Punjab Agricultural University

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was established in 1962 in Ludhiana, Punjab, to serve the agricultural needs of the region. It is the third-oldest agricultural university in India and has played a significant role in advancing the Green Revolution in the country. PAU was officially inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1963. The university is a public-funded institution, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of agriculture, engineering, and home sciences.
 

PAU operates six constituent colleges, including the College of Agriculture, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, and College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, among others. The university offers 43 Master’s and 29 PhD programs, in addition to 11 undergraduate programs in disciplines like B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture and Horticulture. The university has been instrumental in increasing food production in Punjab and has developed numerous high-yielding crop varieties, such as the first hybrid grain pearl millet and the Bt cotton variety PAU Bt 1. PAU has also made advancements in farm mechanisation and apiculture, leading to significant contributions in the state’s agriculture sector.
 

The university has 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and 14 Farmers' Advisory Service Centres (FASCs) across Punjab, extending valuable services to farmers. Its research in soil reclamation, seed production, and pest management has improved agricultural practices and boosted the state’s productivity. PAU has been recognised for its research excellence and received several awards, including the Best Agricultural University Award in 1995.

PAU has produced notable alumni who have held prestigious positions in national and international agricultural organisations. The university continues to collaborate with global research institutions to enhance agricultural innovation and education. Its contributions to food security, rural development, and sustainable farming practices make it a key player in the agricultural sector.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was established in 1962 in Ludhiana, Punjab, to address the agricultural needs of the state. It was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on July 8, 1962. The university's establishment was a significant milestone in the development of agriculture in India, especially in Punjab, which played a crucial role in the Green Revolution. The aim of the university was to impart agricultural education and conduct research to improve farming practices, particularly to address food security and enhance agricultural productivity.
 

PAU was initially founded to serve the state of Punjab, but its impact soon expanded, as its research and innovations became central to the growth of agriculture in India. In 1967, the university pioneered the Green Revolution in the country by introducing high-yielding crop varieties and modern farming techniques. This revolution helped increase food production significantly in Punjab, leading to the state becoming a major contributor to India's food supply.
 

In 1970, a significant event occurred when the Haryana Agricultural University was created from the PAU, following the bifurcation of the state of Punjab. PAU continued to grow and expand, adding more colleges and institutes. In 2005, the university was further restructured, and the College of Veterinary Sciences became part of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).

Over the years, PAU has developed numerous high-yielding crop varieties, including the first hybrid grain pearl millet and the Bt cotton variety PAU Bt 1. The university has been a leader in research, particularly in the fields of farm mechanisation, apiculture, and soil reclamation. PAU has also contributed significantly to the development of integrated pest management practices and the improvement of seed production in the state. Its research in these areas has had a profound effect on agricultural productivity and has helped address the challenges of food security.
 

The university has made strides in offering a wide range of academic programs. It currently offers 43 Master's and 29 PhD programs, along with 11 undergraduate programs in agriculture, horticulture, and other related fields. PAU has maintained strong links with national and international research institutions, collaborating with organisations such as ICAR, CIMMYT, IRRI, and various universities around the world to foster research and innovation in agriculture.

The university also plays a significant role in supporting farmers through its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farmers' Advisory Service Centres (FASCs) across Punjab. These centres provide valuable support and guidance to farmers, helping them adopt modern agricultural practices and improve their livelihoods.
 

PAU's contributions to agriculture have been widely recognised. It was awarded the Best Agricultural University title in 1995 by ICAR and has received numerous other accolades for its role in advancing agricultural education and research. The university’s research scientists have also been instrumental in the development of crop cultivation in non-conventional seasons and the promotion of sustainable farming practices.

Today, PAU continues to lead in agricultural education, research, and extension services, with a focus on addressing the current challenges faced by farmers. It remains a central figure in the agricultural landscape of Punjab and India, helping to ensure food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The university’s achievements are reflected in its high national and global rankings, including its ranking as one of the top agricultural institutions in India. PAU’s ongoing work includes advancing farm technologies, improving crop productivity, and continuing its strong role in agricultural extension and training.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) offers a wide range of academic programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These programs cover various fields related to agriculture, engineering, home sciences, and basic sciences. The university is dedicated to providing quality education that prepares students for the challenges of the agricultural sector and other related industries.

At the undergraduate level, PAU offers 11 degree programs across several disciplines. The most prominent among them is the B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, which is a four-year program that covers a variety of subjects related to plant and soil sciences, agricultural economics, crop management, and pest control. Another key undergraduate program is B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture, which focuses on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. The university also offers a B.Tech program in Agricultural Engineering, which is designed for students interested in the application of engineering principles to agriculture. Additionally, the College of Basic Sciences & Humanities offers a Bachelor of Science in Home Science, which covers various aspects of human nutrition, food science, and family resource management.
 

At the postgraduate level, PAU offers a range of Master’s programs. The M.Sc Agriculture program is one of the most sought-after, with specialisations in areas like Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Soil Science, and Agricultural Economics. Students also have the opportunity to pursue M.Sc in Horticulture, focusing on advanced research and development in fruit and vegetable production. Another popular program is the M.Sc in Agricultural Engineering, where students can specialise in areas such as Farm Machinery, Soil and Water Conservation, and Irrigation Engineering.
 

PAU also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Agriculture, designed for students who wish to combine agricultural expertise with business management skills. This program covers topics such as agricultural marketing, rural development, financial management, and supply chain management. The university’s postgraduate offerings are designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical experience in the field of agriculture and its allied sectors.

For those interested in further research and academic development, PAU offers a variety of PhD programs in disciplines such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Soil Science, and Home Science. The PhD programs are designed for students who want to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovations in agriculture and related fields. The university’s research-oriented approach provides students with the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct impact on the agricultural sector.

The university also provides a wide range of short-term courses and training programs for farmers, extension workers, and industry professionals. These courses are designed to enhance practical knowledge and skills in areas such as farm management, pest control, crop production, and agricultural marketing. PAU’s extension services play a key role in transferring knowledge to farmers, helping them adopt modern agricultural practices and improve productivity.

In addition to its core academic programs, PAU offers various certificate courses, workshops, and vocational training to help students develop specialised skills in agriculture and rural development. These courses are particularly useful for individuals looking to enhance their career prospects or start their own agricultural ventures.

• Best Global Universities: Ranked 1832nd globally (tied).
• Best Global Universities in Asia: Ranked 719th (tied).
• Best Global Universities in India: Ranked 73rd.
• Agricultural Institutions/Universities (ICAR): Ranked 3rd in India.
• Undergraduate Programs in Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Ranked 434th in India.
• Postgraduate Programs in Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Ranked 467th in India.
• State Universities (NIRF): Ranked 7th among all state-funded universities in India.
• Overall University (NIRF): Ranked 24th in India.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has a robust placement record, with a significant number of students securing positions in reputable organisations. In the 2023–2025 academic cycle, the university achieved a placement rate of approximately 56.49%, with 87 students placed out of 154 eligible candidates. The median salary offered was approximately $5,080 per annum, reflecting the university's strong industry connections and the employability of its graduates.

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