Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and this sector is growing in the country because of its demand in every state. Students can complete graduation or post-graduation in the field of agriculture, and after that, they can get a secure job in both the private and the government sectors with a good salary in hand.
The indian economy is holding the sixth position in the top world economies, and a country needs to improve its education facilities in the agriculture domain, job aspects, and many more. India stands out as all the top universities provide the facilities that a student should expect while studying at that university.
A Graduate or postgraduate can be appointed as an Agriculture Officer, Production Manager, Agricultural Research Scientist, Farm Manager, etc., with a secure future and a good position. But for this, you need to choose the best NIRF Universities in India that can help you in gaining a bright future.
What is NIRF?
NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) was set up by the Ministry of Education, India, on 29 September 2015. It is like an annual ranking system that shows higher education institutions all over India, using a strategy based on five key pillars:
- Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
- Research & Professional Practices (RPC)
- Graduation Outcomes (GO)
- Outreach & Inclusivity (OI)
- Perception (PR)
NIRF also provides the annual ranking of all the universities and colleges across the country, which in major categories such as agriculture, pharmacy, law, medical, management, and engineering, among others.
These frameworks show how universities are promoting transparency, giving counselling to students and parents so that they can make the decision and get admission in the top universities in India without compromising.
Here Is The Weightage Of The Five Pillars:
|
S.No. |
Parameter |
Weightage / Marks |
Sub-Parameters |
Marks |
|
1.0 |
Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR) |
0.30 |
A. Teacher Student Ratio with emphasis on Permanent Faculty |
25 |
|
B. Combined Metric for Faculty with Ph.D. and Experience |
25 |
|||
|
C. Metric for Library and Laboratory Facilities |
40 |
|||
|
D. Metric for Sports and Extra Curricular Facilities |
10 |
|||
|
2.0 |
Research Productivity, Impact, and IPR (RPII) |
0.40 |
A. Combined Metric for Publications |
45 |
|
B. Combined Metric for Citations |
45 |
|||
|
C. Intellectual Property Rights |
10 |
|||
|
3.0 |
Graduation Outcome (GO) |
0.05 |
A. Combined Performance in University Examinations |
50 |
|
B. Combined Performance in Public Examinations |
50 |
|||
|
4.0 |
Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) |
0.15 |
A. Outreach Footprint (Continuing Education, Services) |
25 |
|
B. % of Students from Other States/Countries |
25 |
|||
|
C. % of Women Students and Faculty |
20 |
|||
|
D. % of Economically and Socially Disadvantaged Students |
20 |
|||
|
E. Facilities for Differently Abled Persons |
10 |
|||
|
5.0 |
Perception (PR) |
0.10 |
A. Process for Peer Rating in Category |
50 |
|
B. Application to Seat Ratio |
50 |
Top 10 Agriculture Universities In India As Per NIRF 2025
|
University Name |
State |
Score |
Rank |
|
Indian Agricultural Research Institute |
Delhi |
89.23 |
1 |
|
ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute |
Haryana |
75.87 |
2 |
|
Punjab Agricultural University |
Punjab |
75.83 |
3 |
|
Banaras Hindu University |
Uttar Pradesh |
68.95 |
4 |
|
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar |
Uttar Pradesh |
67.66 |
5 |
|
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University |
Tamil Nadu |
67.06 |
6 |
|
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir |
Jammu and Kashmir |
65.81 |
7 |
|
Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Fisheries University |
Maharashtra |
63.92 |
8 |
|
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar |
Uttarakhand |
61.56 |
9 |
|
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University |
Haryana |
61.47 |
10 |
1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute
IARI is known as India’s most important research institute for agricultural research. It trains students, supports farmers, and develops farming technologies to improve India.
Achievements
- Contributed to a major role in India’s Green Revolution, which helped India grow food in the 1970s.
- Ranked 1 agriculture university in India (as per NIRF 2025).
- One of the top 50 agricultural research institutes in the world.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1905 (Pusa, Bihar) |
|
Relocated to Delhi |
1936 |
|
Deemed University Status |
1958 |
|
Campus Size |
500 hectares (~1,250 acres) |
|
Academic Schools |
Crop Improvement, Plant Protection, Basic Sciences, etc. |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate Degree
2. Postgraduate Degrees M.Sc. (Master of Science) in Agriculture-related fields, such as:
3. Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Agriculture-related fields Same subjects as M.Sc., but a more advanced, research-focused study |
|
Research Focus |
Biotechnology, crop management, GIS, post-harvest tech, etc. |
|
National Rank |
NIRF #1 in Agriculture & Allied (2025) |
|
Global Rank |
EduRank #47 (2025) |
|
Role |
Pioneered the Green Revolution, an ongoing national agricultural leader |
2. ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute
ICAR is a well-developed Dairy Research Institute known in India and is located in Haryana, Haryana. It was established in 1923 as part of the Association of Imperial Institute of Envaining and Dairy in Bangalore, but was taken to Karanal in 1955, and in 1989, the University Grants Commission the Status of a University.
