Did you know that there are about 400,000 plant species on Earth? Many thousands of plants on land and in the ocean are not even identified or categorized yet.
If you have the curiosity to investigate plant life on a deeper level, then botany would be an excellent career option. It is a branch of biology that studies plant life and evaluates plants’ properties, biochemical processes etc. Those who have good observational skills along with an interest in the vast world of plant life can make a good career out of it.
Future Scope for a Career in Botany
- Those who are pursuing botany as a career can opt for working at educational institutions, private or public sector companies in agriculture or forestry, biotechnology, environmental protection, drugs, genetics research, and food industries.
- Botany graduates can work in several posts such as botanical assistants, scientific assistants, preservation assistants, or herbarium keepers in various government institutions like the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Graduates who are skilled in mathematics can opt for genetics, biophysics, developmental botany and system ecology.
- Additional knowledge in chemistry will help botanists work as molecular biologists, plant physiologists or plant biochemists at various institutions.
- Botanists can work as industrial ecologists in factories and other industries to help use resources efficiently and prevent damage to the surrounding ecosystems.
- Botanists have work options in the oil industry and paper industry based on their skills.
- One can also work as a medical representative or scientific assistant in herbal-based companies like Patanjali and Dabur.
- Technological advancements and the introduction of Artificial Intelligence have created tremendous opportunities for students in this field. They can work as researchers in biotechnological research institutes and molecular labs.
- Due to the drastic increase in air and water pollution, many new and powerful tools in technology and molecular biology have been created. This also leads to excellent career opportunities for botany graduates for jobs dealing with electron microscopes, digital imaging analysis, radioisotopes, cell and tissue culture, etc.
Skills Required to Study Botany
- Research and analytical skills
- Critical evaluation skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Logical thinking
- Observational skills
Careers in Botany
- Industrial Ecologists
- Plant Scientists
- Soil and Water Conservationists
- Horticulturists
- Teacher
- Botanical Assistants
- Scientific Assistant
- Preservation assistant
- Research Assistant
- Herbarium keeper
- Curator
- Botanist
- Taxonomist
- Agronomist
- Ecologist
- Mycologist
- Plant Breeder
- Biophysicists
- Medical Representative
Eligibility to Pursue a Degree in Botany
Students who passed 10+2 from recognized institutions under the science stream can apply for a bachelor’s degree in Botany.
Entrance Examinations
- BHU UET – national level entrance exam conducted by Banaras Hindu University for admission to undergraduate courses.
- IISER IAT – entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research for admission to undergraduate programs.
- GSAT – National level exam conducted by GITAM University for various undergraduate courses.
Top Colleges/Universities in India and Abroad to Study Botany
- Miami University, USA
- Michigan State University, USA
- University of Missouri, USA
- Edge Hill University, UK
- Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
- Banaras Hindu University, India
- Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, India
- St Xavier’s College, India
- Farook College, India
- Govt. Arts College, Tamil Nadu, India
Famous People Connected With Botany
Leonardo da Vinci
The famous Italian Painter Leonardo da Vinci was also a botanist and made elaborate drawings and notes on various subjects like anatomy, astronomy, botany and palaeontology.
Katherine Esau
German American Botanist. She did groundbreaking work in the structure and workings of plants. Her books Plant Anatomy and Anatomy of Seed Plants were key plant structural biology texts for four decades.
Top Institutions that Employ People in this Field
- Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
- National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
- Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- National Institute of Biologicals (NIB)
- Wildlife SOS
- National Chemical Laboratory
- Indian Institute of Ecology
- Greenpeace
- Wildlife Conservation Society
