Table of Contents
Imagine a place where every seed you plant can make a big difference in people’s lives and help the environment. Welcome to India’s agriculture universities—a world where you can turn your dreams into reality and grow your ambitions. These universities offer a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience, with large fields, modern labs, and inspiring teachers.
In this article, you’ll find out about the Top 10 Agriculture Universities in India. These are the top places to study agriculture and learn how to make a real impact on farming and food production. Explore these universities to see how they can help you achieve your goals in agriculture.
Top 10 Agricultural Universities in India 2024
These universities are more than just places to learn; they are launchpads for making a difference in agriculture. From the lively Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi to the peaceful Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in Coimbatore, each university offers its special mix of discovery and development. Take advantage of the opportunities these campuses offer to shape the future of farming and leave a lasting mark on the agricultural world.
Ranking Parameters of Agriculture Universities
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) evaluates universities, institutes, and colleges based on a range of criteria. For Agriculture and Allied Sectors, the NIRF uses the following parameters:
Sr. No. | Parameter | Marks | Weightage |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Teaching, Learning & Resources | 100 | 0.30 |
2 | Research and Professional Practice | 100 | 0.30 |
3 | Graduation Outcomes | 100 | 0.20 |
4 | Outreach and Inclusivity | 100 | 0.10 |
5 | Perception | 100 | 0.10 |
Top Agricultural Universities
India is home to several top universities specializing in agriculture, crucial for training students in food production, plant care, and animal husbandry. These universities provide hands-on experience in labs and on farms and offer valuable insights from experienced faculty. They help farmers improve food quality and drive innovation in farming practices. Here are the Top 10 Agriculture Universities in India, as ranked by NIRF:
Top 10 Agriculture Universities in India | ||
---|---|---|
Rank | University | Location |
1 | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | New Delhi, Delhi |
2 | ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute | Karnal, Haryana |
3 | Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana | Ludhiana, Punjab |
4 | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
5 | Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh |
6 | Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Fisheries University | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
7 | G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology | Pantnagar, Uttarakhand |
8 | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology of Kashmir | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir |
9 | Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University | Hisar, Haryana |
10 | University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore | Bangalore, Karnataka |
Let’s look into detail for every university now.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) is India’s leading institution for agricultural research, education, and training. Founded by the Government of India in 1905 in Pusa, Bihar, and moved to New Delhi in 1936, IARI, commonly known by its acronym, is celebrated for its vast infrastructure. This includes about twenty divisions, five multidisciplinary centers, eight regional stations, two off-season nurseries, and ten national centers. Additionally, IARI oversees three major research projects across India, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing agricultural research and education.
ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute
Founded in 1923 as the Imperial Institute for Animal Husbandry and Dairying in Bangalore, the institution was later renamed the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI). It is now recognized as a leading center for dairy research and education. Originally set up at the Military Dairy Farm in Bangalore, the institute moved to Karnal as part of a plan to create a specialized dairy research and training center under the Union Ministry of Food and Agriculture. By June 1955, the Director of Dairy Research had officially relocated to Karnal, establishing NDRI as a key player in dairy science.
Punjab Agricultural University
Founded in 1962 to support agricultural development in Punjab, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on July 8, 1963. Since then, the university has expanded significantly and now includes six constituent colleges, eight research stations, three fruit research stations, four seed farms, and eighteen Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) throughout the districts.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) is based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. It began as an Agricultural School in Saidapet, Madras, in 1868, before moving to Coimbatore. TNAU provides a wide array of academic programs, including 13 undergraduate courses, 40 graduate programs, and 27 doctoral degrees.
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
The Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory (IBL), founded in Pune in 1889 under Dr. Alfred Lingard, has grown into a prominent institution. It expanded by establishing Regional Stations in Palampur and Kolkata, and campuses in Bengaluru and Pune. The institute also features the National Animal Science & Veterinary Educational Museum and a Mini Zoo for both educational and recreational use. Now known as the IVRI-Deemed University, it offers Master’s degrees in 22 fields and Doctoral degrees in 19 fields, renowned for its high-quality education in veterinary science.
Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Fisheries University
Established in 1961, the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) originally served as an in-service training center to offer specialized education to fisheries professionals. It was created to tackle the growing challenges in the fisheries sector. In 1981, CIFE was brought under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), and, in 1989, it was granted Deemed University status by the University Grants Commission.
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology
The G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, often called Pantnagar University, is India’s first agricultural university. It was inaugurated by Jawahar Lal Nehru on November 17, 1960, originally as the Uttar Pradesh Agricultural University (UPAU). Pantnagar University played a crucial role in India’s Green Revolution and is known for its impact on agricultural development. It operates as a non-affiliating institution with its academic programs organized through nine constituent colleges, offering a wide range of undergraduate programs.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology of Kashmir
The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) is a respected agricultural university in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir. It was established on September 20, 1999, through an amendment to the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Act of 1982. SKUAST-J focuses on advancing agricultural education and research and features several specialized faculties, including:
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry
- Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry
- Faculty of Dairy Technology
- Faculty of Agricultural Engineering
- School of Biotechnology
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), based in Hisar, Haryana, is one of Asia’s largest agricultural universities. Named after India’s seventh Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh, HAU covers 8,645 acres, with about 7,219 acres at its main campus and 1,426 acres at various outstations. The university includes four constituent colleges:
- College of Agriculture
- College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology
- College of Basic Sciences & Humanities
- College of Home Science
University of Agricultural Sciences
The University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UAS Bangalore) was established in 1964 through a legislative act and is situated in Bengaluru, India. It was founded to improve agricultural practices and address the challenges of famines. UAS Bangalore has gained notable recognition for its excellence, receiving the Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in 2012 for its contributions to teaching, research, and extension. In 2021, the university was recognized as the best agricultural university in South India and ranked third among state universities in India.