NDRI - National Dairy Research Institute
The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) is not just another agricultural college — it's India’s top-tier institute for dairy education and research. Established in 1923, NDRI is the IIT of Dairy Science, a Deemed University under ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), and has contributed immensely to making India the largest milk producer in the world.
But what does that mean for you?
It means you get access to:
World-class infrastructure
Cutting-edge research labs
Fieldwork blended with technology
National and international exposure
And most importantly — a career in an industry that’s growing faster than most urban sectors.
Table of Contents
- National Dairy Research Institute Admission Process
- National Dairy Research Institute Cut Off 2025 (Expected)
- NDRI Cut Off 2024 – Official Trends
- NDRI Cut Off 2023 – Baseline Reference
- How to Beat the Cut-Off and Get into National Dairy Research Institute
- National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Placements
- Top Recruiters at National Dairy Research Institute
- National Dairy Research Institute Rankings
- How NDRI Stays at the Top
National Dairy Research Institute Admission Process
If you're someone who’s curious about biology, food technology, or how science meets real-world innovation and want a career that isn’t just “mainstream” but deeply impactful — then the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) could be your perfect next step after 12th.
Let’s walk you through exactly how you can get in, what the process looks like, and what life at NDRI has to offer.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, make sure you meet these:
Must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology.
Must be at least 17 years old on or before 31st August of the year of admission.
Should have scored minimum 50% aggregate marks in PCB/PCM (relaxation for reserved categories as per ICAR norms).
2. Entrance Exam – ICAR AIEEA (UG)
Here’s the big one: NDRI doesn’t conduct its own entrance test. Instead, admissions are through the All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA-UG) conducted by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).
Key Details:
Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Exam Duration: 2.5 hours
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and either Mathematics/Biology/Agriculture
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong
You must choose Mathematics if you want to pursue B.Tech (Dairy Technology).
3. Counselling Process
Once your ICAR AIEEA results are out, shortlisted candidates are called for online counselling. Based on your AIR (All India Rank), you’ll be allotted a seat in NDRI if you’ve chosen B.Tech Dairy Tech as one of your preferences.
You’ll need to submit:
10th & 12th marksheets
ICAR scorecard
Domicile certificate
Category certificate (if applicable)
Recent passport-sized photos
4. Final Admission & Reporting
After counselling and seat allotment:
You’ll report at the NDRI campus (Karnal)
Pay the first semester fees (Approx 35,000 per year)
Get your documents verified
Attend orientation & begin your new journey.
National Dairy Research Institute Cut Off 2025 (Expected)
While official numbers will be released after the 2025 ICAR results, here’s what experts and trends are predicting based on previous years:
| Category | Expected Cut-Off Rank (2025) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 190 – 240 |
| OBC | 300 – 350 |
| SC | 800 – 1000 |
| ST | 1000 – 1200 |
| EWS | 250 – 30 |
NDRI Cut Off 2024 – Official Trends
The 2024 ICAR Counselling Round 1 gave us a clearer picture of just how competitive NDRI has become:
| Category | Closing Rank (2024) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 215 |
| OBC | 335 |
| SC | 950 |
| ST | 1130 |
| EWS | 278 |
NDRI Cut Off 2023 – Baseline Reference
The year 2023 was considered a turning point due to an increase in applications for dairy and agricultural sciences post-COVID. Students from urban centers, Tier-1 cities, and even NEET/JEE droppers turned to ICAR for alternate yet rewarding careers.
| Category | Closing Rank (2023) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 230 |
| OBC | 360 |
| SC | 1050 |
| ST | 1180 |
| EWS | 300 |
How to Beat the Cut-Off and Get into National Dairy Research Institute
Here’s what top scorers from 2024 did differently:
1. Smart Preparation Over Long Hours
Focus on the ICAR syllabus—especially Biology, Agriculture, Chemistry, and Physics. Prioritize conceptual clarity over rote learning.
2. Mock Tests = Secret Weapon
Doing full-length mocks and previous year papers helps improve your rank more than just reading theory.
3. Stay Consistent for 6 Months
A steady study schedule, even if it’s just 5 hours a day, beats last-minute cramming.
4. Use the ICAR Rank Predictor
Many coaching apps and platforms offer tools to predict your ICAR rank based on your mock scores. This helps set realistic expectations.
5. Keep an Eye on Counselling
Even if your score seems borderline, don’t skip counselling. Many students with good ranks miss out due to incomplete forms or document errors.
National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Placements
When you think of a career in science, you probably imagine labs, AI, engineering, or medicine. But what if we told you that India’s dairy sector is a 13 lakh crore industry — and growing faster than any tech startup you know?
At the heart of this massive revolution is the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, Haryana — India’s IIT of Dairy Science. If you're someone who loves science but wants to do something different, meaningful, and high-impact, this is where your journey could begin.
