PAU sees surge in applications for UG, PG progs

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has registered a remarkable upswing in applications for its various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for academic year 2025-26. It has received over 6,500 applications for its diverse academic offerings, a significant increase compared to figures from recent years. The surge is being viewed as a strong indicator of PAU’s growing appeal among students, not only from the state but also from other parts of the country.

The Common Entrance Test (CET) for undergraduate programmes saw 3,497 applicants this year, a sharp increase from 2,629 in 2024-25. The BSc fashion designing programme has attracted 77 applications, up from 45 last year. The Ballowal Saunkhri Entrance Test (BSET) for the university’s College of Agriculture at Ballowal Saunkhri also witnessed an encouraging response, with 667 applicants compared to 430 last year. Additionally, the Agriculture Aptitude Test (AAT), conducted after Class X for the six-year BSc (Hons) agriculture programme, garnered 849 applications, rising from 668 in 2024-25.

Postgraduate programmes too have witnessed impressive interest. Courses such as food and nutrition, MBA (agri-business), journalism and mass communication, forestry, vegetable science, soil science, plant pathology, genetics and plant breeding, food processing technology, entomology, agricultural extension education, and agricultural eteorology/agronomy have all received applications that are over double the number of available seats, an unprecedented response in recent years.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, expressed that the increasing number of applications was a reflection of renewed trust in the academic, research and extension leadership of the university.

He noted that the dip in applications in recent years had been due to Covid-19 disruptions and the overwhelming allure of foreign education, particularly in Canada. However, with the PAU’s continued focus on academic excellence, modernisation of curricula, enhanced placement opportunities and deep-rooted connection with rural India, students and parents are now recognising the immense value of PAU education in shaping purposeful careers. He stressed that the university remains committed to preparing its students as skilled professionals who would contribute to national progress and sustainable agriculture.

Dr Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar, PAU, observed that the diversity of disciplines attracting large numbers of applicants was a proof of the university’s evolving relevance in today’s dynamic world.

He said PAU’s updated admission protocols, greater outreach and increased digital accessibility had played a role in making the university more student-friendly.