Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Samastipur Campus Life

About Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Samastipur

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, established in 1970, is located in Samastipur, Bihar. It is a Central Government agricultural university recognized as an Institution of National Importance by the Government of India. The university operates under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and is affiliated with the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The university holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked 14th in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category by NIRF 2025. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, agricultural engineering, and rural management. The university is noted for its research centers focusing on climate change, water management, and agribusiness, and it boasts a strong placement record, including 100% placement in its MBA Rural Management program.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) admission for 2026 includes undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and diploma programs primarily based on entrance exams such as ICAR AIEEA, CUET-UG, CUET-PG, and RPCAU's own entrance tests. The application process is online through the official university website, with counseling and document verification following the entrance exams.

Admission Process

Admissions at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Samastipur, are primarily based on entrance exams such as ICAR AIEEA for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and CUET scores for some programs. Candidates must apply online or offline, appear for the relevant entrance test, and participate in counseling for seat allocation.

Undergraduate Admission (BSc Agriculture and Allied Courses)

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official RPCAU website and download or fill the online application form.
2. Register and pay the application fee (₹500 for General/OBC, ₹250 for SC/ST).
3. Appear for the ICAR AIEEA entrance exam or CUET-UG as applicable.
4. Check the merit list published by RPCAU based on entrance exam scores.
5. Participate in counseling and seat allotment merit and reservation rules.
6. Pay the admission fees and submit required documents for verification to confirm admission.

Postgraduate Admission (MSc, MTech, MBA, MFSc)

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online through the RPCAU official portal by filling the application form and paying the fee.
2. Appear for the ICAR AIEEA PG entrance exam or RPCAU-conducted entrance test.
3. Check the merit list and attend counseling for seat allocation.
4. Complete document verification and pay the admission fees to finalize admission.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online on the RPCAU website and pay the application fee.
2. Appear for the ICAR AIEEA PG entrance exam and departmental interview including presentation of research proposal.
3. Get shortlisted based on entrance exam and interview performance.
4. Complete admission formalities by paying fees and submitting documents.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Entrance exam scorecard (ICAR AIEEA / CUET / RPCAU)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
• Migration and transfer certificates
• Passport size photographs
• Medical fitness certificate (for some courses)
• Proof of identity and domicile certificate (if required)

Cutoff 2025

The admission cutoffs for Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Samastipur, primarily depend on the ICAR AIEEA (now merged with CUET) national-level entrance exam ranks. For undergraduate courses like B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture and B.Tech, the cutoff ranks generally fall within the range of up to 10,000 for general category candidates, with variations across categories and specializations. The university follows multiple rounds of counseling and mop-up rounds, with cutoffs varying accordingly.

Placements 2025

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Samastipur, achieved a 100% placement rate for eligible students in 2025, with strong industry engagement across agriculture, agribusiness, and allied sectors. The highest package reached ₹12 LPA, while the average package stood at ₹6 LPA, reflecting the university's alignment with evolving agricultural and rural management industries.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Not specifically listed

Consulting: Not specifically listed

Core: Axis Bank, Chaitanya India Fin Credit Ltd, Dayal Industries Pvt Ltd, Aga Khan Foundation, Spandana Sphoorty Finance Ltd, Mother Dairy, Mahindra, Reliance Retail, Godrej Agrovet, Rallis India Limited, Peoples Forum, Ergos, IFFCO, Monsanto, RASI Seeds

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, is ranked 14th in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category by NIRF in 2025. It also features in the overall university rankings within the 101-150 rank band by NIRF in 2025. No other major national or international ranking agencies have published specific ranks for this university in 2025.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Grade not specified (Valid till not specified)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Samastipur, offers various scholarships including merit-based and reserved category scholarships, with financial aid from ICAR and government schemes. Scholarships range from monthly stipends to semester-wise amounts, supporting UG, PG, and PhD students, especially those from economically weaker sections and Bihar domicile.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students: Up to ₹2,00,000 per annum for full tuition and non-refundable charges for SC students with family income up to ₹8 lakh, applicable through NSP

Comparison

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Samastipur, is compared with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (BCKV) as all three are prominent government agricultural universities in India with strong research, teaching, and extension programs, ranked closely in the NIRF 2025 Agriculture category.

Key Strengths

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Samastipur: Recognized as an Institution of National Importance with strong focus on agribusiness and rural management, climate change studies, and 100% placement in MBA Rural Management.
• Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir: Known for advanced research in temperate horticulture and cold climate agriculture with strong regional impact in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya: Emphasizes integrated agricultural education and research with notable contributions in crop improvement and sustainable farming practices in West Bengal.

