Agriculture is not just India’s oldest profession, it is the foundation of the country’s economy, food security, and rural livelihood. With India being one of the world’s largest producers of food grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy, the demand for trained agricultural professionals has never been greater. From agri-tech startups and precision farming to food processing, NABARD, ICAR, and FSSAI careers, graduates from top agriculture universities in India are stepping into one of the most rapidly evolving industries on the planet.
Whether you are planning to pursue a B.Sc. Agriculture, M.Sc. Agriculture, or a specialisation in agri-business, food technology, or soil science the institution you choose shapes everything: your research exposure, placement outcomes, and career trajectory. This guide presents the definitive list of top agriculture universities in India 2026, with rankings, courses, fees, and placements for every institution.
Top Entrance Exams for Agriculture Admission in India 2026
Before choosing a university, know your admission gateway:
ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission): Mandatory for admission to ICAR Deemed Universities — IARI, NDRI, IVRI, and CIFE. Covers UG, PG, and PhD program
s.
CUET UG/PG: Accepted by BHU, several state agricultural universities, and private universities like IIMT University for B.Sc. Agriculture and allied programs.
State-Level Exams: PAU CET (Punjab), GBPUAT Entrance (Uttarakhand), KCET (Karnataka), AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh), BCECE (Bihar), and MHT CET (Maharashtra) for respective state agricultural universities.
University-Level Tests: Several private universities conduct their own aptitude-based entrance assessments in combination with CUET scores.
Top Agriculture Universities in India 2026: Rankings, Courses, Fees & Placements
1. ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
NIRF 2025 Rank: #1 in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (Score: 89.23)
Established: 1905
Location: New Delhi
Key Courses: M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Soil Science), Ph.D. Agriculture, PG Diploma programs
Fees: M.Sc. — ₹43,150 per year (approx.)
Accreditation: NAAC A+, ICAR Recognised
Highlights: Known as the “Pusa Institute,” IARI is India’s premier agricultural research centre and one of the top 50 agricultural research institutes in the world. It played a central role in India’s Green Revolution and continues to lead in seed technology, crop genetics, and precision agriculture. Primarily a PG and PhD institution not the best choice for B.Sc. Agriculture.
Top Recruiters: ICAR, NABARD, FSSAI, agricultural research agencies
2. National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal
NIRF 2025 Rank: #2 in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (Score: 75.87)
Established: 1923
Location: Karnal, Haryana
Key Courses: M.Sc. Dairy Technology, M.Sc. Dairy Chemistry, M.Sc. Dairy Microbiology, Ph.D.
Fees: ₹15,000–40,000 per year (ICAR Deemed University)
Highlights: India’s top institution for dairy science and technology, animal husbandry, and dairy nutrition. Known for developing high-yielding breeds like Karan Swiss and Karan Fries and advancing embryo transfer technology in buffaloes. Primarily a postgraduate institution.
Top Recruiters: Amul, Mother Dairy, Nestlé, Britannia, state dairy cooperatives
3. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
NIRF 2025 Rank: #3 in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (Score: 75.83)
Established: 1962
Location: Ludhiana, Punjab
Key Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Tech. Food Technology, M.Sc. Agriculture, Ph.D.
Fees: ₹25,000–45,000 per year
Highlights: A pioneer of India’s Green Revolution and one of the best agriculture universities in the country for undergraduate programs. PAU’s research in high-yield crop varieties and sustainable farming practices is internationally recognised. Admission through PAU CET for state-domicile students.
Top Recruiters: PUNGRAIN, Agri-input companies, ICAR, Punjab government agencies
4. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
NIRF 2025 Rank: #4 in Agriculture & Allied Sectors
Established: 1916
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Key Courses: B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, M.Sc. Agriculture, MBA Agribusiness, Ph.D.
Fees: B.Sc. Agriculture — ₹10,000–25,000 per year | M.Sc. — ₹34,750 per year (approx.)
Accreditation: NAAC A | Admission: CUET UG/PG
Highlights: One of India’s largest residential universities, BHU offers an exceptional agriculture program backed by advanced research infrastructure, ICAR-affiliated departments, and over a century of academic excellence. Its Institute of Agricultural Sciences is among the most respected in the country.
Top Recruiters: ICAR, Agri-tech companies, state government, NGOs
5. IIMT University, Meerut
Location: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Established: 2016
Key Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), M.Sc. Agriculture, MBA in Agribusiness Management, Diploma in Agriculture, Ph.D. Agriculture
Fees: Competitive and affordable; CUET-based scholarships of 25%–55% available on tuition fees
Accreditation: NAAC ‘A’ Grade | UGC Recognised | ICAR Approved | AICTE | NCISM | QS I-GAUGE Diamond Rating (2026)
Admission: CUET UG/PG, ICAR AIEEA, and university-level aptitude assessment
IIMT University, Meerut is redefining what a modern, industry-integrated agriculture program looks like in the private university landscape. Recognised as the region’s first AI-enabled university, IIMT has earned a rankings portfolio that places it firmly among the best private universities in India for agriculture and allied sciences.
