Top B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra 2026 – Fees, Cutoff, Admission Process & Placement Guide

Planning to pursue a B.Sc. Agriculture degree in Maharashtra in 2026? The state is home to four major agricultural universities—Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), and Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (DBSKKV)—offering around 2,215 seats across 42 affiliated colleges.

Drawing from the NIRF 2025 rankings and MCAER data, this guide highlights the best colleges that provide strong hands-on training, modern crop science labs, and agribusiness exposure. Graduates from these institutes earn starting packages of up to ₹6 LPA, with job roles such as Farm Manager (Syngenta), Agri-Officer (NABARD), and Research Associate (ICAR projects).

Best B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra – 2026

For 2026 admissions, Maharashtra’s top agriculture colleges focus on sustainable farming, biotechnology, and smart agriculture. Based on NIRF 2025 performance, placement data (average package: ₹4.5 LPA), and campus facilities such as 500-acre demo farms and advanced soil labs, here are the leading options:

These colleges reported an impressive 85% placement rate in 2025, with alumni now leading precision farming and agribusiness innovation projects at reputed organisations like ITC Agri, NABARD, and IFFCO.

Best B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra – 2026

For 2026 admissions, Maharashtra’s top agriculture colleges focus on sustainable farming, biotechnology, and smart agriculture. 

These institutions are known for their strong academic foundation, practical training, and focus on modern agricultural technologies such as sustainable farming, biotechnology, and smart agriculture.

Based on the NIRF 2025 rankings, placement performance (average package around ₹4.5 LPA), and infrastructure quality—including 500-acre experimental farms, advanced soil testing laboratories, and agritech incubation centres—here’s a list of the top B.Sc. Agriculture colleges in Maharashtra for 2026.

These colleges are recognised for their excellent academic environment and strong industry connections. Many of them have MoUs with leading agri-based organisations, enabling students to gain practical exposure through field internships, research projects, and agri-business training programs.

In 2025, these institutions achieved an impressive 85% placement rate, with graduates being recruited by top organisations such as ITC Agri Business Division, NABARD, IFFCO, Syngenta, and Mahyco Seeds. Alumni from these colleges are also contributing to precision farming, organic agriculture, and rural development initiatives across India.

Top B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra (2026 Admissions)

Planning to apply for B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra for 2026? Here’s a clear and student-friendly guide to the top colleges and what makes each one stand out — based on 2025 academic and placement highlights.

1. PDKV, Akola (Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth)

• Best for: Agribusiness Management and Seed Technology

• Highlights: In 2025, around 92% of students got internships at Monsanto, working on hybrid seed development and crop improvement.

• Seats: Approximately 240 for B.Sc. Agri.

• Why choose: Great for students interested in agri-entrepreneurship, marketing, and business-oriented farming.

2. MPKV, Rahuri (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth)

• Best for: Organic and Sustainable Farming Research

• Highlights: In 2025, students produced 300+ research theses on climate-resilient and eco-friendly crop practices.

• Why choose: Ideal for those passionate about soil health, bio-fertilizers, and sustainable agriculture methods.

3. DBSKKV, Dapoli (Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth)

• Best for: Horticulture and Coastal Agriculture

• Highlights: Known for practical exposure to fruit crops, plantation farming, and fisheries in the Konkan region.

• Why choose: Perfect if you’re interested in horticulture, coastal crop systems, or agri-tourism.

4. VNMKV, Parbhani (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth)

• Best for: Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science

• Highlights: Offers strong hands-on training in livestock management, dairy technology, and rural development.

• Why choose: Great option for students wanting to work in livestock-based agriculture.

5. CIFE, Mumbai (Central Institute of Fisheries Education)

• Best for: Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Highlights: Offers a unique combination of agriculture and fisheries studies. In 2025, graduates were placed in FAO and international aquaculture projects.

• Why choose: Ideal for students interested in the fisheries sector or blue economy.

Government B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra (2026 Admissions)

Maharashtra has 15 Government Agriculture Colleges under MCAER (Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research). These colleges offer ICAR-accredited B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture programs with strong practical training and research exposure.

