The ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027 will be released by NTA after the result in August 2027. It is the minimum qualifying percentile you must secure in the All India Entrance Examination for Admission. Cross this threshold to be eligible for counselling at 75+ ICAR-affiliated universities. The official cutoff and rank list will be published at icaradmission.in.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2027 is expected in June–July 2027. The qualifying cutoff and rank list will follow in August 2027. For UG (BSc Agriculture), CUET-UG scores apply — there is no separate ICAR AIEEA UG exam since the 2022–23 cycle.
Here are the key highlights about ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027:
- The qualifying percentile for General, OBC-NCL, and EWS candidates is the 50th percentile. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, it is the 40th percentile.
- Based on 2025 trends, scoring around 240–280 out of 480 in the PG exam meets the General category qualifying cutoff.
- IARI New Delhi has the tightest admission cutoff. The General closing rank in flagship Genetics programmes is around rank 48 based on 2025 counselling data.
- BHU Varanasi closes at around rank 140–150 for General category students in MSc programmes.
- For CUET-based ICAR UG (BSc Agriculture), the General category cutoff score was around 350 marks in 2024, based on previous counselling trends.
- More than 75 agricultural universities participate in ICAR AIEEA counselling, offering 11,000+ MSc seats each cycle.
- Clearing the qualifying cutoff makes you eligible for counselling. The actual admission cutoff depends on seats at each university — both thresholds matter to your admission.
| Direct Link to Previous Year ICAR AIEEA Cutoff | Direct Link to ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027 (Soon) |
Key Summary
- ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027 is expected in August 2027 after NTA releases the PG result and rank list.
- The qualifying percentile is stable: 50th for General/OBC-NCL/EWS and 40th for SC/ST/PwD, consistent across five years.
- IARI New Delhi has the tightest admission cutoff — General closing rank around 48 in Genetics based on 2025 trends.
- A score above 380 out of 480 gives you a strong chance at top universities like BHU and GBPUAT.
- For UG (BSc Agriculture, BSc Horticulture), admissions go through CUET-UG scores — not a separate ICAR AIEEA UG exam.
What is ICAR AIEEA Cutoff?
The ICAR AIEEA cutoff is the minimum qualifying score or percentile to be eligible for centralised counselling at ICAR-affiliated universities. NTA conducts the AIEEA PG exam and releases the qualifying cutoff alongside the result. Your name appears on the rank list only if you are at or above this threshold. Crossing it lets you register for counselling across 75+ participating agricultural universities.
There are two separate thresholds you need to understand. The qualifying cutoff is what NTA announces after normalising scores. It tells you whether you are on the rank list. The admission cutoff is the lowest rank that fills a seat at a specific university in a specific programme during counselling. These are very different numbers, and both affect your outcome.
Since the 2022–23 academic year, ICAR UG admissions have moved to the CUET-UG route. There is no separate ICAR AIEEA UG exam anymore. For BSc Agriculture and BSc Horticulture, your CUET-UG score decides eligibility. For MSc programmes, the dedicated ICAR AIEEA PG exam conducted by NTA remains the pathway. For PhD research fellowships, ICAR conducts a separate exam called AICE-JRF/SRF.
Previous Year Official ICAR AIEEA Cutoff
The table below shows the official qualifying percentile cutoff for ICAR AIEEA PG across the last five years. NTA sets this threshold each year to determine who qualifies for the rank list and subsequent counselling. This data comes from official ICAR Information Bulletins.
| Year | General | OBC-NCL | EWS | SC | ST | PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile |
| 2024 | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile |
| 2023 | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile |
| 2022 | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile |
| 2021 | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile | 40th Percentile |
Source: ICAR Admission Official Portal
The qualifying percentile threshold has stayed constant across all five recent years. What changes each year is the actual marks corresponding to the 50th percentile. This depends on exam difficulty and score normalisation across shifts. In 2024, the 50th percentile corresponded to roughly 240–250 marks out of 480 for General category candidates. ICAR has maintained this pattern for at least five cycles. There is no indication it will change for 2027.
Ques. Will the ICAR AIEEA qualifying percentile cutoff change in 2027?
Ans. The qualifying percentile threshold is unlikely to change. ICAR has held it at the 50th percentile for General and 40th percentile for SC/ST/PwD for at least five consecutive cycles. What may shift is the actual marks at that percentile. This depends on how difficult the 2027 exam turns out to be.
Ques. Is the ICAR AIEEA cutoff different from the CUET cutoff for agriculture?
