After passing 12th, if your dream is to be an Agricultural Officer, Agribusiness Manager, and Agricultural Scientist, then admission to the right agriculture college is crucial. Many students join an agriculture career as agriculture is one of the most important jobs in India, as its science and technology are growing faster than before.
But how will you choose the best and best agriculture college from the list when you search on Google by searching “ best agriculture colleges in India”? So, we have studied the official data from NIRF and ICAR, which is the main approval authority of agriculture colleges and trustworthy sources, and created a list of the top 5 agriculture colleges in India.
The Sources are:
- NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework): NIRF ranks colleges and universities depending on many factors like teaching, research, placement after graduation, so we have created the top five list according to NIRF ranking. This is the Indian government’s official report card for all colleges and universities. Higher the ranking means higher education, research, and placement.
- ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): Every agriculture institute needs approval from ICAR, which is the main functioning body that controls everything of agriculture colleges.
The Best Agriculture Colleges in India
Here are some of the top-ranked agriculture colleges in the country.
1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
Indian Agricultural Institute is also known as Pusa Institute and is a premier national educational research institute for higher education in agriculture. It’s not just a university; it is also the birthplace of the Indian Green Revolution. In the 2024 and 2025 rankings by NIRF, it is ranked the No. 1 agriculture college in India and is also approved by ICAR.
Courses Offered By Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
- Undergraduate (B.Sc. Hons. / B.Tech.): This institute offers B.Sc. Hons. in Agricultural Science and B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering.
- Postgraduate (M.Sc. / M.Tech.): After B.Sc. in agricultural science and B.Tech. in agricultural engineering, it offers M.Sc. and M.Tech. as well.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.): This institute offers Ph.D. specialization in 26 disciplines like Genetics, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Economics.
Research is the main objective of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, as it provides scope for research in various fields like Plant Breeding and Genetics, Biotechnology, Resource Management, Plant Protection, and Post-harvest Technology.
If you want to take admission to IARI, then for admission to B.Sc. and B.Tech. you have to pass the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). For M.Sc. and M.Tech., you have to get admission through the ICAR AIEEA (PG) entrance exam, and for admission to a Ph.D., you have to give a separate entrance examination, which is the IARI Ph.D. Entrance Examination.
2. ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal
ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) is located in Karnal, Haryana, and is one of the premier institutes for dairy science and technology. It mainly focuses on the processing of dairy products, production, and animal management.
In the 2024 and 2025 rankings by NIRF, it is ranked the No. 2 agriculture college in India and is also approved by ICAR.
Future entrepreneurs who want to start a business or want to do some attracting project in life in dairy products, then this university is a golden opportunity for them.
Courses Offered By ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI):
- Undergraduate (B.Tech.): This institute offers B.Tech. in Dairy Technology.
- Postgraduate (M.Sc. / M.Tech.): After B.Tech. in Dairy Technology, it offers M.Sc. in Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Microbiology, Animal Genetics, etc., and M.Tech. in Dairy Technology.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.): This institute offers Ph.D. specialization in various disciplines like Animal Biotechnology and Dairy Chemistry to Dairy Economics and Animal Nutrition.
The NDRI campus in Karnal has a massive ecosystem spread over 1,300 acres, which consists of Livestock Herds, a Model Dairy Plant, Advanced Labs, and National Referral Labs.
If you want to take admission to NDRI , then for admission to B.Tech. you have to pass the ICAR AIEEA (UG) exam and should have Physics, Chemistry, and Math in 12th. For M.Sc. and M.Tech., you have to get admission through the ICAR AIEEA (PG) exam, and for admission to a Ph.D., you have to give the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) exam or the institute’s own entrance test.
3. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, established in 1962, is a modern and renowned agriculture college, and it is recognized as the mother of the Green Revolution in India.
In the 2024 and 2025 rankings by NIRF, it is ranked the No. 3 agriculture college in India and is also approved by ICAR, making it the No. 1 ranked State Agricultural University in the country.
Its main objective is to emphasize three functions: Teaching, research, and extension (Transferring technology to farmers). The famous developments of this institute are high-yielding strains like ‘Kalyansona’ and ‘PV-18’.
Courses Offered By Punjab Agricultural University
- Undergraduate (B.Tech.): It offers B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Biotechnology.
- Undergraduate: It offers B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture, B.Sc. (Hons) Community Science, B.Sc. (Hons) Nutrition & Dietetics
- Postgraduate (M.Tech.): It offers M.Tech. in Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, Soil & Water Engineering, Food Engineering, Food & Nutrition, Human Development, Apparel & Textile Science.
