After weeks of delay, ICAR to begin counselling process from Sep 2 for UG, PG courses

ICAR counselling fills 20% seats in State Agricultural Universities, 100% in central and deemed agricultural universities, and 20% in central universities such as BHU and Visva-Bharati. Popular courses include BSc Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, and BTech in Agricultural Engineering and Dairy Technology.

The delay has left thousands of students anxious, forcing many to seek backup options in private institutions and state universities where classes are already underway.

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Numerous students, under the condition of anonymity, shared how the uncertain timelines for admission created a tense situation, with many losing out on alternative admission options and missing crucial coursework. In Odisha’s Baripada, a Class 12 graduate with over 80% marks shared that despite aiming for OUAT and reputed central universities, he has had to temporarily enrol in a local BSc programme while waiting for clarity. His parents are worried as state universities have already wrapped up admissions.

In Tripura, another student who initially aspired for IARI has already taken admission in a state-run agricultural college under Tripura University. “People can’t keep waiting for months. Others joined general colleges two months ago, and I too had to take admission,” he said, explaining the pressure to secure a seat somewhere before it’s too late, and they lose a year.

Another candidate from Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district, who had targeted Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry in Himachal Pradesh, has enrolled in a government science college in MP. “Classes there began in July, while we are still waiting for ICAR. By the time counselling happens, state colleges would have already covered half the syllabus,” he pointed out.

In Kolkata, another candidate has opted for a private university in West Bengal. He described how even students scoring above 90% are pushed towards private institutions every year because of the uncertainty. “By February, when admissions finally happen, the first semester is already lost. That backlog is very hard to recover from,” he said.

Acknowledging the concerns, Dr Jena said efforts are being made to streamline admissions. “From the next session, we aim to complete the counselling within six weeks of the CUET results so that classes can start on time,” he added.