ICAR CUET UG 2026: New Admission Guidelines for Agricultural Universities

The ICAR CUET UG 2026 initiative introduces significant changes to the admission process for agricultural universities across India. With a focus on inclusivity, 20% of undergraduate seats will now be reserved for students based on ICAR CUET UG merit. This reform aims to address the challenges faced by students due to varying eligibility criteria and admission rules. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has emphasized the importance of these changes in ensuring that qualified candidates have access to B.Sc. Agriculture programs. Read on to learn more about the new admission guidelines and their implications for aspiring agricultural students.

By Ambika Singh Oct 4, 2025, 12:19 IST

ICAR CUET UG 2026 Overview

ICAR CUET UG 2026: Exciting developments are underway for students aspiring to enter the agriculture and allied fields. Admissions to all state agricultural universities nationwide will now be facilitated through the ICAR CUET UG, expanding beyond just Central Agricultural Universities. This means that students will no longer face exclusion from state agricultural universities due to varying eligibility standards. This initiative, announced by Union Education Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, introduces significant reforms, including the reservation of 20% of undergraduate seats in all state agricultural universities for admissions based on ICAR CUET UG merit.

Admission Process Changes

The current admission procedures for both central and state agricultural universities differ significantly. Presently, a total of 71 agricultural universities and institutions, including three central universities, utilize the ICAR CUET UG merit for admissions, which is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The admission cycle typically commences in March-April each year.

State agricultural universities have varied admission systems, often relying on university-specific entrance tests and merit. The subject combinations required for admission to the B.Sc. Agriculture program also differ among these universities, leading to confusion and challenges for prospective students.

Addressing Student Concerns

Concerns Raised by Students and Parents:

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has acknowledged the challenges faced by students due to inconsistent admission criteria across state agricultural universities. He noted that many students and their parents have voiced their concerns regarding the B.Sc. Agriculture admissions process.

Chouhan highlighted that the discrepancies in subject combinations for grade 12, along with varying university admission rules, have resulted in qualified candidates missing out on opportunities to enroll in B.Sc. Agriculture programs. He has instructed the Director General of Agriculture (DG-ICAR) and his team to find solutions to these issues.

New Reservation Policy

20% Seat Reservation:

Following discussions with all Vice Chancellors, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that 20% of undergraduate seats in state agricultural universities will now be allocated through ICAR CUET UG. This policy aims to alleviate the challenges faced by agricultural students and their families.