AGRI CET: Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Admission Process, Colleges, Counselling & Preparation Tips
The AGRI CET is one of the most important agriculture entrance exams conducted in India for admission into B.Sc Agriculture (Lateral Entry), B.Tech Agriculture Engineering (LE), B.Sc Horticulture, B.Sc Seed Technology, and various other agriculture-related degree programs. AGRI CET is conducted at the state level, mainly for students who have completed Diploma in Agriculture, Seed Technology, or Organic Farming from recognized institutes.
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Every year, thousands of diploma students appear for AGRI CET because it gives them a direct opportunity to join 2nd year (lateral entry) of agriculture degree programs offered by state agricultural universities. This 2000-word blog covers everything about AGRI CET — exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, important dates, admission process, seat matrix, top colleges, and preparation tips.
What is AGRI CET?
AGRI CET (Agriculture Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by different states including Andhra Pradesh (AP AGRICET), Telangana (TS AGRICET), and sometimes other agricultural universities for lateral entry admissions into agriculture degree programs.
It is mainly meant for students who completed:
- Diploma in Agriculture
- Diploma in Seed Technology
- Diploma in Organic Farming
- Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
These students can join the 2nd year of B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture or B.Tech Agri Engineering directly.
Who Conducts AGRI CET?
Different states conduct their own versions of AGRI CET:
1. AP AGRICET
Conducted by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU).
2. TS AGRICET
Conducted by Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU).
3. Kerala & Karnataka Agriculture CET
Used for lateral entry agriculture programs.
4. Other State Agricultural Universities
Some universities have their own agriculture CET exams.
Although the exam name differs slightly, the purpose remains the same:
Direct admission to agriculture degree programs after diploma.
Courses Offered Through AGRI CET
AGRI CET offers admission to the following courses:
1. B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture — Lateral Entry
Direct admission into 2nd year for diploma holders.
2. B.Sc (Hons.) Horticulture — Lateral Entry
3. B.Sc Seed Technology
4. B.Tech Agricultural Engineering — Lateral Entry
5. B.Sc (Hons) Organic Farming
(Only in states where the course is available)
These courses prepare students for high-demand careers in the agriculture sector.
AGRI CET Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility differs slightly by state, but the general criteria are:
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed:
- Diploma in Agriculture OR
- Diploma in Seed Technology OR
- Diploma in Organic Farming OR
- Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
from a recognized agricultural university or state board.
Final-year diploma students can also apply.
2. Age Limit
- Minimum age: 17 years
- Maximum age: 22 years (for general)
- OBC/SC/ST candidates may get up to 3–5 years relaxation
3. Nationality
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Must belong to the state in which they are applying
AGRI CET Exam Pattern
While each state may vary slightly, the general AGRI CET pattern is:
Exam Mode: Offline (OMR-based)
Type of Questions: Multiple-choice questions
Total Questions: 120
Total Marks: 120
Duration: 1.5 hours to 2 hours
Marking Scheme:
- +1 mark per correct answer
- No negative marking
Section-Wise Breakdown
The AGRI CET paper is based on diploma-level subjects:
1. Agriculture Diploma Syllabus
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
- Plant Breeding
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Irrigation Management
- Farm Machinery
- Seed Technology
- Crop Production
- Fertilizers & Pesticides
- Weed Management
2. Seed Technology Diploma Syllabus
- Seed Physiology
- Seed Production
- Seed Testing
- Seed Certification
- Quality Control
3. Organic Farming Diploma Syllabus
- Organic Inputs
- Integrated Farming Systems
- Composting
- Organic Pest Management
- Soil Health
4. Agricultural Engineering Diploma Syllabus
- Farm Machinery
- Soil & Water Engineering
- Machinery Repair
- Tractor Systems
Detailed AGRI CET Syllabus
Below is a topic-wise simplified syllabus.
