Overview

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), popularly known as KAU, is a State Agricultural University established in 1971. It is located in Thrissur, Kerala, India. The university operates primarily from its main campus in Mannuthy, Thrissur district, with several regional campuses across Kerala.

Kerala Agricultural University is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It holds accreditation from the NAAC with a Grade A (Cycle 3) awarded in 2023. The university is also a member of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Official website: https://www.kau.in

Quick Facts

• Founder Vice-Chancellor: Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-01
• Current Vice-Chancellor: Dr. Roy Varghese
• Student Count: Approximately 3,000+ (UG, PG & PhD)
• Departments/Faculties: 14 faculties including Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Horticulture, Agribusiness
  
• Contact Info: Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara - 680656, Thrissur, Kerala
  Phone: +91-487-2438130, Email: vc@kau.in
• NAAC Grade: A (2023)
• NIRF Agricultural Universities Ranking 2023: Ranked among top 10 agricultural universities in India (source)

Courses & Programs

• Faculties: Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Horticulture, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Engineering
• Popular UG Courses: B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture (4 years), B.V.Sc. & A.H. (5.5 years), B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering) (4 years)
• Popular PG Courses: M.Sc. Agriculture, M.V.Sc., M.Tech (1.5-2 years)
• Diploma & PhD: Diploma in Agriculture, PhD programs across disciplines
• Mode: Regular (Full-time)
• Intake: Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-01

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Mainly through Kerala Agricultural University Entrance Tests and Kerala Professional Colleges Admission (Kerala-PET), based on merit.
• Accepted Exams: Kerala-PET, ICAR AIEEA for UG/PG, state CET for relevant courses
• Typical Timeline: Applications open in May-June, exams in July, counseling July-August
• Admission Page: https://www.kau.in/admissions
• Step-by-Step Apply:
  1. Register online on the official KAU admissions portal or through Kerala state CET website.
  2. Fill application form and upload required documents.
  3. Pay application fee online.
  4. Appear for entrance test if applicable.
  5. Participate in counseling for seat allotment.
  6. Complete admission formalities and pay fees.

Eligibility

• B.Sc. Agriculture: Passed 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics), minimum 50% aggregate
• B.V.Sc. & A.H: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology & English, minimum 50%
• PG Courses: Relevant UG degree with minimum 55% marks
• Age: Minimum 17 years as on 31 December of admission year
• Documents Required: 10th & 12th Marksheet, Transfer Certificate, Domicile Certificate, Entrance Admit Card, Passport size photos

Fee & Scholarships

• UG Fees (Tuition): Approx. ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per year
• Hostel Fees: ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per year
• Exam Fees: ₹2,000 approx.
• Scholarships: Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories, merit-based scholarships, and need-based financial aids available through Central and State Government portals

Placements

• Placement Percentage: Around 70% of eligible students placed
• Average CTC: ₹3.5 LPA
• Highest CTC: ₹7 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Fertilizer companies, Seed companies, Banks, Agribusiness firms
• Placement Cell: https://www.kau.in/placement
• Internships: Mandatory internships with leading agriculture & allied industry partners

Campus & Facilities

• Multiple hostels for boys and girls with mess facilities
• State-of-the-art laboratories and research farms
• Central Library with vast collection of agricultural resources
• Sports facilities including cricket, football, volleyball courts
• 24x7 Wi-Fi enabled campus
• Healthcare Centre on campus
• Transport facilities connecting city and regional campuses
• Active student clubs and cultural fests such as KAU Fest and Agri Tech Expo

Faculty & Research

• Experienced faculty members with doctorates and research credentials
• Research Centres: Centre for Plant Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering Division, Animal Health Research
• Funding: Sponsored projects from ICAR, Dept of Science & Technology, Kerala State Govt.
• Patents: Multiple agricultural innovations patented by faculty
• MoUs: Collaborations with national and international agricultural research institutes

Rankings

• NIRF Agricultural Universities 2023: Top 10 (source)
• NAAC Grade: A (2023) (source)
• India Today (2023): Ranked among top 5 state agricultural universities (Not officially confirmed on sources)

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

Published annually on the official admission portal: https://www.kau.in/admissions

• Cut-off Scores: Varies by category (General/OBC/SC/ST), typically 60-80% marks in entrance tests
• Seat Matrix: Available in admission brochure each year

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (approx. 50 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station (approx. 13 km)
• Local Transit: State Transport buses, autos, taxis connect campus with Thrissur city and surrounding areas

FAQs

1. Q: How can I apply for UG courses at Kerala Agricultural University?
   A: Apply online through KAU admission portal or Kerala-PET website between May-June every year.
2. Q: What entrance exams are required for admission?
   A: Kerala-PET is the primary entrance test; some PG courses require ICAR AIEEA.
3. Q: Are distance education courses offered?
   A: Currently, KAU offers mostly regular/full-time programs.
4. Q: What scholarships are available?
   A: SC/ST/OBC/EWS scholarships, merit-based awards, and government schemes are available.
5. Q: Is hostel accommodation guaranteed?
   A: Hostel seats are limited and allocated on merit and reservation basis.
6. Q: What is the fee structure for B.Sc. Agriculture?
   A: Tuition fees range between ₹20,000-₹40,000 per year excluding hostel expenses.
7. Q: Does KAU provide placement assistance?
   A: Yes, the Placement Cell facilitates training, internships, and campus recruitments.
8. Q: Where can I find updated cut-off marks?
   A: Visit the official admission page: https://www.kau.in/admissions
9. Q: What documents are required at admission?
   A: Mark sheets, TC, ID proof, domicile certificate, entrance admit card, passport photos.
10. Q: Can NRIs apply?
    A: Yes, NRIs can apply through the prescribed admission mode (details on official site).