Top Agricultural Exams in India 2024

To nurture this talent pool, a variety of agricultural exams are conducted across the country. These exams serve as gateways to prestigious agricultural institutions and offer promising career opportunities in various fields like crop science, soil science, agricultural engineering, and animal husbandry. In this Shiksha article candidates who wish to do their undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in Agriculture and its allied domains can check the list of top agricultural exams in India. Candidates will also be able to know the eligibility criteria, courses offered and other parameters which will help them to get admission to the top agricultural universities in India.

The significance of agricultural exams extends beyond academic excellence. They play a crucial role in identifying and grooming individuals with a passion for agriculture and a commitment to contributing to the sector's growth. By providing a platform for aspiring agriculturalists to showcase their knowledge and skills, these exams ensure that the industry receives the best and brightest minds. By providing comprehensive information on agricultural exams, this article aims to empower aspiring agriculturalists to make informed decisions and embark on fulfilling careers in this vital sector.

Top Agricultural Exam in India

Candidates who wish to be admitted to the courses offered in the agricultural sector can check the list of entrance exams that they need to appear in at UG, PG and PhD Levels.

ICAR UG/ CUET UG

CUET (ICAR-UG) is being conducted for admission to Bachelor Degree programs in Agriculture and Allied Sciences (other than Veterinary Sciences), at Agricultural Universities on 20% of the University seats [100% seats in RLBCAU, Jhansi; Dr. RPCAU Pusa, Bihar; ICAR-NDRI, Karnal; ICAR-IARI, New Delhi and its Hubs. During the academic session 2024-25, admission to 12 Bachelor's degree programs of four years duration is
available to Indian Nationals based on the merit rank in CUET (ICAR-UG)-2024. Candidates may note that all Undergraduate Degrees in the disciplines of Agricultural Sciences have been declared as professional
degrees.

Also Read: BSc Agriculture – Scope and Career Opportunities  

Courses Offered: 

BSc (Hons.) Agriculture	BSc (Hons.) Community Science	BTech. Dairy Technology
BSc (Hons.) Horticulture	BSc (Hons.) Food Nutrition and Dietetics	BTech. Food Technology
BFSc Bachelor of Fisheries Sciences	BSc (Hons.) Sericulture	BTech. Biotechnology
BSc (Hons.) Forestry	BTech Agricultural Engineering	BSc. (Hons.) Natural Farming

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidate should have passed the qualifying examination (12th standard)with at least three subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and Agriculture/Inter-Agriculture as core courses.
• Candidate(s) who appears in subject(s) different than the one which s(he) passed in 12th standard will not be considered for counselling / admission and will stand rejected.
• The candidates must attempt only those subjects (at least 3 subjects) in the examination as per the choice given in the Application Form. Therefore, they must exercise the choice of subjects very carefully. Attempting subjects different than choices given in the application form will invite disqualification from counselling / admission process.
• Many admitting universities have special conditions (like upper age limit, mandatory subject eligibility for a specific program, gender-specific preference, etc.) for admission as per respective university statutes. It will
  be the responsibility of the candidate(s) to inquire about such special conditions from the University of his/her interest before filling up the online
  application form for CUET (ICAR-UG) 2024.

Also Read:

ICAR CUET Application Form 2025	ICAR CUET 2025 Syllabus	ICAR CUET Preparation 2025
ICAR CUET Exam Pattern 2025	ICAR CUET Sample Papers	ICAR CUET Important Dates

CUET PG Exam

CUET PG exam will be conducted for admissions to the master's degree programme in multiple disciplines like Science, Humanities, Commerce, Agriculture, Acharya, Engineering etc, and professional degree programmes like BEd, MEd, LLB, LLM and MBA. CUET PG 2025 exam will also provide admissions to agricultural academic programmes like Agricultural sciences, agroforestry, horticulture and many more. CUET PG exam will provide admissions to the Agriculture participating universities.

CUET PG 2025 exam notification is yet to be released by NTA and CUET PG application form 2025 is expected to start in the fourth week of December 2024.

Courses Offered:

QP Code	Subjects
SCQP01	Agricultural Science: Agricultural Economics; Agronomy; Entomology; Agricultural Extension & Communication; Genetics & Plant Breeding; Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology; Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agriculture Technology (Informatics) etc.
SCQP02	Agro-forestry
SCQP16	Horticulture, Forestry & Biodiversity, Seed Science & Technology, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Genetics, Fruit Science, Floriculture, Vegetable Science etc
MTQP11	Water Engineering and Management, Agricultural Engineering etc.

