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks, and the course follows a credit-based evaluation system aligned with ICAR norms. Students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance and achieve a satisfactory OGPA on a 10-point scale to successfully complete the program. With experienced faculty and access to modern lab facilities, MGCGV’s M.Sc. Soil Science program prepares students to address real-world challenges in soil health, crop productivity, and ecological conservation.
Main objective of Master of Science in Soil Science
The Master of Science in Soil Science program at Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya (MGCGV) is designed to build a strong foundation in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, with a focus on sustainable land use and agricultural productivity. The primary objective is to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in soil fertility, soil-water-plant relationships, nutrient management, and environmental conservation. Through a blend of coursework, laboratory training, and fieldwork, students learn to analyze soil health, interpret data, and recommend scientifically sound soil management practices.
Another key goal of the program is to foster research aptitude and critical thinking. Students undertake a thesis project that encourages them to investigate real-world soil-related challenges, such as land degradation, pollution, or nutrient imbalance. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning by integrating aspects of agronomy, environmental science, and biotechnology. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, agricultural consultancy, and government agencies focused on land and resource management.
Table of Contents
Examination System
1. Internal Assessment
Internal assessments are conducted continuously throughout the semester to monitor students’ academic progress. This includes mid-term tests, written assignments, lab records, presentations, and quizzes. These components encourage consistent engagement and usually account for 20–30% of the total marks in each subject. Additionally, these scores are made available to students before the semester ends to ensure transparency and offer feedback.
2. Final Theory and Practical Examinations
At the end of each semester, students appear for final exams. Courses that combine theory and practical (e.g., 2+1 credit format) are evaluated as 60 marks for theory and 40 marks for practicals. For theory-only courses, the entire 100 marks are allocated to written examinations. It’s important that students pass both theory and practical components independently to earn full credit for the subject.
3. Attendance Requirement
The program enforces a minimum 75% attendance rule across all academic activities, including lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, and seminars. Failing to meet this requirement disqualifies students from sitting for final examinations, underlining the importance of regular class participation for academic success.
4. Grading System & Academic Thresholds
- MGCGV uses a 10-point grading scale:
Marks (%) | Grade Point | Grade |
---|---|---|
90–100 | 10 | O (Outstanding) |
80–89 | 9 | A+ |
70–79 | 8 | A |
60–69 | 7 | B+ |
50–59 | 6 | B |
Below 50 | <6 | F (Fail) |
- OGPA (Overall Grade Point Average) must be ≥ 6.5 for successful program completion.
Curricular Structure
SEMESTER WISE DISTRIBUTION OF COURSES FOR B. Sc. Ag. PROGRAM
Semester I
S.L. Course | Name of the Course | Code | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
1. Major course | Soil Mineralogy, Genesis, & Classification | SOIL-504 | 2+1=03 |
2. Major Course | Soil Survey And Land Use Planning | SOIL-513 | 2+0=02 |
3. Minor Course | Agronomy of Major Cereals and Pulses | AGRON-506 | 2+0=02 |
4. Supporting course | Statistical Methods For Applied Science | STAT-502 | 3+1=04 |
5. Common course | Technical Writing And Communication Skills | COMMON COURSE/PGS-502 | 0+1=01 |
6. Common course | Basic Concept in Laboratory Techniques | COMMON COURSE/PGS-504 | 0+1=01 |
Total Credit- | 9+4=13 |
Semester – II
S.L. Course | Name of the Course | Code | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
1. Major course | Soil Physics | SOIL-501 | 2+1=03 |
2. Major course | Soil Fertility & Fertilizer Use | SOIL-502 | 2+1=03 |
3. Minor course | Principle and Practices of Water Management | AGRON-504 | 2+1=03 |
4. Supporting course | Experimental Design | STAT-511 | 2+1=03 |
5. Common Course | Library & Information Services | COMMON COURSE/PGS-501 | 0+1=01 |
6. Common Course | Intellectual Property Right and its Management in Agriculture | COMMON COURSE/PGS-503 | 1+0=01 |
Total Credit- | 9+5=14 |
Semester III
S.L. Course | Name of the Course | Code | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
1. Major course | Soil Chemistry | SOIL-503 | 2+1=03 |
2. Major Course | Soil Erosion & Conservation | SOIL-505 | 2+1=03 |
3. Major course | Seminar | SOIL-591 | 0+1=01 |
4. Minor course | Principles and Practice of Organic Farming | AGRON-513 | 2+1=03 |
5. Common Course | Agricultural Research, Research Ethics and Rural Development Programme | COMMON COURSE/PGS-505 | 1+0=01 |
6. Major course | Masters Research | SOIL-599 | 0+15=15 |
Total Credit- | 7+19=26 |
Semester IV
S.L. Course | Name of the Course | Code | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
1. Major course | Analytical Techniques and Instrumental Methods in Soil & Plant Analysis | SOIL-510 | 2+0=02 |
2. Major course | Land Degradation & Restoration | SOIL-512 | 1+0=01 |
3. Major course | Masters Research | SOIL-599 | 0+15=15 |
Total Credit- | 3+15=18 |
Further more, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc. AG) Course Syllabus – Click Here