Uniform Admission Policy for Agricultural Universities: 20% Seats Reserved for All-India ICAR Exam

In a significant move to streamline agricultural education, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that 20% of undergraduate seats in agricultural universities will now be filled through an all-India competitive examination conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This policy aims to standardize admission criteria and provide equal opportunities to students nationwide.

Addressing Long-Standing Grievances

Previously, students from various states faced challenges in securing admissions due to differing eligibility criteria and subject combinations in Class 12. Many agricultural students, particularly from states where Agriculture was not offered as a subject at the intermediate level, were disadvantaged. The new policy ensures uniform eligibility, allowing students who studied Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Agriculture in Class 12 to apply for the B.Sc. Agriculture program through the CUET-ICAR national entrance exam.

Implementation Across Agricultural Universities

Out of the 50 agricultural universities participating in the ICAR quota system, 42 have accepted Agriculture, Biology, and Chemistry (ABC) as an eligible subject combination for Class 12 students. Additionally, three universities have accepted Physics, Chemistry, and Agriculture (PCA). The remaining five universities are in discussions to include Agriculture as a subject in their eligibility criteria, with plans to implement these changes by the 2026-27 academic session.

Impact on Students and the Education System

This policy is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 students annually, providing them with a transparent and equitable admission process. By aligning admission standards across the country, the initiative also promotes the ‘One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team’ philosophy, fostering national integration and uniformity in agricultural education.

Conclusion

The introduction of a uniform admission policy for agricultural universities marks a progressive step towards equitable access to education. By addressing long-standing issues and standardizing eligibility criteria, the government aims to create a more inclusive and efficient educational landscape for aspiring agricultural professionals.