Will 20% of seats in agriculture universities be filled through the ICAR exam? Shivraj Singh Chouhan
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Synopsis
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has revealed a new admission policy for agriculture universities, ensuring that starting from 2025-26, 20% of seats will be filled through the ICAR exam. This change aims to streamline the process and provide clarity for aspiring students, making it more accessible and transparent.
Key Takeaways
- 20% of seats in agriculture universities to be filled via ICAR exam.
- Standardized eligibility criteria and subject combinations.
- Students with Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Agriculture can apply.
- Around 2,700 seats will be available for eligible students.
- Enhancements in transparency and accessibility for aspiring students.
New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced significant reforms in the admissions for agriculture universities nationwide on Friday.
From the academic year 2025–26, 20% of undergraduate seats in these institutions will be allocated through the All India Competitive Examination administered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The Minister stated that the eligibility criteria and subject combinations for the entrance examination have been standardized.
Students who have completed their higher secondary education with subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Agriculture will qualify to apply under the CUET-ICAR framework.
Chouhan noted that previously, discrepancies in subject combinations and state-specific regulations had led to confusion and challenges for students aiming to enroll in B.Sc. Agriculture programs.
This concern was frequently voiced on social media by students and was also a topic of discussion among state representatives.
In response, the Minister instructed Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, the Director General of ICAR, to engage in discussions with universities and their vice-chancellors.
According to ICAR, out of the 50 agricultural universities that admit students through the ICAR quota, 42 have consented to recognize the Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry (ABC) subject group for admissions.
Additionally, three universities have permitted the Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture (PCA) combination.
This implies that nearly 2,700 of the 3,121 ICAR quota seats—approximately 85%—will now be accessible to students who have studied agriculture at the higher secondary level.
The remaining five universities have indicated that they need approval from their Board of Management prior to implementing this adjustment.
However, they have assured that Agriculture will be incorporated as an eligibility subject starting from the 2026–27 academic year, with efforts being made to introduce it sooner.
The Minister emphasized that this new approach will simplify and enhance the transparency of the admissions process.
He added that nearly 3,000 students will gain from the revised regulations beginning in 2025–26.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of these changes in the admission process for agriculture universities. By standardizing eligibility criteria and subject combinations, this initiative not only addresses students' concerns but also promotes fairness and accessibility in higher education. It reflects a commitment to enhancing the agricultural education landscape in India.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of seats will be filled through the ICAR exam?
20% of undergraduate seats in agriculture universities will be filled through the ICAR exam starting from the academic year 2025-26.
Who is eligible to apply under the CUET-ICAR system?
Students who have studied Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Agriculture at the higher secondary level will be eligible to apply.
How many agricultural universities will follow this new admission process?
Out of 50 agricultural universities that admit students under the ICAR quota, 42 have agreed to the new subject group combinations.
Will Agriculture be recognized as an eligibility subject in all universities?
Yes, Agriculture will be added as an eligibility subject from the 2026-27 academic session, with efforts to implement it sooner in some universities.
How many students will benefit from these changes?
Approximately 3,000 students will benefit from the revised admission rules beginning in 2025-26.