Key Highlights for 2026:

• Affordable Education: Government-subsidized fees with state-funded labs and field training.

• Practical Curriculum: Includes 40-credit agronomy modules and hands-on exposure to modern farm technologies.

• 2025 Infrastructure Boost: ₹50 crore allocated for lab and equipment upgrades across colleges.

• Admission Quota: 70% seats reserved for Maharashtra domicile candidates, 30% for other states via MCAER CAP rounds.

• Ideal For: Students aiming for government jobs, agribusiness ventures, or rural development roles.

Top Government Agriculture Colleges – Maharashtra (2026 List)

(MCAER-Verified, ICAR Accredited)

Hostel & Facilities (2025 Data):

• Total hostel capacity: 1,500 students across government colleges.

• Separate hostels for boys and girls with upgraded mess and study areas.

• Wi-Fi enabled campus, digital libraries, and research laboratories.

Admission Tip for CAP 2026:

• Register through MCAER UG Admission Portal once CAP rounds open.

• Use the college codes (listed above) while filling your option form.

• Prioritize based on your interest —

  • Research & Innovation → Pune / Rahuri

  • Seed & Crop Science → Akola

  • Animal Science → Parbhani

  • Horticulture / Coastal Agri → Dapoli

Top B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra – Fees & Cutoff 2026

If you’re planning to apply for B.Sc. Agriculture (2026 intake) in Maharashtra, here’s a summary of college-wise fees and expected cutoffs, based on 2025 MCAER data and MHT CET trends.

B.Sc. Agriculture Fees 2026 (Government Colleges)

For 2026, the fees remain almost unchanged from 2025 as per MCAER schedules.

• Government Colleges: Under ₹20,000 per year for Open category students (includes tuition, lab, and farm kit costs).

• Private Colleges / Affiliates: Usually add ₹40,000–₹50,000 extra per year for digital facilities, ERP access, and additional workshops.

Scholarships:

• SC/ST candidates: 100% fee waiver under GOI Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme (2025 norms).

• OBC, EWS, and minority students: Eligible for partial tuition reimbursement through MAHA DBT.

Expected Cutoff (MHT CET Agri) – 2026 Admission Round

Cutoffs for 2026 are likely to be similar to 2025, when top seats closed around 119–125 percentile for General (Open) category students.

Reservation Category Trends (2025 Reference):

• General (Open): 119–125 percentile

• OBC: 110–115 percentile

• SC/ST: 95–105 percentile

• NT/VJ/Other backward groups: 100–110 percentile

Admission Tip for 2026 MCAER CAP Rounds:

• Check MCAER UG Admission Portal regularly for official cutoff updates.

• Spot rounds may show 5–10 percentile relaxation if vacancies remain.

• Always use college codes correctly in CAP e-option form for higher chances.

B.Sc. Agriculture Admission in Maharashtra 2026 – Full Guide

Maharashtra offers B.Sc. Agriculture programs through MCAER (Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research) under both Government and Private universities. Admissions take place mainly through the MCAER CAP (Centralized Admission Process), with limited direct/lateral entry options for diploma holders.

1. Direct Admission Colleges (2026 Intake)

Direct admission is not allowed in government agriculture colleges — these are strictly through CAP rounds.
However, private affiliated colleges can offer merit-based direct seats or lateral entry for diploma students.

Lateral Entry (Second-Year B.Sc. Agri)

• Eligibility: Diploma in Agriculture (MSBTE or equivalent) with minimum 50% aggregate.

• Process: Apply via MCAER Second-Year Lateral Entry Portal in June 2026.

• Seats: 5% supernumerary quota in selected universities.

• Example:

  • PDKV Akola: 20 seats (2025 data)

  • College of Agriculture, Loni: 15 seats (2025 data)

Direct Admission (Private Colleges only)

• Based on: Class 12th (PCB/PCM) marks — no MHT CET required.

