![Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir - [SKUAST]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/uv25573.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is a state agricultural university established in 1982 by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and follows the land-grant pattern of the State Agricultural University system.
As per NIRF Agriculture and Allied Sectors 2025, SKUAST-K is ranked 7th among 78 agricultural universities in India and 3rd among 74 State Agricultural Universities in the country.
The university operates across a multi-campus network in the Kashmir Valley, with the main campus at Shalimar, Srinagar, spanning 560 acres (227 hectares). Constituent campuses are located at Sopore, Shuhama (Ganderbal), Rangil (Ganderbal), Benhama (Ganderbal), and Mirgund (Baramulla). Together, these host 7 faculties and colleges and serve over 12,000 students.
- B.Sc Hons Agriculture (4 years) at Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sopore, with disciplines across Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, and Agricultural Economics
- B.Sc Hons Horticulture (4 years) at Faculty of Horticulture, Shalimar
- B.Sc Hons Forestry (4 years) at Faculty of Forestry, Benhama
- B.Sc Hons Sericulture (4 years) at College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund
- Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc) (4 years) at Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc and AH) (5 years) at Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama
- B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering, Biotechnology, Dairy Technology, Food Technology, Artificial Intelligence) - 4 years at College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Shalimar
- B.Sc (Biochemistry, Microbiology) - 3 years
- PG programmes: M.Sc across 50+ agricultural disciplines, MFSc, MVSc, M.Tech, and ME
- Doctoral programmes: PhD across 55 disciplines in agriculture, veterinary science, forestry, and fisheries
The total fees for B.Sc Hons Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Sericulture, BFSc, and most B.Tech programmes is INR 1.74 Lakhs for the full 4-year duration under the general category. BVSc and AH fees are INR 2.09 Lakhs over 5 years. M.Sc and MFSc programme fees range from INR 54,500 to INR 71,400 for the complete 2-year programme.
SKUAST-K graduates enter careers in government agricultural departments, ICAR research institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agribusiness companies, and veterinary services. The university maintains Career Counselling and Placement Cells (CCPC) at each faculty to facilitate industry and government sector connect.
SKUAST-K Admission Dates 2026
SKUAST-K admissions for the 2026-27 session are governed by ICAR AIEEA for the 15 percent All India Quota and by the SKUAST-K University Entrance Test (UET) and CUET for the 85 percent J&K state domicile quota. BVSc and AH admissions run through VCI-directed counselling. The 2026 UG counselling cycle is currently active with registration open for multiple rounds.
| Event | 2026-27 Status / Dates |
|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA UG Application Window | 16 April 2026 to 10 May 2026 |
| ICAR AIEEA UG Entrance Exam | 31 May 2026 (tentative) |
| SKUAST-K UG Counselling Registration | Currently Open (domicile and NRI-sponsored categories - free registration) |
| Masters and PhD Provisional Seat Allotment (Autumn 2026) | Announced - check official portal for reporting dates |
| Academic Session Start | Autumn 2026 |
Admission eligibility and entrance exam requirements differ across programme families. The table below maps each programme to the relevant entrance exam.
| Programme | Quota | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc Hons Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Sericulture / BFSc / B.Tech (Ag Engineering, Biotech, Dairy Tech, Food Tech) | 15% AIQ | ICAR AIEEA UG |
| B.Sc Hons Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry / BFSc / B.Tech | 85% State Quota (J&K Domicile) | SKUAST-K UET or CUET |
| BVSc and AH | AIQ and State Quota | NEET UG (VCI counselling) |
| M.Sc / MFSc / MVSc / M.Tech / ME | AIQ and State Quota | ICAR AIEEA PG |
| PhD | AIQ and State Quota | ICAR JRF / SKUAST-K Entrance Test |
SKUAST-K Courses and Fees
SKUAST-K offers over 14 UG programmes, 65 PG disciplines, and 55 doctoral disciplines across agriculture, veterinary science, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, and agricultural engineering. The total fees for most 4-year UG programmes under the general category is INR 1.74 Lakhs, making SKUAST-K among the most affordable agricultural universities in India for J&K domicile candidates.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General Category) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc Hons Agriculture | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% aggregate (40% for reserved) | INR 1.74 Lakhs |
| B.Sc Hons Horticulture | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% aggregate | INR 1.74 Lakhs |
| B.Sc Hons Forestry | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% aggregate | INR 1.74 Lakhs |
| B.Sc Hons Sericulture | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% aggregate | INR 1.74 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc) | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% aggregate | INR 1.74 Lakhs |
| BVSc and AH | 5 years | 10+2 with PCB, 50% aggregate + valid NEET UG score | INR 2.09 Lakhs |
| B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering / Biotechnology / Dairy Technology / Food Technology) | 4 years | 10+2 with PCM, 50% aggregate | INR 1.74 Lakhs |
| B.Sc (Biochemistry / Microbiology) | 3 years | 10+2 with PCB, 50% aggregate | INR 1.36 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Agriculture and allied disciplines) | 2 years | Relevant UG degree with minimum 60% aggregate | INR 54,500 to INR 71,400 |
| MFSc / MVSc / M.Tech / ME | 2 years | Relevant UG degree in respective discipline | INR 54,500 to INR 71,400 |
| PhD (all disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | Relevant PG degree, valid ICAR JRF or SKUAST-K entrance | Nominal per semester |
SKUAST-K’s B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence is a newer addition with a distinct fee structure. The university offers specialised programmes in temperate sericulture and temperate horticulture, which are unique to the Kashmir agro-climatic zone and not widely available at other Indian agricultural universities.
