KCET Farm Science Admissions 2026: Agriculturist Quota, Practical Test & Cutoffs
Farm Science degree courses under Karnataka's State Agricultural Universities represent high-prestige, high-ROI alternatives to engineering and medicine. The Government of Karnataka reserves a dedicated 50% quota under Clause 238A for genuine agriculturists and agricultural laborers, determined through a 200-mark hands-on practical test.
Merit Rank = 50% Practical Test (200 M) + 25% KCET (PCB) + 25% Board (PCB)
For General Quota seats (50%), ranking is simply 50% KCET (PCB) + 50% Board (PCB). For the 50% Agriculturist Quota (238A), the 200-mark practical examination carries a decisive 50% weightage, dramatically elevating candidates with hands-on agricultural knowledge.
200-Mark Agriculturist Practical Examination Syllabus
Conducted physically on farm grounds at UAS Bangalore (GKVK), Mandya, Hassan, Dharwad, Raichur, and Shivamogga:
Plowing & Farm Implements
Practical demonstration of hitching a pair of bullocks, handling traditional wooden plough, iron plough, cultivator, seed drill (Koorige), and weeding implements.
Seeds, Grains & Fertilizers
Physical identification of certified seeds (Ragi, Paddy, Jowar, Red Gram, Groundnut, Sunflower), green manures, and chemical fertilizers (Urea, DAP, MOP, SSP).
Crop Plants & Common Weeds
Identification of live crop specimens, commercial horticultural fruits/vegetables, major pest damages, and troublesome agricultural weeds (Parthenium, Cyperus, Cynodon).
Oral Viva & Soil Identification
Oral interview assessing traditional farm operations, cropping seasons (Kharif, Rabi, Summer), irrigation practices, and identifying Black, Red, Alluvial, and Laterite soils.
Statutory Documents for Claiming 50% Agriculturist Quota (238A)
Candidates must produce original documentation issued by the Revenue Department (Tahsildar) during the designated farm verification window:
State Agricultural Universities in Karnataka
ICAR AccreditedUniversity of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK Campus
B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, B.Tech Agricultural Engg, B.Tech Food Tech
Karnataka's #1 agriculture research institution. Hosts annual historic Krishi Mela attracting 15+ lakh visitors. Highest ICAR JRF scholarship selections in India.
University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad
B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, B.Sc (Hons) Forestry (Sirsi), B.Tech Food Tech
Pioneering dryland farming and pulse technology research. Constituent College of Forestry Sirsi is recognized nationally for wildlife and silviculture research.
University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkot
B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture, B.Tech Food Technology
Specialized state university dedicated exclusively to fruits, vegetables, spices, plantation crops, and post-harvest floriculture technology across 9 constituent colleges.
Keladi Shivappa Nayaka Univ of Agri & Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS)
B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture, B.Sc (Hons) Forestry
Premier Malnad and coastal region agriculture university. Specialized in arecanut, cardamom, pepper research, and rainforest agro-forestry ecosystems.
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Sciences Univ (KVAFSU)
B.F.Sc (Fisheries Sciences, Mangaluru), B.Tech (Dairy Technology, Hebbal)
College of Fisheries Mangaluru is India's first fisheries college (est. 1969). Dairy Technology Hebbal produces Karnataka Milk Federation (Nandini) technical leaders.