• Top Private Colleges Offering Direct Admission (2026 Expected):

  College Name	Type	Direct Seats (2025)
  Govindraoji Nikam College of Agriculture, Mandki	Private	40
  College of Agriculture, Loni	Private	15 (Lateral)
  Sahyadri College of Agriculture, Karad	Private	25
  Sharadchandra Pawar Agri College, Baramati	Private	20

Note:
There is no management quota in government or state-funded agriculture universities for 2026.

2. MCAER CAP Admission Process (2026)

MCAER’s official CAP (Centralized Admission Process) for first-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture starts July 4, 2026, following a similar schedule to 2025.

Eligibility:

• 10+2 passed with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics (PCB/PCM).

• Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories).

• Must appear for MHT CET (Agriculture stream).

Step-by-Step Process (2026 Timeline):

Selection Weightage:

• MHT CET Score: 30%

• Class 12 Marks: 70%

Admission Insights (2025 Data Reference)

• Total Applicants: 12,000+

• Total Seats: 2,215 (Govt + Private)

• General Cutoff Range: 119–125 percentile

• SC/ST Cutoff Range: 95–105 percentile

Quick Summary for Aspirants

• Government Colleges: Apply only through MCAER CAP rounds.

• Private Colleges: Offer direct merit-based admission (limited seats).

• Diploma Holders: Eligible for second-year lateral entry via MCAER.

• No Management Quota in any public agricultural university.

Top Entrance Exams for B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra (2026)

If you’re planning to pursue a B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra, you can apply through a mix of state-level, national, and merit-based admissions. About 90% of seats are filled through MHT CET (Agriculture), as per 2025 data from MCAER.

1. MHT CET – Agriculture Stream (Main Exam for 2026)

• Exam Type: State-level entrance conducted by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra.

• Exam Month: June 2026 (Tentative)

• Mode: Online (CBT)

• Paper Pattern:

  • 200 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • Physics – 20%, Chemistry – 30%, Agriculture/Biology – 50%

  • Duration: 3 hours

• Eligibility:

  • 10+2 with PCB or PCM from a recognized board.

  • Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories).

• Cutoff Trend (2025):

  • General: 118–125 percentile

  • OBC: 110–115 percentile

  • Reserved: 100–110 percentile

Tip: Focus on Maharashtra State Board-based mock tests and previous-year CET papers for accuracy and timing.

2. ICAR AIEEA (UG) – All India Quota Exam

• Conducted By: NTA (National Testing Agency)

• Exam Month: May 2026 (Tentative)

• Quota: Fills 15% All India Seats in ICAR-accredited institutes like CIFE Mumbai and some central universities.

• Paper Structure:

  • 150–240 marks total (stream-based).

  • Stream A: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Agriculture.

  • 2025 Top Scores: Around 180/240 for top ranks.

• Why Apply: Gives access to national-level colleges and ICAR scholarships up to ₹3,000 per month.

3. Merit-Based Admissions (Few Private & Shivaji Affiliates)

• Applicable To: 10% of seats at select Shivaji University and private agri colleges.

• Criteria: Based only on Class 12th (PCB/PCM) aggregate marks — no entrance exam required.

• Ideal For: Students who missed MHT CET but want to study agriculture in Maharashtra.

Placement & Career Outcomes – B.Sc. Agriculture Maharashtra (2026 Outlook)

Agriculture graduates from Maharashtra colleges enjoy strong career prospects in agri-business, research, and government services.

2025 Placement Snapshot:

Top Recruiters (2025 Data)

Career Pathways After B.Sc. Agri:

• Government Jobs:

  • Agriculture Officer (via MPSC/UPSC) – Starting around ₹6–7 LPA

  • NABARD, FCI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra roles

• Private Sector:

  • Agri-input companies (FMCG, Fertilizers, Seeds)

  • Agri-tech startups and rural fintech

• Higher Studies:

  • M.Sc. Agriculture, Agri-Business Management, MBA (Rural Management)

Skill-Building Tip (2026 Batch):

Take advantage of on-campus farm internships — over 100+ field projects are available in 2025 across government colleges for hands-on experience in irrigation, soil testing, and seed technology.