SKUAST-K Admission Process
UG Programmes (B.Sc Hons Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Sericulture, BFSc, B.Tech)
SKUAST-K follows a dual-quota system for UG admissions. 15 percent of seats are filled through the ICAR AIEEA All India Quota, with counselling managed by ICAR. The remaining 85 percent are reserved for J&K domicile candidates, admitted through SKUAST-K UET or CUET scores.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics and at least 50 percent aggregate marks (40 percent for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- Stage 1: Appear in ICAR AIEEA UG (for AIQ) or SKUAST-K UET or CUET (for state quota)
- Stage 2: Online counselling registration on the SKUAST-K portal
- Stage 3: Choice filling of faculty and programme preferences
- Stage 4: Provisional seat allotment based on merit rank and choice
- Stage 5: Document verification and fee payment for admission confirmation
The closing rank for J&K General Category candidates in B.Sc Hons Agriculture and Horticulture through state quota typically depends on domicile status and CUET scores. NRI-sponsored category seats are also available with a higher fee structure.
BVSc and AH
Admission to BVSc and AH at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, is governed by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). Candidates must have a valid NEET UG score.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and at least 50 percent aggregate
- Valid NEET UG score is mandatory
- Counselling is conducted by VCI for the AIQ and by the state authority for J&K domicile quota seats
PG Programmes (M.Sc, MFSc, MVSc, M.Tech, ME)
PG admissions are primarily through the ICAR AIEEA PG examination for the national quota, with SKUAST-K conducting its own entrance test for domicile quota seats. Candidates need a relevant UG degree with a minimum 60 percent aggregate.
- Valid ICAR AIEEA PG score or SKUAST-K PG Entrance Test
- Online registration followed by counselling and seat allotment on the SKUAST-K portal
- Provisional seat allotments for Autumn 2026 intake have been released
PhD Programmes
SKUAST-K offers PhD across 55 disciplines. Candidates with a valid ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are given preference. The university also conducts its own doctoral entrance test for candidates without JRF.
- Eligibility: Relevant PG degree with minimum 60 percent aggregate
- Preference to ICAR JRF holders
- Written test followed by interview for shortlisted candidates
SKUAST-K Placements and Career Outcomes
SKUAST-K functions as a government agricultural university without a conventional campus placement model. Graduates pursue careers across government agricultural services, ICAR research institutes, agribusiness companies, and veterinary and forest services. The university operates Career Counselling and Placement Cells (CCPC) at each faculty to connect students with recruiters and research opportunities.
BVSc and AH graduates from the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences primarily enter the J&K Veterinary Services cadre or pursue MVSc at ICAR and SAU institutes. B.Tech graduates in Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology find placements with food processing companies, agri-input firms, and government departments. B.Sc Agriculture and Horticulture graduates predominantly join state agricultural departments, KVKs, or clear ICAR JRF to continue as researchers.
| Career Pathway | Typical Entry Role | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Government Agricultural Services | Agricultural Development Officer (ADO), Horticulture Development Officer | J&K Government and Central Government |
| ICAR Research Institutes | JRF or SRF (via ICAR JRF exam) | Research and Development |
| Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) | Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) | Agricultural Extension |
| Agribusiness and Food Companies | Territory Manager, Quality Analyst, R&D Associate | Private Sector |
| J&K Veterinary Services | Veterinary Assistant Surgeon | Government Veterinary Department |
| Forest Department | Forest Guard, Range Forest Officer (after competitive exam) | State Forest Services |
| Entrepreneurship | Agri-startup, Nursery and Orchard enterprise | Self-employment |
The university’s location in the Kashmir Valley gives graduates a strong regional advantage in temperate horticulture, saffron cultivation, walnut and apple orchard management, and sericulture, which are niche agri-sectors with active government and private sector recruitment in J&K and Himachal Pradesh.
