![Tamil Nadu Agricultural University - [TNAU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/uv25901.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) is a state public agricultural university established in 1971 under the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Act, 1971 (Tamil Nadu Act 25 of 1971). TNAU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The university functions through a network of constituent colleges, research stations, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) spanning Tamil Nadu.
As per NIRF 2025, TNAU is ranked 6th in the Agriculture and Allied Sciences category with a score of 67.06. It is also ranked 88th Overall (score 50.03) and 73rd in the University category (score 49.80) in NIRF 2025.
The administrative headquarters and flagship constituent college are located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. TNAU operates multiple constituent colleges at Madurai, Killikulam, Mettupalayam, Kumulur, Periyakulam, Ooty, and other centres across the state, covering agriculture, horticulture, agricultural engineering, food technology, and home science.
- B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture: 4-year flagship UG programme with the largest intake of 900 seats per year across constituent colleges. Covers crop science, agronomy, plant breeding, soil science, agricultural economics, and extension.
- B.Sc (Hons.) in allied streams: Horticulture, Forestry, Sericulture, Agri Business and Management, Food Nutrition, all 4-year UG programmes
- B.Tech programmes: Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Agriculture Information Technology, Energy and Environmental Engineering, all 4-year UG
- M.Sc Agriculture and allied disciplines: 2-year PG in Agronomy, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Economics, Entomology, Horticulture, and 20+ specialisations. M.Tech and MBA (Agribusiness Management) are also offered.
- PhD: Research programmes across all constituent disciplines
The total UG sanctioned intake for 2023-24 was 2,506 seats (4-year programmes) and 387 seats for PG (2-year programmes). Total enrolled student strength is 8,369 for UG and 870 for PG across all years.
Fee figures below are indicative for 2026. Verify the current fee schedule at tnau.ac.in before admission. The B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture annual fee is INR 50,981 (total INR 2.03 lakhs for 4 years). B.Tech Agricultural Engineering is INR 1,40,981 per year (total INR 5.64 lakhs for 4 years). M.Sc and MBA (Agribusiness) annual fees are INR 69,070 (total INR 1.38 lakhs for 2 years).
As per NIRF 2025 data submitted by TNAU, 335 UG students were placed in 2023-24 (graduating 2020-21 batch) with a median placement salary of INR 4.5 LPA. For PG, 194 students were placed (2022-23 batch) with a median salary of INR 6.2 LPA. Top campus recruiters include ITC, Nestle, PepsiCo, Bayer CropScience, Axis Bank, and Cadbury India.
TNAU Admission Dates 2027
TNAU 2026-27 UG and PG admissions concluded in mid-2026 with classes starting September 2026. The table below shows the concluded 2026-27 UG cycle dates for reference, followed by the tentative 2027-28 cycle.
| Event | Date (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| UG Application Window | May to June 2026 (Concluded) |
| Online Counselling | July to August 2026 (Concluded) |
| TANCET 2026 (PG Admission Exam) | March 2026 (Concluded) |
| PG Application and Counselling | June to August 2026 (Concluded) |
| Classes Commencement | September 2026 (Current batch) |
The tentative timeline for the 2027-28 admission cycle is given below.
| Event | Date (Tentative 2027) |
|---|---|
| TANCET 2027 (PG Admission) | March 2027 (Tentative) |
| UG Application Window (B.Sc, B.Tech) | May to June 2027 (Tentative) |
| TNAU PGCET / PG Application | June 2027 (Tentative) |
| Online Counselling (UG) | July to August 2027 (Tentative) |
| PG Counselling | July to August 2027 (Tentative) |
| Classes Commencement | September 2027 (Tentative) |
TNAU UG admissions do not require a separate entrance examination. Selection is purely merit-based using Class 12 (HSC) marks, with Tamil Nadu government school students having 85% reservation. For PhD programmes, the TNAU Research Entrance Test (RET) is held separately, typically in May or June each year.
TNAU Courses and Fees
TNAU offers UG, PG, and doctoral programmes across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, food technology, agricultural engineering, and related disciplines. Programmes are delivered at constituent colleges across Tamil Nadu, not only at the Coimbatore main campus.
