If you’re gearing up to grab one of the 5,000+ agriculture seats available in India this year, this is your go-to guide for the ICAR UG Counselling 2025. This crucial process opens the door to undergraduate agriculture courses at 74 universities nationwide. Whether fresh out of high school or mentoring future agri-professionals, this friendly but thorough guide breaks down the counselling process, registration steps, important deadlines, seat details, and expert tips to boost your chances of success.
Let’s get into what ICAR UG Counselling 2025 is, why it matters, and how to ace the admission journey.
Table of Contents
What Is ICAR UG Counselling 2025?
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, aka ICAR, is the apex body guiding agricultural education and research in India. Since its establishment in 1929, ICAR has played a critical role in shaping the country’s agrarian development by fostering education, innovation, and policy-making in agriculture and allied fields.
Every year, ICAR conducts undergraduate admissions for agriculture-related courses through an online counselling system. From 2023 onwards, admission is based on performance in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This move standardized the admission process, increasing transparency and fairness.
ICAR UG Counselling 2025 lets candidates secure seats for courses like B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Forestry, Food Nutrition, and Agricultural Engineering across 74 universities that uphold rigorous academic and research standards. If agriculture and allied sciences are your passion or career goal, this counselling is your gateway.
Key Highlights of ICAR UG Counselling 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Seats Available | 6,002+ seats across 74 Agricultural Universities |
| Most Popular Course | B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture (3,121 seats) |
| Other Courses Offered | Horticulture, Fisheries, Forestry, Food Nutrition, Agricultural Engineering |
| Counselling Rounds | 4 regular rounds + 1 mop-up round |
| Registration Dates | September 2 to September 10, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | CUET UG results declared July 4, 2025 |
| Eligibility | 50%+ in Class 12 Science stream, CUET UG qualified, Indian citizenship |
| Reservation Quota (%) | SC-15%, ST-7.5%, OBC-27%, EWS-10%, PwBD-5% |
| Official Website | https://icarcounseling.com |
Why ICAR UG Counselling 2025 Is a Big Deal
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy and a keystone for global food security. Beyond the traditional view of farming, the sector today is vibrant with potential in biotechnology, agribusiness, sustainability, and more. ICAR’s programs arm the next generation with skills to innovate, lead, and solve pressing agricultural challenges.
Getting admission through ICAR UG Counselling means you join elite institutions offering hands-on research, modern curricula, and strong government ties. The merit-centric process not only ensures fairness but positions candidates for successful careers in government, academia, private industry, or entrepreneurship.
Step-by-Step Guide to ICAR UG Counselling 2025
ICAR-UG-ONLINE-COUNSELING-BROCHURE-2025-Revised-7.pdf
Step 1: Clear the CUET UG Exam
Your ICAR UG journey begins by appearing and qualifying in the CUET UG exam, focusing on core science subjects that match your desired course. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Agriculture/Mathematics are critical. Your CUET performance determines your rank and eligibility.
Step 2: Register on the Official Portal
From September 2 to 10, 2025, visit icarcounseling.com to register. Fill accurate personal details and upload digital copies of necessary documents such as:
- Class 10 and 12 Mark sheets
- CUET admit card
- Category and domicile certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photograph
After reviewing, pay the registration fee online (about INR 500). Save your login details for future counselling steps.
Step 3: Fill and Lock Your Choices
Within the counselling portal, carefully select and prioritize courses and universities as per your preferences. This is a critical phase—your choices influence seat allotment. Use official seat matrices to research options and lock choices by deadline. No changes are allowed after locking.
Step 4: Document Verification & Seat Allotment
During all counselling rounds (four regular + a mop-up round), seats are allotted based on merit rank, category reservation, and your choice preferences. Uploaded documents undergo verification by universities. Keep an eye on notifications for document re-submissions or clarifications if needed.
Step 5: Confirm Admission & Reporting
Once allotted a seat, confirm by paying the admission fee and reporting to the allotted university within deadlines. For students not satisfied or unallotted seats, subsequent counselling rounds offer additional chances.