SKUAST-K Rankings
SKUAST-K participates in the NIRF ranking under the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category. Its 2025 ranking of 7th nationally marks a consistent upward trajectory, reflecting the university’s strength in research output, patents, and student outcomes. The university has crossed 100 patents to date and maintains active international collaboration through programmes like LOTUS with Japanese universities.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Agriculture and Allied Sectors | 7 (among 78 universities) | 10 |
| NIRF | Among State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) | 3 (among 74 SAUs) | - |
| NIRF | Overall (all institutions) | 94 | - |
SKUAST-K Campus and Infrastructure
SKUAST-K’s main campus at Shalimar, Srinagar, spans 560 acres and houses the Faculty of Horticulture, the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, the central administrative block, the Central Library, and student hostels. The multi-campus structure spreads the university’s academic operations across five major locations in the Kashmir Valley and extends to Ladakh.
The library system includes 1 Central Library, 5 Faculty and College Libraries, 10 Research Station Libraries, and 8 KVK Libraries. The campus supports separate Boys and Girls hostels with annual hostel fees of INR 11,250 to INR 12,250. The university operates research farms, advanced agricultural laboratories, and a 70-course skill development infrastructure.
The Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at Shuhama runs a teaching veterinary hospital serving the Ganderbal district. The Faculty of Fisheries at Rangil maintains aquaculture research ponds and fish processing facilities on the banks of a major water body. The Temperate Sericulture College at Mirgund is one of the very few institutions in India specifically focused on temperate silk worm rearing, unique to the Baramulla agro-climate.
SKUAST-K vs SKUAST Jammu vs GBPUAT Pantnagar
Candidates shortlisted on ICAR AIEEA UG often compare SKUAST-K with its sister university in Jammu and with G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, which is the largest agricultural university in India. The comparison below covers decision-relevant parameters for UG aspirants.
| Parameter | SKUAST-K, Srinagar | SKUAST Jammu | GBPUAT, Pantnagar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1982 | 1999 | 1960 |
| State | Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu and Kashmir | Uttarakhand |
| NIRF Agriculture 2025 Rank | 7 | 23 | Not available from current sources |
| Flagship UG | B.Sc Hons Agriculture, Horticulture, BVSc and AH | B.Sc Hons Agriculture, B.Tech (Ag Eng) | B.Sc Ag, B.Tech (Ag Eng), BVSc and AH |
| UG Total Fees (General, 4 years) | INR 1.74 Lakhs | Similar structure | Higher - central institution fee norms |
| Campus Type | Multi-campus, Kashmir Valley | Multi-campus, Jammu region | Single large campus, 17,476 acres |
| Specialisation Strength | Temperate Horticulture, Sericulture, Fisheries | Sub-tropical Agriculture, Animal Sciences | Crop Sciences, Ag Engineering, Dairy Technology |
SKUAST-K leads on NIRF ranking among the three and offers programmes in temperate horticulture and sericulture that are unavailable at GBPUAT. GBPUAT has a larger campus, broader engineering offerings, and stronger industry connect in the plains agribusiness sector. SKUAST-J is the natural alternative for J&K domicile candidates who prefer the Jammu-based campuses or sub-tropical agricultural specialisations. Candidates targeting research careers in Kashmir’s unique agro-climatic disciplines find SKUAST-K the strongest fit.
SKUAST-K FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of SKUAST-K in 2025?
Ans. SKUAST-K is ranked 7th in NIRF Agriculture and Allied Sectors 2025 among 78 agricultural universities. It is ranked 3rd among 74 State Agricultural Universities and 94th overall among all institutions ranked by NIRF.
Ques. How does admission to SKUAST-K work for non-J&K students?
Ans. Non-J&K candidates can secure admission through the ICAR AIEEA All India Quota, which constitutes 15 percent of seats. ICAR conducts the national counselling for these seats. The remaining 85 percent of seats are reserved for J&K domicile holders through SKUAST-K UET or CUET.
Ques. What is the total fee for B.Sc Hons Agriculture at SKUAST-K?
Ans. The total fee for B.Sc Hons Agriculture at SKUAST-K is INR 1,73,700 for the full 4-year programme under the general category. Fees are collected year-by-year. NRI-sponsored category candidates are charged at a higher rate.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation available at SKUAST-K?
