Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), commonly known as Pusa University, is a Central Agricultural University established in 1970 and accorded the status of a Central University on 7 October 2016 through Act 59 of 2016. The university traces its roots to 1908, when post-graduate agricultural education was first established in India at this campus in Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. RPCAU is an Institution of National Importance under the Government of India, approved by ICAR and recognised by UGC.
As per NIRF Ranking 2025, RPCAU is ranked #14 in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category with a score of 58.25, a major leap from #29 in 2024 and #33 in 2023. The university is accredited by NAAC with a Grade A.
RPCAU operates across three campuses covering a total of 2,029 acres: the main campus at Pusa (Samastipur), a second campus at Dholi (Muzaffarpur), and a third campus at Piprakothi (East Champaran). The university runs 8 constituent colleges with over 250 faculty and 2,000+ students.
RPCAU offers over 40 degree programmes and 15+ diploma and certificate courses across agriculture and allied sciences:
- Undergraduate programmes: B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture, B.Sc (Hons) Forestry, B.Sc (Hons) Community Science, B.Sc Natural Farming, B.Sc Food Nutrition and Dietetics, BFSc (Fisheries Science), B.Tech Agricultural Engineering, B.Tech Food Technology, B.Tech Biotechnology
- Postgraduate programmes: M.Sc in Agronomy, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Extension Education, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and 15+ other agricultural disciplines. M.Tech in Agricultural Engineering specialisations. MFSc in Fisheries. MBA in Agri-Business Management and Rural Management
- Doctoral: PhD in 22+ agricultural and allied science disciplines
- PG Diplomas: Agricultural Journalism and Mass Communication, Agri-Tourism Management, Agri-Warehouse Management
B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture total fees are INR 1.27 Lakhs for the four-year programme. M.Sc and M.Tech programmes cost INR 74,185 in total. MBA (Agri-Business) is INR 2.18 Lakhs. PhD fees are INR 1.16 Lakhs in total.
The university has delivered over 5,000 placements cumulatively and has developed 62+ crop varieties, released 28+ technologies, and secured 12+ patents and GI tags. Career pathways for graduates include ICAR research organisations, State Agriculture Departments, agricultural banks (NABARD, SBI Agri), agri-input companies, and civil services.
RPCAU Admission Dates 2027
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session at RPCAU have concluded across all UG, PG, and PhD programmes. The 2027-28 cycle opens with ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission) for UG and PG programmes. PhD admissions run through the ICAR JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) examination.
| Event | 2026-27 (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA UG 2026 Registration | April to May 2026 |
| ICAR AIEEA UG 2026 Examination | June 2026 |
| ICAR AIEEA UG Counselling and Allotment | July to August 2026 |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 (M.Sc/M.Tech) | June to August 2026 |
| ICAR JRF 2026 (PhD) | June 2026 |
| Classes Commenced | August to September 2026 |
Tentative dates for the 2027-28 cycle are listed below. Official dates are announced by ICAR NTA (the National Testing Agency conducting ICAR examinations) through the NTA website and the RPCAU official portal.
| Event | 2027-28 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA UG 2027 Registration | April to May 2027 |
| ICAR AIEEA UG 2027 Examination | June 2027 |
| ICAR AIEEA UG Counselling | July to August 2027 |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2027 (M.Sc/M.Tech) | June to August 2027 |
| ICAR JRF 2027 (PhD) | June 2027 |
The course-wise exam requirement at RPCAU is listed below. All agricultural science UG and PG programmes route through ICAR AIEEA.
