Unlock the full ICAR college list and its cutoff rank for 2025! Get details on top agricultural colleges, eligibility, cutoff trends, FAQs, and more. Boost your admission chances with this comprehensive guide.
When it comes to agricultural education in India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) stands as a beacon of quality and opportunity. Established under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR oversees and accredits numerous institutions that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences. Its role is critical in ensuring that Indian students receive education of the highest standards, matching global trends and innovations.
The ICAR’s influence extends beyond academics, as it also shapes research, development, and extension activities across the country. Aspiring students and parents often seek information about the ICAR college list and its cutoff rank, as these determine eligibility for top colleges and future career opportunities in the agricultural sector.
To get into an ICAR-recognized college, students must crack the ICAR entrance exams, most notably the All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA). This exam is the gateway to various undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral courses in agricultural universities across India.
ICAR AIEEA (UG): For undergraduate programs like B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, and more.
ICAR AIEEA (PG): For master's degree courses.
ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PGS): For doctoral studies.
Every year, lakhs of students appear for these exams, hoping to secure a seat in one of the esteemed ICAR colleges. The ICAR college list and its cutoff rank serve as the guiding light for their preparation.
Before dreaming about your desired college, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for ICAR exams.
Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture for UG courses. For PG, a relevant bachelor's degree is required.
Age Criteria: Generally, students should be at least 16 years old for UG courses, and there is no upper age limit for many programs.
Reservation Criteria: As per government norms, reservations exist for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates.
ICAR recognizes and funds various agricultural universities and colleges throughout India. These include:
Central Agricultural Universities
State Agricultural Universities
Deemed Universities
Private Agricultural Institutions
Colleges apply for accreditation, and only those maintaining high academic and research standards are listed by ICAR. This means that the ICAR college list and its cutoff rank only include top-performing institutions, both government and private.
India’s geography is vast, and ICAR colleges are spread across the country. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top colleges by region:
North Zone: Punjab Agricultural University (Ludhiana), GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (Pantnagar), Haryana Agricultural University (Hisar)
South Zone: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Coimbatore), University of Agricultural Sciences (Bangalore), Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (Guntur)
East Zone: Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (Bhubaneswar), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (Nadia, WB)
West Zone: Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University (Nagpur), Anand Agricultural University (Anand, Gujarat)
Central Zone: Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (Jabalpur, MP), Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
Below is a table listing major ICAR-accredited colleges across India:
| College Name | State | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Agricultural University | Punjab | North |
| GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology | Uttarakhand | North |
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | Tamil Nadu | South |
| University of Agricultural Sciences | Karnataka | South |
| Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology | Odisha | East |
| Anand Agricultural University | Gujarat | West |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya | Madhya Pradesh | Central |
| Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya | Chhattisgarh | Central |
For a complete list, visit the official ICAR website.
The ICAR cutoff rank is the minimum rank or score needed to secure admission in a particular college and course. These cutoffs change every year, depending on:
Number of applicants
Difficulty level of the exam
Number of available seats
College reputation and course demand
Higher-ranked colleges often have stricter cutoffs due to intense competition.
ICAR cutoff ranks have varied over the years, reflecting changing patterns in exam difficulty, seat availability, and candidate performance. For instance, in 2024, top colleges saw cutoff ranks between 300-1000 for general category students, while reserved category cutoffs were typically lower.
Factors affecting trends:
Increase in applicants
Varying difficulty levels
Shifts in college popularity
Analyzing past years' data helps candidates set realistic targets for admission.
| College Name | Course | Category | 2024 Cutoff Rank* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Agricultural University | B.Sc. Agriculture | General | 320 |
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | B.Sc. Horticulture | OBC | 680 |
| Orissa University of Agriculture | B.F.Sc. | SC/ST | 1750 |
| GB Pant University | B.Sc. Forestry | General | 450 |
*Ranks are indicative; for the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official ICAR portal.
Visit the Official ICAR Website: Go to https://icar.org.in/.
Navigate to Admissions Section: Look for the latest notifications and cutoff lists.
Download the Cutoff PDF: Access college-wise and course-wise cutoff ranks.
Interpret Your Eligibility: Compare your rank/score with the cutoff for your chosen college.
Several factors play a role in determining the ICAR cutoff ranks:
Number of Applicants: More applicants means higher competition and higher cutoffs.
Exam Difficulty: A tough exam may lower cutoffs, while an easy one may increase them.
Seat Availability: Fewer seats in a college mean higher cutoffs.
Category Reservations: Reserved categories often have lower cutoffs due to quota allocations.
To maximize your chances of admission:
Start Early Preparation: Study the syllabus, practice mock tests, and focus on weak areas.
Analyze Previous Year Papers: Understanding question patterns can give you a competitive edge.
Attend Counseling Rounds: Be ready with all required documents and explore multiple college options during counseling.
Stay Updated: Regularly check official notifications for changes in exam patterns or seat matrices.
Q1: What is the ICAR college list and its cutoff rank?
A: It is an official list of ICAR-accredited colleges and the minimum rank needed for admission to each course.
Q2: How many colleges are under ICAR?
A: Over 70 state agricultural universities, 4 deemed universities, and several central/private colleges participate each year.
Q3: Are ICAR cutoff ranks different for each category?
A: Yes, cutoffs differ for General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories.
Q4: Can I apply to multiple colleges through ICAR counseling?
A: Yes, you can select multiple colleges and courses during counseling based on your rank.
Q5: Is there a reservation system in ICAR colleges?
A: Yes, reservation policies follow central government rules.
Q6: Where can I get the official ICAR cutoff list?
A: Access the official cutoff list on the ICAR website.
ICAR AIEEA Notification Page
Choosing the right college and understanding the ICAR college list and its cutoff rank are essential steps for a bright future in agriculture. By preparing smartly and staying informed, you can secure your seat in a top institution and contribute to the nation's agricultural progress. Best of luck to all aspirants!