INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR)
New Delhi
#1 in AGRICULTURE
INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR) Latest Updates and News
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has opened admissions for the 2025–26 academic session for various undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral (PhD) programs in agricultural and allied sciences offered through accredited agricultural universities across India. The admissions are conducted via the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission).
Key Admission Details:
- Application Period: February 2025 – March 2025
- Entrance Exam (ICAR AIEEA): April – May 2025
- Counseling/Seat Allotment: June – July 2025
- Academic Session Begins: August 2025
- Application Process: Candidates must apply online via the NTA ICAR official website.
About INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR)
Established: Founded in 1929, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It manages agricultural research and education through a vast network of institutes and universities across India.
Mission: To advance agricultural research, education, and extension for food security, sustainable farming, and rural development.
Vision: To be a global leader in agricultural innovation, education, and sustainability.
Core Values:
Scientific Excellence
Innovation
Sustainability
Farmer Empowerment
INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR) Courses Offered
| Discipline | Undergraduate Courses | Postgraduate Courses | Diploma Courses | Doctoral Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences | B.Sc. (Hons) AgricultureB.Sc. (Hons) HorticultureB.Sc. (Hons) ForestryB.Tech. Agricultural EngineeringB.Sc. Community Science | M.Sc. in Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, Entomology, etc. | Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services (DAESI) | Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, etc. |
| Animal Sciences | B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) | M.V.Sc. in Animal Genetics, Nutrition, Pathology, etc. | Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy, Livestock Extension | Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences |
| Fisheries Science | B.F.Sc. (Bachelor of Fisheries Science) | M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture, Fish Genetics, Fish Processing Technology | Fisheries Training Courses | Ph.D. in Fisheries Science |
| Dairy Technology | B.Tech. in Dairy Technology | M.Tech./M.Sc. in Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Engineering, Dairy Microbiology | Diploma in Dairy Technology | Ph.D. in Dairy Science/Technology |
| Biotechnology | B.Tech. in Biotechnology | M.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology | — | Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology |
| Agricultural Engineering | B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering | M.Tech. in Soil & Water Engineering, Farm Machinery, Renewable Energy | — | Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering |
| Home/Community Science | B.Sc. (Hons) Community Science (Home Science) | M.Sc. in Food & Nutrition, Human Development, Textiles & Apparel Design | — | Ph.D. in Community Science |
| Basic & Applied Sciences | B.Sc. Agriculture with electives in Botany, Zoology, Chemistry | M.Sc. in Agricultural Statistics, Microbiology, Biochemistry | — | Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences |
| Agribusiness Management | — | MBA in Agribusiness Management | — | Ph.D. in Agribusiness |
Eligibility Criteria for INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR)
| Course Level | Program | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, etc. | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture; minimum 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering, Dairy Technology, Food Technology | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics; minimum 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD) | |
| B.F.Sc. (Fisheries Science) | 10+2 with Biology/Agriculture/Fisheries Science as a subject; 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD) | |
| B.Sc. (Hons) Community Science | 10+2 with Science stream or Home Science; 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD) | |
| Postgraduate (PG) | M.Sc./M.Tech. in Agriculture and Allied Fields | Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or relevant discipline with at least 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Diploma | Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services, Veterinary Technology, etc. | Varies by program; generally 10th or 12th pass, or relevant vocational qualification |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) | Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary, etc. | Master’s degree in the relevant field with at least 65% marks (60% for SC/ST/PwD) |
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Age Limit for UG: Minimum 16 years as of August 31 of the admission year.
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Entrance Exam: Admission is via ICAR AIEEA (UG/PG) and AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.).
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Reservation: Applicable as per Government of India norms for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS.
INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR) Fee Structure
ICAR Fee Structure Table
| Institution | Program | Course Level | Annual/Total Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) | B.V.Sc. & A.H. | UG | ₹29,000 per annum |
| M.V.Sc. | PG | ₹15,000 per annum | |
| Ph.D. (Veterinary Sciences) | Doctoral | ₹15,000 per annum | |
| Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) | M.Sc./M.Tech. | PG | ₹26,400 (1st year) |
| Ph.D. | Doctoral | ₹29,250–₹30,400 (1st year) | |
| G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology | B.Sc. Agriculture | UG | ₹26,000 per annum |
| B.Tech. Agriculture | UG | ₹36,000 per annum | |
| M.Sc. / M.V.Sc. | PG | ₹31,000 per annum | |
| MBA (Agri-Business) | PG | ₹20,000 per annum | |
| Ph.D. | Doctoral | ₹36,000 per annum | |
| ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode | Ph.D. (Spices Research) | Doctoral | ₹17,700/semester (3 yrs)₹5,900/year after |
| IARI (Other Campuses) | M.Sc. Agriculture | PG | ₹74,950 (total) |
Hostel and Miscellaneous Charges
| Institution | Charge Type | Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| IARI, New Delhi | Hostel (Married Students) | ₹12,000 per annum |
| Hostel (International) | ₹2,000 per month | |
| IVRI, Izatnagar | Hostel, Water, Electricity | ₹12,000 per annum |
| G.B. Pant University | Mess Advance | ₹20,000 per semester |
Scholarships & Concessions
| Institution | Concession Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| IVRI, Izatnagar | SC/ST Fee Waiver | Tuition fee exempted |
| ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode | MoU Partner Students | No Ph.D. fee |
| IARI, New Delhi | Scholarships | ICAR-JRF/SRF, NTS, Merit-based |
Admission Process
| Level | Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Eligibility | Admission Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | ICAR AIEEA (UG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics/AgricultureMinimum age: 16 yrs | Entrance Exam Score + Counselling |
| Postgraduate (PG) | ICAR AIEEA (PG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with minimum 60% (50% for SC/ST/PwD) | Entrance Exam Score + Counselling |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) | ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Master’s degree in relevant discipline with minimum 65% (60% for SC/ST/PwD) | Entrance Exam Score + Interview |
| Diploma Courses | Varies by Institution | State Agricultural Universities / ICAR Institutes | 10th or 12th pass depending on course | Direct/ Merit-Based/ Institution Test |
Steps for ICAR Admission (UG/PG/Ph.D.)
- Online Registration on NTA ICAR portal
Fill Application Form: Provide academic, personal, and course preferences.
Upload Documents: Photo, signature, certificates, etc.
Pay Fee:
UG: ₹700 (Gen), ₹350 (SC/ST/PwD)
PG: ₹1100 (Gen), ₹550 (SC/ST/PwD)
Ph.D.: ₹1800 (Gen), ₹900 (SC/ST/PwD)
Download Admit Card from NTA portal.
Appear for Entrance Exam (MCQ format, computer-based test).
Result Declaration on the ICAR/NTA website.
Online Counselling (choice filling, seat allotment, document verification).
Final Admission to allotted university/institute.
INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR) – Estimated Cutoffs (2024–2025)
| Course/University | General Rank/Marks | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Agriculture | 350+ marks | 340+ | 275 | 245 |
| B.Tech Biotechnology | 320+ marks | 320+ | 290 | 280 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Rank 140–150 | 686 | 2,633 | 4,525 |
| G.B. Pant University (GBPUAT) | Rank 360–370 | 720+ | 3,500+ | 6,000+ |
| Punjab Agricultural University | Rank 370–390 | 750+ | 4,000+ | 7,000+ |
| Minimum Qualifying % (ICAR AIEEA) | 50% | — | 40% | 40% |
INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR) Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Level | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Talent Scholarship (NTS) | Undergraduate (UG) | Top rankers in ICAR AIEEA (UG); admitted outside state of domicile | ₹2,000/month for the entire degree |
| Post-Graduate Scholarship (PGS) | Postgraduate (PG) | Top 475 candidates in ICAR AIEEA (PG) | ₹3,000/month + ₹6,000/year contingency |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Postgraduate (PG) | Based on ICAR JRF entrance exam rank (various disciplines) | ₹12,640/month + ₹6,000/year contingency |
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | Doctoral (Ph.D.) | For Ph.D. scholars qualifying ICAR AICE-SRF/JRF | ₹31,000/month (1st & 2nd yr), ₹35,000 (3rd yr) + HRA |
| Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship | UG & PG | Based on academic performance and financial background | Varies by institution (up to ₹1,000/month) |
| State Government/SAU Scholarships | UG, PG, Ph.D. | Based on state norms or university criteria | Varies (tuition waiver, stipend, etc.) |
| ICAR International Fellowship | Ph.D. (Abroad) | For doctoral studies in foreign universities (limited seats) | Tuition + travel + living expenses |
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ICAR scholarships are competitive and based on rank, merit, and reservation policies.
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Scholarships are only available to students admitted through the ICAR quota (not university quota).
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Most scholarships require regular attendance and satisfactory performance for renewal.
