Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, Bihar – Courses, Admission, Campus, Facilities & University Details

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University – Overview

RPCAU describes itself as an Institution of National Importance. Its present central-university status dates from 7 October 2016, when the erstwhile Rajendra Agricultural University at Pusa was converted into Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University.

About Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University is based at Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, a location with a remarkable history associated with agricultural research and education in India. The university traces its institutional heritage to earlier agricultural research and education activities at Pusa and to Rajendra Agricultural University.

The university focuses on the three major areas of teaching, research and extension education. Its academic activities cover agriculture and a broad range of allied disciplines, allowing students to develop professional knowledge as well as practical skills relevant to the agricultural and rural economy.

According to the university, its academic structure includes eight colleges and a School of Agribusiness & Rural Management. It operates across campuses at Pusa, Dholi and Piprakothi, along with Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research stations.

History and Heritage of RPCAU

Pusa has a long association with agricultural activities and research. The university’s official history records several stages in the development of the area, including agricultural experimentation and research activities before the establishment of the modern agricultural research institutions.

The Pusa campus is particularly significant in the history of agricultural education in India. The university notes that agricultural postgraduate education was initiated at Pusa during the early development of organized agricultural research and education in the country.

The institutional journey later included the establishment of Rajendra Agricultural University in 1970. On 7 October 2016, the institution received its present central agricultural university status and was named after Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President.

Academic Structure and Colleges

RPCAU has developed an academic structure covering several areas of agricultural and allied education. The university currently lists the following major colleges and academic units:

• Tirhut College of Agriculture
• Post Graduate College of Agriculture
• College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology
• College of Community Science
• College of Basic Sciences and Humanities
• College of Fisheries
• Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay College of Horticulture and Forestry
• School of Agribusiness & Rural Management

This multidisciplinary structure allows students to study agriculture alongside engineering, biotechnology, fisheries, horticulture, forestry, food technology, community science and management-related subjects.

Courses Offered at RPCAU

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University offers programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. The university also provides postgraduate diploma and certificate-level programmes in selected areas.

Undergraduate Programmes

Examples of undergraduate programmes listed by the university include:

• B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture
• B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture
• B.Sc. (Hons.) Community Science
• B.Tech. Biotechnology
• B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering
• B.Tech. Food Technology
• B.F.Sc. Fisheries Science
• Forestry-related undergraduate education

The exact programme list, eligibility conditions and intake can change from one academic session to another, so applicants should always check the current admission notification before applying.

Postgraduate Programmes

RPCAU offers postgraduate education in several agricultural and allied disciplines. The university’s academic structure includes master’s-level programmes across subjects connected with agriculture, horticulture, engineering, fisheries, biotechnology, community science and other areas.

For example, the Department of Extension Education offers M.Sc. (Ag.) in Extension Education, while doctoral-level study is also available in the discipline.

Ph.D. Programmes

Doctoral programmes are available in selected agricultural and allied disciplines. Ph.D. education at RPCAU provides opportunities for advanced research and specialization for students who want to pursue careers in research, teaching, scientific organizations and agricultural development.

Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate Courses

In addition to conventional degree programmes, RPCAU has introduced postgraduate diploma and certificate courses aimed at developing practical and industry-oriented skills. The university’s recent academic notices include admission information for postgraduate diploma courses for the 2026-27 academic session.

Popular Study Areas at RPCAU

Students considering RPCAU can explore a wide range of study areas, including:

• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Agricultural Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Food Technology
• Fisheries Science
• Forestry
• Community Science
• Agribusiness Management
• Rural Management
• Basic Sciences and Humanities
• Agricultural Extension

RPCAU Admission Process

Admission procedures at RPCAU depend on the programme and academic session. The university publishes admission notifications, eligibility requirements, fee information, counselling details and other instructions through its official website.

For several degree programmes, admission has historically been linked with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) entrance and counselling process. Candidates should carefully check the admission notification for the year in which they intend to apply because the procedure and applicable entrance requirements may be revised.

General Admission Steps

1. Check the latest RPCAU admission notification.
2. Read the eligibility requirements for the selected programme.
3. Complete the applicable entrance examination or admission process.
4. Participate in counselling or seat allocation wherever applicable.
5. Complete online registration and fee payment as instructed.
6. Report to the university when physical reporting is required.
7. Submit original documents for verification.
8. Complete final admission and registration formalities.

For the 2026-27 academic cycle, the university’s academic notices include information about postgraduate diploma admissions and other programme-specific academic updates.

