Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

The ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), popularly known as the Pusa Institute, is India's premier national institution for agricultural research, education, and extension. Established in 1905 at Pusa, Bihar, and relocated to New Delhi in 1936 following a devastating earthquake, IARI was granted the status of a Deemed-to-be University under the UGC Act in 1958. Functioning under the apex body Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, IARI served as the seat of India's Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s. It holds the top position in national educational rankings, consistently securing Rank 1 in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category under the NIRF Rankings.

Spanning a sprawling, green 500-hectare (1,250-acre) residential campus in West Delhi, IARI provides an unequaled academic and scientific ecosystem. Its world-class infrastructure includes the National Phytotron Facility, high-throughput phenomics facilities, advanced biotechnology labs, the Central Library holding over 6 lakh volumes and rare agricultural archives, state-of-the-art climate-controlled greenhouses, experimental crop fields, specialized research museums, and residential housing for students and faculty.

Academically, IARI operates as a specialized post-graduate and research university, offering Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Technology (M.Tech.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs across 26 distinct disciplines in agriculture and allied sciences, alongside recently introduced flagship undergraduate programs (B.Sc. Hons Agriculture). Known for its highly competitive selection processes, low student-to-faculty ratio, and subsidized fee structure, IARI admits students nationwide through ICAR's All India Entrance Examinations. Its alumni and scientists lead top national and international agricultural organizations, global seed industries, food processing firms, and research councils.

• Fees range: Approximately INR 25,000 – INR 35,000 per year for M.Sc., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs (Highly subsidized central government fee structure; research students receive generous ICAR/UGC fellowships).
• Flagship programs: M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Genetics & Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Biotechnology, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, and Entomology; M.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering.
• Recognition: Deemed-to-be University under ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India; Ranked #1 in Agriculture by NIRF; Approved by UGC.
• Academic focus: Plant Genetic Resources, Crop Improvement, Agricultural Biotechnology, Precision Farming, Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Soil Health, Molecular Biology, and Agricultural Policy.

Important Admission Dates 

The tentative schedule for admissions to postgraduate and doctoral programs at ICAR-IARI New Delhi for the academic session 2026–27 is outlined below:

ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute Admissions 2026–27

Admissions to academic programs at IARI New Delhi are strictly merit-based and governed by all-India entrance examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of ICAR.

Master's Programs (M.Sc. / M.Tech.) Admission Process:

• Selection Criteria: Selection is strictly based on performance and ranks in the ICAR AIEEA (PG) examination, followed by centralized ICAR online counseling.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or relevant Allied Sciences (B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering, etc.) from an ICAR-accredited university with a minimum OGPA of 6.60 out of 10.00 (6.00 for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent percentage.

Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.) Admission Process:

• Selection Criteria: Selection is determined through the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) national examination, incorporating performance in the written entrance test, academic score weightage, and university counseling.
• Eligibility: Master’s degree in the relevant discipline of Agricultural Sciences / Allied Sciences with at least 60% aggregate marks or equivalent OGPA (55% for reserved categories).

Courses Offered at ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute

IARI offers post-graduate and research degree programs across 26 specialized disciplines organized under 4 major academic schools:

School of Crop Improvement & Crop Protection:

• Disciplines: Genetics & Plant Breeding, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Seed Science & Technology, Plant Physiology, Biochemistry, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Chemicals.

School of Resource Management & Natural Resource Sciences:

• Disciplines: Agronomy, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Physics, Water Science & Technology, and Microbiology.

School of Basic Sciences & Agricultural Engineering:

• Disciplines: Agricultural Engineering (Farm Power & Machinery, Soil & Water Conservation, Processing & Food Engineering), Computer Applications, Agricultural Statistics, and Bioinformatics.

School of Social Sciences & Post-Harvest Technology:

• Disciplines: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Food Science & Post Harvest Technology, and Vegetable Science / Horticulture.