1. Agronomy
- Principles of Crop Production
- Major Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Pulses
- Weed Management
- Cropping Systems
- Soil-Water-Plant Relationship
- Rainfed & Irrigated Farming
2. Soil Science
- Soil Types
- Soil Fertility
- Soil pH & EC
- Nutrient Management
- Organic Manures
- Fertilizers & Micro Nutrients
3. Horticulture
- Vegetable Crops
- Fruit Crops
- Floriculture
- Nursery Management
- Post Harvest Technology
4. Entomology
- Insect Morphology
- Economic Importance
- Beneficial & Harmful Insects
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
5. Plant Pathology
- Fungal Diseases
- Bacterial & Viral Diseases
- Disease Management
- Fungicides & Control Measures
6. Seed Technology
- Seed Germination
- Seed Vigour
- Hybrid Seed Production
- Seed Certification Processes
7. Agricultural Engineering
- Tractor & Power Systems
- Farm Implements
- Irrigation Systems
- Surveying Basics
- Water Conservation
8. Organic Farming
- Natural Farming
- Biofertilizers
- Composting & Vermicomposting
- Organic Pest Control
- Soil Health Management
AGRI CET Application Process
The application process is done online through the state agricultural university portal.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit the official AGRI CET website of your state.
- Register using your mobile number and email.
- Fill in your personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned documents:
- Photo
- Signature
- Diploma certificate / Hall ticket
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation.
Application Fee: ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 (varies by state)
AGRI CET Admit Card
After successful registration, the admit card must be downloaded.
It contains:
- Candidate’s name
- Registration number
- Exam center
- Exam date & time
- Instructions
Without the admit card, no one is allowed to enter the exam hall.
AGRI CET Exam Result
The results are usually announced within 10–15 days of the exam.
The result includes:
- Marks obtained
- Rank
- Category rank
- Exam qualification status
Candidates must download their result from the official website.
AGRI CET Counselling Process
Counselling is done offline or online depending on the state.
Counselling Steps:
- Online registration for counselling
- Payment of counselling fee
- Certificate verification
- Seat allocation based on rank
- Reporting to the allotted college
- Final admission
Documents Required
- AGRI CET Rank Card
- AGRI CET Hall Ticket
- Diploma Certificate
- Transfer Certificate
- Study Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Aadhar Card
- Passport-size photos
Seat Matrix for AGRI CET
Seat availability varies by state and year.
Average AGRI CET Seats:
- B.Sc Agriculture: 300–600 seats
- B.Sc Horticulture: 150–300 seats
- B.Sc Seed Science: 80–150 seats
- B.Tech Agricultural Engineering: 100–200 seats
Total: 700–1500 seats per state
Top Colleges Accepting AGRI CET Scores
1. Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU)
2. PJTSAU – Hyderabad
3. Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Agricultural University
4. DRYSR Horticultural University
5. Agricultural Engineering Colleges in AP & TS
6. Other state agricultural universities
These colleges offer excellent labs, farms, research stations, and practical training.
Career Opportunities After BSc Agriculture (Lateral Entry)
Completing agriculture degree after diploma increases job opportunities significantly.
Government Jobs
- Agricultural Officer
- Horticulture Officer
- AEO (Agriculture Extension Officer)
- Field Officer
- Soil Conservation Officer
- Forest Department Jobs
- Banking Agriculture Officer (AFO)
Private Jobs
- Agri-input companies
- Seed companies
- Fertilizer industry
- Food processing firms
- Pesticide companies
- Agri-tech startups
Higher Studies
- MSc Agriculture
- MSc Horticulture
- MBA Agribusiness
- M.Tech Agricultural Engineering
- Research Scientist positions
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
- Organic farming
- Nursery business
- Seed production units
- Mushroom cultivation
- Agri consultancy
- Dairy & poultry farming
AGRI CET Preparation Tips
Follow these simple tips for cracking AGRI CET:
1. Study Diploma Books Thoroughly
Most questions come from diploma-level agriculture subjects.
2. Focus on Key Subjects
Especially:
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
- Seed Technology
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
This helps understand exam patterns.
4. Take Mock Tests
Improves accuracy and time management.
5. Make Short Notes
Useful for quick revision during the last week.
6. Understand Basic Definitions
AGRI CET asks many direct fact-based questions.
7. Revise Daily
Consistent revision is important for scoring high.
Conclusion
The AGRI CET is a highly valuable entrance exam for diploma holders who want to enter agriculture degree programs through lateral entry. With opportunities to join top agricultural universities, low competition compared to engineering/medical exams, and excellent job prospects in government and private sectors, AGRI CET is a life-changing exam for many students.
By understanding the eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, counselling process, and career scope, students can confidently prepare and secure a seat in their desired agriculture course.
If you are a diploma agriculture student looking to upgrade your career, AGRI CET is your best pathway toward a successful future in the agriculture industry.