| Programme | Duration | Annual Fee (Indicative) | Total Fee (Indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture | 4 years | INR 50,981 | INR 2,03,924 |
| B.Sc (Hons.) Horticulture | 4 years | INR 50,981 | INR 2,03,924 |
| B.Sc (Hons.) Forestry | 4 years | INR 50,981 | INR 2,03,924 |
| B.Sc (Hons.) Agri Business and Management | 4 years | INR 50,981 | INR 2,03,924 |
| B.Sc (Hons.) Food Nutrition | 4 years | INR 50,981 | INR 2,03,924 |
| B.Tech Agricultural Engineering | 4 years | INR 1,40,981 | INR 5,63,924 |
| B.Tech Food Technology | 4 years | INR 1,40,981 | INR 5,63,924 |
| B.Tech Biotechnology / Bioinformatics | 4 years | INR 1,40,981 | INR 5,63,924 |
| M.Sc Agriculture (20+ specialisations) | 2 years | INR 69,070 | INR 1,38,140 |
| M.Tech (Agricultural Engineering disciplines) | 2 years | INR 69,070 | INR 1,38,140 |
| MBA (Agribusiness Management) | 2 years | INR 69,070 | INR 1,38,140 |
| PhD (Agriculture and allied disciplines) | Minimum 3 years | Contact university | Contact university |
B.Sc Agriculture students at Tamil Nadu government constituent colleges pay the lowest fee in the group. Fees at self-supporting or newer colleges may differ. The one-time admission fee (caution deposit, smart card, blazer, corpus fund) of INR 10,925 is payable separately at the time of joining for Tamil Nadu HSC students.
TNAU Admission Process
UG Admission (B.Sc Agriculture, B.Tech, B.Sc Horticulture etc.)
TNAU UG admission is merit-based with no entrance examination. Selection is based entirely on Class 12 (HSC or equivalent) marks in the relevant subject combination. Key eligibility conditions:
- B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics in Class 12 with a minimum of 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST and PwD). The counselling rank list is prepared based on Class 12 aggregate marks.
- B.Tech Agricultural Engineering: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics in Class 12 with a minimum of 60% (55% for SC/ST/PwD). TNAU processes B.Tech counselling. TNEA counselling is separate.
- B.Sc Horticulture / Forestry / Food Nutrition: Same eligibility as B.Sc Agriculture.
Tamil Nadu government school students (state board) receive an 85% horizontal reservation. Category-wise vertical reservations follow Tamil Nadu norms: BC 30.5%, MBC and DNT 20%, SC 18%, ST 1%, BCM 3.5%. The centralised counselling is conducted by TNAU through its online portal.
PG Admission (M.Sc, M.Tech, MBA Agribusiness)
PG admission is based on TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test) conducted by Anna University, or scores from CAT/MAT for MBA (Agribusiness). M.Sc and M.Tech candidates must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% marks. TNAU’s PG counselling is separate from regular university admissions and conducted directly by the university after TANCET results. ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) holders may receive seat preference in M.Sc programmes.
PhD Admission
PhD admission is through the TNAU Research Entrance Test (RET), conducted once a year. Candidates with M.Sc or M.Tech in relevant disciplines with 60% or above, or ICAR/CSIR/UGC JRF/SRF holders, are eligible to apply.
TNAU Placements and Career Outcomes
TNAU conducts campus placements through the University Placement Cell. Agriculture graduates pursue careers in agri-input companies, agri-finance, food processing, government services, and research. A significant portion of PG graduates proceed to further research (PhD or government research positions).
As per NIRF 2025 data submitted by TNAU, the placement statistics for recent graduating batches are as follows.
| Programme Level | Graduating Batch | Students Placed | Median Placement Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG (4-year) | 2020-21 (placed in 2023-24) | 335 | INR 4.5 LPA |
| UG (4-year) | 2019-20 (placed in 2022-23) | 312 | INR 3.7 LPA |
| PG (2-year) | 2022-23 (placed in 2023-24) | 194 | INR 6.2 LPA |
| PG (2-year) | 2021-22 (placed in 2022-23) | 81 | INR 5.5 LPA |
Top campus recruiters at TNAU include ITC, Nestle India, PepsiCo India, Bayer CropScience, Axis Bank, Cadbury India, DCM Shriram, Mahindra Agribusiness, and state government agencies. The placement rate reflects campus recruitment only. A large portion of TNAU graduates join government departments (agriculture extension, horticulture department, state agricultural marketing boards) or civil services, or pursue further studies such as M.Sc, PhD, and ICAR fellowships.
UG graduates entering government services typically start at INR 3.5 to 6 LPA (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Extension Officer scale), while research and corporate roles offer INR 4 to 8 LPA at entry level for M.Sc holders.