Fee Structure at ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute

As a premier central government institute, tuition and institutional fees at IARI are heavily subsidized, with most post-graduate scholars receiving financial stipends.

Faculty and Academic Environment at ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute

IARI provides an elite scientific environment backed by over a century of research excellence:

• World-Class Faculty & Scientists: Students are directly mentored by over 500 eminent agricultural scientists, National Professors, Bhatnagar Laureates, and Fellows of national academies (NAAS, INSA).
• Frontline Research Infrastructure: Features high-throughput gene sequencing facilities, climate change simulation chambers, transmission electron microscopes, tissue culture units, nuclear research labs, and extensive field experiment plots.
• National Library of Agricultural Sciences: Houses the finest collection of agricultural literature in South Asia, including over 600,000 volumes, rare historical records, and full digital journal access.
• Pusa Krishi Incubator: Houses a dedicated technology business incubator (TBI) supporting agri-tech start-ups, commercialization of patents, and student entrepreneurship ventures.

Career Opportunities and Placement Presence at ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute

IARI graduates hold high prestige across government scientific cadres, multinational agricultural corporations, international research centers, and academia:

• Scientific & Civil Services: A majority of doctoral graduates join the prestigious Agricultural Research Service (ARS) as scientists under ICAR institutes, or enter civil services, state agricultural universities, and NABARD.
• Key Recruiting Sectors:
• Global Seed & Biotech Corporations: Syngenta, Bayer CropScience, Corteva Agriscience, Advanta, UPL, Rasi Seeds, Mahyco.
• Agrochemicals & Plant Protection: BASF, Dhanuka Agritech, FMC Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical.
• Agri-Banking & Consultancies: NABARD, Nationalized Banks (Agricultural Field Officer roles), PwC Agri-consulting, Ernst & Young.
• International Research Organizations: CGIAR centers (IRRI, CIMMYT, ICRISAT, IFPRI) and global universities for post-doctoral positions.

Why Choose ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi?

Choosing IARI New Delhi means enrolling in India's top-ranked agriculture institute (NIRF Rank #1) with a historic legacy of leading the Green Revolution. The university offers access to cutting-edge biotechnological and field research facilities, direct mentorship under top scientists, fully subsidized fees, and generous central fellowships. Situated in the capital city of New Delhi, IARI offers an unrivaled academic ecosystem for scholars aiming to lead agricultural science, technology development, and food security policy globally.

• Fellowships & Financial Aid:
  • All candidates admitted through ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) receive ICAR-JRF/SRF fellowships or institutional fellowships (approx. INR 31,000 to INR 35,000/month plus HRA).
  • Master’s students securing top merit ranks are awarded the ICAR PG Scholarship / NTS (National Talent Scholarship) of approx. INR 12,600/month.
  • Hostel Accommodation: On-campus hostel housing is provided to all admitted outstation post-graduate scholars. Annual hostel rent and amenity fees range between INR 10,000 and INR 15,000, plus actual dining mess charges.

ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute FAQs 

Q1. Is IARI New Delhi a government institute?

Yes, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) is a premier central government institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, holding Deemed-to-be University status.

Q2. How can I get admission to M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs at IARI?

Admissions to M.Sc. and M.Tech. programs are conducted based on ICAR AIEEA (PG) scores, while Ph.D. admissions require qualifying the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Q3. What is the NIRF ranking of IARI New Delhi?

IARI consistently holds the Rank 1 position in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category under the NIRF Rankings published by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Q4. What is the fee structure and fellowship status at IARI?

Annual academic fees range between INR 28,000 and INR 32,000 per year. Most Ph.D. and Master's scholars receive monthly fellowships (such as ICAR-JRF/SRF or NTS) to support their living and research expenses.

Q5. Are hostel facilities available for students on campus?

Yes, IARI provides fully residential campus accommodation with separate hostels for male and female postgraduate scholars, equipped with modern mess, library, and internet amenities.