If you have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) and are interested in plants, pursuing a B.Sc. with Botany can be an excellent starting point for a career in biological sciences.
Lucknow is one of the important educational centres in Uttar Pradesh and offers several undergraduate science programmes through the University of Lucknow and its associated colleges. Students can study Botany as part of B.Sc. combinations such as Botany–Zoology–Chemistry (BZC) and related combinations.
This article discusses five colleges/institutions in Lucknow that students can consider for Botany after Class 12, along with their courses, NIRF status and career opportunities.
Note: The term "best" here refers to institutions that are relevant to students seeking undergraduate Botany/science education; it is not an official ranking. NIRF rankings are included only where an institution has a published 2025 ranking or participation record.
Quick Overview: Botany Colleges in Lucknow
| College/Institution | Relevant course | University/Affiliation | NIRF 2025 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lucknow | B.Sc. Biology Group with Botany combinations | University of Lucknow | #98 in University category |
| National P.G. College | B.Sc. Zoology, Botany & Chemistry | University of Lucknow | No published NIRF rank identified in 2025 College ranking |
| Isabella Thoburn Degree College | Undergraduate science with Botany | University of Lucknow | NIRF 2025 data submitted; no published rank identified |
| D.A.V. Degree College, Lucknow | B.Sc. Chemistry, Botany & Zoology | University of Lucknow | No published NIRF rank identified |
| B.S.N.V. Degree College | B.Sc. Chemistry, Botany & Zoology | University of Lucknow | No published NIRF rank identified |
The University of Lucknow's official programme information confirms several B.Sc. Biology combinations involving Botany, while its associated-college information lists B.S.N.V. and D.A.V. Degree College among institutions offering B.Sc. combinations including Botany. (University of Lucknow)
1. University of Lucknow
The University of Lucknow is one of the major higher-education institutions in the city and is an important option for students interested in Botany and biological sciences.
The university offers a B.Sc. Biology Group with several subject combinations involving Botany. According to its 2026–27 undergraduate admission information, combinations include:
- Chemistry, Botany & Zoology
- Zoology, Botany & Geology
- Geology, Botany & Chemistry
- Botany, Geology & Anthropology
- Zoology, Botany & Anthropology
The university's official admission brochure also provides the applicable fee information for these combinations. (University of Lucknow)
NIRF Ranking
In NIRF 2025, the University of Lucknow was ranked 98th in the University category, with an overall score of 47.26. It was also ranked 164th in the University category's underlying ranking data shown by NIRF. (NIRF India)
It is important to note that NIRF ranking is for the university as an institution, not specifically for its Botany department or B.Sc. Botany programme.
Why consider University of Lucknow for Botany?
Students can benefit from:
- A dedicated university environment
- Multiple Botany-related subject combinations
- Laboratory-based science education
- Opportunities for postgraduate study
- Exposure to research and academic activities
- Access to university-level facilities
Career opportunities
After B.Sc. with Botany, students can pursue:
- M.Sc. Botany
- M.Sc. Biotechnology
- M.Sc. Environmental Science
- M.Sc. Plant Science
- M.Sc. Genetics
- M.Sc. Microbiology
- B.Ed.
- Research internships
- Government examinations
- Environmental consultancy
- Botanical and biodiversity projects
2. National P.G. College, Lucknow
National P.G. College (NPGC) is another significant institution for students interested in undergraduate science education in Lucknow. The college is an autonomous college affiliated with the University of Lucknow.
Its official admission information lists B.Sc. (Biology Group) with 120 self-finance seats. (npgc.in)
The B.Sc. programme includes Botany as part of the combination of:
Zoology + Botany + Chemistry
The course is a three-year undergraduate programme. Current course information also identifies the B.Sc. Zoology, Botany and Chemistry programme as a full-time course. (Careers360)
Academic exposure
NPGC has a Department of Botany and Zoology and conducts academic activities connected with biodiversity and wildlife. For example, the college has documented educational visits involving its Zoology and Botany students, including a visit to Lucknow Zoo for wildlife-conservation awareness. (npgc.in)
NIRF Ranking
NPGC does not have a published NIRF 2025 College category rank identified in the official NIRF ranking material reviewed for this article.
This does not mean that the college lacks academic value; rather, NIRF ranking and college selection are separate considerations.
Career opportunities
A B.Sc. with Botany from NPGC can provide a foundation for:
- M.Sc. Botany
- Plant biotechnology
- Environmental science
- Ecology
- Biodiversity conservation
- Forestry-related studies
- Teaching
- Laboratory work
- Research
- Competitive examinations
3. Isabella Thoburn Degree College
Isabella Thoburn Degree College (ITDC) is a well-known women's college in Lucknow and is an associate college of the University of Lucknow. The institution currently advertises undergraduate and postgraduate admissions for 2026–27. (Isabella Thoburn College)
The college has a Faculty of Science with a dedicated Botany section. Its official faculty information lists Botany faculty members with qualifications including M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. (Isabella Thoburn College)
The college's academic resources also include Botany e-content covering subjects such as:
- Family Apocynaceae
- Family Poaceae
- Carbohydrates
- Other Botany-related teaching materials (Isabella Thoburn College)
NIRF Ranking
Isabella Thoburn College submitted institutional data for NIRF 2025. The college's NIRF page identifies the institution in the NIRF data-capturing system. However, a published NIRF 2025 College ranking position was not identified for the college. (Isabella Thoburn College)
Who should consider this college?