Also Read: CUET PG 2025 Course List; Check Stream Wise Masters Subject Here 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates with 4-years B.Sc. (Ag.)/B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag./B.Sc. (Horticulture) Degree with credit-based course programme.
• Candidates with a 4-year B.Sc. (Horticulture) Degree with a credit-based course programme under the guidelines of ICAR will be considered for all disciplines of the MSc (Ag.) course except M.Sc. (Ag.) Agronomy.
• At least 6.0/10 or 2.5/4, 3.5/5, 4.0/ 6 OGPA for general candidates and 2.0/4, 3.0/5, 3.5/6 and 5.5/10 OGPA for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD candidates in qualifying examinations as per University guidelines.
• Has not secured more than one III-division or equivalent OGPA in his/her academic career. *A student having an equivalent bachelor’s degree in agriculture from a foreign university may also be considered.
• For MTech Courses: B.Tech. Agricultural Engg./Civil Engineering./ B.E.(Agricultural Engg./Civil Engineering) recognized by the University. Secured at least 6.0/10 or 2.5/4, 3.5/5, 4.0/6 OGPA for general category candidates and 2.0/4, 3.0/5, 3.5/6 and 5.5/10 OGPA for SC/ST/OBC/PWD category candidates under the Course Credit System in qualifying examination, as per University guidelines and has not secured more than one III-division or equivalent OGPA in his/her academic career.

Also Read:

• CUET PG Horticulture Syllabus: PDF Download, Unit-Wise Syllabus 
• CUET PG Agriculture Science Syllabus 2025: Know Pattern, Download PDF 

CUET PG Important Dates	CUET PG Question Paper	CUET PG Important Topics
CUET PG Exam Pattern	CUET PG Mock Test	CUET PG Preparation

ICAR AIEEA PG/ AICE JRF Exam

ICAR AIEEA (PG)-2024 examination for the academic session 2024-25 will be conducted at 89 cities all over the country enabling participation of a large number of candidates seeking admission in Master degree and PhD programmes in AUs in different disciplines of Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Veterinary, Animal Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Community Science (erstwhile Home Science), Fisheries, Dairy Science and other allied sciences. 

Candidates should select one Major Subject Group for appearing in the Entrance Examination, based on compatibility with their own subject at the graduation (UG) level.

Courses Offered and Eligibility Criteria:

Subject/ Discipline	Eligibility Qualifications for SAUs/CAUs etc. (4/5/6 years Bachelors’ degree in)	Alternate Eligibility Qualifications for IARI, IVRI & NDRI	Applicable at
01-PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
1.1 Bio-Chemistry	B.Sc. Ag./Horti. or B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 yrs. system)	IARI
1.2 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology	B.Sc. Ag. / B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry / Sericulture /Biotechnology/ BTech(Biotechnology-).	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system)	IARI
2.2 Plant Pathology	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
2.3 Microbiology	B.Sc. Ag./Horti. or B.Sc. (Hons.)Agriculture/ Horticulture/B. Tech. (Biotechnology).	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system)	IARI
2.4 Seed Science & Technology	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture/ Horticulture / Forestry.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
2.5 Plant Genetic Resources	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture / Forestry / B. Tech.(Biotechnology).	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
02-PLANT SCIENCES
2.1 Genetics and Plant Breeding	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc.(Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/ Forestry/ B. Tech. (Biotechnology).	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
2.2 Plant Pathology	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
2.3 Microbiology	B.Sc. Ag./Horti. or B.Sc. (Hons.)Agriculture / Horticulture/B. Tech. (Biotechnology).	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system)	IARI
3.3 Agril. Physics	B.Sc. Ag./Horti.    or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture / Horticulture.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
3.4 Agril. Chemicals	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc.(Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/ Forestry.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
3.5 Organic Farming*	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry.	-	-
3.6 Environment Science	B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
4–ENTOMOLOGY AND NEMATOLOGY
4.1 Entomology	B.Sc. (Ag.)/Horti./ Forestry/ Sericulture or B.Sc. (Hons.)Agriculture/ Horti./ Forestry/Sericulture.	B.Sc.(10+ 2+3system)	IARI
4.2 Nematology	B.Sc. (Ag.)/ Horticulture / Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/ Forestry.	B.Sc. (10+ 2+3system)	IARI
4.3 Sericulture	B.Sc. (Ag.) /Horti./ Forestry/ Sericulture or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horti./Forestry/Sericulture.	-	-
5-AGRONOMY
5.1 Agronomy	B.Sc. Ag. or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture.	B.Sc. (Ag.)/ B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons/ B.Sc. (Ag. & AH)	NDRI
06-SOCIAL SCIENCES
6.1 Agricultural Economics	B.Sc. Agriculture/ Horticulture / Agril. Marketing and Co-operation / Forestry  or  B.Sc.  (Hons.) Agriculture /Horticulture / Agril. Marketing and Co- operation/ Forestry.	B.Sc Dairying/B.Sc. Dairying (DT)/ B. Tech.(DT)/B.V.Sc. & AH/ B.Sc. (Animal Sciences) / B.F.Sc.	IARI
6.2 Agricultural Extension Education	B.Sc. Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry/ Sericulture/ B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture / Forestry / Sericulture/ B.Sc. Agril. Marketing & Co- Co-operation/ B.Sc.(Hons.) Agril. Marketing & Cooperation	B.Sc Dairying / B.Sc. Dairying (DT)/ B. Tech.(DT)/ B.V.Sc. & AH/ B.Sc. (Animal Sciences) /B.F.Sc./ B.Sc.Agril. Marketing & Co- Co-operation/ B.Sc.(Hons.) Agril. Marketing & Co-operation	IARI

