Best B.Sc Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra 2026 – Fees, Admission, Eligibility & Placement

Maharashtra has 120+ B.Sc. Agriculture colleges, including well-known government universities like MPKV Rahuri, Dr. PDKV Akola, and VNMKV Parbhani. The total fees for the 4-year course usually come to ₹1,00,000 to ₹4,00,000, depending on the college.
Admissions mostly happen through the MHT CET exam, followed by centralised counselling conducted by MCAER.

After completing the degree, students generally get a starting salary of ₹3 to 6 lakh per year, but this can vary based on the college and the specialization they choose.

Best B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra (Quick List)

Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri - A top state agricultural university known for good rankings, strong research work, and solid government support.

Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (Dr. PDKV), Akola - Well-known for its focus on dryland farming and agriculture suited to the Vidarbha region.

Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (DBSKKV), Dapoli - Famous for courses in horticulture, fisheries, and coastal agriculture, ideal for students from the Konkan belt.

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani - A key university offering strong programs for students from the Marathwada region.

NMIMS School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAST), Shirpur - A leading private college with modern facilities, updated curriculum, and industry-focused training.

College of Agriculture, Pune (Affiliated to MPKV) - One of the oldest and most reputed agriculture colleges in Maharashtra, known for high demand and good placement opportunities.

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

The best B.Sc. Agriculture colleges in Maharashtra are mostly affiliated with the state’s four major State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). These colleges are recognised for their ICAR accreditation, strong academics, good infrastructure, research work, and placement performance.

This list has been prepared by looking at the overall reputation of the four SAUs and adding well-known private and government colleges that have ICAR approval and high student preference during admissions.

Top Government B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra

Government B.Sc. Agriculture colleges offer lower fees, high academic standards, and better ICAR accreditation, making them the most sought-after options. Admissions are strictly through the centralized MCAER process.

Top Private B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra

Private B.Sc. Agriculture colleges in Maharashtra offer modern infrastructure and industry-focused curricula, often providing admissions through both the state entrance exam and institutional quota.

Fees for B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra

The B.Sc. Agriculture course fee in Maharashtra varies drastically between government and private institutions. Government colleges have annual fees as low as INR  25,000, while private colleges can charge up to INR  1,50,000 per year.

B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra With Low Fees

The low-fees B.Sc. Agriculture colleges are primarily the four government State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and their constituent colleges. These offer the best return on investment (ROI).

Eligibility for B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra

The eligibility criteria for admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture programs in Maharashtra are centrally defined by the Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research (MCAER).

• Age: The candidate must have completed a minimum of 17 years of age as of December 31 of the admission year.

• Education: Must have passed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC/10+2) examination or its equivalent.

• Subjects: Must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and any one of the following subjects:

  • Biology

  • Mathematics

  • Agriculture

  • Inter-Agriculture

• Minimum Marks: Generally, a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in PCM/PCB/PCMB/Inter-Agriculture is required for the General category, and 40% for Reserved categories.

• Entrance Exam Requirement: Qualifying for the MHT CET or ICAR AIEEA (CUET) is mandatory for almost all colleges under the SAUs.

Admission Process for B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra

Admission to B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra is mostly done through a centralised process, handled by the State CET Cell and MCAER. Students first give the entrance exam, and then admissions happen through the CAP counselling.

• Step 1: Appear for the Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for the MHT CET (PCB/PCM group) or the ICAR AIEEA (CUET).

• Step 2: Apply to MCAER: Eligible candidates must register online on the official MCAER website for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP).

• Step 3: Merit List: MCAER prepares a State Common Merit List based on the normalized scores of the entrance exam (MHT CET/ICAR/CUET) and the HSC aggregate.

• Step 4: Choice Filling and Locking: Candidates must fill and lock their college and course preferences online during the CAP rounds.

• Step 5: Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on merit rank, category, and preferences filled.

• Step 6: Reporting and Document Verification: Allotted candidates must physically report to the designated college to confirm the seat, verify documents, and pay the first-year fees.

Entrance Exams for B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra

State-level and National-level entrance exams are the mandatory gateway for securing a seat in the top B.Sc. Agriculture colleges in Maharashtra.

B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra Without Entrance Exam

While admission to the four State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and their affiliated colleges is mandatory via the MHT CET/ICAR merit list, a few private colleges may offer seats based on merit in the 10+2 exam or through their Institutional Quota if seats remain vacant after the CAP rounds.

