PAU CET: Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Admission Process, Courses, Fees & Preparation Tips
The PAU CET (Punjab Agricultural University Common Entrance Test) is one of the most important entrance exams in India for students who want to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences. Conducted by the prestigious Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, PAU CET provides admission to various programs such as BSc Agriculture, BTech Food Technology, BSc Biotechnology, MSc Agriculture, and many other courses.
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Every year, thousands of students apply for PAU CET because the university is known for academic excellence, practical training, innovative research, and strong placements in the agriculture sector. This detailed 2000-word blog provides complete information about PAU CET, including the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, admission process, courses offered, preparation tips, and career opportunities.
What is PAU CET?
The PAU CET (Punjab Agricultural University Common Entrance Test) is an entrance exam conducted by Punjab Agricultural University for admission to various UG and PG programs in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, food science, biotechnology, and community science.
PAU is one of India’s oldest and most reputed agricultural universities, established in 1962, and has played a major role in India’s Green Revolution. Through PAU CET and AAT (Agriculture Aptitude Test), the university selects students who have strong scientific knowledge, analytical ability, and passion for agriculture.
Courses Offered Through PAU CET
PAU CET is used for admission to several undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Undergraduate Courses (UG)
Some of the major UG courses through PAU CET include:
1. B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture (4 years)
One of the most popular and competitive agriculture programs in India.
2. B.Sc (Hons.) Community Science
Focused on nutrition, home science, and human development.
3. B.Tech Food Technology
A highly demanded program focusing on food processing, quality, and safety.
4. B.Sc Biotechnology
Covers plant biotechnology, genetics, and lab-based research.
5. B.Sc (Horticulture)
Focused on fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and floriculture.
Postgraduate Courses (PG)
PAU CET also offers admission to various PG programs such as:
- M.Sc Agriculture (various specializations)
- M.Sc Horticulture
- M.Sc Biotechnology
- M.Tech Food Technology
- M.Sc Extension Education
- M.Sc Forestry
- M.Sc Plant Pathology
- M.Sc Entomology
PAU CET Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies for UG and PG programs. Below is a simple explanation.
Eligibility for UG Courses
1. Educational Qualification
- Must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board.
- Subjects required:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Agriculture
- Minimum marks requirement may vary by course.
2. Age Limit
- No specific age limit for PAU CET (subject to university guidelines).
Eligibility for PG Courses
1. Educational Qualification
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related discipline.
- Minimum marks: 60% or equivalent OGPA (varies by specialization).
- Final-year students can also apply.
2. Additional Requirements
Some PG programs may require:
- Interview
- Group Discussion
- Portfolio or Lab Skills Test
PAU CET Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern helps students prepare effectively. The PAU CET consists of multiple-choice questions and is conducted offline.
PAU CET UG Exam Pattern
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 66 | 132 |
| Chemistry | 66 | 132 |
| Mathematics / Biology / Agriculture (any one) | 68 | 136 |
Key Points
- Total Marks: 400
- Duration: 3 hours
- Negative Marking: Yes (-1 for wrong answers)
- +2 marks for every correct answer
PAU CET PG Exam Pattern
For PG courses, the exam pattern is specialization-based.
Format
- Total Questions: 200
- Total Marks: 200
- All questions are MCQs
- Negative marking applicable
Subjects Covered
- Core subject knowledge
- General Agriculture
- Research methodology
- Basic science fundamentals
PAU CET Syllabus
The PAU syllabus is based on +2 level for UG courses and graduate-level knowledge for PG programs.