Also Read:

ICAR AIEEA PG Dates	ICAR PG Syllabus	ICAR AIEEA PG: List of colleges accepting scores & course-wise seats available for admission
ICAR PG Application Form	All about ICAR: Entrance Exam, Courses & List of Colleges	Career opportunities after studying from ICAR
ICAR PG Exam Pattern	List of ICARs in India- Courses, Admission Process	Scope of Horticulture in India

Rajasthan JET Exam

Rajasthan Joint Entrance Test (JET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by Agriculture University, Jodhpur. It offers admission to various undergraduate programs in Agriculture and Allied Sciences at several Rajasthan Agricultural Universities, including SKRAU, Bikaner, MPUAT, Udaipur, SKNAU, Jobner AU, Jodhpur, AU, Kota, and RAJUVAS, Bikaner. The pen-paper-based test assesses candidates' suitability for courses in Agriculture, Horticulture, Home Science, and Fisheries Science.

Courses Offered:

• BSc (Hons.) Agriculture
• BSc (Hons.) Horticulture
• BSc (Hons.) Forestry
• BSc. (Hons.) Food Nutrition and Dietetics
• BSc (Hons.) Community Science/ Home Science
• BFSc Fisheries Science
• BTech. (Dairy Technology)
• BTech. (Food Technology) 

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission to agriculture universities based on Rajasthan JET should fulfill the eligibility criteria: 

Elements	Eligibility Criteria
Academic Criteria	Candidates who have passed the Class 12 Board exam as conducted by Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education or equivalent board.  They should have studied a combination of the following subjects in the Science/Agriculture stream i.e. Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry (ABC) Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology (PCMB) Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) Physics, Chemistry, and Agriculture (PCA) The candidates must have secured at least 50 percent marks in the qualifying examination if belonging to unreserved categories.  Candidates belonging to SC/ ST/ OBC/ MBC/ EWS category need to secure at least 45 percent marks.
Age Limit	For JET courses The minimum age limit is 16 years as on 01.01.2024 and the maximum age limit is 25 years as on 01.01.2024. For Pre JET and PhD courses, The minimum age limit is 18 years and there is no maximum age limit.
Domicile Criteria	Candidates who are resident of the state and have studied continuously for the past three years before qualifying examination from schools located in Rajasthan state only will be offered admissions (except for reserved seats).

Also Read:

Rajasthan JET Agriculture Exam Important Dates	Rajasthan JET Agriculture Pattern	Rajasthan JET Agriculture Preparation
Rajasthan JET Application Form	Rajasthan JET Agriculture Syllabus	Rajasthan JET Agriculture Participating Colleges

UPCATET Entrance Exam

The Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) is a state-level entrance exam held annually to select candidates for undergraduate and postgraduate agriculture programs. Conducted offline (pen-paper-based) over a three-hour duration, UPCATET is open to Uttar Pradesh domicile holders. Successful candidates can secure admission to prestigious agricultural institutions like Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur; Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut; Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj; and Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda.

