Exam guide · Entrance Exams

ICAR Agriculture Admissions (UG and PG)

Agriculture and allied degrees are offered by state agricultural universities and ICAR institutes across India. Undergraduate all-India quota seats are now filled using CUET-UG scores, while state quota seats follow each state's own process. ICAR also conducts postgraduate and doctoral entrance exams.

3 min read · Last reviewed 26 September 2026

UG all-India quota
Through CUET-UG scores and ICAR counselling
UG state quota
State entrance tests (for example EAPCET) or state processes
PG
ICAR postgraduate entrance examination
Streams
BiPC mainly; PCM for some programmes such as agricultural engineering

About the exam

Programmes include B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, Community Science, Sericulture, Agricultural Engineering (B.Tech), Dairy Technology and Food Technology.

See B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture for the main degree and Career Options After Class 12 BiPC for related routes.

Who takes this exam

  • BiPC students interested in agriculture, food and the environment
  • PCM students interested in agricultural or food engineering
  • Graduates seeking M.Sc/M.Tech in agriculture

Eligibility (general)

  • Class 12 with the subject combination required for each programme
  • Domicile rules for state quota seats
  • Minimum marks and age as notified

Exam pattern

For undergraduate all-India quota seats, the relevant CUET-UG subject tests are used. For postgraduate admissions, ICAR conducts a subject-based entrance exam. State quota seats follow state entrance tests, whose patterns differ.

Exam patterns, marking schemes and dates are revised from time to time. Treat this as a general guide and confirm every detail in the current official information bulletin from ICAR and the National Testing Agency.

Syllabus overview

Undergraduate admission tests cover Class 12 biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics as relevant. Postgraduate exams cover the undergraduate agriculture curriculum in the chosen discipline.

Want help applying this to your own situation? Career Counselling After Class 12 on the Career Captain website.

Courses and institutions it leads to

State agricultural universities, central agricultural universities and ICAR deemed institutes across India.

How the process usually works

  1. Take CUET-UG with required subjectsFor all-India quota undergraduate seats.
  2. Register for ICAR counsellingChoose universities and programmes.
  3. Apply for state quotaThrough your state's process.
  4. Seat allotmentReport to the allotted university.

How to prepare

  1. Strengthen Class 12 biology and chemistryCore of most tests.
  2. Check subject requirementsChoose the right CUET subjects.
  3. Track notificationsBoth ICAR and state processes run in parallel.

After the result

Agriculture graduates can pursue M.Sc, work in agribusiness, banks (agricultural officer posts), seed and fertiliser companies, food processing or government extension services.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing wrong CUET subjects for agriculture programmes
  • Missing state counselling
  • Assuming agriculture careers are only in farming

Alternatives and backup options

Frequently asked questions

Is NEET required for B.Sc Agriculture?

Generally no; CUET-UG or state tests are used. Check your state's rules.

What jobs are there after B.Sc Agriculture?

Agricultural officer, agribusiness, research, banking, food processing and more.

Published by Career Captain Global Solutions. This page is general guidance; see the disclaimer below. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.