| Programme | Exam Accepted |
|---|---|
| B.Sc Hons (Agriculture/Horticulture/Forestry/Fisheries) | ICAR AIEEA UG |
| B.Tech Agricultural Engineering / Food Technology | ICAR AIEEA UG |
| B.Tech Biotechnology | ICAR AIEEA UG or University entrance |
| M.Sc (all agricultural disciplines) | ICAR AIEEA PG |
| M.Tech (Agricultural Engineering) | ICAR AIEEA PG or GATE |
| MFSc (Fisheries Science) | ICAR AIEEA PG |
| MBA (Agri-Business / Rural Management) | CAT, CMAT, or RPCAU entrance test |
| PhD | ICAR JRF or ICAR SRF |
RPCAU Courses and Fees
RPCAU offers over 40 degree programmes and 15+ diploma and certificate courses. UG programmes in agriculture, horticulture, and agricultural engineering are structured as four-year programmes. M.Sc and M.Tech are two-year programmes. All fees listed are total fees for the full programme duration as per 2026 data.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture | 4 years | 10+2 with Science, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.27 Lakhs |
| B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture | 4 years | 10+2 with Science, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.27 Lakhs |
| BFSc (Fisheries Science) | 4 years | 10+2 with Science, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 98,125 |
| B.Sc (Hons) Forestry | 4 years | 10+2 with Science, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.01 Lakhs |
| B.Sc (Hons) Community Science | 4 years | 10+2 any stream, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.01 Lakhs |
| B.Sc Natural Farming | 4 years | 10+2 with Science, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.01 Lakhs |
| B.Tech Agricultural Engineering | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.27 Lakhs |
| B.Tech Food Technology | 4 years | 10+2 with Science, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.27 Lakhs |
| B.Tech Biotechnology | 4 years | 10+2 with Science, 50%+ and ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 3.24 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (all agricultural disciplines) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant discipline, 60%+ and ICAR AIEEA PG | INR 74,185 |
| MFSc (Fisheries Science) | 2 years | BFSc or equivalent, 60%+ and ICAR AIEEA PG | INR 74,185 |
| MBA Agri-Business / Rural Management | 2 years | Graduation 50%+, CAT/CMAT/entrance | INR 2.18 Lakhs |
| M.Tech / ME (Agricultural Engineering) | 2 years | B.Tech relevant branch, 60%+ and GATE or ICAR AIEEA PG | INR 74,185 |
| PhD (all disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | M.Sc in relevant field, 60%+ and ICAR JRF | INR 1.16 Lakhs |
| PG Diploma (Agricultural Journalism / Agri-Tourism / Agri-Warehouse) | 1 year | Graduation in relevant field | INR 44,460 |
RPCAU offers specialisations unique to a Central Agricultural University, including Natural Farming, Agro-forestry, Seed Science and Technology, Nematology, Guidance and Navigation (Plant Physiology), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Apparel and Textile Science (M.Sc).
RPCAU Admission Process
All agricultural science UG and PG admissions at RPCAU are conducted through ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of ICAR. MBA and some PG diploma programmes admit through separate processes.
UG Admission (ICAR AIEEA UG)
Candidates must register for and clear ICAR AIEEA UG, a national-level entrance examination. Eligibility is 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL) in relevant subjects. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Agriculture/Maths) at Class XII are mandatory for most agricultural programmes.
- Register and appear for ICAR AIEEA UG (held in June)
- AIEEA rank published after the examination
- Participate in online counselling conducted by ICAR
- Confirm seat at RPCAU and pay fees
ICAR AIEEA cutoffs for B.Sc Agriculture at RPCAU as a central university are typically competitive. The General Category closing rank in ICAR AIEEA for RPCAU is usually in the top 300 to 500 range, reflecting the university’s NIRF #14 standing in Agriculture.
PG Admission (ICAR AIEEA PG)
M.Sc, MFSc, M.Tech, and ME admissions are conducted through ICAR AIEEA PG. Eligibility is a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST). Candidates appear for the AIEEA PG paper in their relevant discipline, and seats are allocated through ICAR online counselling.
PhD Admission
PhD admissions at RPCAU are through the ICAR JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) or ICAR SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) examinations. Candidates must have an M.Sc in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks. ICAR JRF awardees receive a fellowship stipend during their PhD at RPCAU.
MBA Admission
MBA (Agri-Business Management and Rural Management) admits on the basis of CAT, CMAT, or RPCAU’s own management entrance test, followed by a group discussion and interview. Eligibility is graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.
