About Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya 🏛️
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), or North Bengal Agricultural University, was established on February 1, 2001, by an Act of the West Bengal Legislature. Dedicated to agricultural development, research, and extension in the northern districts of West Bengal, UBKV holds accreditation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It offers degree programs across three main faculties: Agriculture, Horticulture, and Technology (Agricultural Engineering), following the Vth Deans' Committee Recommendations for curriculum.
Key Information at a Glance 📊
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fees (Approx.) | ₹16,000 - ₹1.06 Lacs (Total for 4 Years UG) |
| Flagship Program Intake | B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture (Approx. 96 seats total) |
| Highest Package (2025) | ₹9 - ₹10 LPA (Reported) |
| Average Package (2025) | ₹4.6 LPA (NIRF Median Salary) |
| Median Package (2025) | ₹4.6 LPA |
| Scholarship Availability | Yes + ICAR, State Govt. Schemes (SVMCM), Free Studentship |
| Top Career Avenues | Agricultural Research, Seed/Fertilizer Industries, Government Extension Services (KVKs) |
| Recruiters | IIFCO, Pradhan, Swarna, Mankind, Indorama, Sonalika |
| Approvals | ICAR, UGC, AICTE |
Placements & Career Prospects 📈
UBKV provides highly targeted placement opportunities within the agricultural and allied sectors. The university's strong ICAR-accredited background ensures graduates are sought after by specialized government bodies, research institutes, and private corporations. The median salary is consistently competitive for the agricultural domain.
| Placement Highlights (As per 2023 NIRF & Reviews) | |
|---|---|
| Median Salary (UG 4 Years) | ₹4.60 Lakh |
| Placement Rate | Students are heavily inclined towards Higher Studies (approx. 30-40%) |
| Minimum Package Reported | ₹4 LPA |
| Core Sector Focus | Agronomy, Soil Science, and Agricultural Engineering roles |
Top Recruiters & Career Paths
- Agri-Business & Inputs: Major companies include IIFCO, Pradhan, Swarna, and other regional and national fertilizer/seed companies.
- Corporate Sector: Roles in private banking (agricultural finance), and multinational companies like Mankind and Indorama.
- Government & Research: Opportunities in State Agricultural Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and competitive exams for research fellowships (JRF).
- Farm Mechanization: B.Tech Agricultural Engineering graduates find roles in companies like Sonalika and Mahindra.
Fee Structure & Scholarships: Funding Your Education 💰
As a State Agricultural University, UBKV offers highly subsidized education, making it one of the most cost-effective specialized universities in West Bengal.
Fee Structure (Approx. per year)
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/Horticulture Total Fee: Approx. ₹4,000 per annum (Total ₹16,000 for 4 years, excluding refundable deposits and non-tuition fees).
- B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering) Total Fee: Approx. **₹26,500** per annum (Total ₹1.06 Lakhs for 4 years).
- Hostel/Other Fee: Nominal charges; Hostel Establishment Charge is typically **₹50-₹100** per month, plus actual mess charges.
Scholarship Opportunities
UBKV provides various institutional, state, and central scholarships to support meritorious and financially needy students.
- ICAR Merit Scholarship: Financial assistance provided to students who qualify through the ICAR AIEEA national entrance examination.
- State Government Schemes (SVMCM): Students are eligible for merit-cum-means scholarships like the Swami Vivekananda Scheme (SVMCM).
- Studentship & Stipend: UG students with a good GPA may receive an institutional stipend of **₹175 per month**, and 20% of UG students are granted Free Studentship.
Internships & Practical Training 🏢
The curriculum is highly practical and application-oriented, strongly adhering to ICAR guidelines (Vth Deans' Committee). Practical training is a mandatory part of the degree program, enhancing industry readiness.
- RAWE & ELP: Mandatory Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) and Experiential Learning Program (ELP) modules provide intensive field exposure.
- KVK Network: The university operates five Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which serve as practical training and extension centers for students.
- Research Farm: Students have access to the 300 acres Agricultural Experimental Farm at the main campus, used as a large-scale practical laboratory.
The Real Campus Experience: Life at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya 🧑🎓
UBKV provides a dedicated, green, and research-intensive campus environment in a rural setting, fostering both specialized knowledge and community engagement.
Hostel / Campus Facilities
The university ensures sufficient residential and academic infrastructure for all students.
- Hostel Accommodation: Separate hostels are available for both UG and PG students, with a total of 8 hostels on the main campus.
- Central Library: Rich collection of over 34,000 books and a vast collection of e-resources and e-journals specialized in agricultural science.
- Workshops & Labs: Well-equipped laboratories and a dedicated workshop facility under the Faculty of Technology.
- Sports: Facilities for indoor and outdoor sports are provided.
A Day on Campus
The academic routine is rigorous, involving field practicals, structured classes, and co-curricular activities.
- Practical-Based Learning: The course is highly practical-based, with mandatory field work and lab sessions.
- Student Research: Involvement in research activities conducted at the three Regional Research Stations (RRS) across different agro-climatic zones.
- Conferences: Regular hosting of national and international conferences (e.g., ICMAAS) and seminars.
- Extension Outreach: Students actively participate in extension education programs through the KVKs.
Admissions Process & Eligibility 📝
Admission to the university is strictly merit-based, governed by state and national level examinations, ensuring transparency and quality intake.
- Check Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Agriculture, usually with a minimum of 60% aggregate (50% for reserved categories). Must be domiciled in West Bengal for state quota seats.
- Apply Online: Application forms are released online on the official UBKV website (or through the relevant exam board's portal).
- Entrance Exams/Selection: For B.Sc. (Ag./Hort.), admissions are based on 10+2 merit (State Quota) and **ICAR AIEEA** (National Quota). For **B.Tech**, selection is based on ranks in **WBJEE** or **JEE Main**.
- Counselling/Merit List: Admission is finalized through centralized or decentralized counselling conducted by the university or WBJEE Board, based on the merit list.
- Final Admission: Seat acceptance requires document verification and payment of the admission fee at the university campus.