Campus & Infrastructure

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) is situated in Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, with a sprawling campus that integrates modern academic buildings, research farms, and residential facilities. The campus is well-equipped with advanced classrooms, laboratories, a large research farm, and comprehensive student hostels, fostering a conducive environment for agricultural education and research.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Central library with extensive collection of books, journals, research papers; operational from 8 AM to 8 PM
• Labs: Multiple modern laboratories equipped with advanced instruments for agricultural research
• Classrooms: Spacious, well-ventilated classrooms equipped with modern pedagogy tools and smart technology

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports complex with cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton courts
• Research farm with irrigation systems, greenhouses, weather stations
• Wi-Fi enabled campus with computer centre and internet facilities
• Medical facility for students and staff
• Guest rooms and waiting rooms for events
• Shopping complex within campus vicinity

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are required for admission to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University?

Admission to most UG and PG courses at RPCAU is based on the ICAR AIEEA entrance exam. For some programs, CUET scores are also accepted. Candidates must qualify these exams to be eligible for admission.

What is the eligibility criteria for B.Tech Biotechnology at RPCAU?

Candidates must have completed 12th grade with at least 60% marks in PCMB, PCB, or PCM. Admission is through CUET or ICAR AIEEA entrance exams.

What is the total fee structure for undergraduate courses at RPCAU?

The total fee for UG courses like BSc Agriculture is approximately ₹56,825 per semester, excluding hostel security and fund charges.

Are scholarships available for students at RPCAU?

Yes, RPCAU offers scholarships based on merit and reserved category status Central Government rules, including OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories.

What is the placement scenario and average package at RPCAU?

Placements are limited with mostly semi-government companies and NGOs recruiting. The average package for freshers is around ₹2.5 lakh per annum, with only a few students placed on campus.

Which companies or sectors recruit from RPCAU?

Recruiters mainly include agricultural firms, NGOs, and some government agencies related to agriculture and rural development.

How is the curriculum structured at RPCAU for agriculture-related courses?

The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training, including field trials at the 340-acre research farm and specialized labs for biotechnology, soil science, and agribusiness.

What research facilities and specializations does RPCAU offer?

RPCAU has Centres of Excellence in Water Management, Climate Change, and advanced research in Embryo Transfer Technology, Mushroom Technology, and Indigenous Cattle Conservation.

What are the hostel facilities and fees at RPCAU?

Hostels accommodate 2-3 students per room with beds, study tables, fans, and cupboards. Hostel fees are minimal and often included in semester fees. Mess charges range from ₹2800 to ₹3400 monthly.

Is hostel accommodation compulsory for students at RPCAU?

Yes, staying in the hostel is compulsory due to the lack of nearby PG accommodations. The university provides five hostels with 24/7 electricity, water, Wi-Fi, and security.

What is the quality of food served in the RPCAU mess?

The mess offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options with average food quality, charging around ₹3000 per month.

How is the campus life and safety at RPCAU?

The campus is safe with CCTV surveillance and security personnel. Students engage in sports like badminton, volleyball, and cricket, though sports facilities are still developing.

Are there any student clubs or cultural fests at RPCAU?

RPCAU organizes annual sports events and cultural festivals, fostering extracurricular engagement, though the focus remains primarily on academics and research.

What is the commute like to RPCAU campus in Samastipur?

The university is located in Pusa, Samastipur district, with limited public transport options. Most students rely on university-provided transport or personal vehicles.

Are part-time jobs available for students at RPCAU?

Part-time job opportunities on campus are limited; students mostly focus on academics and research projects due to the rural location.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement at RPCAU?

There is no strict dress code, but students are expected to dress modestly and appropriately for academic and practical sessions.

How does RPCAU compare with other agricultural universities in India?

RPCAU is recognized as an Institution of National Importance with strong research focus and multiple specialized colleges, ranking well among central agricultural universities.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for courses at RPCAU?

With moderate fees and limited placement packages averaging ₹2.5 LPA, ROI is moderate; however, the university offers strong research and academic opportunities.

How active and supportive is the alumni network of RPCAU?

The alumni network is growing, with many graduates working in government, research, and agribusiness sectors, providing mentorship and career support.

What are the library and digital learning facilities at RPCAU?

The university library houses around 4 lakh books and offers 5G Wi-Fi. Classrooms are digitally equipped with smart boards and virtual learning facilities.