RPCAU Placements and Career Outcomes
RPCAU graduates enter a range of careers spanning public sector research, government agricultural services, private agri-input companies, banking, and civil services. The university’s cumulative placement count stands at over 5,000 since establishment. Career pathways depend heavily on the programme stream.
| Career Pathway | Typical Recruiters/Entry Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR Research Institutes | ICAR-RIARI, ICAR-NDRI, ICAR-IARI, ICAR-IISR | Direct entry for ICAR JRF holders and PhD graduates |
| State Agriculture Departments | Bihar, UP, Haryana, Punjab Agriculture Departments | AEO/ADO posts via State PSC examinations |
| Agricultural Banks | NABARD, SBI (Agriculture), Regional Rural Banks | Agriculture Officer posts via IBPS |
| Agri-Input Companies | Bayer CropScience, BASF, UPL, Rallis, Godrej Agrovet | Field Officer, Product Manager roles |
| Food and FMCG | ITC Agribusiness, Nestle, Britannia, Cargill | Primarily for Food Technology and Biotechnology graduates |
| Civil Services | IAS/IFS (Agriculture), UPSC Combined Section Officer | Strong track record from RPCAU for agricultural services cadre |
The university’s proximity to ICAR research stations and its classification as an Institution of National Importance strengthens the career pipeline into government agricultural research. MBA Agri-Business graduates from RPCAU are placed at commodity trading firms, agri-fintech start-ups, and large agri-supply chain companies.
RPCAU Rankings
RPCAU has demonstrated the sharpest ranking improvement among Indian agricultural universities in NIRF, climbing from #33 in 2023 to #14 in 2025 in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category. It consistently holds the #1 rank in Bihar across all major agricultural ranking surveys.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025/2026 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Agriculture and Allied Sectors (India) | 14 (Score: 58.25) (#1 in Bihar) | 29 |
| NIRF | University (India) | 151-200 band (#3 in Bihar) | 151-200 band |
| Collegedunia | Agriculture (India) | 24 out of 200 (#1 in Bihar) | 36 out of 53 |
| India Today | Agriculture (India) | 8 out of 45 | 9 out of 44 |
RPCAU’s NIRF score of 58.25 in Agriculture 2025 positions it well above the 29th position it held in 2024, reflecting improvements across all NIRF parameters including research output, patents, and graduate outcomes.
RPCAU Scholarships
RPCAU students are eligible for multiple scholarship schemes administered by ICAR, the Government of India, and the Bihar state government.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) | ICAR JRF examination qualifiers for PhD | INR 31,000 per month (Year 1 and 2), INR 35,000 per month (Year 3 to 5) |
| ICAR SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) | ICAR SRF examination qualifiers | INR 35,000 per month (for PG research) |
| ICAR National Talent Scholarship | Meritorious UG students in agriculture disciplines | INR 2,000 per month for UG programme duration |
| SC/ST Scholarship (Government of India) | SC/ST students | Full fee waiver plus maintenance allowance |
| OBC/EWS Scholarships | OBC and EWS category students meeting income norms | Partial fee concession as per central norms |
| Bihar Mukhyamantri Scholarship | Bihar domicile students with 60%+ at UG level | INR 15,000 to 25,000 per annum |
ICAR JRF is among the most competitive agricultural research fellowships in India, covering the full PhD stipend for duration of registration at RPCAU or any ICAR-deemed university.
RPCAU Campus and Infrastructure
RPCAU spans 2,029 acres across three campuses in Bihar. The main campus at Pusa, Samastipur houses the central administrative building, 8 constituent colleges, a Central Library, a NABL-accredited analytical laboratory, and a seed processing plant. The Dholi campus at Muzaffarpur specialises in sugarcane and allied crop research. The Piprakothi campus at East Champaran focuses on maize and oilseed research.
The campus includes large farm fields for practical agricultural training, a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) network, a Phytotron facility, greenhouses, a tissue culture laboratory, a meteorological observatory, and a meteorological data centre. Hostels are available with annual fees of up to INR 4,000 per year for both boys and girls.
Research infrastructure includes an HPC cluster for computational biology, automated weather stations, and the RPCAU Research Farm for multi-crop variety trials. The university’s 62+ crop varieties and 28+ released technologies are the product of this research ecosystem.
