![Punjab Agricultural University - [PAU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1745226160PAU.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
PAU is also known as Punjab Agricultural University, is a state university established in 1962. It is located in Ludhiana, Punjab, and is recognised by the UGC. The university is ranked 81 in India in the Overall Category, according to NIRF 2025 Ranking. The university provides a wide range of UG, PG, PhD, and Certificate, PG Diploma programs in Agriculture, Science, Engineering, and Management.
- Admission Basis: PAU CET, AAT, BSET, and University-level counselling.
- Method to Apply: Online via PAU Admission Portal.
- Most Popular Programs: B.Sc (Agriculture), B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering), and MBA (Agri-Business).
- Total Tuition fees: INR 3.12 Lakh (B.Sc Agriculture), and INR 3.03 Lakh (MBA Agri-Business).
- Timeframe for Applications: March - June.
- Application Fees: Varies by program.
- B.Sc. Admission: Through PAU CET (UG) / ICAR Quota.
- Scholarships: ICAR Scholarships, Merit-cum-Means, and PAU Merit Scholarships.
- PAU Placement 2025 (NIRF Report 2025): Median package was INR 4.50 LPA for the 4-year UG Program in 2024.
PAU Admission Dates 2026
PAU conducts PAU CET, AT, and BSET for admission to UG courses. In addition, the university also accepts ICAR AIEEA, GATE, and NET.
Please see the following schedule of PAU CET dates, ICAR counselling timelines, as well as PAU counselling rounds for PAU Admission 2026.
PAU CET UG Admission Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | April 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | May 22, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee of INR 1,000) | May 29, 2026 |
| Upload of Admit Card | 7 days before entrance test |
| PAU CET (UG / PG) Examination | June 07, 2026 (DAT) |
| June 14, 2026 (CET) | |
| June 28, 2026 (AAT) | |
| June 20, 2026 (BSET) | |
| Declaration of Result | June 2025 |
| Counselling & Seat Allotment | July 08, 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes | July - August 2025 |
PAU Admission Dates FAQs
Ques. Does ICAR AIEEA counselling vary from PAU?
Ans. Yes, candidates who apply through the AIEEA (UG/PG) must:
- Participate in an ICAR centralised counselling programme,
- Follow the ICAR schedule of seat allotment, and
- After being allotted a seat by ICAR, will still need to report to the PAU and complete the final admission process of the University.
Ques. What is the date of commencement for PAU counselling?
Ans. PAU counselling generally commences during June/July immediately after the results are declared and may last for a period of 2-4 rounds of counselling depending on the number of available seats.
- During PAU counselling, the allotment of seats is done based on the candidate’s rank/category/preference,
- The necessary documentation needs to be verified prior to the allotment of seats, and
- The candidates must pay the appropriate admission fees, or lose their opportunity for admission even if they have a good rank if they miss their counselling.
PAU Courses & Fees 2026
PAU is a popular choice for students interested in Agriculture, Science, Engineering, and Management. The programs such as Agriculture, Nutrition & Dietetics, Agricultural Engineering, and Biotechnology. Below are details for PAU Courses & Fees.
| Course | Course Details | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. {Hons.} | Duration: 4 years Specializations: Agriculture, Nutrition & Dietetics, Fashion Design and More… Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 2.14 Lakhs - INR 4.06 Lakhs |
| B.Tech | Duration: 4 years Specializations: Agriculture Engineering, Food Technology, Biotechnology, and More… Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 2.88 Lakhs - INR 7.68 Lakhs |
| M.Sc | Duration: 2 years Specializations: Agronomy, Food Nutrition, Biotechnology, and More… Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 1.55 Lakhs |
| Diploma in Agriculture | Duration: 2 years Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 1.06 Lakhs |
| B.Sc. + M.Sc | Duration: 5 years Specializations: Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and More… Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 3.29 Lakhs - INR 3.38 Lakhs |
| Certification | Duration: 5 years Specializations: Interior Designing And Decoration, Interior Designing and Decoration. Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 66,790 |
| Ph.D | Duration: 5 years Specializations: Agriculture Extension, Nutrition & Dietetics, Biotechnology, and More… Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 2.32 Lakhs - INR 2.39 Lakhs |
| MBA | Duration: 2 years Specializations: Agribusiness and General. Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 3.03 Lakhs - INR 3.5 Lakhs |
| M.Tech | Duration: 2 years Specializations: Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Computer Science and Engineering, and More… Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 1.51 Lakhs - INR 3.03 Lakhs |
| MCA | Duration: 2 years Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 1.55 Lakhs |
| Part-time Courses | ||
| Certificate Course in French | Duration: 1 year Seat Intake: Based on the availability of seats in the faculty. Programme Type: Full-time |
INR 30,000 |
PAU Courses & Fees FAQs
Ques. Are the fees for the B.Sc.(Hons.) Agriculture Program at PAU worth it when compared to what is being charged by private colleges?