Ans. Yes. The ICAR AIEEA PG cutoff applies to MSc agriculture admissions through the AIEEA PG exam. For BSc Agriculture (UG), admissions now happen through CUET-UG scores. These are two separate processes with separate score thresholds and separate counselling portals.
ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027: Important Dates
The 2027 cycle has not started yet. The expected dates below are based on the 2026 cycle. In 2026, the PG exam was held on July 4 and the answer key came out on August 16. All 2027 dates are estimates until NTA releases an official notification.
| Event | Expected Date (2027) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2027 Notification | January 2027 | Upcoming |
| Application Form Release | January – February 2027 | Upcoming |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2027 Exam | June – July 2027 | Upcoming |
| Answer Key Release | July – August 2027 | Upcoming |
| ICAR AIEEA Result 2027 | August 2027 | Upcoming |
| Qualifying Cutoff and Rank List | August 2027 | Upcoming |
| ICAR AIEEA Counselling 2027 | September – October 2027 | Upcoming |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam | July 4, 2026 | Over |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Answer Key | August 16, 2026 | Over |
Factors Affecting ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027
The ICAR AIEEA cutoff is not fixed. Several factors push it up or down every year. Knowing these helps you understand why your score target should have a comfortable buffer above the minimum qualifying threshold.
- Number of candidates who appear: More students sitting the exam means greater competition. A larger candidate pool pushes up the marks at the qualifying percentile.
- Exam difficulty: A tougher paper brings average scores down. In such years, the marks at the 50th percentile are lower — even though the percentile threshold stays the same.
- Total seats available: ICAR participating universities offer a fixed number of MSc and PhD seats. Fewer available seats mean tighter competition during the counselling stage.
- Category-wise reservation: SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD candidates have reserved seats. Their qualifying percentile is lower (40th). So their admission cutoff closing ranks are numerically higher numbers.
- University and programme choice: The admission cutoff varies widely. IARI New Delhi closes at very low rank numbers. Regional universities in smaller cities have much higher closing rank numbers.
- Score normalisation across shifts: NTA conducts ICAR AIEEA PG in multiple shifts in some years. Scores are normalised across shifts. This can slightly affect individual candidate ranks.
- Previous year counselling trends: A programme that filled fast last year tends to attract stronger candidates again. Historical closing ranks act as a benchmark when students fill their counselling preferences.
ICAR AIEEA Category-Wise Qualifying Cutoff 2027
The ICAR AIEEA qualifying cutoff 2027 is the percentile below which you cannot join counselling. NTA calculates this after normalising scores across all exam shifts. The table below shows the expected qualifying cutoff for each category, based on the pattern from the last five years.
| Category | Qualifying Percentile (Expected 2027) | Approx. Min. Qualifying Marks (out of 480) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile | ~240 – 260 |
| OBC-NCL | 50th Percentile | ~240 – 260 |
| EWS | 50th Percentile | ~240 – 260 |
| SC | 40th Percentile | ~192 – 210 |
| ST | 40th Percentile | ~192 – 210 |
| PwD | 40th Percentile | ~192 – 210 |
The approximate marks shown are based on previous counselling trends. Actual minimum qualifying marks will be confirmed only after NTA releases the official 2027 result. You also need at least 50% marks in your qualifying degree (General/OBC/EWS) or at least 40% (SC/ST/PwD) to be admitted.
ICAR AIEEA: Qualifying Marks vs Admission Cutoff
Many students confuse these two terms. They are different thresholds — and both affect your admission outcome.
Qualifying cutoff is the minimum percentile NTA announces with the result. If you are at or above this threshold, your name appears on the rank list. You can then register for counselling. Crossing the qualifying cutoff does not mean you have a seat anywhere.
Admission cutoff is the closing rank at which a seat fills up at a specific university in a specific programme. This varies across every university, every programme, and every category. IARI New Delhi closes at much lower rank numbers than a state agricultural university in a Tier-2 city.
The gap between these two cutoffs can be very large. A General category candidate at rank 2,000 is well above the qualifying cutoff. But that rank may not secure a seat at IARI or BHU. The same candidate can still get into many other ICAR-affiliated universities. Many of them have closing ranks up to 5,000 or higher.
Your goal should not be just to clear the qualifying cutoff. Aim for a rank that gives you a real choice among the universities you want.
ICAR AIEEA Previous Year Cutoff Trends
Tracking how the admission cutoff has moved over four years helps you set a realistic score target for 2027. The qualifying percentile threshold has stayed at 50th/40th across all recent years. What has changed is competition at top universities during counselling.
