Top Agricultural Universities in India: Rankings, Courses, Fees & Career Opportunities
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and quality education in this field plays a vital role in advancing agricultural science, agribusiness, and sustainable farming practices. India has some of the best agricultural universities that offer world-class education, research opportunities, and excellent career prospects for aspiring agricultural professionals.
This blog provides a comprehensive list of top agricultural universities in India, their rankings, courses, fees, admission process, and career opportunities.
Why Choose an Agricultural University in India?
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum – Modern techniques in agronomy, horticulture, animal sciences, and agricultural engineering.
- Research & Innovation – State-of-the-art research facilities focusing on crop production, genetics, and biotechnology.
- High Employability – Careers in agribusiness, research, government agencies, and international organizations.
- Sustainability & Food Security – Contribution to sustainable farming and food security initiatives.
- Scholarships & Government Support – Subsidized education and funding for research and rural development programs.
Top Agricultural Universities in India
Below is a list of some of the best agricultural universities in India, along with key details on rankings, courses, fees, and career prospects.
| Rank | University Name | Location | Entrance Exam | Average Fees (INR) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) | New Delhi | ICAR AIEEA | 30K – 50K per year | Leading research institute; Focus on crop science and genetics |
| 2 | Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) | Ludhiana, Punjab | PAU Entrance Exam | 25K – 40K per year | Pioneering Green Revolution research in India |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | TNAU Entrance Test | 40K – 60K per year | Strong focus on agribusiness management and biotechnology |
| 4 | Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT) | Pantnagar, Uttarakhand | ICAR AIEEA, GBPUAT Entrance | 20K – 35K per year | India’s first agricultural university; strong research orientation |
| 5 | University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS Bangalore) | Bangalore, Karnataka | KCET, ICAR AIEEA | 30K – 50K per year | Specializes in horticulture and soil sciences |
| 6 | Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh | AP EAPCET | 35K – 45K per year | Expertise in agronomy and seed technology |
| 7 | Anand Agricultural University (AAU) | Anand, Gujarat | GUJCET, ICAR AIEEA | 20K – 40K per year | Strong dairy sciences and agribusiness programs |
| 8 | Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) | West Bengal | WBJEE, ICAR AIEEA | 25K – 45K per year | Leading in agricultural research and extension programs |
| 9 | Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) | Hisar, Haryana | ICAR AIEEA, CCSHAU Exam | 30K – 50K per year | Known for soil and water conservation research |
| 10 | Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) | Kerala | ICAR AIEEA, KAU Entrance | 35K – 55K per year | Strong emphasis on plantation crops and organic farming |
Popular Courses in Agricultural Universities
Agricultural universities in India offer a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Some of the most sought-after courses include:
Undergraduate Programs (B.Sc. & B.Tech)
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture
- B.Tech Agricultural Engineering
- B.Sc. Horticulture
- B.Sc. Forestry
- B.Sc. Agribusiness Management
Postgraduate Programs (M.Sc. & M.Tech)
- M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Genetics, Soil Science, etc.)
- M.Tech Agricultural Engineering
- MBA Agribusiness
- M.Sc. Horticulture & Floriculture
- M.Sc. Food Science & Technology
Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)
- Ph.D. Agriculture
- Ph.D. Plant Breeding & Genetics
- Ph.D. Agricultural Biotechnology
- Ph.D. Soil & Water Conservation
Admission Process & Entrance Exams
Admission to agricultural universities is primarily based on entrance exams conducted at the national, state, or university levels. Here are some of the major exams:
- ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research – All India Entrance Exam for Admission) – National-level exam for UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs.
- State-Level Entrance Exams – Includes KCET (Karnataka), WBJEE (West Bengal), GUJCET (Gujarat), AP EAPCET (Andhra Pradesh), etc.
- University-Specific Exams – Some universities like PAU, TNAU, and GBPUAT conduct their own entrance tests.
Career Opportunities for Agriculture Graduates
A degree from a top agricultural university in India can open doors to various career opportunities, including:
Government & Research Organizations
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- State Agriculture Departments
- National Seed Corporation
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Private Sector & Agribusiness
- Agri-tech startups
- Seed companies (Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer CropScience)
- Fertilizer and pesticide firms
- Food processing companies
Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment
- Organic farming businesses
- Agri-consulting firms
- Agri-tourism ventures
- Hydroponic and vertical farming startups
| Career Path | Average Salary (INR) |
| Agricultural Scientist | 6 – 12 LPA |
| Agribusiness Manager | 5 – 10 LPA |
| Food Technologist | 4 – 8 LPA |
| Horticulturist | 3 – 7 LPA |
| Agricultural Engineer | 5 – 9 LPA |
| Farm Manager | 3 – 6 LPA |
Conclusion
India’s top agricultural universities play a key role in shaping the future of agriculture and food security. These universities offer high-quality education, research, and career opportunities in diverse fields such as agronomy, agribusiness, food technology, and environmental conservation.
Choosing the right university can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the ever-growing agricultural sector. If you’re passionate about sustainable farming, agritech innovations, and food production, these universities are your gateway to a successful career!