Ans. The above question gets asked quite regularly on Quora. Most of the responses confirm that PAU provides students with a substantial amount of exposure at very low fees; The entire program costs between (approx) INR 1.6 Lakhs - INR 2 Lakhs for 4 years, compared to private colleges charging anywhere from INR 6 Lakhs - INR 10 Lakhs. In addition, the "value" offered by PAU is derived from the field-training opportunities and research farms that are available, as well as the level of academic recognition that PAU has achieved (and to a lesser extent, the lack of luxurious infrastructure).
Ques. How come PAU has low fees while maintaining a high ranking and reputation?
Ans. PAU is an agricultural university in India that receives funding from the State Government. Most Agricultural Universities In India are state-funded, thus, the Fees charged by state-funded Agricultural Universities are heavily subsidised. PAU's Purpose is Education, Research and Outreach to Farmers; Therefore, PAU is not trying to make a Profit. Many users on Reddit refer to PAU as being a "value-for-money Government Campus".
PAU Admission 2026
Admission to different UG & PG programs at PAU is done through the PAU CET and selected national-level entrance tests. Admissions shall be completed on the basis of an online application, an entrance test (where applicable), counselling, verification of documents, and fee payment, strictly in accordance with the official PAU admission schedule and prospectus.
Domicile Eligibility Criteria
For most programs at PAU, only candidates who are residents of Punjab or the Union Territory of Chandigarh are eligible to apply for:
- UG programmes
- PG programmes
- Diploma programmes
Exceptions to the Domicile Requirement
The domicile rule does not apply to the following programmes:
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- M.Tech in Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems
- All self-supporting programmes
This means that students from other states in India can also apply to these courses, regardless of their domicile status.
PAU UG Admission
Eligibility
- Passed 10+2 from a recognized board.
- Must meet course-specific subject requirements.
- Minimum 50% marks in Class 12 (relaxation as per rules).
- Must appear for PAU CET (UG) / ICAR AIEEA (UG), as applicable.
- Punjab domicile required (except exempted programmes).
Mode of Selection
- B.Sc. (Hons.) / B.Tech: Through PAU CET (UG).
- ICAR quota seats: Through ICAR AIEEA (UG) counselling.
PAU PG Admission
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Minimum 55% marks (relaxation as per norms).
- Must meet programme-specific eligibility.
Mode of Selection
- M.Sc. / M.Tech / MBA: Through PAU CET (PG) / MET.
- Selected M.Tech: Through GATE.
- ICAR quota seats: Through ICAR AIEEA (PG).
PAU PhD Admission
Eligibility
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Must satisfy PAU/ICAR norms.
Mode of Selection
- Ph.D.: Through PAU Ph.D. Entrance Test / NET, followed by interview.
- Diploma / Certificate programmes: Merit-based / counselling, as notified.
Here’s what Harsh Garg has to say about PAU.
Harsh Garg had a positive experience while attending PAU. At PAU, the combination of providing students with supportive mentoring, practical experience, and excellent academic programs has created an effective and supportive environment for the learning experience of students. The overall educational experience is academically satisfying and reputable for students studying in a field related to agriculture, although the consistency of faculty, the examination process and the campus facilities require continued improvement.- Read More.
PAU CET RESULT 2025
PAU will declare the PAU CET 2025 Result online on its official website after the successful completion of the entrance examination.
Candidates who appear for the PAU CET 2025 will be able to check their result, scorecard, and rank using their login credentials.
What After PAU CET Result 2026?
- Successful candidates will be invited to the PAU CET 2026 Counselling.
- The date and venue of the counselling will be published on the official site.
- Seats will be allotted based on rank, category, and availability.
- Candidates must complete document verification and fee payment to confirm admission.
PAU Counselling Process
PAU administers centralized counselling for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD admissions based on entrance exam results and the availability of seats.
Candidates will report to PAU at specified times for document verification, seat allotment and payment of fees. If there are available seats after the initial round of counselling, additional rounds of counselling may take place, and attendance is required in order to be considered for admission.
How to Apply?
- Official PAU website contains information on Counselling Schedules.
- You are required to appear on the day and time as indicated in your Counselling Schedule at the location given.
- On-site Registration (Counselling Registration)
- Document Verification
- Merit Based and Availability Seat Allocation
- Admission Fee Payment to Reserve your Place
- Reporting to the Assigned Department/College.