Rankings (2025–26 verified): – WURI 2026: #1 India & #4 World Entrepreneurial Culture; #1 India & #10 World AI-Based Teaching; #1 India & #6 World Interdisciplinary Research; ranked across 16 global innovation categories – IIRF 2026: #6 All India & #1 Uttar Pradesh New-Age Emerging Universities | #57 All India Private Universities (Overall) – QS I-GAUGE Diamond Rating (2026): Platinum in Teaching & Learning, Facilities, Governance, and Entrepreneurship; Diamond in Employability and Faculty Quality; Gold in Research – EducationWorld 2026–27: #21 in India | #4 in Uttar Pradesh Private Multidisciplinary Universities – R-World Institutional Ranking 2026: World Rank #992 | Asia Rank #852 – NIRF Innovation Ranking: Ranked 51–100 among all institutions in India – India Today Rankings 2025: 45th nationally among private universities – R-World Green Rankings 2026: Titanium Band — Institution of Progressive Sustainability Excellence
6. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
NIRF 2025 Rank: Top 10 Agriculture & Allied Sectors
Established: 1971
Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Key Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Tech. Food Technology, M.Sc. Agriculture, Ph.D.
Fees: B.Sc. Agriculture — ₹50,225 per year (approx.)
Highlights: South India’s best agriculture university, TNAU leads in agri-biotech, horticulture, and precision farming research. It is the gateway to Tamil Nadu’s government agriculture services and has a strong alumni network in the state’s agri-sector.
7. GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar
NIRF 2025 Rank: Top 10 Agriculture & Allied Sectors
Established: 1960
Location: Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
Key Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering, M.Sc. Agriculture, Ph.D.
Fees: ₹25,000–50,000 per year
Highlights: India’s first agricultural university, GBPUAT pioneered the land-grant model in India and introduced high-yielding wheat and rice varieties during the Green Revolution. It remains a top choice for UG agriculture across North India.
8. Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Guntur
NIRF 2025 Rank: #31 in Agriculture & Allied Sectors
Established: 1964
Location: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Key Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, M.Sc. Agriculture, Ph.D.
Fees: ₹14,400 per year (approx.)
Placements: Median package ₹5.15 LPA (UG); ₹6.60 LPA (PG) NIRF 2026 data; 214 UG and 85 PG students placed in 2024–25
Highlights: Known for innovation in irrigation management, soil health, and horticultural research. A leading institution in Andhra Pradesh for government agriculture services.
9. Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Noida
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Key Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), M.Sc. Agriculture, MBA Agribusiness, Ph.D.
Fees: B.Sc. Agriculture — ₹1,10,000 per year
Highlights: Part of Amity University ranked among the Top 100 globally by THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026. Amity’s agriculture school offers an English-medium program listed on the Study in India portal, with international collaborations and strong placement support.
10. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara
Location: Phagwara, Punjab
Key Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), M.Sc. Agriculture, MBA Agribusiness, Ph.D.
Fees: B.Sc. Agriculture — ₹1,60,000 per year (approx.)
Accreditation: ICAR Approved | NAAC A+
Placements: Average Package ₹9.60 LPA | Highest Package ₹62 LPA (Collegedunia 2025 data); top recruiters across agri-tech, food processing, and FMCG
Highlights: LPU’s ICAR-approved agriculture program ensures curriculum alignment with national competitive exams. Strong placement cell and exposure to agri-business, food science, and precision farming.
Key Factors to Evaluate When Choosing an Agriculture University?
ICAR Accreditation: Prioritise universities with ICAR recognition, it ensures curriculum quality, alignment with competitive exams (IBPS AFO, NABARD, FCI AGT), and access to scholarships.
Infrastructure: Look for universities with advanced laboratories, greenhouses, experimental farms, soil science facilities, and AI-integrated learning environments.
Research Opportunities: Institutions with active research programs, PhD programs, and industry-sponsored projects give students a competitive edge in government research careers.
Placement Record: Check not just the highest package but the average package and percentage of students placed, these reflect the depth of a university’s industry network.
Location: Proximity to agri-industrial hubs, food processing clusters, or NCR corporate zones matters for internship access and placement drives.
Conclusion
India’s agricultural sector is undergoing a technology-driven transformation, and the universities that will shape its future are those that combine rigorous academic foundations with modern tools, AI integration, and strong industry connections. From IARI’s world-class research environment to IIMT University’s globally ranked, AI-enabled private campus in Meerut, there is an institution on this list for every aspiration and budget.
Visit the official website to explore B.Sc. Agriculture, M.Sc. Agriculture, and MBA Agribusiness programs.