Ans. Yes, SKUAST-K provides separate Boys and Girls hostels at its campuses. Annual hostel fees are in the range of INR 11,250 to INR 12,250. Each hostel room is provided with a bed, study table, almirah, and fan.
Ques. What career options are available after B.Sc Agriculture from SKUAST-K?
Ans. Graduates can join as Agricultural Development Officers (ADOs) or Horticulture Development Officers in J&K government. They can also clear the ICAR JRF exam to pursue research careers at ICAR institutes. Private sector roles in agri-input companies, food processing firms, and orchard management enterprises are also available. Many SKUAST-K graduates pursue M.Sc or PhD to enter academic and research roles.
Ques. Does SKUAST-K offer BVSc and AH, and how is admission done?
Ans. Yes, SKUAST-K offers a 5-year BVSc and AH programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Ganderbal. Admission is based on a valid NEET UG score. Counselling is conducted by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) for the national quota seats and by the state authority for J&K domicile seats.
Ques. Which are the unique programmes offered by SKUAST-K not available at most other agricultural universities?
Ans. SKUAST-K offers B.Sc Hons Sericulture at the College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund, one of the very few institutions in India specialising in temperate silkworm rearing. It also offers a focused B.Sc Hons Horticulture with emphasis on apple, walnut, saffron, and other Kashmir-specific temperate crops, and Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc) with research facilities in cold-water fisheries.
Comments
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Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) does not list any approved distance or correspondence BSc Nursing course. Its UG/PG offerings are in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary/animal sciences, forestry, and allied areas.
The entrance exam at SKUAST-J CET (for undergraduate admissions at SKUAST-Jammu) is a single paper of 3 hours with 180 multiple-choice questions. However, SKUAST’s undergraduate programs listed in public sources are in agriculture, biotechnology, veterinary science, etc., not Nursing.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) offers an M.Sc in Horticulture (and related specialisations) as a postgraduate course. You must have a relevant bachelor’s degree (e.g. B.Sc Horticulture) with minimum required marks (around 60% or equivalent OGPA). Application is through the university’s official admission notification- SKUAST-K issues a public “Admission Bulletin” each year giving details of eligibility, specialisations, seat-intake and entrance
The cut-off merit for payment seats in BVSc. (AH) at SKUAST Srinagar generally varies each year depending on the number of applicants, available seats, and NEET/entrance exam performance. Payment seats usually have a comparatively lower cut-off than regular seats, making admission easier for eligible candidates with moderate scores.
To get admission in BVSc & AH at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, you must qualify NEET UG. Apply through counselling, meet eligibility (PCB in 12th), and participate in seat allotment. Final admission requires document verification and fee payment.
Yes, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) program with seats available under the Self-Finance category, which can be considered as private seats
SKUAST Srinagar releases the application form for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses on the university website. Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria can apply for admission. They have to make a payment of INR 1,500 for UG courses and INR 3000 for PG and PhD courses through credit/debit card/net banking/e-challan generated while filling up the online application form. To get admission to courses at SKUAST Srinagar, candidates are required to apply for the University Entrance Test.
Yes, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) offers fee concessions for students from economically weaker sections (EWS).
You can apply online from the official website of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir for the admissions.
The forms are expected to be released in Mid March at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST). You can visit the official website for the latest notifications.
Kindly contact on SKUAST Srinagar office number- 0194- 2461258 to know the admission updates regarding new form release.
The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir does not offer the scholarships, nut you can apply for the state government scholarships.
Admission to SKUAST Srinagar is done based on University Entrance test only irrespective of Home state/other state students.
Kindly contact on SKUAST Srinagar Office number- 0194-2461258 to know about the admission updates.
Admission to the courses is entrance-based. Interested students are required to apply online by paying the required application fee.
Can you tell me ABOUT exam
To know more on the University entrance exam, you can check out the official page of SKUAST Srinagar Admission 2024.
The first year fee is INR 31,400. The second, third and fourth year fees are the same INR 19,900.
The application form for the entrance exam for SKUAST will be released by February 25th 2024.
Yes, students do get scholarship at this college and you can know more on the same at the page SKUAST Srinagar Scholarship.
Candidates are required to appear in the University Entrance Test conducted by the University to get admission into B.V.Sc at SKUAST Srinagar. Candidates must have qualified higher secondary education (10+2) from a recognized board or university with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) as their compulsory subjects. The seats will be allotted based on available seats in order to merit drawn category wise. Check here for more. SKUAST Admission