Top Agriculture Colleges in India - Rankings, Courses & Admission 2026
Looking to secure admission to one of the top agriculture colleges in India in 2026? The country is home to 900+ agriculture colleges offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, including PhD courses. Some of the leading agriculture institutions include IABM and GD Goenka University. Admissions to these colleges are mainly based on performance in national, state, or university-level entrance examinations.
Among the top options, IABM features prominently among government agriculture colleges, while GD Goenka University stands out as a leading private institution.
While choosing the best agriculture colleges in India, students should evaluate key parameters such as NIRF rankings, placement outcomes, return on investment (ROI), faculty expertise, and available specializations. Check out the list of top agriculture colleges in India 2026, complete with detailed information on fees, placements, and entrance exams, to make a well-informed decision.
Top Agriculture Colleges in India 2026 by Rankings
Every year, national and state-level ranking bodies evaluate agriculture colleges based on academic excellence, research output, infrastructure, faculty strength, placements, and industry exposure. These rankings help students identify the best agriculture colleges in India offering quality education and strong career prospects.
Key Factors Used for Ranking Agriculture Colleges in India
Agriculture colleges in India are ranked using multiple academic and performance parameters, including:
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Quality of teaching and experienced faculty
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Research facilities and innovation in agricultural sciences
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On-campus laboratories, farms, and practical training infrastructure
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Placement records and industry tie-ups
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Student performance in competitive exams and higher studies
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Accreditation and government recognition.
Top Agriculture Colleges in India 2026 by Ranking
| Rank | College Name | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) | New Delhi | Government |
| 2 | National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) | Karnal | Government |
| 3 | Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology | Pantnagar | Government |
| 4 | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) | Coimbatore | Government |
| 5 | Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) | Ludhiana | Government |
| 6 | Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University | Guntur | Government |
| 7 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University | Pusa | Government |
| 8 | IABM, Bikaner | Rajasthan | Government |
| 9 | GD Goenka University (Agriculture School) | Haryana | Private |
| 10 | Lovely Professional University (Agriculture) | Punjab | Private |
Top Government Agriculture Colleges in India 2026
Government agriculture colleges are highly preferred due to their research focus, affordable fees, and strong academic legacy.
Leading Government Agriculture Colleges
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Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
Known as the backbone of agricultural research in India, IARI offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs with advanced research exposure. -
Govind Ballabh Pant University, Pantnagar
Recognized for its contribution to the Green Revolution, the university offers extensive field training and modern laboratories. -
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
Popular for its region-specific agricultural research and high placement rate in government and private sectors. -
IABM, Bikaner
A top institute for agri-business management programs, ideal for students interested in agriculture and management integration.
Top Private Agriculture Colleges in India 2026
Private agriculture colleges are gaining popularity due to modern infrastructure, industry-oriented curriculum, and global exposure.
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GD Goenka University, Haryana
Offers agriculture and allied science programs with emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical learning. -
Lovely Professional University (LPU)
Known for advanced laboratories, international collaborations, and strong placement support in agribusiness companies.
Courses Offered by Top Agriculture Colleges in India
Most top-ranked agriculture colleges in India offer a wide range of programs, including:
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BSc Agriculture
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BSc Horticulture
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BSc Forestry
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BSc Agribusiness Management
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MSc Agriculture (various specializations)
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PhD in Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Admission Process for Top Agriculture Colleges 2026
Admissions to top agriculture colleges in India are conducted through national and state-level entrance exams, such as:
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ICAR AIEEA (UG and PG)
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State Agriculture University entrance exams
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University-level entrance tests
Some private universities also offer merit-based admissions.
State-Wise Top Agriculture Colleges in India 2026
Agriculture education in India has evolved significantly, offering students modern infrastructure, advanced research facilities, and strong career opportunities across agribusiness, research, food technology, and allied sciences. As of 2026, India has 70+ State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), along with central, deemed, and private universities dedicated to agriculture. Choosing the right college depends on factors such as location, faculty, infrastructure, ICAR accreditation, and placement support.
Why Choose State-Wise Agriculture Colleges?
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Easier admission through state quota
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Lower tuition fees in government universities
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Region-specific agricultural research exposure
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Strong local industry and fieldwork opportunities
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Better chances in state government jobs & extension services
State-Wise List of Top Agriculture Colleges in India 2026
Top Central & Deemed Agriculture Universities in India
Apart from state universities, these institutions attract students from across India due to their national-level reputation:
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Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi
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Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal
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National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal
City-wise Top Agriculture Colleges in India 2026
India has a strong agricultural education ecosystem supported by ICAR, State Agricultural Universities, and reputed private institutions. With agriculture evolving into agri-business, agri-technology, food processing, and allied sciences, choosing the right city and college in 2026 can significantly impact career opportunities. Below is a city-wise list of top agriculture colleges in India, highlighting their specialisations, reputation, and academic strengths.
| City | Top Agriculture Colleges | Type | Key Specialisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | IARI | Government | Agronomy, Genetics, Research |
| Gurugram | GD Goenka University | Private | Agri-Business, Allied Sciences |
| Noida | Amity University | Private | Agriculture, Biotechnology |
| Coimbatore | TNAU | Government | Crop Science, Horticulture |
| Ludhiana | PAU | Government | Agronomy, Soil Science |
| Pantnagar | GBPUAT | Government | Agriculture & Technology |
How to Choose the Best City for Agriculture College in 2026
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Government colleges offer lower fees and stronger research exposure
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Private universities provide modern infrastructure and industry-oriented courses
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Cities with ICAR institutes offer better research and PhD opportunities
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Consider placements, faculty strength, and specialization availability
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Agriculture Colleges in India 2026
Admission to top agriculture colleges in India in 2026 is primarily based on national-level, state-level, and university-specific entrance examinations. These exams evaluate candidates on subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Agriculture, depending on the course and institution. Students aspiring to pursue BSc Agriculture, MSc Agriculture, PhD, or allied agriculture programs must qualify for the relevant entrance exam accepted by their chosen college or university.
