How to Become an Agricultural Engineer?
Your Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Agricultural Engineer – Explore Courses, Skills, and Career Prospects.
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Agricultural Engineer
"Agricultural engineering is about harnessing cutting-edge technology to address global food challenges while protecting natural resources." — Dr. Andrew Loftus
IImagine blending technology and nature to improve agricultural practices and ensure food security. Welcome to the world of agricultural engineering! As an agricultural engineer, you could design innovative farming equipment, develop sustainable farming practices, or enhance irrigation systems. Intrigued? Let’s explore the path to becoming an agricultural engineer, including essential courses, skills, and career opportunities.
Steps to Become an Agricultural Engineer:
Step-1
Learn about agricultural engineering and its role in improving agricultural practices, machinery, and sustainability.
Step-2
Finish your higher secondary education with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to meet the basic eligibility criteria.
Step-3
Prepare for the entrance exam After 12th and clear exams like JEE Main, ICAR AIEEA, or state-level engineering exams to gain admission to top engineering colleges.
Step-4
Enroll in a B.Tech program in Agricultural Engineering, studying subjects such as soil science, crop production, and farm machinery.
Step-5
Participate in internships and fieldwork during your studies to gain hands-on experience with real-world agricultural challenges.
Step-6
Pursue an M.Tech or Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering or related fields if you aim for specialized roles or academic positions.
Step-7
Keep up with industry trends, and attend workshops, even you can go for the Best courses after 12th and join professional associations like the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) to network and explore job opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Complete 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
| Educational Background | Science stream in higher secondary education. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Enroll in a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering. |
| Postgraduate Degree | Consider pursuing an M.Tech or Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering or related fields. |
| Entrance Exams | Clear entrance exams such as JEE Main, ICAR AIEEA, or state-level engineering entrance exams. |
- Must have a minimum of 50% aggregate in 12th grade from any recognized board (PUC, CBSE, ICSE, ISC). Only science qualifications are acceptable, though cut-off margins vary by college.
- Must score well in entrance exams like JEE-Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, or state exams. Colleges like NMIMS, Symbiosis, and LPU offer their own exams if JEE scores are insufficient.
- Must have a B.Sc/B.Tech or a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering to pursue a career in this field. This is the basic qualification required.
- An M.Tech in Agricultural Engineering is beneficial for advanced degrees and better opportunities.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as an Agricultural Engineer:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Agricultural Engineers require a diverse range of skills and knowledge areas to succeed in their roles. Below are the essential competencies needed for success in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding soil properties and management for optimal crop growth | Design, development, and maintenance of agricultural machinery and equipment. |
| Knowledge of crop growth, development, and methods to enhance yields. | Efficient use and management of water resources, including irrigation systems. |
| Implementing sustainable agricultural practices and protecting the environment. | Understanding plant physiology, genetics, and breeding techniques. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Analytical Skills |
| Technical Proficiency | Project Management |
| Research Skills | Time Management skills |
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job Roles Offered for an Agricultural Engineer:
Once you attain the necessary qualifications to become an Agricultural Engineer, numerous career paths, various agricultural engineering courses and projects within the field await you. Additionally, there are opportunities to diversify into related fields beyond traditional agricultural engineering roles.
Guide crop selection, irrigation, soil management, and livestock farming. Specialize in fields like animal science, finance, or plantation crops.
Ensure food safety by inspecting farms and food processing facilities to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure compliance with regulations.
Design structures and processes to conserve resources and protect the environment, often requiring a graduate degree in engineering.
Oversee research projects and manufacturing operations, making strategic decisions to advance scientific goals in various fields of science.
Study plant mechanisms to enhance crop yield and quality, focusing on how plants absorb nutrients and energy, and their responses to environmental factors like sunlight and gravity.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for an Agricultural Engineer:
Agricultural Engineers have various career options in the companies listed below:
| NABARD | Food Corporation of India | Nestle India |
| Council of Scientific and Industrial Research | National Dairy Development Board | Amul Dairy |
| National Seeds Corporation | Indian Council of Agricultural Research | PRADAN(Professional Assistance for Development Action) |
| ITC(Indian Tobacco Company) | Agricultural Commodities Processors |
Colleges Offering Courses in Agricultural Engineering:
| College of Engineering - Anna University, Chennai | Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur |
| Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam | Integral University, Lucknow |
| ITFM University, Moradabad | Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune |
| Agricultural College and Research University, Tiruchirapalli | Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada |
| University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore | Swami Vivekananda University, Kolkata |
End Note
Starting a career as an agricultural engineer goes beyond academic qualifications; it requires a passion for innovation in agriculture. Ready to begin? Reach out to our experts at SetMyCareer to steer you towards Career counselling after graduation and to help you with your career aspirations in agricultural engineering. Your future in this field awaits!
In this Career Outline
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