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ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal is a central government research institute and deemed-to-be university under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Founded in 1923 as the Imperial Institute of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the institute was shifted to Karnal, Haryana in 1955 and was accorded the status of a Deemed University in 1989. NDRI is India’s premier institution for dairy science research and education.
As per NIRF Agriculture 2025, NDRI is ranked #2 in India with a score of 75.87, a position it has held consistently since 2023.
The main campus spans 1,348 acres on GT Road, Nyay Puri, Karnal, Haryana. NDRI also operates two regional stations: the Southern Regional Station in Bengaluru and the Eastern Regional Station in Kalyani, West Bengal.
- B.Tech in Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, and Food Technology (4 years each)
- M.Sc in Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Engineering, Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Technology, and Animal Biotechnology
- M.V.Sc in Animal Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Animal Biochemistry, Livestock Production and Management, and Veterinary Reproduction
- Masters in Dairy Economics, Dairy Extension Education, Forage Production, and Animal Physiology
- Ph.D across 11 disciplines in dairy science, animal science, and agronomy
- Diploma in Dairy Technology and Animal Husbandry
The total B.Tech fee is INR 1.04 Lakhs for the entire 4-year programme. M.Sc and MVSc fees are INR 58,100 for the course. Hostel accommodation is available at nominal rates up to INR 10,000 per annum.
NDRI B.Tech graduates are placed with Nestle, Tetra Pak, Amul, Mother Dairy, and other dairy and food companies, with an average package of INR 6 to 7 LPA and highest packages reaching INR 12 LPA.
NDRI Admission Dates 2027
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session at NDRI have concluded. The B.Tech, M.Sc, MVSc, and Ph.D programmes were filled through ICAR AIEEA UG 2026, ICAR AIEEA PG 2026, and ICAR NET 2026 respectively. The next admission cycle for the 2027-28 academic session is expected to open with AIEEA registration in November to December 2026.
| Event | 2026-27 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| AIEEA UG 2026 (B.Tech) | Concluded |
| AIEEA PG 2026 (M.Sc / MVSc) | Concluded |
| ICAR NET 2026 (Ph.D) | Concluded |
| 2026-27 Classes Commenced | August 2026 |
The table below shows the tentative schedule for the 2027-28 admission cycle, subject to ICAR notification.
| Event | 2027-28 Cycle (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| AIEEA UG Registration Opens | November to December 2026 (expected) |
| AIEEA UG 2027 Exam | April to May 2027 (expected) |
| AIEEA PG 2027 Exam | April to May 2027 (expected) |
| ICAR NET 2027 | As per ICAR notification |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | June to July 2027 (expected) |
NDRI Courses and Fees
NDRI offers highly specialised programmes in dairy science, animal science, food technology, and agronomy at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. As a central government institution, fees are among the lowest of any deemed university in India. The total B.Tech fee for the entire 4-year programme is INR 1.04 Lakhs.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Dairy Technology) | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% + ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.04 Lakhs |
| B.Tech (Biotechnology) | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% + ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.04 Lakhs |
| B.Tech (Food Technology) | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% + ICAR AIEEA UG | INR 1.04 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Dairy Science disciplines) | 2 years | B.Sc / B.Tech in relevant discipline + ICAR AIEEA PG | INR 58,100 |
| MVSc (Animal Science disciplines) | 2 years | B.V.Sc + ICAR AIEEA PG | INR 58,100 |
| Ph.D (multiple disciplines) | 3 years minimum | M.Sc / MVSc + ICAR NET | INR 1.01 Lakhs |
| Diploma in Dairy Technology | 2 years | 10+2 with Science | INR 14,800 |
| Diploma in Animal Husbandry | 2 years | 10+2 with Science | INR 14,800 |
The B.Tech in Dairy Technology is the flagship programme, integrating dairy plant management, food processing, quality control, and in-plant industrial training. The Ph.D programme covers Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Engineering, Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Technology, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Agronomy, and related disciplines, making NDRI one of India’s key centres for agricultural and dairy research at the doctoral level.
NDRI Admission Process
B.Tech Admissions
B.Tech admissions at NDRI are governed by ICAR AIEEA UG (All India Entrance Examination for Admission - Undergraduate). Eligibility is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics, with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). Age requirements are 17 to 23 years as of 31 July of the admission year.
Seat allotment is centralized through ICAR. Candidates register, appear for AIEEA UG, and are allotted seats across ICAR institutes including NDRI based on rank and category. Document verification and fee payment at the NDRI Karnal campus complete the admission process. The B.Tech in Dairy Technology includes compulsory in-plant industrial training in semesters 7 and 8.
M.Sc, MVSc, and Masters Programme Admissions
Postgraduate admissions use ICAR AIEEA PG. For M.Sc disciplines (Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Engineering, Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Technology, Animal Biotechnology, Dairy Economics, Dairy Extension Education, and Forage Production), the eligibility is a B.Sc or B.Tech degree in a relevant discipline with 60% marks. For MVSc programmes, a B.V.Sc degree is required. ICAR AIEEA PG is conducted jointly for all ICAR postgraduate institutions.
