Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Jammu Campus Life

About Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu - [SKUAST-J] Jammu

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) is a specialised agricultural university established in 1999 in Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir. It is a state government university created after the bifurcation of the erstwhile Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University to serve the Jammu region’s agriculture, veterinary and allied sectors. The university’s main campus is located at Chatha on the outskirts of Jammu city and functions as a key hub for agri-education, research and extension in the Union Territory.

SKUAST-J is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has emerged as a prominent institution in the Agriculture & Allied Sectors category, securing 23rd rank in the NIRF 2025 rankings. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in agriculture, veterinary sciences, agricultural engineering, agri-business management and allied disciplines, alongside ICAR-aligned research and field extension activities. It has gained visibility for its contributions to region-specific crop improvement, livestock productivity and climate-resilient farming suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Jammu.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

SKUAST-Jammu admissions for 2026 UG and PG programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Sciences and allied disciplines run mainly through the university’s own SKUAST-J CET and national-level tests like ICAR-CUET UG/ICAR quota and NEET/VCI for BVSc & AH. Admissions follow a CET-based merit, followed by central or university counselling as applicable.

Admission Process

Admission to Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) is based on merit in the qualifying examination and performance in entrance exams like SKUAST-J CET, CUET (UG), ICAR AIEEA, NEET UG, CAT, CMAT, or MAT, depending on the course. For UG programmes under ICAR quota, admission is through ICAR’s centralized counselling using CUET (ICAR-UG) scores.

Undergraduate Admission (B.Sc, B.Tech, B.V.Sc & A.H.)

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official website skuast.org and open the online application form for SKUAST-J CET 2025.
2. Register with name, email, mobile number and create login credentials.
3. Log in and fill the application form with personal, academic and course details in BLOCK letters.
4. Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, 10th, 12th marksheet, category certificate (if applicable) and other required documents.
5. Pay the application fee of ₹1200 online and submit the form.
6. Download the confirmation page and keep it for future reference.
7. Appear for SKUAST-J CET (for B.Sc, B.Tech) or ensure valid NEET UG score (for B.V.Sc & A.H.) schedule.
8. Check the merit list and participate in counselling at SKUAST-J campus when notified.
9. Report to the university with original documents, pay the course fee and complete admission formalities.

Postgraduate Admission (M.Sc, M.Tech, M.V.Sc, MBA)

Steps to Apply

1. Go to skuast.org and open the PG application form for SKUAST-J CET 2025.
2. Register and log in using the created credentials.
3. Fill in personal, academic and course details carefully in BLOCK letters.
4. Upload scanned photograph, signature, graduation marksheet, category certificate and other required documents.
5. Pay the application fee of ₹1200 (₹2500 for MBA) online and submit the form.
6. Download and save the application confirmation page.
7. Appear for SKUAST-J CET (for M.Sc, M.Tech, M.V.Sc) or ensure valid CAT/CMAT/MAT score (for MBA).
8. Check the merit list and attend counselling at SKUAST-J campus schedule.
9. Submit original documents, pay the course fee and complete admission.

Ph.D. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit skuast.org and open the Ph.D. application form for 2025-26.
2. Register and log in with the created credentials.
3. Fill in personal, academic and research details in BLOCK letters.
4. Upload scanned photograph, signature, master’s marksheet, category certificate and other required documents.
5. Pay the application fee of ₹1200 online and submit the form.
6. Download and keep the application confirmation page.
7. Appear for SKUAST-J CET (University Entrance Test) and Research Aptitude Assessment (RAA) schedule.
8. Check the merit list based on CET and RAA scores.
9. Submit original documents, pay the course fee and complete admission formalities.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• 10th class marksheet and certificate (for DOB and schooling)
• 12th class marksheet and certificate (for UG) / Graduation marksheet and degree (for PG/Ph.D.)
• Entrance exam scorecard (NEET UG, CUET, ICAR AIEEA, CAT, CMAT, MAT, SKUAST-J CET)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) issued by competent authority
• Domicile certificate (if applicable)
• Migration certificate (for candidates from outside J&K/Ladakh)
• Transfer certificate from last attended institution
• Passport size photographs (recent)
• Employer’s permission letter (for in-service candidates)

Comparison

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) is best compared with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal, as all three are ICAR-recognised public agricultural universities with similar mandate in education, research and extension and are close in the NIRF 2025 Agriculture & Allied Sectors rankings.