UG Syllabus (Based on Class 11 & 12)
Physics
- Motion
- Work, Energy, Power
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Optics
- Modern Physics
- Thermodynamics
- Waves
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Organic Chemistry
- Alcohols, Phenols
- Biomolecules
- Polymers
Biology
- Genetics
- Reproduction
- Plant Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Biotechnology
- Ecology
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry
- Statistics
Agriculture (Optional)
- Crop Production
- Soil Science
- Horticulture
- Animal Husbandry
- Plant Nutrition
PG Syllabus
The PG syllabus varies by specialization, but includes:
Important Core Subjects
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
- Plant Breeding
- Genetics
- Horticulture
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Agricultural Economics
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Forestry
General Agriculture
- Cropping Systems
- Climate & Weather
- Seed Technology
- Irrigation Management
PAU CET Application Process
Students must apply online on the official PAU admission portal.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit the official PAU website
- Register with email & phone number
- Fill out the application form
- Choose exam center & preferred course
- Upload documents
- Pay application fee
- Print the confirmation page
The university also provides an offline OMR application option for some courses.
PAU CET Admit Card
After successful registration, students can download their admit cards from the official website.
The admit card includes:
- Candidate name
- Roll number
- Exam center
- Timings
- Important instructions
Without the admit card, entry to the exam hall is not allowed.
PAU CET Result and Merit List
Results are published online on the official PAU website.
How Merit is Calculated?
- Based on CET score
- Some courses include interviews / counselling
- Category-wise merit lists are prepared
PAU Counselling Process
Counselling is conducted offline at the PAU campus.
Counselling Steps
- Document verification
- Choice filling
- Seat allotment
- Fee payment
- Admission confirmation
Seats are allotted based on:
- CET ranks
- Category
- Course preference
- Availability of seats
PAU Fee Structure
The fee structure varies for UG and PG programs.
Approximate Fee Range
- UG Courses: ₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000 per year
- PG Courses: ₹80,000 – ₹1,75,000 per year
Additional charges apply for:
- Hostel
- Mess
- Examination fee
- Practical labs
PAU Campus Facilities
PAU has one of the best agricultural campuses in India.
Facilities Include
- Modern laboratories
- Smart classrooms
- Experimental fields
- Research farms
- Livestock units
- Library & e-resources
- Sports complex
- Hostels
- Cafeteria
- Wi-Fi campus
The university also hosts major events like Kisan Mela, exhibitions, and seminars.
Career Opportunities After PAU Courses
Graduates of PAU have excellent employment options in both government and private sectors.
Government Jobs
- Agricultural Development Officer (ADO)
- Horticulture Officer
- Food Safety Officer
- Soil Conservation Officer
- Forest Officer
- Veterinary roles
Private Sector Jobs
- Agritech companies
- Food processing firms
- Biotechnology labs
- Dairy companies
- Fertilizer & seed companies
Research Careers
- ICAR institutes
- Research labs
- Universities
- Plant breeding companies
Entrepreneurship
- Organic farming
- Dairy farming
- Mushroom production
- Food processing startups
- Nursery business
PAU graduates are highly valued due to their strong practical and scientific training.
PAU CET Preparation Tips
A strategic preparation plan helps in cracking PAU CET easily.
1. Follow NCERT Books
Most UG-level questions are based on NCERT Class 11 & 12.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers
This gives clarity on exam difficulty and question trends.
3. Practice Daily Mock Tests
Improves speed and accuracy.
4. Make Short Notes
Helps in quick revision before the exam.
5. Focus on Weak Areas
Strengthen topics where you struggle most.
6. Time Management is Crucial
Since the exam has negative marking, accuracy is important.
7. Stay Updated for PG Exam
PG aspirants must study specialization-wise topics deeply.
Conclusion
The PAU CET is one of the most important entrance exams for students who wish to build a career in agriculture, horticulture, food technology, biotechnology, community science, and related fields. Punjab Agricultural University offers excellent academic quality, experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, and strong placement opportunities. With the right preparation strategy and understanding of the exam pattern, students can easily secure admission to their desired course.
Whether you are preparing for UG or PG programs, PAU CET is an excellent opportunity to study at one of India’s leading agricultural universities and build a successful future in the agriculture and allied sectors.