RPCAU’s 8 constituent colleges are: College of Agriculture, College of Agricultural Engineering, College of Horticulture, College of Forestry, College of Community Science, College of Fisheries Science, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, and the School of Agri-Business Management. Each constituent college has dedicated faculty laboratories and practical farm plots. The Central Library holds over 70,000 volumes and provides access to JSTOR, ScienceDirect, NDLI, and other digital repositories. Sports facilities include cricket ground, football ground, basketball and volleyball courts, and an indoor badminton hall.
RPCAU vs G.B. Pant University vs SHUATS
Agricultural science aspirants in North India and Bihar most commonly evaluate RPCAU, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT, Pantnagar), and Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences (SHUATS, Prayagraj). All three are ICAR-approved universities with AIEEA-based admissions for UG and PG programmes.
| Parameter | RPCAU, Samastipur | GBPUAT, Pantnagar | SHUATS, Prayagraj |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Central Agricultural University | State Agricultural University | Deemed University |
| Established | 1970 (Central status 2016) | 1960 | 1910 (deemed status 2000) |
| NAAC Grade | A | A+ | A |
| NIRF 2025 (Agriculture) | 14 (#1 Bihar) | 4 (#1 Uttarakhand) | Not in top 20 |
| Campus | 2,029 acres (3 campuses) | 2,300 acres (1 campus) | 490 acres |
| B.Sc Agri Fees (Total) | INR 1.27 Lakhs | INR 1.00 to 1.50 Lakhs (state university range) | INR 2.50 to 3.50 Lakhs |
| Admission Route | ICAR AIEEA | ICAR AIEEA and state quota | ICAR AIEEA and SAT SHUATS |
| Key Strength | NIRF #14 Agriculture, Central status | NIRF #4 Agriculture, Green Revolution legacy | Broad allied sciences portfolio |
GBPUAT Pantnagar holds a stronger NIRF position (#4 in Agriculture) and NAAC A+ grade, reflecting its deeper research infrastructure and Green Revolution legacy. RPCAU has shown the sharpest NIRF improvement of any Indian agricultural university (from #33 in 2023 to #14 in 2025) and benefits from central university status with ICAR-funded research. SHUATS offers a broader allied sciences portfolio including engineering but lacks NIRF Agriculture top-20 standing.
RPCAU FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of RPCAU in 2025?
Ans. As per NIRF Ranking 2025, RPCAU is ranked #14 in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category with a score of 58.25. It is ranked #1 in Bihar for Agriculture. In the University category, RPCAU is in the 151-200 band. This represents the biggest single-year improvement of any agricultural university in NIRF, from #29 in 2024 to #14 in 2025.
Ques. Is RPCAU a government college?
Ans. Yes. RPCAU is a Central Agricultural University under the Government of India, established by Act 59 of 2016. It is designated an Institution of National Importance. The university is approved by ICAR and UGC and holds NAAC A grade accreditation.
Ques. What is the admission process for B.Sc Agriculture at RPCAU?
Ans. B.Sc Agriculture at RPCAU is through the ICAR AIEEA UG examination, conducted annually in June by NTA. Candidates need 10+2 with Science subjects and minimum 50% marks. AIEEA rank determines allotment through ICAR’s centralised counselling. The 2027-28 cycle opens from April 2027.
Ques. What are the total fees for B.Sc Agriculture at RPCAU?
Ans. The total fees for B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture at RPCAU are INR 1.27 Lakhs for the full four-year programme. B.Sc Forestry and Community Science cost INR 1.01 Lakhs total. BFSc (Fisheries) costs INR 98,125. These are heavily subsidised as a Central Government institution.
Ques. What are the career options after B.Sc Agriculture from RPCAU?
Ans. RPCAU graduates pursue careers in ICAR research institutions, State Agriculture Departments (AEO/ADO posts via state PSC), agricultural banking (NABARD, IBPS Agriculture Officer), agri-input companies (Bayer, UPL, Rallis), food and FMCG companies, and the Indian Administrative Service (Agriculture cadre). The central university status and NIRF #14 Agriculture ranking enhance recognition in competitive government examinations.