Eligibility for Admission

Eligibility varies according to the course. Undergraduate programmes generally require candidates to have completed the relevant higher-secondary education subjects, while postgraduate programmes require an appropriate bachelor’s degree. Ph.D. admission requires the prescribed postgraduate qualification and other conditions applicable to the particular discipline.

For example, the university’s published degree-programme information lists different subject combinations for programmes such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Community Science, Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology and Fisheries.

Important: Students should not rely on previous-year eligibility criteria. Always read the latest official admission notice before submitting an application.

Research and Extension Activities

Research is one of the central pillars of RPCAU. The university works across agriculture and allied areas and supports research intended to address practical challenges faced by farmers, rural communities and the agricultural sector.

The university’s extension activities connect academic and research work with rural communities. Its network includes Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research stations, helping transfer agricultural knowledge, technologies and improved practices to farmers and other stakeholders.

RPCAU also regularly conducts training programmes, expert lectures and skill-development activities. Recent university updates have included programmes related to mushroom production, plant tissue culture, agricultural technology, food packaging and artificial intelligence and big-data applications in agriculture.

Campus and Infrastructure

The university has a large and diverse academic environment. According to RPCAU’s official university profile, its campuses and associated facilities cover agricultural land, water bodies, wetlands and areas supporting biodiversity.

The university’s official website currently highlights eight colleges, more than 40 degree programmes, more than 15 diploma and certificate courses, and a student and faculty community supporting its academic and research activities.

Major Facilities and Academic Resources

• Teaching and research laboratories
• Agricultural research farms
• College and departmental facilities
• Library and digital academic resources
• Research stations
• Krishi Vigyan Kendra network
• Hostel and student-support facilities
• Training and extension facilities
• Sports and student activity facilities
• Campus transportation and other student services

Student Life at RPCAU

Student life at RPCAU combines classroom learning with practical agricultural exposure, research activities, training programmes, field work and co-curricular opportunities. Students from different agricultural and allied disciplines study within the same university ecosystem, encouraging interdisciplinary interaction.

The university also provides student-oriented services and publishes academic, hostel, transportation and other notices through its official communication channels.

Career and Placement Opportunities

Students graduating from RPCAU can explore career opportunities across agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, agricultural engineering, biotechnology, fisheries, horticulture, forestry, rural development, research, teaching and government services.

Depending on their qualification and specialization, graduates and postgraduates may pursue opportunities with government departments, agricultural universities, research organizations, banks and financial institutions involved in agriculture, agribusiness companies, food-processing industries, biotechnology organizations, NGOs and rural-development institutions.

Students interested in higher education can also pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies in specialized agricultural and allied disciplines.

Why Choose Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University?

• Central university status: RPCAU is a central agricultural university and an Institution of National Importance.
• Rich agricultural heritage: Pusa has a long-standing association with agricultural research and education.
• Wide academic choice: Students can study agriculture and several allied disciplines.
• Research opportunities: The university has a strong focus on agricultural research and innovation.
• Extension network: Its KVKs and extension activities connect university knowledge with rural communities.
• Multidisciplinary environment: Agriculture, engineering, biotechnology, fisheries, horticulture, forestry, food technology and management are represented.
• Practical learning: Agricultural education includes field, laboratory, research and extension-oriented activities.

Location and Address

The university’s official website lists its working days and hours as Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Students and visitors should verify current timings before visiting.

Official Website and Important Updates

RPCAU publishes admission notifications, academic calendars, fee structures, examination information, recruitment notices, tenders, training programmes and other university announcements on its official website.

Recent 2026 updates include the academic calendar for the 2026-27 session, admission information for postgraduate diploma programmes, and an admission advertisement for M.Sc. (Ag.) Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

Official Website: www.rpcau.ac.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, is an important institution for students who want to build careers in agriculture and allied sciences. Its long agricultural heritage, central university status, multidisciplinary colleges, research activities and extension network make it a significant centre for agricultural education and innovation.

From undergraduate programmes in agriculture, horticulture, biotechnology, fisheries, agricultural engineering and food technology to postgraduate and doctoral study, RPCAU provides multiple academic pathways. Students planning to apply should carefully check the latest official notification for eligibility, entrance requirements, important dates, fees and admission procedures.

Note: Course availability, eligibility, intake, fees and admission procedures can change by academic session. Candidates should verify all current information through the official RPCAU website before making admission decisions.

University Information at a Glance