Courses offered through UPCATET

UG and PG courses in which admissions are provided on the basis of UPCATET scores are:

UG Courses
BSc (Hons) Agriculture	BSc (Hons) Horticulture
BSc (Hons) Forestry	BSc (Hons) Home Science
BVSc&AH	BFSc
BTech Biotechnology	BTech Agriculture Engineering
BTech Dairy Technology	BTech Computer Science
BTech Mechanical Engineering	BTech Electronics & Communication Engineering
PG Courses
MSc Agriculture	MSc Home Science
MSc Veterinary Science	MSc Horticulture
MVSc	MTech Agricultural Engineering
MTech Mechanical Engineering	MTech/ MSc Biotechnology
MBA Agribusiness	-

 Also Read:

UPCATET Important Dates	UPCATET Preparation	UPCATET Syllabus
UPCATET Application Form	UPCATET Pattern	UPCATET News

SHIATS Entrance Exam

Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS) determines admissions to its diverse range of programs through the SHIATS Entrance Exam. This entrance exam, along with direct interviews, evaluates candidates' suitability for the various faculties and schools within SHUATS.

Aspirants seeking admission to the following faculties and schools in 2024 must appear for the SHIATS Entrance Exam:

• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Theology
• Faculty of Engineering and Technology
• Faculty of Management, Humanities and Social Science

SHIATS Entrance Exam 2024 Eligibility Criteria for UG Programmes

Candidates meet the eligibility criteria for SHIATS admissions if they have cleared their 10+2 with at least 45% marks (for general candidates) and 40% marks (for SC/ST/ differently abled candidates) as per their qualifying examination.

Apart from this, candidates who are appearing in their Class 10+2 examination in 2024 meet the eligibility criteria for SHIATS admission and can apply for provisional admission and thus can appear in the entrance test, but they will have to submit documentary proof of successfully completing the qualifying examination at the time of counselling.

Faculty of Architecture
Programme Name	SHUATS Eligibility Criteria (Minimum 50% in aggregate for all UG Programmes)
BSc (Hons) Agriculture	10+2 with PCM or PCB or PCMB or Inter Ag
BSc (Hons) Horticulture	10+2 with PCM or PCB or PCMB or Inter Ag
BSc (Hons) Forestry	10+2 with PCM or PCB or PCMB or Inter Ag
Faculty of Engineering & Technology
BSc Computer Science	10+2 with PCM or PCMB or Inter Agriculture
BSc (Hons) Food Technology	10+2 with PCM or PCB or PCMB or Inter Agriculture
B. Sc (Hons) Biotechnology	10+2 with PCM or PCB or PCMB or Inter Agri.
BSc (Hons) Microbiology	10+2 with PCM or PCB or PCMB or Inter Agri.

Also Read:

SHIATS Entrance Exam Important Dates	SHIATS Entrance Exam Syllabus
SHIATS Entrance Exam Application Form	SHIATS Entrance Exam Syllabus

MCAER CET Exam

The Maharashtra Council of Agriculture Education and Research Common Entrance Test (MCAER CET) is a state-level pen-paper-based entrance exam conducted by the Maharashtra Agriculture Universities Examination Board (MAUEB). This annual exam is designed to shortlist candidates for admission to postgraduate programs such as Master of Science (MSc), Master of Engineering and Technology (MTech), and Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc) offered by Maharashtra's State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Approximately 10,000 aspirants compete for these coveted seats each year.

Courses Offered Through MCAER PG CET

MUAEB now conducts the science entrance exam for admissions to the following PG courses offered at the Agricultural Universities of Maharashtra state: 

Courses	Specialisations
MSc Agriculture	Agronomy	Agricultural Economics
	Animal Husbandry & Dairy Science	Plant Pathology
	Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry	Food Technology
	Extension Education	Agricultural Botany
	Biochemistry	Agricultural Entomology
	Agricultural Microbiology	Irrigation Water Management
	Agricultural Meteorology
MSc Horticulture	Fruit Science	Floriculture and Landscaping
	Plantation Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops	Vegetable Science
MSc (Forestry)	Silviculture & Agro-Forestry	Forest Biology & Tree Improvement
	Natural Resource Management	Forest Product & Utilisation
MFSc Fisheries Science	Fisheries Resource Management	Fish Biotechnology
	Aquaculture	Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology
	Aquatic Environment Management	Fish Processing Technology
	Fish Engineering and Technology	Fish Economics
	Fisheries Extension
MTech Food Technology	Food Technology
MSc Agricultural Bio-Technology	Agricultural Biotechnology
MTech Agricultural Engineering	Process and Food Engineering	Farm Power and Machinery
	Irrigation & Drainage Engineering	Soil & Water Conservation
	Renewable Energy Sources	Agriculture Structure and Environment Management
MSc (Hons) Home Science	Home Management	Food Science & Nutrition
	Child Development & Family Relationship
MBA Agriculture	Agricultural Business Management
MSc Post-Harvest Management	Post-harvest Management of Fruits, Vegetables and Flower crops	Post-harvest Management of medicinal, aromatic, plantation, spices and forest crops
	Post-harvest Management of Fish, meat, poultry and marine products	Post-harvest Engineering
	Post-harvest Management of Foodgrain and seeds