- Postgraduate (M.Sc.): It offers M.Sc. in Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture & Landscaping, Forestry.
Its backbone is research, which focuses on the key areas like citrus fruits (like Kinnow) and cotton, wheat, and arid-zone crops.
If you want to take admission to Punjab Agricultural University, then for admission to B.Tech. you have to crack the JEE Main exam and should have Physics, Chemistry, and Math in 12th. For M.Sc. and Ph.D., you have to get admission through the AU MET (Masters’ Entrance Test). Scores from the national-level ICAR AIEEA exam are also used for a portion of the seats.
4. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions for agriculture education.
In the 2024 and 2025 rankings by NIRF, it is ranked the No. 3 agriculture college in India and is also approved by ICAR. It has some specialized departments like Agronomy, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology & Agricultural Zoology, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and many more.
Courses Offered By Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Undergraduate (B.Sc. Hons. Agriculture): This institute offers B.Sc. Hons. Agriculture.
- Postgraduate (M.Sc. Agriculture): After B.Sc., it offers M.Sc. in agriculture.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.): This institute offers premier Ph.D. research programs in various streams.
BHU discovered and released high-yielding crops like HUBR 2-1, HUR-36 (“Malviya Dhan 36”), and HUR-105 (“Malviya Sugandh-105”) rice, and mungbean (green gram), pigeonpea (arhar), and field pea pulses. Its main directive is to transfer technology from lab to the land.
If you want to take admission to Banaras Hindu University, then for admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture, you have to crack the CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test). For M.Sc. and Ph.D., you have to get admission through the CUET-PG (Common University Entrance Test – Postgraduate) and other specialized tests.
5. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is a top and leading agricultural institution in India and a hub of education and research.
In the 2024 and 2025 rankings by NIRF, it is ranked the No. 6 agriculture college in India and is also approved by ICAR.
Courses Offered By Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
- Undergraduate (B.Sc. Hons. and B.Tech. Agriculture): This institute offers B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Food Nutrition & Dietetics, and Sericulture; and B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Biotechnology, and Energy & Environmental Engineering.
- Postgraduate (M.Sc. and M.Tech.): This institute offers M.Sc. / M.Tech. programs with specializations in over 30 disciplines, including Agronomy, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, and Agricultural Microbiology.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.): This institute offers premier Ph.D. research programs in various streams.
How to Pick the Right College for You (Not Just the #1)
The #1 ranked college might not always be the best choice for you. Here are four simple things to check.
1. Get the “Stamp of Approval” (ICAR)
This is the most important tip. Before you apply, check the college’s website to see if it is “Accredited by ICAR.” This stamp means the government trusts the college and your degree will be valid for top jobs.
2. Check the “Tools” and Teachers
Agriculture is a practical subject. You can’t learn it all from books.
- Does the college have big farms for you to practice on?
- Does it have modern labs to test soil, plants, and food?
- Are the teachers experts who are doing their own research?
Good tools and expert teachers make a big difference.
3. Choose Your Favorite Subject
What part of agriculture do you like most?
- Plants and Crops? (Agronomy)
- Fruits and Flowers? (Horticulture)
- Animals and Dairy? (Animal Husbandry)
- Farm Business? (Agri-business)
Some colleges are great all-rounders (like PAU), while others are special (like NDRI for dairy). Look for a college that is strong in your area of interest.
4. See Where Students Get Jobs
A trusted college will help you get a good job. Look at the college website for “placements.” Do good companies (like seed companies, banks, or food companies) visit the college to hire students? This is a good sign that the college is respected.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the #1 agriculture college in India for a B.Sc. degree?
While IARI is ranked #1 overall, it’s mostly for higher studies (M.Sc./Ph.D.). For a B.Sc. degree (which you do after 12th grade), colleges like Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), BHU, and G.B. Pant University (another great college) are often considered the best.
Q2: How do I get into these colleges?
The main way is by passing an entrance exam. The biggest one is the ICAR AIEEA exam. It’s one big test that can help you get a seat in many of these top colleges all over India. Some universities, like BHU, also have their own separate tests.
Q3: Is studying agriculture a good career choice?
Yes! It is a professional degree, just like engineering or medicine. After you graduate, you can:
Your Future in Agriculture
Picking a college is a big decision, but you’re already on the right track by doing your research. Remember to look for a trusted college (with the ICAR stamp!) that has good teachers, great labs, and feels like the right fit for you.