Achievements
- Developed important dairy cattle breeds like Karan Swiss and Karan Fries.
- Introduced advanced embryo transfer technology in buffaloes.
- Created test kits to detect milk adulteration and ensure milk safety.
- Houses the National Referral Laboratory for Milk Quality and Safety.
- Recognized as one of the top agricultural research institutes in India and worldwide.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1923 (as Imperial Institute of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Bangalore) |
|
Relocated |
1955 (to Karnal, Haryana) |
|
Deemed University Status |
1989 |
|
Campus Size |
220 hectares (approx. 544 acres) |
|
Academic Divisions |
13 research divisions, including Animal Genetics & Breeding, Dairy Technology, Dairy Engineering, and Dairy Economics |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate: B.Tech. Dairy Technology 2. Postgraduate: M.Sc., M.Tech. 3. Ph.D. in dairy-related fields |
|
Research Focus |
Animal genetics, dairy tech, dairy engineering, milk safety, climate resilience in livestock |
|
Annual Budget |
₹215+ crores (approximate as per recent data) |
|
Rankings |
ranked among the top agricultural institutes in India, global recognition for dairy research. |
3. Punjab Agricultural University
Punjab Agricultural University was established in 1962 and is located in Ludhiana, Punjab, and is one of the best agricultural universities in India. It is a public university recognized by the UGC and offers educational, research, and expansion services in agriculture and associated sciences.
Achievements
- Played a major role in India’s Green Revolution, boosting wheat and rice production in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Developed high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of wheat, rice, cotton, and other crops.
- Established innovative farming techniques and agricultural practices adopted nationwide.
- Contributed significantly to India’s food security by increasing crop production.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1962 |
|
Location |
Ludhiana, Punjab, India |
|
Campus Size |
~1,200 hectares (~3,000 acres) |
|
Type |
Public Agricultural University |
|
Affiliation |
University Grants Commission (UGC) |
|
Research Focus |
Crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, soil science, animal sciences |
|
National Ranking |
Often ranked #1 in Agriculture & Allied by NIRF |
|
Undergraduate Courses |
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture - B.Sc. Horticulture - B.Tech Agricultural Engineering |
|
Postgraduate Courses |
- M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics) - M.Tech Agricultural Engineering - MBA in Agribusiness |
|
Doctoral Programs |
Ph.D. in Agriculture and allied sciences fields |
|
Notable Facilities |
Advanced research labs, experimental farms, and training centers for farmers |
4. Banaras Hindu University
It is one of the oldest and top universities of India, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was established, and the 1916 framework was carried out by Pandit Madan Mohan Malavia, and is recognized for his skills in education, research, and culture.
Achievement:
- Ranked among the top universities in India, across various disciplines (including agriculture) by NIRF.
- One of the best agricultural institutions in India
- An important role in agricultural education and research in India.
- Crop variants and promoted permanent agricultural practices.
- Collaboration with national and international research and student exchange.
- Soil health, organic agriculture, and traditional agricultural systems contributed to research.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1916 |
|
Location |
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
|
Affiliation |
Central University (under Ministry of Education, Govt. of India) |
|
Agricultural Faculty |
Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS-BHU) |
|
Campus Size |
~1,300 acres |
|
National Ranking |
Ranked in the top 10 universities by NIRF (often top 3 in Agriculture) |
|
Research Focus Areas |
Crop improvement, plant breeding, soil science, horticulture, biotechnology, pest control |
|
Undergraduate Courses |
- B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture- B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture |
|
Postgraduate Courses |
- M.Sc. Agriculture in Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Soil Science, etc. |
|
Doctoral Programs |
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences (same subjects as PG, with advanced research focus) |
|
Special Initiatives |
- Research on organic farming- Tribal and rural farmer outreach- Medicinal plant research |
5. Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, was established in 1889 and is located in Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, but was founded in Pune. Over the years, this institute has contributed to many opportunities. It has operated under the indian council of Agricultural Research since 1983 and is also known as a good institute that focuses on animal health, vaccine development, and disease prevention.