Key Strengths

• Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu - [SKUAST-J] Jammu: Strong NIRF 2025 performance in Agriculture (rank 23) with high median and top packages for BSc (Hons) Agriculture, and focused research on subtropical and rainfed agro-ecosystems of Jammu region.
• Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K): Higher NIRF 2025 standing (rank 7) with NAAC A+ accreditation, diversified faculties in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and forestry and strong research output for temperate Himalayan agriculture.
• Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal: Multi-state mandate across North-East with constituent colleges in several states, NAAC A accreditation and good value UG fees with steady placements in government, extension and agri-based organisations.

Campus & Infrastructure

SKUAST-Jammu has its main campus at Chatha on the outskirts of Jammu city, spread across an extensive agricultural and veterinary teaching and research estate with faculty blocks, research farms and modern central facilities. The university also operates a major veterinary campus at R.S. Pura, creating a multi-campus setup integrated with surrounding rural and peri-urban landscapes for field-based learning and research.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 4,000+ e-journals via CeRA, 49,000+ indexed journals (J-Gate) with 27,000+ full-text journals, 625+ agriculture e-books on CABI
• Labs: Biotechnology institute with multiple advanced labs equipped for molecular biology, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics (number of labs not specified)
• Classrooms: Large lecture halls accommodating about 150 students in individual blocks; air-conditioned smart classrooms with digital boards on main campuses

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Six hostels across Chatha and R.S. Pura campuses with in-hostel badminton, volleyball, table tennis courts and gymnasium in designated hostels
• Central Library (5,382 sq. m, three-storey glazed building) and separate Faculty Library at R.S. Pura (2,937 sq. m)
• Shopping centre, bank, post office and campus transportation managed through Students’ Welfare Section
• Sports grounds and sports complex used for outdoor and indoor games linked to hostel sports courts
• Guest house at Rail Head Complex, about 0.5 km from Jammu Railway Station
• Conference hall and large auditorium complex used for seminars, cultural events and academic functions

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are required for UG admission at SKUAST-J Jammu?

For BSc (Hons) Agriculture/Horticulture and BTech programmes, SKUAST-J uses its own SKUAST-J CET or CUET scores for free and self-finance seats. For BVSc & AH, admission uses NEET-UG or SKUAST-J CET/ICAR quota, followed by counselling conducted by SKUAST-J.

What is the basic eligibility for BSc (Hons) Agriculture at SKUAST-J?

Candidates must have 10+2 with PCB/PCM/PCBM/Agriculture with Science and at least 50% marks (40% for reserved categories). Only domicile holders of J&K and Ladakh are eligible for all state quota seats, while ICAR quota seats are filled through national counselling.

How does the reservation system work at SKUAST-J for UG seats?

Out of total intake, 50% seats are for Open Merit and the rest are reserved: SC 8%, ST 20%, OBC 8%, RBA 10%, ALC/IB 4%, PwD 4%, CDP 3%, CPF & UT 1%, SP 2% and EWS up to 10%, applied category-wise during counselling.

What is the approximate fee for BSc (Hons) Agriculture at SKUAST-J Jammu?

Total university fee for BSc (Hons) ranges roughly from ₹31,400 to ₹1,22,000 for the full 4-year programme, depending on specialization and whether the seat is free or self-finance. Hostel and mess charges are extra and paid semester-wise.

How much does the BVSc & AH course cost at SKUAST-J?

The BVSc & AH 5-year programme has a total university fee of about ₹1,22,000 for the entire duration for regular seats. Students should additionally budget for hostel, mess, books, instruments and clinical coats each year.

What are the application and exam fees for SKUAST-J CET?

For CET-based UG admissions, the online application fee is usually ₹2,000, increasing to ₹3,000 with late fee. For PG programmes the application fee is ₹2,500, rising to ₹3,500 with late submission, payable online through the official portal.