The table below shows General category closing ranks at key ICAR-affiliated universities over four recent years. These are based on previous counselling merit list data.
| University | Programme | Closing Rank 2025 | Closing Rank 2024 | Closing Rank 2023 | Closing Rank 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARI, New Delhi | MSc Genetics | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 |
| BHU, Varanasi | MSc Agronomy | 145 | 150 | 155 | 160 |
| GBPUAT, Pantnagar | MSc Agriculture | 360 | 370 | 378 | 385 |
| PAU, Ludhiana | MSc Agriculture | 375 | 385 | 393 | 400 |
| TNAU, Coimbatore | MSc Agriculture | 820 | 850 | 870 | 900 |
| UAS, Bangalore | MSc Agriculture | 1,050 | 1,095 | 1,120 | 1,145 |
| ANGRAU, Guntur | MSc Agriculture | 1,400 | 1,450 | 1,475 | 1,500 |
| Nagaland University (SASRD) | MSc Agriculture | 3,200 | 3,278 | 3,350 | 3,420 |
The trend shows clear tightening at the top. The IARI New Delhi Genetics closing rank moved from 60 in 2022 to 48 in 2025. That is a shift of 12 ranks in four years. BHU Varanasi moved from 160 to 145 — a tightening of 15 ranks over the same period. Universities like Nagaland University (SASRD) remain more accessible with higher closing rank numbers for students outside the top 500.
For 2027, the IARI Genetics closing rank is expected to stay near or below 50. BHU is likely to close around rank 140 to 150. The CUET-based ICAR UG cutoff has also seen rising scores. In 2024, the General category closing score for BSc Agriculture was around 350 marks. For BSc Horticulture, it was around 450 marks. These scores have risen compared to the 2023 cycle as more students have adapted to the CUET exam pattern.
Ques. Why do closing ranks at IARI New Delhi keep getting lower every year?
Ans. IARI New Delhi has a limited number of seats in premier programmes. Each year, more high-ranking candidates target IARI as their first preference. With a fixed seat count and growing demand, the rank at which the last seat fills has been dropping steadily. It signals that IARI programmes are growing in demand among agricultural postgraduate aspirants.
ICAR AIEEA Cutoff for Top Agricultural Universities
The admission cutoff at each ICAR-affiliated university depends on seat count, category-wise reservation, and programme popularity. The table below shows expected closing ranks for 2027, based on 2025 counselling trend data. Official 2027 closing ranks will be published at icarcounseling.com during each counselling round.
| University | Programme | General (Expected 2027) | SC (Expected 2027) | ST (Expected 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARI, New Delhi | MSc Genetics | Under 50 | Under 120 | Under 200 |
| IARI, New Delhi | MSc (Other programmes) | 50 – 437 | 120 – 600 | 200 – 700 |
| BHU, Varanasi | MSc Agronomy / Genetics | 140 – 155 | 290 – 380 | 400 – 500 |
| GBPUAT, Pantnagar | MSc Agriculture | 345 – 380 | 540 – 680 | 650 – 800 |
| PAU, Ludhiana | MSc Agriculture | 360 – 400 | 560 – 700 | 670 – 820 |
| TNAU, Coimbatore | MSc Agriculture | 800 – 900 | 1,200 – 1,500 | 1,400 – 1,700 |
| UAS, Bangalore | MSc Agriculture | 1,000 – 1,150 | 1,500 – 1,900 | 1,800 – 2,200 |
| ANGRAU, Guntur | MSc Agriculture | 1,350 – 1,500 | 1,800 – 2,200 | 2,100 – 2,500 |
These are expected ranges based on counselling trends. They are not official values. Closing ranks can shift by 20–50 ranks depending on exam difficulty and total candidate participation in 2027. Always check the official round-wise counselling merit list at icarcounseling.com after allotment is announced.
ICAR AIEEA Tie-Breaking Rules
When two candidates score the same marks in ICAR AIEEA PG, NTA uses a set tie-breaking order to assign final ranks. The order is:
- Higher marks in the core subject paper
- Higher aggregate marks in science subjects in the qualifying degree
- The older candidate by date of birth gets the higher rank
- Application number in ascending order (lower number gets the higher rank)
Tie-breaking rarely affects the qualifying cutoff level. Scores are spread across a range where exact ties are uncommon. These rules matter most when two candidates are competing for the last available seat at a university. Even a single tie-breaking preference can decide who gets the seat in such cases.
