Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Assam University, Silchar, a Central University established by an Act of Parliament in 1994, offers a full-time Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering through its Department of Agricultural Engineering, which is part of the Triguna Sen School of Technology (TSSOT). The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and extends up to 5 years, combining mandatory coursework with independent research under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The total programme fee is approximately Rs. 55,380 for the entire duration, making it highly affordable compared to private institutions. Admission is based on a university-level Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI), with GATE/UGC NET qualified candidates often given preference or exempted from the entrance test. The Department of Agricultural Engineering had an intake of 3 seats in the 2026-27 cycle. Research areas include farm machinery and power, soil and water conservation engineering, irrigation and drainage, post-harvest technology, and agricultural structures. The programme is well-suited for candidates from Northeast India seeking to contribute to the region's unique agro-climatic challenges through applied research.

Admission for the 2026-27 cycle was conducted with the portal opening on September 26, 2026, and coursework commencing on November 25, 2026. A rescheduled notification for 2026-27 has been issued with an application deadline of April 12, 2027 and entrance test on April 26, 2027. For the upcoming 2027-28 cycle, candidates should monitor the official website www.aus.ac.in for the latest notifications.

Key Points

The Department of Agricultural Engineering at Assam University is part of TSSOT and offers research in areas including Farm Machinery and Power, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Post-Harvest Technology, and Agricultural Structures and Environment Control.
GATE-qualified candidates are given preference in admission; GATE score may also be used for merit-based selection.
The university provides Non-NET/Non-GATE Fellowship to selected full-time PhD scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
Seat matrix for Agricultural Engineering (Intake: 3) as per 2026-27 notification: UR-1, SC-1, ST-0, OBC-1, EWS-0, PWD-1.
The department also offers B.Tech and M.Tech in Agricultural Engineering, providing a strong academic ecosystem for PhD research.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

AU Ph.D. Agricultural Engineering Fees

The Ph.D. (Agricultural Engineering) programme at Assam University, Silchar carries a very nominal fee structure consistent with its Central University status. The total academic fee for the entire programme duration is approximately Rs. 55,380 for General category students. Hostel accommodation is available separately at approximately Rs. 25,000 per year and is not mandatory. The fee structure covers tuition, registration, examination, and other academic charges.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (per year)	3,000 - 5,000
Admission/Registration Fee (one-time)	2,000
Examination Fee	Included in academic fee
Library Fee	Included in academic fee
Title Registration Fee for Dissertation	300
Other Academic Charges	As applicable
Total Academic Fee (entire programme)	55,380
Hostel Fee (per year, optional)	25,000

SC/ST candidates are eligible for fee concessions as per Government of India norms.
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and EWS candidates are also eligible for applicable concessions.
Hostel accommodation is not mandatory; private accommodation is available near the campus.
Fees are subject to revision each academic year as per university and UGC guidelines.
Application fee: Rs. 1,000 (General/OBC Creamy Layer), Rs. 900 (OBC-NCL/EWS), Rs. 800 (SC/ST/PWD).

AU Ph.D. Agricultural Engineering Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (Agricultural Engineering) programme at Assam University, Silchar is conducted annually through a university-level Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI). GATE-qualified candidates are given preference and may be exempted from the RET. The 2026-27 cycle saw the portal open on September 26, 2026, with coursework commencing November 25, 2026. A rescheduled notification has been issued for 2026-27 with updated dates. Candidates should regularly check www.aus.ac.in for the latest admission schedule.

Assam University PhD Admission Schedule

Event	Date (2026-27 Cycle)
Opening of Admission Portal	September 26, 2026
Last Date of Online Application	October 29, 2026 (extended)
Verification by Department	Up to October 31, 2026
Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI)	November 7, 2026
Entry of Composite Score by Department	On or before November 10, 2026
Publication of First Merit List	November 12, 2026
Date of Admission (1st Merit List)	November 12-14, 2026
Publication of 2nd Merit List (if any)	November 19, 2026
Admission from 2nd Merit List (if any)	November 19-24, 2026
Commencement of Coursework Classes	November 25, 2026

Rescheduled Upcoming Cycle Dates

Event	Tentative Date
Application Deadline (Rescheduled)	April 12, 2027
Other Quota Forms Submission Deadline	April 20, 2027
Date of Entrance Test (RET/PI)	April 26, 2027

GATE Exam Dates

Event	Date
GATE 2027 Application Start	August 28, 2026
GATE 2027 Application End	October 13, 2026
GATE 2027 Admit Card Release	January 13, 2027
GATE 2027 Exam Dates	February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2027
GATE 2027 Answer Key Release	February 19, 2027
GATE 2027 Result	March 19, 2027

Note: GATE score in Agricultural Engineering (AG) or related disciplines is accepted and preferred for PhD admission at Assam University. GATE-qualified candidates may be exempted from the university's Research Entrance Test (RET).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.E./M.Sc.) in Agricultural Engineering or an allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade).
A relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 50% minimum) is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-abled/EWS candidates.
Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. in Agricultural Engineering or an allied subject with at least 55% marks are also eligible.
GATE/UGC NET qualification is preferred and may exempt candidates from the Research Entrance Test.

Admission Process

Apply online through the Assam University examination portal: https://www.ausexamination.ac.in/admission
Pay the application fee online (Rs. 1,000 for General/OBC-CL; Rs. 900 for OBC-NCL/EWS; Rs. 800 for SC/ST/PWD).
Applications are verified by the Department of Agricultural Engineering.
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI); GATE-qualified candidates may be exempted.
A composite score is computed and a merit list is published.
Selected candidates complete admission formalities and fee payment within the stipulated dates.
Coursework commences as per the published schedule.

AU Ph.D. Agricultural Engineering Scholarships 2026

Assam University, Silchar offers and facilitates multiple fellowship and scholarship options for PhD scholars in Agricultural Engineering. The university's Non-NET/Non-GATE Fellowship is a key support for scholars without a national fellowship. Scholars with GATE qualification may also be eligible for MHRD/AICTE fellowships if they are admitted through GATE score.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship/Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	Rs. 37,000/month (Years 1-2); Rs. 42,000/month (Year 3 onwards as SRF)	UGC NET qualified with JRF rank; enrolled in PhD
GATE Fellowship (through MHRD/AICTE)	Rs. 12,400/month (as applicable)	GATE-qualified candidates admitted to PhD in engineering disciplines
Assam University Non-NET/Non-GATE Fellowship	As per UGC norms (subject to fund availability)	Full-time PhD scholars without NET/GATE; selected on merit basis
National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)	As per UGC norms	SC category PhD scholars
National Fellowship for ST Students (NFST)	As per UGC norms	ST category PhD scholars
OBC Post-Matric Scholarship	As per Government norms	OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) students
DST-SERB Research Grants	Project-based funding	Faculty/scholars with active research projects
ICAR Research Fellowships	As per ICAR norms	Candidates in agricultural sciences/engineering

The Non-NET/Non-GATE Fellowship is awarded on merit basis and is subject to availability of funds received from UGC; scholars must submit claim forms as per the prescribed format.
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) also offers fellowships and project funding relevant to Agricultural Engineering research; candidates should explore ICAR schemes.
Scholarship applications are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP); hard copies must be submitted to the university for verification.
SC/ST students may also be eligible for fee waivers/concessions as per Government of India rules.

Assam University Silchar Ph.D Agricultural Engineering Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#148 out of 500 in India 2025

#4th in Assam

IIRF Ranking

#97 out of 160 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

#4th in Assam

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AU Ph.D. Agricultural Engineering FAQs

Ques. Is GATE mandatory for PhD admission in Agricultural Engineering at Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. GATE is not strictly mandatory, but it is strongly preferred. GATE-qualified candidates are given preference in the merit list and may be exempted from the university's Research Entrance Test (RET). Candidates without GATE must appear for the RET and Personal Interview. Having a valid GATE score in Agricultural Engineering (AG) or a related discipline significantly strengthens your application and may also make you eligible for GATE-based fellowships.

Ques. What are the research areas available in the Department of Agricultural Engineering at Assam University?

Ans. The Department of Agricultural Engineering at Assam University offers research in areas including Farm Machinery and Power Technology, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Post-Harvest Technology and Food Process Engineering, Agricultural Structures and Environment Control, and related interdisciplinary areas. The department's research is particularly relevant to the agro-climatic conditions of Northeast India, including flood management, hill agriculture, and indigenous crop processing.

Ques. How many seats are available for PhD in Agricultural Engineering at Assam University?

Ans. As per the 2026-27 admission notification, the Department of Agricultural Engineering had a total intake of 3 seats, with the seat matrix as follows: UR-1, SC-1, OBC-1, PWD-1 (with overlap). The intake may vary each year based on faculty availability and UGC guidelines. Candidates should check the latest admission notification for the current year's vacancy positions.

Ques. Can I pursue the PhD in Agricultural Engineering at Assam University if my master's degree is in a related field like Agricultural Sciences or Soil Science?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a master's degree in allied subjects such as Agricultural Sciences, Soil Science, Water Resources Engineering, Food Technology, or related disciplines may be eligible, subject to the department's assessment of the relevance of the candidate's background to the proposed research area. The final decision on eligibility rests with the Department of Agricultural Engineering. It is advisable to contact the department directly before applying.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for PhD scholars in Agricultural Engineering at Assam University?

Ans. Yes, Assam University has hostel facilities for both boys and girls on campus. However, hostel accommodation for PhD scholars is subject to availability. The hostel fee is approximately Rs. 25,000 per year. Many scholars also opt for private accommodation near the campus. It is advisable to apply for hostel accommodation early after admission.

Ques. Are there any ICAR fellowships available for PhD students in Agricultural Engineering at Assam University?

Ans. Yes, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) offers various fellowship and funding schemes relevant to Agricultural Engineering research, including the ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for candidates working on ICAR-funded projects. Additionally, ICAR-funded research projects at the department may provide project fellowships to PhD scholars. Candidates should inquire with the Department of Agricultural Engineering about ongoing ICAR-funded projects and available project fellowships at the time of admission.