Ques. Does RPCAU have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. RPCAU provides hostel accommodation for both male and female students across its three campuses. Annual hostel fees are up to INR 4,000 per year. The main Pusa campus, Dholi campus, and Piprakothi campus all have residential facilities given the agricultural university’s large campus format.
Ques. What is the ICAR JRF fellowship amount at RPCAU?
Ans. ICAR JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) awardees enrolled for PhD at RPCAU receive INR 31,000 per month for the first two years and INR 35,000 per month from Year 3 onwards. The fellowship covers the full PhD duration and is a central government scholarship, competitive across all agricultural universities in India.
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RPCAU Admission Process
RPCAU B.Sc {Hons.} Agriculture is offered as 4 Years full-time program, with a total intake of 99 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc {Hons.} are 10+2+CET. The total fees for RPCAU B.Sc {Hons.} Agriculture in 2025 are INR 60,750 for the complete course duration. Candidate should have passed in 10+2 Examination with PCB / PCMB / PCM / Inter-Agriculture.
RPCAU B.Sc {Hons.} Agriculture is offered as 4 Years Full Time program, with total intake of 99 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc {Hons.} is 10+2+CET. The total fees for RPCAU B.Sc {Hons.} Agriculture in 2025 is INR 60,750 for the complete course duration. Students are selected on the basis of the merit and scores obtained in the All India Entrance Examination in Agriculture and Allied Science for various courses and specialization in UG, PG, and Doctoral Programme. All India Entrance Examination in Agriculture and Allied Science (AIEEA) is conducted by ICAR.
You can contact the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Samastipur at 6274-240226
Studying agricultural science offers numerous benefits, including contributing to food security, sustainable farming, and environmental conservation. It opens diverse career opportunities in agribusiness, research, and rural development. Students get practical and scientific knowledge, empowering them to innovate in crop production, soil health, and resource management for a better future.
RPCAU is inviting applications for admission to its Postgraduate Diploma program in various specializations for the AY 2024-25. The last date to apply is May 24, 2025. Interested candidates can apply directly on the institute’s official website, @rpcau.ac.in.
The fee for the BSc in Agriculture is mentioned below:
Admissions are conducted through a competitive entrance examination administered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This four-year undergraduate program requires candidates to have completed their 10+2 education with subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics (PCMB), or Intermediate Agriculture.
Admission in the various courses offered is done on the basis of marks scored in Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE).
The candidate seeking admission to 4 year Full-time B.Sc{Hons.} Program should have passed in 10+2 Examination with PCB / PCMB / PCM / Inter-Agriculture.
Admissions for the Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] {Hons.} (Agriculture) at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, are conducted through the CUET-UG exam. The candidate seeking admission to 4 year Full-time B.Sc{Hons.} Program should have passed in 10+2 Examination with PCB / PCMB / PCM / Inter-Agriculture.
Admission to B.Sc Agriculture course at RPCAU Samastipur is done based on CUET UG exam and the exam as always is scheduled to be conducted between May 15th to 31st 2024.
Admission to RAU Samastipur is done based on CUET exam followed by counselling and you can check out the page RAU Samastipur Admission 2024 to know more.
Admission to the courses is done on the basis of marks scored in the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE). Students who meet the eligibility criteria will only be entertained by the university. Candidates willing to appear in BCECE may visit the official website.
If interested, to know more on the application-update, you can directly contact the college at: 06274 240 226.
Yes, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University is a State Government Parental College located in Samastipur, Bihar.
Click on the below link to get the course-wise admission process of RPCAU to know the way of getting admission to your desired course.
Link: RPCAU Admission 2024
Admission to B.sc Agriculture course is done based on BCECE exam, however it can’t be done for this year and you need to apply for next year.
The admission to the B.Sc. Agriculture is done based on Bihar Combined Entrance Competitve Examination.
Admission to RAU Samastipur has already been over by September 30th 2023 and it cannot be done as of now.