Beginning with the 2025-26 academic session, 20 per cent of undergraduate seats in agriculture universities across India will be filled through the All India Competitive Examination conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Friday.
The new admissions system aims to streamline eligibility norms and subject groups for students applying under the ICAR quota. Chouhan highlighted that the standardized rules will simplify the application process and ensure transparency in admissions to B.Sc. Agriculture courses.
Under the revised guidelines, students who have studied Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Agriculture at the higher secondary level will now be eligible to apply through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-ICAR system. This marks a significant move towards harmonising the eligibility criteria, which previously varied across states and universities.
Earlier, students often faced confusion due to differences in subject combinations and state-specific rules. This inconsistency had been repeatedly raised by students on social media and discussed by representatives of several states. In response, Chouhan directed ICAR Director General Dr. Mangi Lal Jat to hold consultations with university authorities and vice-chancellors to ensure uniformity in the admission process.
As per ICAR data, out of 50 agricultural universities admitting students under the ICAR quota, 42 have agreed to accept the Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry (ABC) subject group. Additionally, three universities have permitted the Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture (PCA) combination for admission. This change will make approximately 2,700 out of 3,121 ICAR quota seats, around 85 per cent, accessible to students who have studied agriculture at the higher secondary level.
Five remaining universities are awaiting approval from their Boards of Management to implement the changes. However, they have assured that Agriculture will be added as an eligibility subject from the 2026-27 academic session, with efforts underway to introduce the revised rules earlier, if possible.
Chouhan stated that the revamped system is expected to benefit nearly 3,000 students each year, providing a more transparent and efficient path to undergraduate education in agriculture. The introduction of standardized eligibility norms is also aimed at reducing the administrative burden on universities and ensuring a fair evaluation system for aspirants across the country.
The CUET-ICAR route is expected to simplify admissions while promoting inclusivity by recognizing higher secondary agriculture as a key subject for eligibility. Experts note that the move could encourage more students to pursue agriculture as a career and strengthen the talent pipeline in the sector, aligning with national priorities for agricultural development and research.
The initiative also addresses longstanding concerns regarding variations in subject combinations across states, which previously led to disputes and complications for students applying under the ICAR quota. By standardizing the process, the government seeks to create a uniform platform for students nationwide, ensuring that merit and eligibility are clearly defined.
ICAR will continue to coordinate with universities to monitor the implementation of the revised admission process and address any challenges in real-time. Officials have indicated that further updates and clarifications will be communicated well ahead of the 2025-26 academic session to enable students and institutions to prepare accordingly.
With this change, the Ministry of Agriculture and ICAR aim to streamline the admissions process, enhance transparency, and provide equitable opportunities for students aspiring to pursue careers in agriculture. The move is expected to make higher education in agriculture more accessible and consistent, aligning academic pathways with evolving needs of the agriculture sector in India.