Note: Students must register for the MCAER CAP counselling to be considered for admission in any affiliated college, even if they are applying through the institutional quota. Direct admission without an entrance exam is very rare in Maharashtra’s approved colleges.

Placements for B.Sc. Agriculture Colleges in Maharashtra

B.Sc. Agriculture placements offer very good value for money, especially in government universities where the fees are low but the placement packages are strong. There is a steady demand for graduates in agri-tech companies, banks, and seed industries.

Top Recruiters for B.Sc. Agriculture Graduates

B.Sc. Agriculture graduates are hired by a wide range of companies and organisations, including those in production, banking, research, and government services.

• Agri-Input & Production:

  • UPL, Syngenta, Bayer Crop Science

  • Rallis India, Coromandel International

  • Mahyco Seeds, Kaveri Seeds

• Banking & Finance (Agri-Finance):

  • NABARD, SBI (Specialist Officer), Bank of Baroda

  • HDFC Bank, Axis Bank (Rural/Agri Vertical)

• Food Processing & Retail:

  • ITC Agri Business Division, PepsiCo, Jain Irrigation

  • Various food testing and quality assurance firms

• Government & Research:

  • ICAR (through JRF/NET), State Agricultural Departments

  • FCI, Warehousing Corporations

For more information, kindly refer to the Detailed article on "Career Scope and Jobs after B.Sc. Agriculture"

How to Choose the Best B.Sc. Agriculture College in Maharashtra

Selecting the ideal B.Sc. Agriculture college requires careful consideration of academic quality, practical exposure, and career prospects. Prioritize these factors:

• ICAR Accreditation: Check if the college is accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which guarantees the quality and validity of the degree.

• Fees vs. ROI: Government colleges offer an excellent Return on Investment (ROI) due to low fees, while high-fee private colleges must justify their cost with superior placements.

• Faculty Expertise and Research: Look for experienced faculty, especially those involved in government or ICAR research projects.

• Farm & Lab Infrastructure: Since agriculture is a practical science, state-of-the-art agricultural farms, laboratories, and research facilities are crucial.

• Placement History: Analyze the college's placement record, focusing on the average package offered and the list of recruiting companies.

• Location and Crop Focus: Consider if the college's location aligns with the type of agriculture you wish to specialize in (e.g., Konkan region for Horticulture/Fisheries).

• Scholarships: Investigate institutional and government-funded scholarships available, particularly for students from agricultural families or reserved categories.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best B.Sc. Agriculture colleges in Maharashtra?

The best B.Sc. Agriculture colleges are the four State Agricultural Universities: MPKV Rahuri, Dr. PDKV Akola, VNMKV Parbhani, and DBSKKV Dapoli, along with top private institutes like NMIMS SAST Shirpur.

Q2. What are the total fees for B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra?

The total course fee for B.Sc. Agriculture ranges from approximately INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 in government colleges and INR 3,00,000 to INR 6,00,000 in private colleges for the full 4-year duration.

Q3. Is MHT CET mandatory for B.Sc. Agriculture admission in Maharashtra?

Yes, MHT CET (PCB/PCM group) is mandatory for admission to the government seats in all affiliated colleges under the four State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) through the centralized MCAER process.

Q4. What is the eligibility for B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra?

Eligibility requires passing the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology, Mathematics, or Agriculture as a subject, with a minimum of 50% marks (40% for reserved categories).

Q5. What is the average salary after B.Sc. Agriculture in Maharashtra?

The average starting salary for B.Sc. Agriculture graduates in Maharashtra range from INR 3.0 LPA to INR 6.0 LPA, with top recruiters offering higher packages to graduates from premier SAUs.

Q6. Are there any B.Sc. Agriculture colleges in Maharashtra without an entrance exam?

Admission to ICAR-accredited colleges is primarily entrance-based. However, some private colleges may offer a limited number of seats via their Institutional Quota based on 10+2 merit, after the centralized counselling rounds are complete.

Q7. Which are the low-fees B.Sc. Agriculture colleges in Maharashtra?

The government-run State Agricultural Universities (MPKV, Dr. PDKV, VNMKV, DBSKKV) and their constituent colleges have the lowest fees, typically under INR 40,000INR per annum.

Q8. Is B.Sc. Agriculture a good career option in Maharashtra?

Yes, B.Sc. Agriculture is an excellent option in Maharashtra, offering high ROI, career stability in sectors like Agri-tech, banking, and government jobs, and strong entrepreneurial scope.