PAU Admission FAQs
Ques. The cost of an MBA in Agricultural Business from PAU is far less than many other MBA programs.
Ans. PAU’s overall cost of completing the MBA in Agriculture Business Program is around 2 to 2.5 lakh rupees, while many Private MBA college programs charge between 6-15 lakh rupees. Most Quora discussions about the PAU MBA program note that it is a very specialised MBA, rather than being a general MBA program and its most suitable for students applying for jobs in agri-input firms, FMCG roles in rural areas, and positions within Agri-Business start ups.
Ques. Is PAU giving Punjab domicile students first preference?
Ans. Most of the available UG and PG seats at PAU are reserved for Punjab domicile students
Non-Punjab candidates may only submit applications to MBA and M. Tech GIS and Self supporting courses. A lot of applicants from Non-Punjab candidates falsely interpret this as "bias", when in fact this is just the state university policy.
PAU Ranking 2026
PAU has been ranked by different institutions, including NIRF, Collegedunia, and CWUR. Previously, the university was ranked 80 in the Overall category, according to the NIRF 2025 Ranking. The details for the PAU Rankings are mentioned in the table below:
| Agency | Category | Latest Rank (2025) | Previous Ranking (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia | Agriculture | 4 | - |
NIRF |
Overall | 81 | 80 |
| Agriculture | 3 | 3 | |
| CWUR Ranking | B.Tech | 1880 | 157 |
PAU Scholarships
PAU provides financial help to students through several scholarships to support meritorious and deserving students. Below are some of the PAU Scholarships offered:
| Scholarship Type | Scholarship Benefit |
|---|---|
| PAU Merit Scholarship | Monthly or semester-wise financial assistance |
| Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Partial tuition fee support or stipend |
| Departmental Scholarships | Fixed annual scholarship amount |
| PAU Alumni-Sponsored Scholarships | Annual financial grant |
| Need-Based Financial Assistance | Fee concession / financial aid |
| Performance Incentive Awards | One-time cash award |
| Research Support Grants (Non-Gov) | Research assistance/contingency support |
PAU Hostel
PAU provides individual hostel facilities for male and female students on campus. Room allocation is on a priority basis, for outstation candidates enrolled in courses and similar academic programs. The hostels are basic, safe, and economical in pricing with access to facilities. There are more details of the PAU Hostel below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hostel Type | Separate hostels for boys and girls |
| Room Type | Double-sharing and triple-sharing rooms |
| Hostel Admission | Apply after admission; fill Hostel Form; pay fees to confirm seat |
| Priority | Given to outstation students or based on merit/need |
| Capacity | Limited seats, first-come-first-serve basis |
PAU Hostel Fees
- Hostel charges: INR 8,000 - INR 15,000 per year
- Mess charges: As per actual consumption (paid separately)
PAU vs CAU and IARI
This detailed table presents a side-by-side analysis of three universities: PAU, CAU, and IARI. The following table outlines the key aspects, such as course offerings, accreditation, admissions procedures, infrastructure, placements, and student amenities, so that prospective students can make an educated choice.
| Parameter | PAU | CAU | IARI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | State Agricultural University | Central University | Deemed University (ICAR) |
| Established | 1962 | 1993 | 1905 |
| Location | Ludhiana, Punjab | Imphal, Manipur (multiple NE campuses) | New Delhi |
| Governing Body | Govt. of Punjab | Govt. of India | ICAR (Govt. of India) |
| National Reputation | Very strong | Moderate (regional) | Highest in India |
| Global Recognition | Yes (Top 100 globally in some rankings) | Limited | Very high |
| UG Courses | B.Sc (Agriculture, Horticulture, etc.) | B.Sc (Agriculture & allied) | Limited UG intake |
| PG Courses | M.Sc, M.Tech, MBA (Agri) | M.Sc, allied PG programs | Strongest PG programs |
| PhD Programs | Yes | Yes | Yes (Highly reputed) |
| Research Strength | Very strong (applied + extension) | Developing | Excellent (pure research focus) |
| Industry Exposure | Good | Limited | Limited (research-centric) |
| Top Recruiters | Nestlé, Amul, PepsiCo, Banks, Agri firms | Govt departments, state roles | ICAR, research bodies, PhD institutes |
| Field & Extension Work | Very strong | Strong (regional focus) | Moderate |
| Campus Infrastructure | Large & well-developed | Spread across NE states | Advanced research labs |
| Admission Difficulty | High | Moderate | Very High |
| Domicile Preference | Punjab domicile preferred (some courses exempt) | NE states preference | All-India (via ICAR) |
PAU Campus
PAU has a campus of approximately 1222 acres. The facilities offered by PAU are mentioned below:
- Lecture Rooms: All the Lecture Rooms are equipped with multimedia projectors.
- Examination Halls: Examination Halls have air conditioners. It also has a seating capacity of 200 candidates.
- Conference Halls: Air Conditioned Conference Hall also has a seating capacity of 200 persons.
- Computer Labs: The Computer Lab at the university is well furnished and equipped with computers for students.
- Counselling Cell: It also has a counselling cell with smart boards and a video conferencing facility.
- Hostel: The university also provides Hostel accommodation to the students. The hostel has all the facilities such as well-furnished room with attached bathrooms.
- Training Lab: There is a well-equipped training lab on Combine Harvester under Institute Industry Collaboration with CLAAS and on Tractors under Institute Industry Collaboration with New Holland.
Campus
Building
Comments
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PAU Ludhiana conducts the Common Entrance Test (CET) followed by counselling to offer admission in B.Sc (Hons.) courses except for B.Sc (Architecture/ Fashion Designing). Candidates have to appear in the national level Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) to secure admission in B.Sc (Architecture) program. For B.Sc in Fashion Designing, the candidates have to appear in Design Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by NID. B.Tech and Integrated M.Sc admissions are also based on the score in CET except for B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering for which a valid score in JEE Main is mandatory. For M.Tech, MBA, MCA (Regular+Lateral), MJMC and M.Sc courses, PAU conducts MET followed by an interview. Ph.D. admission is based PAU Written Test and Interview. Although, ICAR qualified candidates are directly eligible for the interview round.
Punjab Agricultural University offers the full-time, regular, and on-campus courses. The candidate seeking admission to 2 year Full-time Master of Science [M.Sc] Program should have passed B.Sc. Agri./B.Sc. Agri. (Hons)/ B.Sc. Forestry/ B.Sc. Hort. Candidate has to appear in MET-Agri
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana offers an M.Sc. in Soil Science. Candidate seeking admission to 2 year Full-time Master of Science [M.Sc] Program should have passed B.Sc. Agri./B.Sc. Agri. (Hons)/ B.Sc. Forestry/ B.Sc. Hort. Candidate shall appear in MET-Agri
Aspirant seeking admission in 2-year full-time Diploma in Agriculture must be 10th passed from a recognized board. This course is available in various colleges
Punjab Agricultural University offers UG, PG and Ph.D. courses in different specializations. Application forms can be filled online or can be obtained in person or by post.
The last date to apply for admission at PAU Ludhiana is June 28th 2024 and the entrance exams will be held post that and the date is not released for that. Admission is done based on the entrance exam conducted by the University followed by counselling selection.
You need to have passed 12th with 50% or more to be eligible for admission to PAU Ludhiana with 5% and 10% relaxation for SC/ST candidates and Kashmiri candidates respectively.
The admission process differs from course to course. Click here to get the course wise admission process of Panjab Agricultural University.
For M.Tech, MBA, MCA (Regular+Lateral), MJMC, and M.Sc courses, PAU conducts MET followed by an interview. You can check here for the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana Admission
PAU conducts its own entrance examination CET which you need to clear for taking admission to B.Sc. Agriculture.
Click on the below link to get all the details regarding courses alongwith their fee structures
Link: PAU Courses and Fees
The candidates are required to pass 10+2 with 50% marks for admission into the graduation courses at the Punjab Agricultural University.
The admission process starts somewhere in May, followed by an entrance exam in July and then counseling by the end of the month at the Punjab Agricultural University.
Panjab Agricultural University conducts an entrance examination known as MET which you need to clear for taking admission to a Master in Nutrition
To contact the college PAU Ludhiana at: 0161 240 1960.
Punjab Agricultural University does not offer a Bachelor of Arts. Check here for the Punjab Agricultural University Courses.
Can you give me the list of courses?
Click on the below link to get the list of courses offered by Punjab Agricultural University
Link: Punjab Agricultural University Courses
How to get admission?
The admission process varies from course to course. You can check each course's admission criteria on the below link
Link: Panjab Agricultural University Admission 2023
Candidate must pass 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology/ Agriculture with at least 50% marks in aggregate/Two-year Diploma in Agriculture in order to apply for the degree course in agriculture at the PAU. You can apply from the official website of the Punjab Agriculture University, also you can apply offline mode.
CUET cutoff is released by the respective Colleges on their official webites. You can check here to see the CUET cutoff of 2023 of various big univerities. CUET Cutoff 2023