It can be considered by students looking for:
- Women's undergraduate education
- Science education with Botany
- Laboratory-based learning
- A traditional college environment
- Opportunities to continue into postgraduate science
Career opportunities
Students completing undergraduate Botany can explore careers and further study in:
- Plant taxonomy
- Plant physiology
- Ecology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental science
- Conservation biology
- Teaching
- Research
- Agriculture-related sectors
4. D.A.V. Degree College, Lucknow
D.A.V. Degree College, Lucknow is another option for students seeking a B.Sc. programme involving Botany.
The University of Lucknow's associated-college information lists D.A.V. Degree College as offering:
B.Sc. (Chemistry, Botany & Zoology)
with a listed intake of 385 seats. (University of Lucknow)
The college is a co-educational institution and is located in the Charbagh/Moti Nagar area of Lucknow.
NIRF Ranking
D.A.V. Degree College, Lucknow does not have a published NIRF 2025 College-category rank identified in the official ranking material reviewed for this article.
Students should therefore consider other factors such as:
- Course availability
- Faculty
- Laboratory facilities
- Admission requirements
- Fees
- Location
- Academic performance
- Opportunities for higher education
Course structure
The B.Sc. combination allows students to study three important biological and chemical disciplines:
Botany + Zoology + Chemistry
This combination can be useful for students who want to maintain flexibility between plant science, animal science and chemistry during their undergraduate studies.
Career opportunities
Graduates can subsequently pursue:
- M.Sc. Botany
- M.Sc. Zoology
- M.Sc. Biotechnology
- M.Sc. Environmental Science
- M.Sc. Microbiology
- B.Ed.
- Research programmes
- Government jobs
- Laboratory careers
- Environmental organisations
5. B.S.N.V. Degree College, Lucknow
B.S.N.V. Degree College, also known as K.K.V., is another institution in Lucknow offering an undergraduate science combination involving Botany.
The University of Lucknow's official associated-college information lists the college as offering:
B.Sc. Chemistry + Botany + Zoology
with a substantial approved intake. (University of Lucknow)
The college is located near Charbagh and is a co-educational institution.
NIRF Ranking
No published NIRF 2025 College-category rank for B.S.N.V. Degree College was identified in the official NIRF ranking material reviewed for this article.
Why choose a B.Sc. combination with Botany?
A B.Sc. programme containing Botany, Zoology and Chemistry provides a broad foundation in biological sciences. This can be particularly useful for students who are not yet certain whether they want to specialise in:
- Plant science
- Animal science
- Biotechnology
- Ecology
- Environmental science
- Life sciences
After graduation, students can specialise through postgraduate education.
NIRF Ranking of Lucknow's Botany-Related Institutions
NIRF rankings should be interpreted carefully because NIRF does not provide a specific national ranking for "B.Sc. Botany colleges".
For 2025, the University of Lucknow appears at Rank 98 in the University category. (NIRF India)
Some colleges in Lucknow appear in the NIRF participation/institution lists without necessarily receiving a ranked position. For example, Avadh Girls' Degree College appears in the 2025 NIRF participating-college list, but participation should not be confused with receiving a ranking. (NIRF India)
Therefore, students should avoid choosing a Botany college only on the basis of NIRF ranking.
Eligibility for B.Sc. Botany After Class 12
Generally, students interested in B.Sc. Botany or B.Sc. Biology should have studied science at the senior-secondary level.
The exact eligibility differs between institutions.
For example, the current University of Lucknow undergraduate programme includes B.Sc. Biology combinations with Botany, while NPGC's published B.Sc. information specifies its eligibility and subject combination separately. (University of Lucknow)
Students should check the latest admission brochure before applying because eligibility, subject combinations, entrance requirements, fees and admission procedures can change from year to year.
What Will You Study in B.Sc. Botany?
Depending on the university and NEP-based curriculum, undergraduate Botany may cover subjects such as:
1. Plant Diversity
Students learn about:
- Algae
- Fungi
- Bryophytes
- Pteridophytes
- Gymnosperms
- Angiosperms
2. Plant Anatomy
This includes:
- Plant tissues
- Internal structure of roots
- Stems
- Leaves
- Secondary growth
3. Plant Physiology
Topics may include:
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Plant-water relations
- Mineral nutrition
- Plant growth
- Plant hormones
4. Genetics and Molecular Biology
Students may study:
- Mendelian genetics
- Chromosomes
- DNA
- RNA
- Gene expression
- Mutations
5. Ecology
Important areas include:
- Ecosystems
- Population ecology
- Communities
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
- Environmental pollution
- Climate change
6. Economic Botany
This introduces students to economically important plants used for:
- Food
- Medicine
- Fibre
- Timber
- Oils
- Spices
- Beverages
Career Opportunities After B.Sc. Botany
A B.Sc. in Botany is generally a foundation degree rather than the endpoint for students targeting specialised scientific careers.
