IARI Discontinues UG Courses at ICAR Centres; Programme to Continue Only in Assam & Jharkhand
In a pivotal policy shift, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Campus affiliated with ICAR, has decided to discontinue its undergraduate (UG) programmes at its main campus based in Delhi, which will take effect from the academic year 2025–26. However, the other two off-campus Assam and Jharkhand will remain open for UG courses.
Why did the IARI discontinue UG Courses?
During the ICAR Annual General Meeting (AGM ) held in June 2025, the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has decided to discontinued the undergraduate courses in IARI, Pusan Campus that recommendations came from a high‑level committee. He wanted the premier agriculture institute, IARI, to be fully focused on agriculture research only.
His concern is that the research-focused IARI has been conducting undergraduate agriculture courses instead of research work, which is the main focus area of IARI.
Key Elements of the Official Notification (11 July 2025)
- Discontinuation of UG Programmes:
UG courses will cease at IARI‑New Delhi and all hubs, except at IARI‑Assam and IARI‑Jharkhand. - Phasing Out Hubs & Introducing SRP Model:
Existing academic hubs will be phased out and replaced by a Student Research Partner (SRP) system for PG and PhD research students. Coursework will be conducted at IARI Delhi, while up to 20% of research may take place at partner institutes. - UGC Recognition Required:
IARI must seek University Grants Commission (UGC) recognition for its Assam and Jharkhand off‑campus centres to ensure continuity. - Validity of Existing Degrees:
Degrees already awarded and those to be awarded in the 2024–25 academic year remain valid. Ongoing UG students at hubs will complete their studies at their current locations. - Investment Toward Quality:
ICAR plans to provide infrastructure and funding support to IARI and its retained off‑campuses, including hostels, research labs, and academic facilities. - Introduction of Supernumerary Admissions:
IARI will begin admitting NRI and foreign students on a supernumerary basis, with revenue earmarked for global outreach and institutional strengthening.
What’s Being Discontinued?
From AY 2025–26, undergraduate degree courses across multiple disciplines—such as B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, Biotechnology, Community Science, Agricultural Engineering, etc.—will no longer be available at:
- IARI’s New Delhi campus.
The only UG programmes remaining will be the limited-seat (e.g. 60 students each) offerings at the Assam and Jharkhand centres.
These centres are slated to continue UG offerings, subject to UGC accreditation.
New Student Research Partner (SRP) System:
- From 2025–26, PG and PhD students will follow a new structure:
- Core coursework at IARI-New Delhi
- Research conducted in partnership with designated SRP institutes
- An estimated20% of research will occur at partner locations.
Impact on Students & Faculty
- UG students already enrolled at existing hubs will complete their programmes without interruption.
- Future UG aspirants: the students will need to shift to other agricultural universities recognised by the ICAR.
- Faculty and researchers at hubs may now focus more on postgraduate and doctoral research, in accordance with the institute’s primary mandate.
Institutional & Strategic Benefits
- Sharper focus on top-tier research aligned with ICAR’s mission.
- Reallocation of academics to strengthen research productivity.
- Revenue generation through international and NRI admissions to support global initiatives.
- Infrastructure consolidation at IARI’s main campus and select off‑campuses.
Looking Ahead
This reform marks a strategic realignment of IARI’s academic structure, placing research excellence at the forefront while retaining a modest undergraduate presence in two key northeastern centres. As implementation progresses, it will be crucial for IARI to:
- Secure UGC accreditation for its Assam and Jharkhand campuses
- Clearly communicate timelines and transition plans to students
- Monitor the new SRP model to ensure it benefits doctoral and MSc-level researchers
In Summary:
1. Balanced & Analytical:
This AGM recommendation on IARI means the premier institute will focus on its core mission—agricultural research and innovation.
While it may limit undergraduate access in most regions, the consolidation could enhance research quality and postgraduate education. The effectiveness of this decision will depend on how well the SRP model and UGC accreditation are executed in the coming years.
2. Academic & Reflective:
By narrowing its focus to postgraduate excellence and limiting UG offerings to IARI, Assam and Jharkhand off-campuses, IARI is redefining its academic and research structure. This may benefit long-term research goals.
3. Clear & Direct:
IARI’s move to end most UG programmes is a bold step toward strengthening its research ecosystem.
However, this shift may reduce opportunities for aspiring agricultural graduates whose dream to study B.Sc.(Ag.) in IARI will not be fulfilled anyway. They will be admitted to M.Sc.(Ag.) in IARI if they make a higher rank in AIEEA-PG-2025 examination.
If you are an undergraduate student, you can apply for a postgraduate program through the AIEEA-PG-2025.
4. Optimistic & Future-Focused:
Finally, the IARI emerge as one of the best research institutions not only in India, but also in the Globe. The arrival of foreign students could boost the world’s ranking, thereby enhancing the goodwill of Indian agricultural excellence worldwide.
In future, IARI might be the global research hub. Every Agri researcher will dream of IARI. Indian students will not go abroad for research, rather they would be more happy to take part in the IARI Glorious path.
This policy shift offers IARI a chance to sharpen its research focus while building high-quality undergraduate education in select locations. With careful implementation and institutional support, Assam and Jharkhand campuses could emerge as national models for future agricultural learning and innovation.
As an agriculture graduate and having done my M.Sc.(Ag.) from IAS, BHU, I had spent around two months in the IARI Campus for preparing JRF in Agriculture back in 2004. Still, I am dreaming of IARI and its campus life. It was an incredibly awesome experience that I have gained and still carry in my heart.