Achievements
- Played a major role in eradicating diseases like Rinderpest and African Horse Sickness in India.
- Developed important vaccines for diseases like Rinderpest, PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants), and Newcastle Disease.
- First in India to develop hip replacement surgery for dogs using indigenous materials, reducing the cost significantly.
- Contributed to animal health research with a focus on biotechnology, diagnostics, and serology.
- Developed patents for veterinary vaccines and diagnostic tools, securing four patents in 2025.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1889 |
|
Location |
Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India |
|
University Type |
Deemed University (under ICAR) |
|
Campus Size |
400 hectares (approximately 1,000 acres) |
|
Academic Divisions |
11 research divisions, including Animal Genetics, Animal Physiology, Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate: B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry) |
|
2. Postgraduate: M.V.Sc. in various veterinary specializations |
|
|
3. Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.): Veterinary Science, Animal Genetics, Pathology, Microbiology |
|
|
Research Focus |
Animal genetics, disease diagnostics, vaccine development, epidemiology, and animal welfare |
|
Annual Budget |
₹125+ crores (approximate as per recent data) |
6. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is one of the leading agricultural universities in India.
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various agricultural fields. It is known for its contributions to crop improvement, soil science, plant protection, and agricultural engineering. Established in 1971, TNAU plays a crucial role in agricultural education, research, and extension.
Achievements:
- Developed high-yielding varieties of crops like rice, cotton, and groundnut suited for Tamil Nadu’s climate.
- Introduced innovative farming techniques such as System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and precision farming.
- Consistently ranked among the top agricultural universities in India by NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework).
- Played a key role in the Green Revolution in Tamil Nadu by improving productivity and supporting farmers with modern agricultural practices.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1971 |
|
Location |
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India |
|
University Type |
Public University |
|
Campus Size |
1,000 acres (approximately 400 hectares) |
|
Academic Divisions |
13 colleges, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Forestry, and Home Science |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Tech Agricultural Engineering, etc. |
|
2. Postgraduate: M.Sc. Agriculture, M.Tech Agricultural Engineering, M.V.Sc., etc. |
|
|
3. Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.): In Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Animal Science, etc. |
|
|
Research Focus |
Crop improvement, soil science, plant protection, agricultural engineering, agroforestry, and irrigation |
|
Annual Budget |
₹250+ crores (approximate as per recent data) |
|
Rankings |
Ranked among the top agricultural universities in India by NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) |
7. Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, is a leading agricultural university in India.
The university is pivotal to the agricultural development of the Kashmir region, with a special focus on the unique climatic and ecological conditions of the area. Established in 1982, SKUAST-K aims to provide quality education, research, and extension services in agriculture and allied sciences.
Achievements:
- Skuast-K has contributed significantly to the cold and temperate climate in Kashmir, especially in crop improvement, horticulture, animal husbandry and agarforist.
- Custom high ups and insect-resistant variants, such as apples, saffron and rice, such as crops, such as apples, saffron and rice adapted to the Kashmir Valley.
- Modern agricultural techniques offer extensive expansion programs to train farmers on organic farming and efficient irrigation practice.
- The university is recognized internationally for its work in horticulture and sustainable agricultural practices in the temperate climate.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1982 |
|
Location |
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
|
University Type |
Public University |
|
Campus Size |
Large campus with research farms, agricultural fields, and modern academic facilities |
|
Academic Divisions |
Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Science, Fisheries, Forestry, Home Science |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.V.Sc. & A.H. |
|
2. Postgraduate: M.Sc. Agriculture, M.Tech, M.V.Sc. |
|
|
3. Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.): In various agriculture and allied fields |
|
|
Research Focus |
Crop improvement, horticulture, animal husbandry, agroforestry, soil health, water management |
|
Annual Budget |
₹150+ crores (approximate as per recent data) |
8. Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Fisheries University
The Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is India's leading institution for higher education and research in fisheries science.
In 2019, CIFE was granted the status of a “Fisheries University”, making it the first Fisheries University in India. It is under the administrative control of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Established in 1961 as a national center for fisheries education, CIFE has played a crucial role in advancing fisheries science and training professionals in this field.
Achievements
- CIFE is a national leader in fisheries education, research, and extension activities. It trains fisheries professionals and offers cutting-edge research in aquatic biology, fisheries management, and fish breeding.