TNAU Rankings
TNAU consistently ranks among the top agricultural universities in India. The 2025 NIRF rank of 6 in Agriculture and Allied Sciences reflects strong scores in Research and Professional Practice, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Teaching-Learning Resources.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank / Score |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Agriculture and Allied Sciences | 6 (Score: 67.06) |
| NIRF | Overall | 88 (Score: 50.03) |
| NIRF | University | 73 (Score: 49.80) |
TNAU’s Agriculture rank of 6 has been stable over recent NIRF cycles, reflecting its research output across crop improvement, soil science, agri-biotechnology, and remote sensing applications. The university published 3 patents in 2023 and has 520 active sponsored research projects (2023-24) from 77 funding agencies, with INR 77.44 crores in research grants received in 2023-24.
TNAU Scholarships
TNAU students are eligible for state and central government scholarship schemes. The university also administers ICAR fellowships for PG students.
- Tamil Nadu Post-Matric Scholarship (BC, MBC, SC, ST): Tamil Nadu government provides full or partial fee reimbursement for eligible BC, MBC, SC, and ST students under the respective scholarship schemes. Apply through tnscholarship.padasalai.net.
- ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ICAR-JRF holders admitted to M.Sc and PhD programmes at TNAU receive monthly stipend (INR 31,000 for M.Sc JRF, INR 35,000 for SRF) funded by ICAR. Selected through ICAR-AIEEA exam.
- Central Government Post-Matric Scholarship: Students from SC and ST communities are eligible for full fee reimbursement under the Government of India scheme via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Scholarships: Scholarships for meritorious students from the government school system who join TNAU programmes through counselling. Contact the Registrar’s office for details.
- Agricultural Labour Welfare Board Scholarships: Children of registered agricultural labourers in Tamil Nadu are eligible for scholarships under the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Labourers Welfare Board.
TNAU Campus and Infrastructure
TNAU headquarters and the flagship Agricultural College and Research Institute (AC&RI) are located in Coimbatore. The Coimbatore campus houses research farms, crop improvement research laboratories, gene banks, agri-meteorological stations, and the university’s central administration. The campus also includes the National Active Germplasm Site (NAGS) for germplasm conservation.
Beyond Coimbatore, TNAU operates constituent colleges and research stations at:
- Killikulam: Agricultural College and Research Institute
- Madurai: Agricultural College and Research Institute
- Mettupalayam: Forest College and Research Institute
- Kumulur: College of Agricultural Engineering
- Periyakulam: Horticultural College and Research Institute
- Ooty: Horticultural College and Research Institute (Hill zone focus)
- Koduveli (Chennai): College of Food and Dairy Technology
TNAU also administers 35 research stations and 75 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across Tamil Nadu. Hostel accommodation is available at constituent colleges, operated as single-sex residential blocks on campus.
Research infrastructure includes the Bioinformatics Centre, Tissue Culture Lab, Plant Health Clinic, National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) labs, and multiple ICAR-funded research centres embedded in the university network.
TNAU vs G.B. Pant University vs Kerala Agricultural University
Aspirants choosing between state agricultural universities often compare TNAU with G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUA&T) in Uttarakhand and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). All three are ICAR-accredited state agricultural universities.
| Parameter | TNAU, Coimbatore | GBPUA&T, Pantnagar | Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1971 | 1960 | 1971 |
| Location | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | Pantnagar, Uttarakhand | Thrissur, Kerala |
| Type | State public agricultural university | State public agricultural university | State public agricultural university |
| NIRF Agriculture 2025 | 6 (Score: 67.06) | Check nirfindia.org | Check nirfindia.org |
| ICAR Accreditation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UG Intake | 2,506 seats (2023-24) | Check official website | Check official website |
| B.Sc Agriculture Total Fee | INR 2.03 lakhs (4 years, indicative) | Check official website | Check official website |
| Admission Basis (UG) | Class 12 merit, TNAU centralised counselling | Class 12 merit, GBPUAT counselling | Class 12 merit, KEAM-based counselling |
TNAU has the broadest multi-campus network in Tamil Nadu with 35 research stations and 75 KVKs, making it particularly strong for applied agricultural research relevant to peninsular India cropping systems. GBPUA&T (Pantnagar) has a strong track record as India’s first agricultural university and draws students from North India with well-developed campus infrastructure. KAU is the primary agricultural university for Kerala and focuses strongly on plantation crops, spices, and Kerala-specific agronomy. Students applying to TNAU from Tamil Nadu benefit from the 85% government school reservation, making it accessible to rural aspirants.
TNAU FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University?
Ans. TNAU is ranked 6th in the Agriculture and Allied Sciences category in NIRF 2025 (score: 67.06). It is also ranked 88th Overall and 73rd in the University category in NIRF 2025.
Ques. What is the fee for B.Sc Agriculture at TNAU?