Ph.D Admissions
Ph.D admissions are based on ICAR NET (National Eligibility Test). Eligibility is an M.Sc or MVSc degree with 60% marks (55% for SC/ST). Ph.D seats at NDRI are limited and competitive. Successful ICAR NET qualifiers receive ICAR JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) worth INR 31,000 per month during the Ph.D tenure.
NDRI Placements
NDRI B.Tech graduates from the Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, and Food Technology programmes are placed with dairy cooperatives, multinational food companies, and dairy equipment manufacturers. The average package for NDRI B.Tech graduates is INR 6 to 7 LPA, with highest offers reaching INR 12 LPA.
| Sector | Confirmed Recruiters |
|---|---|
| Dairy Cooperatives and FMCG | Amul (GCMMF), Mother Dairy, Sudha Dairy, Medha Dairy |
| Multinational Food and Packaging | Nestle India, Tetra Pak India |
| Government and Research | ICAR institutes, State Dairy Development Boards, NDDB |
A significant share of NDRI graduates, particularly from M.Sc and Ph.D programmes, pursue careers in research at ICAR institutes, teaching positions at agricultural universities, or government dairy development roles with state governments and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The NDRI alumni network spans dairy plant management, research and development, quality assurance, and policy roles across India’s dairy sector.
NDRI Rankings
NDRI has consistently held the second rank in the NIRF Agriculture category, making it one of India’s two most distinguished agricultural and dairy research institutions. The table below shows its NIRF standing over the last two years.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Agriculture and Allied Sciences | 2 (Score: 75.87) | 2 |
NDRI’s consistent NIRF #2 rank reflects its strong performance on teaching resources, research output (over 100 technologies developed), graduation outcomes, and peer perception among agricultural institutions. The only institute consistently ranked above NDRI in the Agriculture category is IARI, New Delhi.
NDRI Scholarships and Fellowships
NDRI students benefit from ICAR-administered scholarships and fellowships tied to academic performance and research contribution. Ph.D and research-track M.Sc students receive significant monthly fellowship support under the ICAR JRF and SRF schemes.
| Fellowship / Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | ICAR NET qualifiers admitted to Ph.D programmes | INR 31,000 per month for the initial 2 years of Ph.D |
| ICAR Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | Ph.D students after JRF tenure | INR 35,000 per month for the remaining Ph.D years |
| ICAR Merit Scholarship (Undergraduate) | AIEEA UG toppers based on rank and category | INR 1,000 per month for B.Tech students |
The ICAR JRF and SRF fellowships effectively cover living expenses for doctoral students, making NDRI Ph.D programmes highly attractive for dairy and animal science researchers. B.Tech students may also access National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes subject to eligibility based on family income and academic merit.
NDRI Campus and Infrastructure
The main NDRI campus spans 1,348 acres on GT Road, Karnal, making it one of the largest campus footprints among Indian deemed universities. The campus is fully residential and self-contained, with more than 2,000 dairy animals maintained for research and teaching purposes. Separate boys and girls hostels are available at nominal fees of up to INR 10,000 per annum.
The campus infrastructure includes state-of-the-art dairy processing pilot plants, microbiology and biotechnology laboratories, a dairy engineering workshop, a central library with over 10,000 books and national and international dairy science journals, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and a cafeteria. Two regional stations extend NDRI’s research reach: the Southern Regional Station in Bengaluru and the Eastern Regional Station in Kalyani, West Bengal.
NDRI vs IARI vs Punjab Agricultural University
Aspirants targeting top NIRF Agriculture-ranked institutions for postgraduate research and B.Tech programmes often compare NDRI with IARI (New Delhi) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. All three are central or state government institutions with strong research pedigrees and low fee structures.
| Parameter | NDRI, Karnal | IARI, New Delhi | PAU, Ludhiana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1923 (shifted to Karnal 1955) | 1905 (IARI status 1958) | 1962 |
| Location | Karnal, Haryana | New Delhi | Ludhiana, Punjab |
| Type | Deemed University under ICAR | Deemed University under ICAR | State Public University |
| NIRF Agriculture 2025 | #2 (Score: 75.87) | #1 | #3 |
| Focus | Dairy Science and Technology | Broad Agriculture Research | Comprehensive Agriculture |
| B.Tech Programmes | Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Food Technology | B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture | Multiple agri and food programmes |
NDRI leads in dairy-specific research depth and has fewer but more focused programmes than IARI or PAU. IARI is the top NIRF Agriculture ranked institution and offers the widest research breadth in plant sciences and agronomy. PAU is the preferred option for aspirants in Punjab and offers comprehensive agriculture education across crop, animal, and home sciences. Aspirants specifically targeting dairy technology and dairy processing careers will find NDRI’s industry links and research infrastructure the strongest of the three.
NDRI FAQs
Ques. What is NDRI Karnal’s NIRF ranking?