ICAR AIEEA 2027: Marks vs Rank
Knowing how marks translate to rank helps you set a clear preparation target. The table below shows the approximate marks-to-rank relationship based on 2025 result data. The ICAR AIEEA PG has 120 questions for 480 marks total. Each correct answer earns 4 marks. Each wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
| Marks Range (out of 480) | Approx. General Rank | University Access (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| 430 – 480 | 1 – 50 | IARI New Delhi (all programmes) |
| 400 – 430 | 50 – 200 | IARI (some programmes), BHU Varanasi |
| 360 – 400 | 200 – 500 | BHU, GBPUAT, PAU Ludhiana |
| 320 – 360 | 500 – 1,000 | GBPUAT, PAU, TNAU, UAS Bangalore |
| 280 – 320 | 1,000 – 2,500 | TNAU, UAS, ANGRAU and similar tier |
| 240 – 280 | 2,500 – 5,000 | Regional agricultural universities |
| Below 240 | Below qualifying cutoff (General) | Not eligible for counselling |
To target IARI New Delhi for premier programmes, aim for 430 marks or above. A score of 380–400 gives you a strong chance at BHU and GBPUAT. State-level agricultural universities like TNAU and UAS are reachable with scores around 300–360.
Accuracy matters more than speed. An unanswered question is safer than a random guess when you are unsure about an answer.
ICAR AIEEA Cutoff: Counselling Process
After the ICAR AIEEA PG result is out in August 2027, the counselling process begins at icarcounseling.com. Here is how it works:
- Registration: You register on the ICAR counselling portal using your rank card. Only candidates above the qualifying cutoff can register.
- Choice filling: You fill in your preferred universities and programmes in order of preference. You can list all participating universities in a single choice form.
- Choice locking: Once satisfied with your order, you lock your choices. You cannot change them after locking.
- Seat allotment: The system allots seats based on your rank, category, and locked choices. Allotment happens round by round.
- Document verification and reporting: After allotment, you submit documents online. You then report to the allotted university to complete admission formalities.
The ICAR AIEEA counselling typically runs for two to three rounds. Some universities run a spot round for remaining vacant seats after main rounds close. The final round’s closing rank at each university is the overall admission cutoff for that cycle.
How to Check ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027
You can check the ICAR AIEEA cutoff 2027 after NTA releases the result and rank list in August 2027. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official ICAR admission portal at icaradmission.in or the NTA ICAR exam portal.
- Click on the ICAR AIEEA PG 2027 Rank List or Cutoff Notice link.
- Log in with your application number, date of birth, and password to download your rank card.
- Check the overall qualifying percentile cutoff. NTA publishes this as a general notice — no login needed.
- After counselling begins, check university-wise opening and closing ranks at icarcounseling.com.
ICAR AIEEA Cutoff 2027: FAQs
Ques. What is the qualifying cutoff for ICAR AIEEA 2027?
Ans. For General, OBC-NCL, and EWS candidates, the qualifying cutoff is expected to be the 50th percentile. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, it is expected to be the 40th percentile. This pattern has been consistent across all recent exam cycles. Official confirmation will come with the NTA result in August 2027.
Ques. What is a good score in ICAR AIEEA PG 2027?
Ans. A score above 400 out of 480 is strong for the General category. It places you roughly within the top 200 ranks. For IARI New Delhi’s most competitive programmes, aim for 430 or above. For BHU and GBPUAT, a score around 380–420 is usually sufficient. Regional agricultural universities are accessible with scores around 280–320.
Ques. When will the ICAR AIEEA cutoff 2027 be released?
Ans. The ICAR AIEEA cutoff 2027 is expected in August 2027 along with the official result and rank list. The qualifying percentile notice will be published on the NTA ICAR portal. University-wise closing ranks from counselling will follow in September–October 2027 at icarcounseling.com.
Ques. Does ICAR AIEEA have a separate UG cutoff in 2027?
Ans. No. Since the 2022–23 academic cycle, ICAR UG admissions for BSc Agriculture and BSc Horticulture happen through CUET-UG scores. There is no separate ICAR AIEEA UG exam or UG cutoff. For MSc programmes, the ICAR AIEEA PG exam conducted by NTA remains active and has its own qualifying cutoff and counselling.
Ques. How many universities participate in ICAR AIEEA counselling?
Ans. More than 75 ICAR-affiliated agricultural universities across India participate in ICAR AIEEA counselling. Together they offer over 11,000 MSc seats in agriculture and allied sciences. The list includes central agricultural universities, state agricultural universities, and deemed universities with ICAR recognition.
Ques. Does the ICAR AIEEA cutoff vary by programme?
Ans. Yes. The qualifying cutoff — the percentile threshold — is the same for all programmes. But the admission cutoff varies widely by university and programme. Genetics and Plant Breeding at IARI close at very low rank numbers. Agronomy and Soil Science at regional universities have much higher closing rank numbers.