Does SKUAST-J offer any scholarships or financial support to students?

Students can access central and UT-level schemes such as National Scholarship Portal schemes and J&K government scholarships. ICAR quota students can receive ICAR fellowships, and some PG students in DBT-sponsored programmes receive DBT stipends based on GAT-B scores.

How are placements for Agriculture and allied courses at SKUAST-J Jammu?

Being an agricultural and veterinary university, most graduates join government departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and allied boards, or pursue higher studies through ICAR/ASRB exams. Campus placements focus on agri-input, dairy and agribusiness companies for BTech and MBA (Agri-Business).

What kind of recruiters visit for MBA Agri-Business and BTech students?

Agri-input, seed, fertilizer, dairy and agri-finance companies typically participate, offering roles in sales, field officer, supply chain and marketing. Exact recruiter list and salary data fluctuates each year and is shared by the university’s Training and Placement Cell during final year.

Does SKUAST-J provide internship or field training opportunities?

All agriculture, horticulture and veterinary programmes include compulsory field training like RAWE, AIA and clinical postings. Students spend several weeks in villages, research stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and veterinary hospitals as part of the credit-based curriculum.

How is the academic structure for BSc Agriculture at SKUAST-J?

The BSc (Hons) Agriculture is a 4-year, 8-semester programme following ICAR-prescribed syllabus, covering Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, Entomology, Pathology, Extension and Agri-Economics. Final year includes RAWE/Experiential Learning and project work in farmers’ fields or research units.

What specializations are offered at PG level in SKUAST-J?

SKUAST-J offers MSc in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Molecular Biology & Biotechnology; MTech in Agricultural Engineering; MVSc in multiple veterinary disciplines; and MBA in Agri-Business Management, each with 2-year duration and small, department-wise seat intake.

What are the hostel facilities like at SKUAST-J Jammu?

The main campus has separate boys’ and girls’ hostels with shared rooms, mess, reading room and basic sports facilities. Seats are limited and allotted based on distance and merit. Hostel residence is not compulsory, but first-year students usually prefer it for convenience and safety.

How is the campus environment and student life at SKUAST-J?

Campus life is academically oriented with practical labs, farms and livestock units. Students participate in cultural events, sports meets and agriculture-related clubs, while the rural location near Jammu city offers a relatively quiet and secure environment with moderate connectivity.

Is SKUAST-J suitable for students from outside Jammu & Kashmir?

Most state quota seats are reserved for J&K and Ladakh domiciles, but ICAR quota provides limited all-India seats in selected UG, PG and PhD programmes. Non-local students usually join through ICAR counselling and stay in hostels within the university campus.

What is the dress code during practicals and in veterinary/engineering labs?

Students in Agriculture, Horticulture and Engineering labs use white or light-coloured lab coats during practicals, while BVSc & AH students wear clinical coats in hospitals and clinics. Closed shoes are mandatory in workshops and laboratories for safety.

Can SKUAST-J students do part-time jobs along with their degree?

The intensive schedule with daily practicals, field visits and clinics leaves limited time for formal part-time jobs. Some students take up short-term work like exam coaching or online freelancing, but the university expects regular attendance in theory and practical classes.

How does SKUAST-J compare with SKUAST-Kashmir for Agriculture?

Both are ICAR-recognised agricultural universities, but SKUAST-J primarily serves Jammu region while SKUAST-Kashmir caters to Kashmir valley. Choice usually depends on domicile, regional posting preferences and specific research strengths such as sub-tropical versus temperate crops.

Is doing an MBA in Agri-Business from SKUAST-J worth it for ROI?

MBA (Agri-Business Management) at SKUAST-J has low university fees around ₹22,000 for two years, which keeps the cost of education modest. Graduates work in agribusiness, dairy and input companies or government schemes, giving reasonable ROI when combined with agriculture background.

What are the prospects for higher studies after graduating from SKUAST-J?

Graduates regularly appear for ICAR AIEEA-PG, JRF/SRF and ARS/NET for admission to top national institutes and research positions. Strong exposure to field work and research projects during UG/PG helps students qualify for ICAR, DBT and UGC fellowships for MS, MSc and PhD programmes.