Placement Highlights
| Year | Placement Rate | Average Package | Highest Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92% | 5.6 LPA | 12 LPA (Intl) |
| 2023 | 89% | 5.8 LPA | 13.2 LPA (Intl) |
Top Recruiters at National Dairy Research Institute
Amul
Nestlé India
Mother Dairy
ITC Foods
Danone
GEA Process Engineering
Schreiber Dynamix
Parag Milk Foods
Research labs in Germany, Netherlands, and New Zealand
The best part? NDRI students aren’t just picked for sales or basic roles. They are hired for R&D, food safety, quality assurance, production management, and even international dairy policy research.
National Dairy Research Institute Rankings
Every year, thousands of students across India compete for just a few hundred seats at NDRI. Why? Because of its exceptional ranking, rich research culture, and top-tier placement track record.
Let’s break down its rankings based on the latest reports:
ICAR Ranking
NDRI is consistently ranked #1 among Dairy Science institutes in India under the ICAR system. ICAR rankings are considered the gold standard in agriculture and allied sciences. NDRI has maintained this top spot for several years due to its research output, faculty strength, infrastructure, and student success.
NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework)
While NDRI doesn’t typically appear in the engineering or general science categories in NIRF (because it's a specialized institution), it has received recognition in the “Agriculture and Allied Sectors”, where it remains among the top 10 research institutions nationwide.
QS World Rankings / Global Presence
NDRI’s global presence may not be as highlighted in QS or THE rankings, but that’s because most global lists focus on comprehensive universities. However, its collaborations with institutions like Wageningen University (Netherlands), Kansas State University (USA), and BOKU (Austria) have placed it firmly on the global dairy education map.
How NDRI Stays at the Top
| Parameter | Why NDRI Excels |
|---|---|
| Faculty & Research | Over 100+ PhD-qualified faculty members with international exposure |
| Infrastructure | Fully equipped pilot plants, labs, dairy farms, and advanced biotechnology units |
| Innovation & Patents | Regular filing of research patents and new dairy technologies |
| Industry Connect | Tie-ups with Amul, Nestlé, NDDB, and other major players |
| Placement & Internships | High placement rate with competitive salaries, plus internship opportunities |
NDRI - National Dairy Research Institute Highlights
| Founded Year | 1923 |
| Type of Institute | Government |
| Campus Size | 1,384 acres |
| Gender Accepted | co-ed |
NDRI - National Dairy Research Institute FAQs
To get admission in the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), students must first choose the right course—UG, PG, or PhD—depending on their qualification. For the B.Tech in Dairy Technology program, candidates need to appear for the ICAR AIEEA (UG) exam conducted by the National Testing Agency, and admissions are based on merit and counseling. For postgraduate and doctoral programs, ICAR AIEEA (PG/PhD) scores are required, followed by a centralized counseling process. Along with good entrance scores, students should have a strong academic background in science subjects and meet the eligibility criteria regarding age and minimum marks. It's also crucial to stay updated on NDRI's admission notifications released every year around May–June.
The age limit for admission to undergraduate programs at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) is generally 17 years as of 31st August of the admission year, with no upper age limit specified for most courses. This means students who have completed their 10+2 with the required subjects and meet the age criterion are eligible to apply. However, it's important to note that eligibility for postgraduate and doctoral programs does not have a fixed minimum age, but candidates must hold relevant degrees and meet academic requirements. Always double-check the latest prospectus or notification for any updates on age criteria.
The placement scenario for Dairy Technology at NDRI Karnal is considered strong, especially for students focused on research, higher studies, and government jobs. Most B.Tech graduates from NDRI either pursue M.Tech or go abroad for specialized research, but campus placements also see reputed dairy and food companies like Amul, Nestlé, and Mother Dairy recruiting students. Average packages range between ₹4–6 LPA, with some roles offering higher depending on profile and performance. While core job opportunities may be limited in number, students with good academic and practical skills generally secure decent positions or opt for competitive exams like ICAR-JRF, FSSAI, or UPSC for broader career paths.
The stipend for students at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) varies based on the program. For M.Tech and Ph.D. students admitted through ICAR, a monthly stipend of around ₹12,000 to ₹31,000 is typically provided, depending on the course and year of study. This financial support helps cover living expenses during the academic program. However, B.Tech (Dairy Technology) students generally do not receive any stipend. Keep in mind that stipend amounts and eligibility may change based on ICAR norms and institute policies.
The highest package at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) typically ranges between ₹9 to ₹12 LPA, offered to students in specialized roles across dairy technology, food processing, and research-based sectors. While the average salary remains modest due to the institute's research-oriented focus, top recruiters from leading dairy companies, FMCGs, and government-linked projects often offer competitive roles to meritorious candidates, especially those with postgraduate or doctoral qualifications. Students with strong academic performance and hands-on project experience tend to secure the best offers.
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