Ans. NDRI is ranked #2 in India in the NIRF Agriculture and Allied Sciences category for 2025, with a score of 75.87. It has held this position consistently since 2023. IARI, New Delhi holds the #1 position in the same category.
Ques. What is the entrance exam for B.Tech at NDRI?
Ans. B.Tech admissions at NDRI are based on ICAR AIEEA UG (All India Entrance Examination for Admission - Undergraduate), conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. You need 10+2 with PCB or PCM with a minimum of 50% marks and must be between 17 and 23 years of age.
Ques. What is the total B.Tech fee at NDRI?
Ans. The total B.Tech fee at NDRI for the entire 4-year programme is INR 1.04 Lakhs. Hostel accommodation is available at nominal rates of up to INR 10,000 per annum. NDRI is a central government institution, so fees are among the lowest for any B.Tech programme in India.
Ques. What are the placement prospects after B.Tech Dairy Technology from NDRI?
Ans. NDRI B.Tech Dairy Technology graduates are placed with leading dairy cooperatives such as Amul and Mother Dairy, multinationals such as Nestle and Tetra Pak, and research institutions under ICAR. The average package ranges from INR 6 to 7 LPA and the highest offers have reached INR 12 LPA. A significant share of graduates also pursue M.Sc or Ph.D for research and academic careers.
Ques. Does NDRI offer scholarships or fellowships?
Ans. Yes. Ph.D students who qualify ICAR NET receive ICAR JRF (INR 31,000 per month for initial 2 years) and ICAR SRF (INR 35,000 per month thereafter). B.Tech toppers based on AIEEA UG rank may receive ICAR Merit Scholarship of INR 1,000 per month. NSP government schemes are also accessible to eligible students.
Ques. Is NDRI Karnal a government or private institution?
Ans. NDRI is a central government institution. It functions as a Deemed-to-be University under ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. All programmes and research are funded by the central government, which is why fees are nominal.
Ques. When will NDRI admissions for 2027-28 open?
Ans. NDRI admissions for the 2027-28 batch are expected to open with ICAR AIEEA registration in November to December 2026. The entrance exam is typically held in April to May 2027, with counselling in June to July 2027. You should monitor the official ICAR website for the notification.
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You can check here for the List of Top Agriculture Colleges in India Accepting CUET Based on 2026 Ranking
The following scholarships are offered to the NDRI Students according to their course levels:
The application form for NDRI Karnal will release by last week of April 2024 and the deadline to fill the same is 3rd week May 2024.
At present, the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal offers a B.Tech degree in Dairy Technology (DT), a Diploma in Dairy Technology, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, a Master’s program in dairying and doctoral programs in the various disciplines of dairying and dairy technology. The merit list is prepared on the basis of marks scored in the entrance examination and counseling
Diploma in Dairy Technology (Dairy Science) course is offered in NDRI Rajkot.
As per last year stats, you need to have around ranks within 844 to be eligible for admission such that out of 180 questions, you need to get 130-140 correct.
Admission has not been initiated at National Dairy Research Institute for the academic year 2023-24.
Admission has not begun yet for ICAR NDRI UG for various programs at UG and PG levels. You can visit the official website of the institute for the latest notifications.
You can contact the college through the information provided on the official website or can even contact via the number provided here. Phone number: 0184 225 9020
NDRI Karnal offers a diploma course in Animal Husbandry and Dairying. You should have passed class 12 with the science stream to be eligible for the course. For more info, Check out: NDRI Admission
Admission process has concluded for session 2023 at NDRI.
The admissions to B.Tech. (DT) program at NDRI are done through an All India Combined Entrance Examination conducted by the Education Division of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Where as, the candidates are selected for PG courses admission on the basis of merit. Check here to know more. NDRI Admission
You can contact the college through the information provided on the official webite or can even contact via the number provided here. Phone number: 0184 225 9020
You can contact the college through the information provided on the official webite or can even contact via the number provided here. Phone number: 0184 225 9020
National Dairy Research Institute does not offer BVSc courses. Check here for the NDRI Courses.
The placement record of the NDRI is excellent. Almost 95% of the students got placed with salary packages in MNC ranging between 8-9 LPA. You can also apply for prestigious DDO i.e. Dairy Development Officer roles and other job internships. For cooperatives and milk plants, the salary package offered ranges between 5-6 LPA. Top recruiters of our college are Nestle, Mother Dairy, Verka, Tetrapak, GSK, Amul, DuPont, etc.
The admissions to B.Tech. (DT) program is done through an All India Combined Entrance Examination conducted by the Education Division of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. The merit list is prepared on the basis of marks scored in the entrance examination and counseling. The admissions to Diploma programs are done through the entrance examination conducted by the University. You can apply online. Check here for the NDRI Admissions.
You can register and download the brochure for detailed information regarding the course at the National Dairy Research Institute.
Yes, you can apply for an MSc in dairy science, if you have done BSc. Check here for the MSc dairy technology from NDRI.