Placements & Career Opportunities
ICAR Placements & Career Opportunities Summary
| Program | Career Opportunities | Top Recruiters / Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Agriculture | Agriculture Officer, Field Officer, Agri-Entrepreneur, Crop Consultant, Agri-Marketing Executive | ICICI Agri-Business, NABARD, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, State Agri Dept. |
| B.Tech (Agri. Engg./Food Tech) | Food Safety Officer, Quality Analyst, Processing Engineer, Technical Sales Executive | Amul, Nestle, ITC, PepsiCo, Mother Dairy |
| M.Sc. (Agri, Horti, Soil Science, etc.) | Research Associate, Soil Scientist, Assistant Professor, Extension Officer | ICAR Institutes, SAUs, DRDO, CSIR, Private R&D firms |
| MBA (Agri-Business) | Agri-Marketing Manager, Supply Chain Executive, Agri-Consultant, Business Development Manager | Godrej Agrovet, Bayer, Mahyco, TAFE, BigBasket, Patanjali |
| Ph.D. (Agricultural Sciences) | Scientist, Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Analyst | ICAR Research Institutes, International Orgs (CIMMYT, IRRI), Universities |
| Veterinary Science / Animal Husbandry | Veterinary Doctor, Livestock Development Officer, Feed Analyst | NDDB, IVRI, State Animal Husbandry Departments, Vet Hospitals |
Placement Statistics (Average)
| Degree Level | Avg. Package (₹/annum) | Highest Package (₹/annum) |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Agriculture | ₹3.0 – ₹4.5 LPA | ₹6.5 – ₹7 LPA |
| M.Sc. (Agriculture) | ₹4.5 – ₹6.0 LPA | ₹8 LPA |
| MBA (Agri-Business) | ₹5.0 – ₹7.5 LPA | ₹10–12 LPA |
| Ph.D. / Scientist Role | ₹6.0 – ₹9.0 LPA | ₹12+ LPA |
Accreditations & Rankings
Accredited by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) – many ICAR institutions hold A or A+ grades.
ICAR is an Autonomous Body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Recognized by UGC (University Grants Commission).
NIRF Ranking: Many ICAR-affiliated universities like IARI (New Delhi) and GBPUAT (Pantnagar) feature in top NIRF agriculture/university rankings.
Global Collaborations: ICAR is internationally recognized and collaborates with FAO, IRRI, CIMMYT, and CGIAR institutes.
Over 100 ICAR Institutes and 75 Agricultural Universities are under its accreditation and monitoring.
ICAR has developed over 4,800 crop varieties, 100+ vaccines, and technologies recognized nationally and internationally.
Accreditation Division of ICAR regularly assesses and certifies agricultural universities and their programs.
ICAR institutes like IARI, IVRI, NDRI, and CIFE are considered Centres of Excellence in their respective fields.
Campus Facilities
Campus Infrastructure
Expansive Campuses: Many ICAR institutes like IARI (Delhi), IVRI (Bareilly), and NDRI (Karnal) are spread across 500+ acres, featuring advanced academic blocks and eco-friendly landscapes.
Smart Classrooms: Equipped with digital projectors, audio-visual tools, and high-speed internet for interactive, tech-enabled learning.
Modern Laboratories: Specialized labs in agriculture, genetics, biotechnology, animal science, and soil science with cutting-edge equipment.
Research Farms: On-campus experimental farms for live demonstrations, field trials, and seed development research.
Library & Learning Resources
Central Libraries: Digitally equipped, air-conditioned libraries with thousands of journals, research papers, and books in agriculture and allied fields.
E-Learning Access: Online journal databases (like AGRICOLA, Krishikosh), e-books, and remote login for digital resources.
Hostel & Accommodation
Separate Hostels: Well-maintained hostels for boys and girls with secure access, common rooms, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Guest Houses: On-campus guest accommodation for visiting scholars and families.
Healthcare Facilities
On-Campus Health Units: Many ICAR campuses have medical centers or tie-ups with hospitals for emergency and regular care.
IVRI & NDRI: Also offer veterinary hospitals for animal healthcare and student training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. What is ICAR?
ICAR stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research in India.
2. What is ICAR AIEEA?
AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission) is conducted by ICAR for admission into undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in agriculture and allied sciences.
3. Who conducts the ICAR exams?
The ICAR AIEEA and AICE-JRF/SRF exams are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
4. What are the eligibility criteria for ICAR UG courses?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture with at least 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD).
5. How many seats are offered under ICAR UG admission?
Approximately 15,000+ seats are offered across various ICAR-accredited agricultural universities in India.
6. What courses are available through ICAR?
Courses include B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, B.F.Sc., B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology), M.Sc. Agri, and Ph.D. programs in various disciplines.
7. Is there any reservation in ICAR admissions?
Yes. ICAR follows the Government of India reservation norms for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD categories.
8. What is the syllabus for the ICAR UG exam?
The syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum of classes 11 and 12 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture.