agriculture entrance exam after 12th guide*
Entrance Exam for Agriculture After 12th: Complete Guide to Eligibility and Top Tests
Agriculture is commonly referred to as the backbone of our economy. Agricultural education is a multi-faceted area and can generate career pathways through roles like agricultural engineer, food technologist, agribusiness manager, and environmental scientist. This guide looks at agriculture programs you can pursue after the 12th class, the steps you need to take to be eligible for them, and the major examinations through which you can get into some of the best agriculture colleges in India. We will also provide a summary of the admissions procedures to enable you to approach taking and clearing an agriculture entrance examination after the 12th systematically and gain access to the dynamic and growing agriculture industry.
Eligibility Criteria for Agriculture Admission After 12th
Before you start preparing for your entrance tests, you should be aware of the general requirements for agriculture admission after 12th grade.
|
Eligibility Factor |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture/Home Science |
|
Minimum Marks |
For General/OBC/EWS category 50% aggregate in qualifying exam; For SC/ST/PC candidates 40% |
|
Age Limit |
Candidate must be at least 16 years of age |
Top Agriculture Entrance Exams After 12th
For students who want to pursue a career in agriculture, the choice of exam is critical. Knowing about each exam will help you plan your preparation and gain admission to an agriculture program after grade 12.
|
Exam Level |
Exam Name |
Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|
|
National |
ICAR AIEEA |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
CUET-UG State |
AP-EAMCET, TS-EAMCET, BCECE, CG-PAT, MHT-CET, KEAM, UPCATET, MP-PAT, JCECE, Rajasthan-JET |
State-Level conducting authorities |
|
University |
OUAT, PAU-CET, BHU-UET, LPU NEST, AGRICET |
Universities |
Understanding the Agriculture Course Admission Process After 12th
From checking whether you are eligible to finally getting a seat in your desired college, every stage is important for a smooth transition into agricultural studies. Being clear about the process helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures you don’t miss any deadlines.
|
Step |
What to Do |
Key Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Research |
Review the eligibility criteria of national exams like CUET-UG or state exams such as MHT CET or KEAM |
Each entrance exam may have slight variations in marks or subject requirements so confirm before applying |
|
Step 2: Fill Out Application Forms |
Apply online through NTA’s portal for CUET-UG or the respective state/university websites |
Keep scanned documents, photos, signatures and payment details ready to avoid delays |
|
Step 3: Appear for the Entrance Exam |
Sit for the chosen exam after downloading the admit card and following the instructions given |
Revise core subjects, practise sample papers during exam preparations, and manage time effectively during the test |
|
Step 4: Counselling & Seat Allotment |
After results are declared register for counselling sessions and lock in your preferences |
Seats are allotted based on exam rank, category, and availability at participating universities |
Popular Agriculture Courses You Can Pursue After Completing Your 12th
After clearing the agriculture entrance exam after 12th, the most important thing is getting into the right programme. The field provides broad options from scientific research and engineering to specialisation, allowing students to select courses that fit with their interests, skills and career aspirations.
|
Course |
Duration |
Who Can Apply |
Verified Overview & Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BSc Agriculture (Hons) |
4 years |
10+2 with PCB/PCM/Agriculture |
Core UG degree in agriculture covering agronomy, soil science, genetics, entomology, economics, and plant breeding Graduates can enter government jobs (like agriculture officer), agribusiness, research, or higher studies (MSc, PhD) |
|
BTech Agricultural Engineering |
4 years |
10+2 with PCM |
Focuses on engineering applications in farming including farm machinery, irrigation, renewable energy, soil & water conservation, and food processing. Suits students with interest in technical and engineering aspects of agriculture |
|
BSc Horticulture |
4 years |
10+2 with PCB/PCM/Agriculture |
Specialises in fruit, vegetable, floriculture, and landscaping careers in nurseries, horticultural farms, research centres, and agri-export industries |
|
BSc Forestry |
4 years |
10+2 with PCB/PCM/Agriculture |
Focuses on forest ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and environmental management. Job roles in Indian Forest Services, state forest departments, NGOs, and environmental organisations |
|
Diploma in Agriculture |
2–3 years |
10th or 12th (varies by state & university) |
Covers basics of crop production, fertilisers, soil health, irrigation, and farm practices. Popular for students wanting quicker entry into farming, agri-input industries, or as assistants in agri-departments |
|
Certificate Courses |
6 months – 1 year |
10th or 12th |
Short-term training in areas like organic farming, dairy management, agri-entrepreneurship, food processing, and mushroom cultivation. Useful for skill development or small-scale business start-ups |
Apart from the top agriculture courses after 12th listed above, students can also pursue courses like B.Sc in Agronomy, B.Sc in Soil Science, B.Sc in Plant Pathology, B.Sc in Agricultural Economics, B.Sc in Agricultural Economics, B.Sc in Agricultural Biotechnology, B.Sc in Fisheries Science and B.Sc in Sericulture.
Top Colleges Offering Reputed Agriculture Courses After 12th
After clearing the agriculture entrance exam after 12th, selecting the right college is crucial for shaping your career in agriculture. India boasts several esteemed institutions offering quality education in this field.
|
College / University |
Location |
Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) |
New Delhi |
Premier institute for research and education in agriculture. Offers UG, PG, and doctoral programmes with strong placement opportunities. |
|
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Institute of Agricultural Sciences |
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
Offers BSc Agriculture, MSc, and PhD programmes. Strong focus on research and extension activities. |
|
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) |
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh |
Offers BSc Agriculture and allied courses. State-level entrance and counselling for admissions. |
|
Bahadurgarh, Haryana |
Offers BSc (Hons) Agriculture with an emphasis on modern farming techniques, agribusiness, and applied research. |
|
|
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) |
Ludhiana, Punjab |
Offers BSc Agriculture and other allied science courses. Strong research and extension services in the northern region. |
Conclusion
A degree in agriculture not only equips students with scientific knowledge but also opens doors to careers that combine innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the agriculture sector. A career in agriculture is full of potential for development and provides a powerful platform to create change. You can have many options and plenty of opportunities in agriculture, with different careers available in government and the private sector, or through entrepreneurial pathways.
FAQs
Can a student with a Commerce background apply for agriculture courses after 12th?
No, most agriculture courses require students to have completed 10+2 with a science stream, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture. Students from Commerce or Arts backgrounds are generally not eligible for undergraduate agriculture programmes.
Is NEET required for agriculture courses?
No, NEET is not required for agriculture courses. Admission is based on the agriculture entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA, CUET, etc. NEET is only applicable for medical courses like MBBS and BDS.
What is the average salary after completing agriculture studies after 12th?
The average starting salary for agriculture graduates in India ranges from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum, depending on the role and sector. Government jobs, research positions, and private agribusiness roles may offer higher pay with experience.
Are diploma or certificate courses in agriculture worth pursuing?
Yes, diploma and certificate courses provide practical skills and shorter pathways into the agriculture sector. They are ideal for students looking to start working quickly or gain specialised knowledge in areas like organic farming, food processing, or agri-entrepreneurship.
Can students pursue higher studies after a BSc Agriculture?
Yes, graduates can continue with MSc Agriculture, MTech Agricultural Engineering, MBA in Agribusiness, or even doctoral research (PhD) in specialised fields. Higher studies can lead to advanced research roles, teaching positions, and leadership roles in the agricultural sector.
*Disclaimer:The information and opinions expressed herein are solely those of Collegedekho and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Jagannath University NCR.