1. Higher Education
Students can pursue:
B.Sc. → M.Sc. Botany → Ph.D.
or move into related fields such as:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Plant Science
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Forestry
- Biodiversity and Conservation
2. Research
After postgraduate study, students can work towards research careers in:
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Botanical institutions
- Environmental organisations
- Biotechnology laboratories
- Plant research centres
3. Plant Biotechnology
Botany graduates with appropriate postgraduate qualifications can work in areas such as:
- Plant tissue culture
- Molecular biology
- Plant breeding
- Genetic research
- Crop improvement
- Biofertilisers
- Plant-based products
4. Environmental Sector
Botany graduates can develop careers in:
- Biodiversity assessment
- Environmental consulting
- Ecological surveys
- Conservation projects
- Wetland studies
- Forest-related projects
- Environmental education
5. Teaching
Students interested in school teaching can consider:
B.Sc. → B.Ed. → Teaching career
For higher-level teaching and academic positions, postgraduate qualifications and the relevant eligibility requirements are generally required.
6. Government Careers
Botany graduates can also prepare for appropriate:
- UPSC examinations
- State Public Service Commission examinations
- SSC examinations
- Forest-related recruitment
- Laboratory positions
- Technical assistant positions
- Other graduate-level government examinations
Eligibility depends on the specific recruitment notification.
What Can You Do After B.Sc. Botany?
A possible academic and career pathway is:
Class 12 PCB
↓
B.Sc. Botany/B.Sc. Biology with Botany
↓
M.Sc. Botany / Biotechnology / Environmental Science / Plant Science
↓
NET/GATE/other relevant examinations or research experience
↓
Ph.D. / Research / Teaching / Industry / Government sector
Students who want a research-oriented career should try to gain laboratory experience, fieldwork experience, internships and scientific-writing skills during their undergraduate years.
How to Choose a Botany College in Lucknow
Before taking admission, compare the following factors rather than looking at ranking alone.
1. Check the Botany combination
Some colleges offer Botany only as part of a combination such as:
Botany + Zoology + Chemistry
Make sure the combination matches your academic plans.
2. Check laboratory facilities
Practical work is particularly important in Botany. Look for facilities supporting:
- Plant anatomy
- Plant physiology
- Taxonomy
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Microscopy
- Plant identification
3. Check faculty
Look at the qualifications and research interests of Botany faculty members.
4. Check fees
Government and aided institutions can have substantially different fee structures from self-finance programmes.
5. Check admission procedure
Admission may be based on university rules, merit or an entrance process depending on the institution and programme.
6. Consider postgraduate opportunities
If your long-term objective is research, check whether the institution provides access to:
- M.Sc. programmes
- Research projects
- Seminars
- Fieldwork
- Internships
- Research laboratories
Final Thoughts
Lucknow offers several pathways for students interested in Botany after Class 12. The University of Lucknow provides multiple B.Sc. Biology combinations involving Botany, while institutions such as National P.G. College, Isabella Thoburn Degree College, D.A.V. Degree College and B.S.N.V. Degree College provide additional options for students seeking undergraduate science education involving Botany. (University of Lucknow)
For students planning a long-term career in plant science, the most important consideration should be the quality of the Botany curriculum, practical laboratory exposure, faculty, research opportunities and opportunities for postgraduate study, rather than relying solely on a national ranking.
A B.Sc. with Botany can serve as the foundation for careers in plant science, biotechnology, ecology, biodiversity conservation, environmental science, teaching and research. With an M.Sc. and further research qualifications, students can progress towards specialised scientific and academic careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which colleges in Lucknow offer Botany after Class 12?
The University of Lucknow and several affiliated colleges offer B.Sc. programmes in which Botany is included. Examples include National P.G. College, D.A.V. Degree College and B.S.N.V. Degree College. (University of Lucknow)
Q2. Is Botany available as a single subject in B.Sc.?
It depends on the university's curriculum. In Lucknow, Botany is commonly offered as part of combinations such as Botany, Zoology and Chemistry rather than necessarily as an isolated subject. (University of Lucknow)
Q3. What is the NIRF rank of the University of Lucknow?
The University of Lucknow was ranked 98th in the NIRF 2025 University category. (NIRF India)
Q4. What can I do after B.Sc. Botany?
You can pursue M.Sc. Botany or related disciplines such as biotechnology, environmental science, plant science or genetics, followed by research, teaching, government, conservation or industry-oriented careers.
Q5. Is B.Sc. Botany good for a research career?
Yes. Students interested in research can progress from B.Sc. to M.Sc. and subsequently pursue research qualifications such as a Ph.D. Building laboratory, fieldwork, data-analysis and scientific-writing skills during graduation can be useful.
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