- Contributed significantly to aquaculture, fisheries management, and fish genetics, with pioneering research on fish breeding, nutrition, and sustainable aquaculture systems.
- Recognized globally for its advanced research and education in aquatic animal health, fish nutrition, and marine biodiversity.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1961 |
|
Fisheries University Status |
2019 (First Fisheries University in India) |
|
Location |
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
|
Affiliation |
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
|
Campus Size |
Urban campus with modern facilities for education and research in fisheries |
|
Academic Divisions |
Fisheries Biology, Aquaculture, Fish Genetics, Fish Nutrition, Fisheries Management, and Aquatic Health |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate: B.F.Sc. (Bachelor of Fisheries Science) |
|
2. Postgraduate: M.F.Sc. (Master of Fisheries Science) in various specializations |
|
|
3. Doctoral (Ph.D.): In Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, and related fields |
|
|
Research Focus |
Aquaculture, Fish Genetics and Breeding, Fish Nutrition, Fisheries Resource Management, Aquatic Animal Health |
|
Annual Budget |
₹100+ crores (approximate as per recent data) |
|
Rankings |
Recognized as the leading Fisheries University in India for research and education in aquatic sciences |
9. G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), located in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, is one of India’s premier agricultural universities and the first agricultural university established in India. Named after Govind Ballabh Pant, a prominent freedom fighter and statesman, the university has been instrumental in shaping India's agricultural research and education landscape.
It was founded in 1960 with the mission to promote agriculture education, research, and extension services for the development of the agricultural sector.
Achievements:
- GBPUAT has been a leader in setting the framework for agricultural education and research in the country.
- It has paved the way for agricultural universities in other states and has been central to improving Indian agriculture.
- It contributed significantly to the development of drought-resistant crops and high-yielding seeds.
- The university has made major contributions in crop breeding and the development of improved varieties of crops like wheat, rice, maize, and sunflower..
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1960 (as the first agricultural university in India) |
|
Location |
Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India |
|
Deemed University Status |
1972 |
|
Campus Size |
~1,150 hectares (approx. 2,840 acres) |
|
Academic Divisions |
16 colleges, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Science, Dairy Technology, and Engineering |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Tech Agriculture Engineering, B.V.Sc. & AH |
|
2. Postgraduate: M.Sc., M.Tech, M.V.Sc. in Agriculture and allied fields |
|
|
3. Doctoral (Ph.D.): In various fields like Agronomy, Horticulture, Animal Science, and more |
|
|
Research Focus |
Crop improvement, soil science, plant protection, animal husbandry, dairy production, agroforestry |
|
Annual Budget |
₹400+ crores (approximate as per recent data) |
|
Rankings |
Ranked among the top agricultural universities in India, with notable recognition in agriculture research |
10. Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, CCSHAU, has grown to be an important agricultural university situated in Hisar, Haryana, India. The university had been providing academic and research inputs in agricultural and veterinary sciences, horticulture, and animal husbandry. It was set up in 1970 as a result of the efforts of the former Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh, in the promotion of agricultural and rural development.
Achievements
- CCSHU is a pioneer in innovative research to improve crops, water management, soil health and livestock management.
- The university has also made high variants of large crops such as wheat, rice, corn and sunflower, which have greatly increased agricultural production in Haryana.
- It is always given the status of one of the best agricultural institutions in India and is known for its work on permanent agriculture, agricultural extensive services.
- The university has played an important role in the generation of agricultural machinery and technology, which increases productivity at low labor costs and has a less negative effect on the environment.
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Established |
1970 |
|
Location |
Hisar, Haryana, India |
|
University Type |
State Agricultural University |
|
Campus Size |
~1,650 acres (approximately 670 hectares) |
|
Academic Divisions |
9 colleges, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Science, Engineering, and Home Science |
|
Degrees Offered |
1. Undergraduate: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Tech Agriculture Engineering, B.V.Sc. & A.H.
|
|
Research Focus |
Crop improvement, water management, soil fertility, animal husbandry, dairy production, and agroforestry |
|
Annual Budget |
₹250+ crores (approximate as per recent data) |
|
Rankings |
Ranked among the top agricultural universities in India, with significant contributions to crop improvement and rural development |
Conclusion
NIRF rankings for agriculture rank Indian colleges for the year 2025. Ranking clears the doubts of the students who have been desirous of registering for leadership roles this year, since a good career needs a solid foundation. The framework helps students in these matters to make well for the future. Go through the universities first, then decide which can be beneficial for you.