Ans. The indicative annual fee for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture at TNAU constituent colleges is INR 50,981 per year, totalling approximately INR 2.03 lakhs for 4 years. A one-time admission fee of INR 10,925 is payable at joining. Fees may vary by college and academic year. Verify the current fee at tnau.ac.in.
Ques. Is there an entrance exam for B.Sc Agriculture admission at TNAU?
Ans. No. TNAU B.Sc Agriculture admission is merit-based with no separate entrance examination. Selection is based on Class 12 (HSC) aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Tamil Nadu government school students have 85% horizontal reservation. Admission is through TNAU centralised online counselling.
Ques. What is the placement rate at TNAU?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025 data, 335 UG students were placed through campus recruitment in 2023-24 with a median salary of INR 4.5 LPA. For PG students (M.Sc batch 2022-23), 194 were placed with a median of INR 6.2 LPA. These figures represent campus placements only. A large number of TNAU graduates also join government departments and pursue higher studies (ICAR fellowships, PhD).
Ques. Which exam is required for M.Sc Agriculture admission at TNAU?
Ans. M.Sc Agriculture admission at TNAU requires a valid score in TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test) conducted by Anna University, or an ICAR-JRF/SRF qualification. ICAR-JRF holders may receive additional merit consideration. The eligibility is a relevant Bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% marks.
Ques. Does TNAU offer MBA in Agribusiness Management?
Ans. Yes. TNAU offers an MBA in Agribusiness Management, a 2-year full-time programme. Admission is based on TANCET, CAT, or MAT scores. The annual fee is INR 69,070 (total INR 1.38 lakhs for 2 years, indicative). The programme covers agribusiness, supply chain management, food marketing, rural finance, and agri-tech entrepreneurship.
Ques. How many campuses does TNAU have?
Ans. TNAU operates through multiple constituent colleges across Tamil Nadu, including campuses in Coimbatore, Killikulam, Madurai, Mettupalayam, Kumulur, Periyakulam, Ooty, and Chennai (Koduveli). The university also runs 35 research stations and 75 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) spread across the state.
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B.Sc {Hons.} Agriculture at TNAU is a 4 Years Degree. The course is offered On Campus as a full-time program. TNAU B.Sc {Hons.} Agriculture per year fees is INR 34,800 for 2025. Candidates must have at least 10+2 to be eligible for admission
Admission for the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is fully online. Candidates must register on the official portal, fill the form, upload documents, and pay the fee. Selection is merit-based, followed by rank list, online counselling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Academic Requirement:
Candidate must have passed 10+2 from the recognized board.
Age Limit:
Candidates should not have completed the age of 21 years on the first day of July of the admission year. However, for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Caste-Arunthathiars (SCA)and Scheduled Tribes (ST) there is no age limit.
You can contact the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) at the ?0422-6611200
The admission to the TNAU B.Tech. course is based on Merit basis (10+2 class level board examination) followed by counselling round. The eligibility is to complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
TNAU Coimbatore has not released the fee structure of B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering in online mode. However, you can contact on TNAU Coimbatore office number- 0422 6611200 to ask for fee query.
You need to have passed 12th with 55% or more to be eligible for admission to TNAU Coimbatore and selection to UG course is done based on merit and based on entrance exam for PG course.
To confirm your admission-application update, you can directly contact the college TNAU Coimbatore admission helpdesk at: 0422 661 1200.
Aspirants seeking admission to 3 year Full-time Diploma Program should pass in the Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) or any other examination recognized.
For admissions, candidates can apply to TNAU programs through Online mode. TNAU Admission typically begins in the month of April and continues till August. Admission to UG programs is based on the merit of the qualifying exam followed by a counseling process. Admission to TNAU PG programs is based on scores of the Entrance exam conducted by the University. However, TNAU PhD program admissions are based on the entrance exam and Personal Interview conducted by the University
The entrance exam for TNAU Chennai will be conducted around May 15th -30th 2024.
No, as of now there is no scholarhsip opportunities for OBC students, however you can fo apply for some merit based scholarships offered by State Govt.
The admission process varies from course to course. Click on the below link to get the course wise admission process
Link: TNAU Coimbatore Admission 2023
Yes, you can apply for the MSc in agriculture course after BSc in botany
Click on the below link to get the course wise details of TNAU Coimbatore
Link: TNAU Coimbatore Courses
Yes, MCA students can apply for the MSc in meteorology from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
TNAU Coimbatore is a government sector university.
Admissions have been concluded for the academic year 2023-24 at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
TNAU admissions are both entrance and merit-based. You can apply online from the official website of the TNAU. Check here for the TNAU Admisisons.
The new session will start after the admission process has concluded. You can check the official website of the college to be updated.