National-Level Entrance Exams for Agriculture Colleges
These exams are accepted by a large number of central universities and top institutions across India.
CUET UG 2026 (Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate)
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Accepted by: ICAR-recognized universities, central universities, and many state universities
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Courses covered: BSc Agriculture, BSc Horticulture, BSc Forestry, and allied programs
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Conducting body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
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Mode of exam: Computer-based test
ICAR AIEEA 2026 (All India Entrance Examination for Admission)
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Accepted by: Top ICAR-affiliated agriculture universities
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Courses covered: UG, PG, and PhD in Agriculture and Allied Sciences
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Conducting body: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
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Highly competitive exam for premier government agriculture colleges
State-Level Entrance Exams for Agriculture Admissions
Many state agricultural universities conduct their own entrance exams or accept scores from state-level tests.
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MHT CET 2026 – Accepted by agriculture colleges in Maharashtra
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TS EAMCET 2026 – Accepted in Telangana
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KCET 2026 – Karnataka agriculture colleges
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CG PAT 2026 – Chhattisgarh agriculture universities
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OUAT 2026 – Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology
These exams mainly focus on state domicile candidates, though some seats may be open to other states.
University-Specific Entrance Exams
Several top private and deemed universities conduct their own entrance tests for agriculture programs.
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LPUNEST 2026 – Lovely Professional University
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CUCET 2026 – Chandigarh University
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AMU Entrance Exam – Aligarh Muslim University
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BHU UET / PET – Banaras Hindu University (where applicable)
These exams often include direct admission options based on merit for eligible candidates.
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Agriculture Colleges (2026)
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Level | Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUET UG 2026 | NTA | National | BSc Agriculture & Allied Courses |
| ICAR AIEEA 2026 | ICAR | National | UG, PG, PhD in Agriculture |
| MHT CET 2026 | State Govt | State | BSc Agriculture |
| KCET 2026 | KEA | State | Agriculture Courses |
| LPUNEST 2026 | LPU | University | UG & PG Agriculture |
Key Points for Agriculture Aspirants 2026
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Most top government agriculture colleges prefer ICAR AIEEA or CUET scores
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Private universities offer flexibility through university-level exams and merit-based admissions
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Eligibility usually requires 10+2 with PCB or PCM, depending on the course
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Students should check whether the college is ICAR-accredited before applying.
FAQs
The future of agriculture in India is focused on sustainable growth, technology driven farming, and higher farmer incomes to support the country’s food security and rural economy. With rising demand for food, climate change challenges, and shrinking landholdings, Indian agriculture is rapidly adopting precision farming, artificial intelligence, drones, soil health monitoring, and data based decision making to improve productivity and reduce costs. Government initiatives like digital agriculture missions, PM Kisan, crop insurance schemes, and increased investment in irrigation and agri infrastructure are strengthening the sector. Organic farming, climate resilient crops, agri startups, and value added food processing are creating new employment opportunities for youth and boosting exports. In the coming years, agriculture in India will evolve into a modern, profitable, and eco friendly sector that combines traditional knowledge with smart technology to ensure long term sustainability and inclusive rural development.
India ranks second in the world in agricultural production, making it one of the largest agriculture-based economies globally. According to widely cited global agriculture data, India is the second-largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, and milk, contributing significantly to global food security. Agriculture supports nearly 42 percent of India’s workforce and contributes around 18 percent to the national GDP, highlighting its economic and social importance. With diverse agro-climatic zones, India consistently holds top global positions in multiple crops, reinforcing its rank as a leading agricultural nation and a key player in the global agri-food supply chain.
Uttar Pradesh is widely regarded as the number one state in agriculture in India due to its highest contribution to food grain production, extensive fertile alluvial plains, and the largest net sown area in the country. The state consistently leads in the production of key crops such as wheat, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, and pulses, making it the backbone of India’s food security. Supported by the Ganga Yamuna river system, a strong irrigation network, and a large agricultural workforce, Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in feeding the nation. Its dominance in both crop output and cultivated land places it ahead of other leading agricultural states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, answering clearly which state is number one in agriculture in India.
The fees for BSc Agriculture in India vary widely depending on the type of institution, location, and facilities offered. In government agriculture colleges and state agricultural universities, the annual BSc Agriculture fees typically range from INR 5,000 to INR 50,000, making them highly affordable for students. In contrast, private colleges and deemed universities usually charge higher fees, ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 3,00,000 per year. The total cost may also include additional expenses such as hostel accommodation, examination fees, laboratory charges, and field training costs. Overall, BSc Agriculture remains one of the most cost effective professional degree programs in India, especially in government funded institutions, which makes it a popular choice among students seeking quality education at a reasonable fee.
The best college for agriculture in India is generally considered to be Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, due to its academic excellence, strong research output, experienced faculty, and high placement and higher-study opportunities. Popularly known as Pusa Institute, IARI consistently ranks among the top agriculture colleges in India and offers UG, PG, and PhD programs with advanced infrastructure and national-level recognition. Other top agriculture colleges in India include Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, and Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, all of which are known for quality education, practical training, and industry exposure. For students aiming for the best agriculture college in India, choosing an ICAR-accredited institute with strong research facilities and placement support is key.
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