MCAER PG CET Eligibility Criteria

To take the MCAER PG CET exam, candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria:

• Candidates should have completed their graduation degree of at least three years duration in the relevant subject to be eligible for MCAER CET 2024.
• They should have secured at least 55 per cent marks or a 5.5 CGPA score on a scale of 10 in their bachelor's degree if belonging to the open category.
• In case of reserved categories including, Schedule Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Vimukta Jati (A) (VJ-a), Nomadic Tribes (B) NT-b), Nomadic Tribes (C) (NT-c), Nomadic Tribes (D) (NT-d), Other backward class (OBC), Special Backward Category (SBC), socially and educationally backward class (SEBC), Economically weaker section(EWS) and Physically Handicapped (PH), the candidates should have secured at least 50 per cent marks or 5.0 CGPA score on a scale of 10 in aggregate of all subjects. 
• Candidates in the final year of their graduation degree are also eligible to apply for MCAER PG CET 2024.

MUAEB will prepare the final merit list of MCAER CET 2024 based on 70 per cent marks secured by a candidate in the MCAER CET exam and, the remaining 30 per cent marks from CGPA score in the qualifying degree examination.

Also Read:

MCAER CET Important Dates	MCAER CET Exam Pattern
MCAER CET Application Form	MCAER CET Exam Syllabus

India, being an agrarian nation, offers numerous advantages for pursuing a course in agriculture and its allied domains. Here are some key benefits: 

High Demand for Skilled Professionals:

• Growing Agricultural Sector: India's agricultural sector is a major contributor to the economy, and there's a constant demand for skilled professionals to address challenges and drive innovation.   
• Diverse Career Paths: Agriculture offers a wide range of career paths, including research, extension services, agribusiness, food processing, and more.  

Government Initiatives and Support:

• Subsidies and Grants: The government provides various subsidies and grants to promote agricultural education and research.  
• Policy-Making Roles: Graduates can contribute to shaping agricultural policies and strategies.

Contribution to Food Security:

• Addressing Food Shortages: By developing sustainable agricultural practices, you can help address food security issues.  
• Improving Food Quality: You can work on improving the quality and nutritional value of food products.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities:

• Agribusiness Ventures: You can start your own agribusiness, such as farming, food processing, or agricultural consultancy.   
• Rural Development: You can contribute to rural development by creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

Global Impact:

• International Opportunities: The global demand for food and agricultural products offers opportunities for international careers.
• Addressing Global Challenges: You can work on global challenges like climate change and food security.

Job Opportunities After BSc and MSc Agriculture Degree

Here are some of the popular job options available after completing a BSc in Agriculture:

Government Sector:

• Agricultural Officer: Responsible for implementing government policies and programs related to agriculture. 
• Agricultural Research Scientist: Conducts research to improve agricultural practices and develop new technologies. 
• Soil Conservation Officer: Works to conserve soil and prevent soil erosion.
• Extension Officer: Provides technical assistance and advice to farmers. 
• Agricultural Inspector: Ensures quality control and compliance with agricultural regulations. 

Private Sector:

• Agribusiness Manager: Manages agricultural businesses, including farms, food processing plants, and agricultural input companies. 
• Farm Manager: Oversees the day-to-day operations of a farm.  
• Quality Control Officer: Ensures the quality of agricultural products.
• Seed Technologist: Works with seed production, processing, and distribution.
• Agricultural Consultant: Provides expert advice to farmers and other agricultural businesses. 

Other Opportunities:

• Teaching: You can teach agriculture subjects at colleges and universities. 
• Research: You can pursue a career in agricultural research at research institutions or universities. 
• Entrepreneurship: You can start your own agricultural business, such as a farm, food processing unit, or agricultural consultancy.  

By choosing a course in agriculture and its allied domains, you can make a significant contribution to India's food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Read More:

• Job Opportunities & Salary Offered After Completing BSc Degree 
• What are the career options after completing MSc?