Popular Courses & Seat Distribution in ICAR UG Counselling 2025
The seat matrix guides candidates on availability:
| Course | Number of Seats Available |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture | 3,121 |
| B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture | 774 |
| Bachelor of Fisheries Sciences | 307 |
| B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry | 275 |
| B.Sc. (Hons.) Community Science | 252 |
| B.Sc. (Hons.) Food Nutrition | 80 |
| B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering | 384 |
| B.Tech. Dairy Technology | 215 |
| B.Tech. Food Technology | 262 |
This diversity means you can pursue your preferred niche within agricultural sciences. For full and updated seat matrices, check the official brochure on the counselling website.
Eligibility Criteria for ICAR UG Counselling 2025
To participate, candidates must satisfy:
- Nationality: Indian citizen only.
- Age: Generally below 25 years as of August 31, 2025 (verify specific university rules).
- Academic: Minimum 50% in Class 12 Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Agriculture/Maths). Relaxed to 40% for SC/ST/PwD.
- Exam: Qualified in relevant CUET UG subjects aligned to the chosen course.
Only candidates meeting these criteria are allowed to register and fill choices during counselling.
Career Prospects After ICAR UG Courses
Graduating from top ICAR-affiliated universities opens doors to careers that matter:
- Government roles: Agricultural officers, research scientists, extension workers in ICAR and state departments.
- Private sector: Positions in agri-tech startups, food processing companies, seed production, dairy and livestock management.
- Research and academia: Opportunities to innovate in crop genetics, soil science, sustainable farming, and policy research.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting organic farms, agro-tourism ventures, consultancy firms that enhance modern farming efficiency.
These fields offer job stability, competitive pay, and positions that impact India’s food and sustainability future.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Understanding finances is crucial for many students. ICAR supports aspirants via merit-based scholarships and reserved-quota scholarships. Additional schemes for minorities and tribal candidates are available to ease education funding burdens. Stay updated about eligibility and application on the official ICAR site’s scholarship section.
Important Dates Timeline for ICAR UG Counselling 2025
| Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| CUET UG Exam | June 2025 (tentative) |
| CUET UG Result Declaration | July 4, 2025 |
| Counselling Registration | September 2–10, 2025 |
| Choice Filling | September 2–15, 2025 |
| First Round Seat Allotment | September 18, 2025 |
| Subsequent Counselling Rounds | September 25, October 5, October 15, 2025 |
| Mop-Up Round | October 25, 2025 (If required) |
Always cross-check dates on official platforms as schedules can adjust slightly.
CUET UG Exam Preparation Tips
To set yourself up for success in CUET UG:
- Dive deep into NCERT textbooks for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Agriculture.
- Take timed mock tests to build confidence and improve speed.
- Use official sample papers and past question compilations released by NTA.
- Stay balanced; ensure rest and mental prep for exam day focus.
Good CUET performance is the foundation for a smooth ICAR counselling process.
Alternatives If You Miss ICAR Counselling
In case ICAR counselling does not work out:
- Apply directly to state agricultural universities or deemed universities with separate admission.
- Consider private agricultural colleges recognized by UGC or ICAR.
- Explore diploma or certificate courses that can later aid lateral entry into degree programs.
- Reattempt CUET UG next year with improved preparation to try again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is counselling fully online?
Yes. Access everything via ICAR Admission Counseling 2025-26
Can non-CUET qualified students apply?
No. CUET qualification is mandatory.
How many counselling rounds are there?
Four regular rounds plus a mop-up round for leftover seats.
What documents do candidates need?
Marksheets, admit cards, caste certificates if applicable, domicile proof, photos.
Are reservations applicable?
Yes: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 27%, EWS 10%, PwBD 5%.
Contact and Support
Candidates can seek assistance via:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-572-9877
- Official Help Desk Portal: icarcounselling.com/HelpDesk
Conclusion
ICAR UG Counselling 2025 is the launchpad to a meaningful and impactful career in agriculture and allied sciences. By mastering the steps—from CUET preparation to choice filling and document verification—aspirants can secure seats at leading institutes across India. The agricultural sector beckons those ready to innovate and lead, making this counselling your stepping stone.
Start your journey today on the official ICAR counselling site and cultivate your future in agriculture!
