Indian Agricultural Research Institute (KRISHI PUSHA) New Delhi.

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), popularly known as the Pusa Institute, continues to be India's premier institution for agricultural research, education, and extension. Located in the heart of New Delhi, it holds the status of a Deemed-to-be University under the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).

• Established: 1905 (Shifted to Delhi in 1936)
• Campus Area: Approximately 1200 acres of lush green landscape in West Delhi.
• Status: National Importance / Deemed University.
• Key Focus: Advanced research in Genetics, Agronomy, and Soil Science.
• Innovation Hub: Home to the Zonal Technology Management and Business Planning and Development (ZTM-BPD) Unit, fostering agri-startups in the Delhi-NCR region.
• 2026 Vision: Integration of AI and Precision Farming into the core curriculum to meet global climate challenges.

While traditionally known for postgraduate excellence, IARI has successfully expanded its undergraduate portfolio. The most sought-after programmes for 2026 include:

• B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture: A flagship four-year program introducing students to modern farming techniques and agri-business.
• M.Sc. in Plant Genetic Resources: Highly competitive, focusing on biodiversity and crop improvement.
• M.Sc. in Entomology: Specialized study of insects in relation to agriculture and environment.
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A research-intensive program with access to world-class laboratories.
• M.Sc. in Agricultural Statistics: Gaining popularity due to the rise of Data Science in the agricultural sector.

Admissions at IARI New Delhi are strictly merit-based, primarily conducted through national-level entrance examinations. For the 2026 academic cycle, the following process applies:

• Undergraduate (B.Sc.): Selection is based on the CUET (ICAR-UG) scores conducted by the NTA.
• Postgraduate (M.Sc./M.Tech): Admission is through the ICAR AIEEA (PG) examination.
• Doctoral (Ph.D.): Candidates must clear the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) exam followed by an interview.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

IARI remains the top choice for ICAR aspirants, resulting in very high cutoffs. For 2026, the expected trends are:

• B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture: Requires a percentile above 98.5 in CUET for General category candidates.
• M.Sc. Programs: Usually, only candidates within the top 100-150 All India Ranks (AIR) in their respective subjects secure a seat at the Delhi campus.
• Ph.D. Programs: Admission is highly specific to the number of vacancies per division; usually, a top 10 rank in the subject group is necessary.

Note: Cutoffs vary significantly between disciplines like Genetics (highest) and Agricultural Extension.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

Placements in 2025 saw a robust demand for IARI graduates, particularly in the R&D and Corporate Agri-sectors. The Placement Cell facilitates interactions with top multinational and domestic firms.

• Highest Package: INR 18-22 LPA (offered by international agro-chemical firms).
• Average Package: INR 8.5 - 10 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, ITC Agribusiness, NABARD, National Seeds Corporation, and various Food Processing giants.
• Sector-wise: 40% in R&D, 30% in Banking/Finance (Agri-priority sector), 20% in Government/PSUs, and 10% in Agri-startups.

IARI provides extensive financial support to ensure that merit is not hindered by financial constraints.

• ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS): Awarded to UG and PG students admitted through the All India Entrance.
• IARI Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): Provided to Ph.D. scholars not receiving other fellowships, valued at approximately INR 31,000 - 35,000 per month plus HRA.
• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): For M.Sc. students based on entrance merit.
• Post-Graduate School Merit Scholarship: Specifically for meritorious students from economically weaker sections.

The institute offers 26 different disciplines. The most popular ones are:

• Genetics and Plant Breeding: The department responsible for the Green Revolution varieties.
• Agronomy: Focuses on crop production and soil management.
• Agricultural Economics: High demand in policy-making and banking sectors.
• Plant Pathology: Study of plant diseases and their control.
• Horticulture: Specializations in Floriculture, Pomology, and Post-harvest technology.

IARI is a government-funded institution, making its fee structure highly affordable for students from all backgrounds.

Note: Fees exclude hostel and mess charges, which are also heavily subsidized.

The application process for 2026 is entirely digital:

1. Visit the official NTA ICAR website (exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/).
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the application form selecting "IARI New Delhi" as a preferred choice (during counseling).
4. Upload scanned documents (Photo, Signature, Thumb impression).
5. Pay the application fee via online banking or UPI.
6. Download the confirmation page for future reference during the counseling process.

IARI boasts some of the most advanced agricultural infrastructure in Asia:

• National Agricultural Library: The largest of its kind in India with over 6 lakh volumes.
• Phytotron Facility: Controlled environment chambers for studying plant growth under various climatic conditions.
• Hostels: Separate hostels for boys and girls (e.g., Hemant, Shishir) with modern amenities and mess facilities.
• Experimental Farms: Over 500 hectares of land dedicated to field trials and crop research.
• Smart Classrooms: Equipped with high-speed internet and digital teaching aids.

The institute is divided into several specialized divisions:

• School of Crop Improvement: Genetics, Seed Science, Plant Genetic Resources.
• School of Plant Protection: Entomology, Plant Pathology, Nematology.
• School of Natural Resource Management: Agronomy, Soil Science, Microbiology.
• School of Basic Sciences: Biochemistry, Plant Physiology.
• School of Social Sciences: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension.
• School of Engineering: Agricultural Engineering, Water Science and Technology.