Likhith · September 6, 2025 
Introduction
Agriculture serves as not just India’s backbone but also a thriving sector for education, research, and career opportunities. Understanding the top government agriculture universities becomes crucial as global demand for sustainable farming, food technology, veterinary sciences, and fisheries creates unprecedented opportunities for skilled professionals.
The Ministry of Education releases the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) annually to help students make informed educational choices. The 2025 rankings reveal India’s top government agriculture universities, showcasing institutions that combine academic excellence with affordability and accessibility for students nationwide.
This comprehensive analysis provides data-backed insights into the top government agriculture universities under NIRF Agriculture Rankings 2025, enabling students to plan their admissions and career paths strategically while accessing quality education at government institutions.
Table of Contents
Top 20 Government Agriculture Universities in India – NIRF 2025
| Rank 2025 | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) | New Delhi |
| 2 | ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) | Karnal, Haryana |
| 3 | Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) | Ludhiana, Punjab |
| 4 | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) | Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh |
| 6 | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
| 7 | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) | Srinagar, J&K |
| 8 | Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| 9 | Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT) | Pantnagar, Uttarakhand |
| 10 | Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU) | Hisar, Haryana |
| 11 | Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) | Thrissur, Kerala |
| 12 | Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| 13 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| 14 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) | Samastipur, Bihar |
| 15 | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) | Jammu, J&K |
| 16 | Anand Agricultural University (AAU) | Anand, Gujarat |
| 17 | Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh |
| 18 | Navsari Agricultural University (NAU) | Navsari, Gujarat |
| 19 | Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) | Nadia, West Bengal |
| 20 | University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) | Bangalore, Karnataka |
Highlights of NIRF 2025 Top Agriculture Universities
1. Consistent Leaders
IARI, New Delhi → Retained Rank 1 for the third consecutive year, cementing its reputation as India’s top agricultural university.
NDRI, Karnal → Strong at Rank 2.
PAU, Ludhiana → Continued excellence at Rank 3.
BHU, Varanasi → Steady at Rank 4, proving academic and research consistency.
2. Rising Stars
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Samastipur → Biggest leap, from outside Top 30 (2023) → Top 15 (2025).
SKUAST-Kashmir → Achieved Rank 7, entering the Top 10 for the first time.
3. Regional Strengths
North India Dominance → IARI, NDRI, PAU, BHU, IVRI, CCS HAU, and GBPUAT all feature in the Top 10.
Southern Stronghold → TNAU, TANUVAS, KAU, and UAS Bangalore continue as leading institutes.
Eastern Growth → RPCAU (Samastipur) and OUAT (Odisha) are emerging as key players.
4. Veterinary & Fisheries Universities in Top 20
Veterinary Leaders → IVRI, TANUVAS, SKUAST-J specialize in veterinary sciences.
Fisheries Excellence → CIFE, Mumbai is India’s top fisheries institute, consistently staying in the Top 10.
Why NIRF Rankings Matter for Agriculture Aspirants
NIRF rankings are reliable because they evaluate institutions on:
Teaching & Learning Quality
Research & Professional Practices
Graduation Outcomes & Placements
Outreach & Inclusivity
Perception & Reputation
👉 Choosing a Top 20 NIRF-ranked university ensures:
Strong research exposure
Better academic recognition
Excellent career outcomes in government and private sectors
Many students still face confusion despite clear rankings. Career Plan B provides:
Admission Counselling → Guidance on eligibility, cut-offs, and processes.
Backup Strategies → Alternative universities/courses aligned with your interests.
Career Guidance → Clarity on paths like government exams, research fellowships, agribusiness, or private jobs.
Confidence Building → Support to make strong academic and career decisions.
💡 With Career Plan B, you don’t just chase ranks—you build a secure future in agriculture education.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
Q1. Which is the No. 1 agriculture university in India as per NIRF 2025?
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
Q2. Which agriculture university showed the most improvement in 2025?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, which entered the Top 15.
Q3. Are all the top-ranked agriculture universities government institutions?
Yes, the Top 20 are government institutions. However, private universities like LPU and Amity appear in the Top 25.
Q4. What are the best agriculture universities in South India?
TNAU (Coimbatore), TANUVAS (Chennai), KAU (Thrissur), and UAS (Bangalore).
Q5. How do NIRF rankings help in admission decisions?
They highlight universities with strong academics, research, placements, and reputation, guiding students to make informed choices.
Conclusion
The top government agriculture universities in India represent exceptional value combining academic excellence with affordability for agriculture aspirants. These NIRF 2025-ranked institutions provide quality education, research opportunities, and strong career prospects in agricultural sciences.
Choosing from these top government agriculture universities ensures access to experienced faculty, modern facilities, and industry connections while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Government institutions particularly excel in providing comprehensive agricultural education with strong placement support and research infrastructure.
Use this comprehensive guide to top government agriculture universities for making strategic admission decisions that align with your agricultural career goals, financial considerations, and academic aspirations in India’s vital agricultural sector.