Ques. What happens if I clear the qualifying cutoff but do not get a seat?
Ans. Clearing the qualifying cutoff puts you on the rank list and lets you register for counselling. If your rank falls outside the closing ranks of all your chosen universities, you get no allotment. You may be able to participate in a spot round if universities have vacant seats. You can also apply individually to universities that run admissions outside the centralised ICAR counselling.
Ques. Will the ICAR AIEEA 2027 admission cutoff be tighter than in earlier years?
Ans. The admission cutoff at top universities like IARI and BHU has tightened every year from 2022 to 2025. If more candidates appear in 2027, the marks at the qualifying percentile may also rise. Aiming for a score above 380 out of 480 gives you a comfortable buffer for most university choices.
Ques. Is there negative marking in ICAR AIEEA PG?
Ans. Yes. Each correct answer earns 4 marks. Each wrong answer carries a deduction of 1 mark. There is no penalty for unanswered questions. Accuracy is more important than attempting all 120 questions. Avoid guessing on questions where you are unsure.
Ques. Can I check 2025 counselling closing ranks online?
Ans. Yes. The ICAR AIEEA 2025 counselling closing ranks are available at icarcounseling.com after each round of allotment. You can filter by university, programme, and category. This shows you the opening and closing ranks from each round of the 2025 cycle.
Ques. Is ICAR AIEEA conducted for PhD admissions too?
Ans. ICAR conducts a separate exam called AICE-JRF/SRF for PhD and Junior Research Fellowship admissions. The ICAR AIEEA PG is specifically for MSc-level programmes. For a PhD in agriculture through ICAR, you need to appear in the AICE-JRF exam. It has its own cutoff, merit list, and fellowship process.
Ques. How is the qualifying cutoff different from round-wise counselling cutoffs?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff is a single percentile value NTA declares with the result. It tells you if you are on the rank list. Round-wise counselling cutoffs are the closing ranks from each counselling round — Round 1, Round 2, and so on. The final round’s closing rank at each university is the admission cutoff for that cycle. These round-wise cutoffs are announced by ICAR at icarcounseling.com, not by NTA.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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Admission to postgraduate programs at IARI New Delhi is based on the ICAR AIEEA PG exam. For the SC category, the qualifying cutoff is set at the 40th percentile (around 100–135 marks out of 400). However, final selection ranks vary by discipline; premier branches like Genetics close around rank 48, while others extend up to 437.
With an overall rank of 6025 and OBC rank 3098 in ICAR AIEEA, chances for B.Sc. Agriculture are moderate to low in top ICAR universities. However, you may get admission in later counselling rounds or less competitive agricultural colleges, depending on seat availability and cutoff trends.
With a CUET UG rank of 1605 in the General category, you may have a chance for admission to Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara (B.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture, etc.) under the ICAR All India Quota through CUET (UG), as the university uses CUET ranks for some seats and publishes separate rank lists for CUET applicants. However, admission depends on the cut-offs in counselling and seat availability for your program in that year
At the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, admission to ICAR AIEEA-PG Agribusiness Management does not have a strict minimum score; candidates with valid ICAR PG scores are eligible for counselling. However, 72 marks is quite low compared to competitive applicants, so getting a seat is unlikely unless many higher-scoring candidates do not choose this course or in later mop-up/spot rounds.
With a rank of 1616 in the SC category, you will be able to get admission in B.Sc Horticulture program in various institutes in AP. You can check the cut-off for the top participating institutes from ICAR AIEEA 2022 Cut-off.
Yes, with that rank in the SC category you will be able to get admission in many top institutes for B.Sc Agriculture or B.Sc Horticulture programs. You can register and participate in the couneling process to get the admission offer. You can check the cut-offs for the top institutes from ICAR AIEEA Cut-off.
Yes, with that rank you will be able to get admission in M.Sc Horticulture program at various institutes in Karnataka. Please check the cut-off for the top institutes from ICAR AIEEA Cut-off.
With that rank, you will be able to get admission in the B.Sc Agriculture program of UAS Dharwad. Please check the cut-off trend of this university from UAS Dharwad Cut-off.
With that score in OBC category, you have chances to get admission in a few of the top ICAR recognized institutes. Please check the average cut-off for the top institutes from ICAR AIEEA Cut-off.
The ICAR AIEEA cut-off is released separately for the respective colleges and for each category of students. The cut-off for OBC students is lesser compared to UR students. With 86.88 percentile score in OBC category, you will be able to get admission in various colleges.