About

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), popularly known as KAU, is a premier state agricultural university located in Thrissur, Kerala. Established in 1971 under the Kerala Agricultural University Act, it became operational in 1972 as the 15th State Agricultural University in India. The university was established by the Government of Kerala and functions as a public state university dedicated to agricultural education, research, and extension. Its primary goal is to develop skilled agricultural professionals, generate innovative technologies, and promote sustainable agricultural and rural development across Kerala.

The university headquarters is situated at KAU Main Campus, Vellanikkara, KAU P.O., Thrissur, Kerala – 680656. Located in the lush green surroundings of Vellanikkara, the university has a sprawling campus supported by an extensive network of colleges, research stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and extension units spread across Kerala. KAU follows an integrated and practical approach to education by combining classroom learning with field training, research, technology transfer, and farmer outreach programmes.

Kerala Agricultural University is a state university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and functions as one of India's State Agricultural Universities. Its academic programmes are offered in accordance with national agricultural education standards. The university has received accreditation for several constituent institutions, including recognition for its College of Forestry, and is widely acknowledged for its contributions to agricultural education, research, and extension services in Kerala. It is regarded as one of the leading agricultural universities in South India for its specialized academic and research ecosystem.

KAU comprises eight constituent colleges under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, and Forestry. These include Colleges of Agriculture at Vellanikkara, Vellayani, and Padannakkad, the Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology, the College of Forestry, the College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, and the College of Co-operation, Banking and Management. The university also operates multiple Regional Agricultural Research Stations, Research Stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, training institutes, and extension centres across Kerala, supported by experienced faculty members and research

The university offers Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programmes in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Forestry, Climate Change, Food Technology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Co-operation and Banking, Environmental Science, and allied disciplines. Admissions to undergraduate programmes are primarily based on KEAM, while postgraduate and doctoral admissions are conducted through university and ICAR admission procedures, depending on the programme. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed academic eligibility criteria for each course. Eligible students can also benefit from various government, university, and ICAR scholarships, fellowships, and financial assistance schemes.

Kerala Agricultural University provides modern academic and research infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, experimental farms, research centres, libraries, smart classrooms, computer laboratories, hostels, auditoriums, sports facilities, cafeterias, medical support, Wi-Fi-enabled campuses, agricultural museums, incubation centres, and extension training facilities. The university's widespread research stations and demonstration farms provide students with extensive hands-on exposure to agricultural technologies and field practices.

KAU has a dedicated Placement Cell that facilitates campus recruitment, internships, industry interactions, skill development programmes, career guidance, and entrepreneurship support. Students receive opportunities for placements in agribusiness companies, food processing industries, research organizations, government departments, financial institutions, NGOs, and agricultural input industries. The university also encourages higher education, competitive examinations, and agripreneurship through incubation and innovation initiatives.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, has established itself as one of India's leading agricultural universities through its strong focus on quality education, scientific research, technological innovation, and farmer-oriented extension activities. With its experienced faculty, extensive research network, modern infrastructure, and industry-oriented academic programmes, KAU continues to play a significant role in advancing sustainable agriculture and producing competent professionals for the agricultural and allied sectors.

Legacy of Excellence

Established in 1971, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Thrissur, is one of India's premier state agricultural universities with a long-standing reputation for excellence in agricultural education, research, and extension services. The university has significantly contributed to the development of sustainable agriculture and rural communities in Kerala.

Quality Education

KAU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programmes in agriculture, agricultural engineering, forestry, food technology, climate change, and allied sciences. Its curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning to prepare students for professional careers.

Research-Oriented Learning

The university is renowned for its advanced research in agriculture and allied fields. Students gain hands-on experience through modern laboratories, experimental farms, research stations, and field-based projects, enabling them to develop practical skills and innovative solutions to agricultural challenges.

Experienced Faculty

KAU has a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members, scientists, and researchers who provide academic guidance, mentorship, and research support, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.

Modern Infrastructure

The university offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, digital libraries, smart classrooms, research centres, hostels, sports facilities, auditoriums, computer labs, Wi-Fi-enabled campuses, and extensive agricultural farms for practical training.

Strong Research and Extension Network

KAU operates multiple constituent colleges, regional research stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and extension centres across Kerala. This extensive network provides students with exposure to real-world agricultural practices, technology transfer programmes, and farmer interaction initiatives.

Placement and Career Opportunities

The university has a dedicated placement and career guidance cell that supports students through campus recruitment, internships, skill development programmes, and industry interactions. Graduates secure opportunities in government organizations, agribusiness firms, research institutions, food processing industries, financial institutions, NGOs, and higher education.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Eligible students can avail themselves of various scholarships, fellowships, and financial assistance offered by the Government of Kerala, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the university to support their academic journey.

Focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

KAU encourages innovation, agripreneurship, and startup development through incubation support, entrepreneurship training, and collaborative projects with industries and research organizations, helping students become future-ready professionals.

Holistic Student Development

In addition to academics, the university promotes extracurricular activities, sports, cultural events, leadership programmes, and community outreach initiatives, ensuring the overall personality development of its students.

Conclusion

With its academic excellence, strong research ecosystem, experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, practical learning approach, and excellent career opportunities, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, stands out as an ideal destination for students aspiring to build successful careers in agriculture and allied sciences.

Vision

To be a globally recognized centre of excellence in agricultural education, research, and extension by fostering innovation, sustainable agricultural practices, and human resource development for ensuring food security, environmental conservation, and the overall well-being of society.

Mission

• To impart quality education in agriculture, agricultural engineering, forestry, and allied sciences through innovative and student-centric learning.

• To conduct need-based and impactful research that addresses the challenges of agriculture, natural resource management, and climate resilience.

• To develop and disseminate advanced agricultural technologies for enhancing farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

• To strengthen extension services by transferring scientific knowledge and technologies to farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.

• To promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development among students for creating competent agricultural professionals.

• To collaborate with national and international institutions, industries, and research organizations to advance agricultural education and research.

• To contribute to rural development, food and nutritional security, and the socio-economic progress of farming communities through sustainable agricultural practices.

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Thrissur follows a merit-based admission process for its undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programmes. Candidates must first ensure that they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria for their chosen course. Admissions to most undergraduate programmes are based on national or state-level entrance examinations such as CUET (ICAR-UG), while admissions to PG and Ph.D. programmes generally require candidates to qualify in the ICAR AIEEA (PG)/AICE examinations or the university's own entrance test for selected courses. Eligible applicants must register through the KAU online admission portal, complete the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the prescribed application fee within the specified deadline. Shortlisted candidates are invited for counselling, document verification, and seat allotment based on merit, reservation norms, and seat availability. Final admission is confirmed only after successful verification of original certificates and payment of the admission fee within the stipulated time.

Admission Criteria

BSc 

Admission Process

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board with the required subjects.

• Applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the Government of Kerala.

• Admission to UG programmes is primarily based on the KEAM (Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical Entrance Examination) rank conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.

• Candidates must register online through the CEE Kerala admission portal and participate in the Centralized Allotment Process (CAP).

• Seat allotment is made based on KEAM rank, reservation policy, candidate preferences, and seat availability.

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Thrissur offers a variety of scholarships and financial assistance schemes to support meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. Students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories are eligible for scholarships and educational assistance provided by the Scheduled Caste Development Department and Scheduled Tribe Development Department of the Government of Kerala. Students from Other Backward Communities (OBC) can avail themselves of scholarships offered through the Kerala State Backward Communities Development Corporation (KSBCDC) and other government welfare schemes. Eligible undergraduate students may also receive the Central Sector Scholarship instituted by the Government, based on merit. In addition, Kerala Agricultural University awards the KAU Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to deserving postgraduate and research students on the basis of academic performance and merit. Students are encouraged to apply for various Central and State Government scholarships, including National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes, subject to the eligibility criteria prescribed by the respective authorities.

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Thrissur has a dedicated placement and career guidance mechanism that assists students in securing employment opportunities in the agriculture, allied sciences, research, and agribusiness sectors. The university organizes campus recruitment drives, career guidance programmes, skill development workshops, entrepreneurship development initiatives, and industry interaction sessions to enhance students' employability. Graduates from KAU are recruited by government departments, agricultural universities, research organizations, agribusiness companies, food processing industries, seed and fertilizer companies, banking and financial institutions, NGOs, and multinational corporations. Many students also pursue higher education, research, civil services, and fellowships in India and abroad. Through internships, field training, and industry exposure, KAU equips students with practical knowledge and professional skills, enabling them to build successful careers in agriculture and related disciplines.

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Thrissur provides comfortable and secure hostel accommodation for both male and female students across its constituent colleges and campuses. The hostels are designed to offer a safe and conducive environment that supports academic learning and personal development. Hostel rooms are well maintained and equipped with essential amenities such as furnished rooms, uninterrupted water supply, electricity, Wi-Fi connectivity in selected hostels, study areas, reading rooms, and common recreation spaces. The university also provides hygienic dining facilities serving nutritious meals, along with round-the-clock security, wardens, CCTV surveillance, medical assistance, and basic healthcare support. Students have access to indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, ensuring a balanced campus life. Hostel allotment is made based on availability and the university's hostel regulations, with preference given to eligible students from distant locations.

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Thrissur provides transportation facilities to support the commuting needs of students, faculty, and staff across its campuses and research stations. The university operates buses and official vehicles for academic activities, educational tours, field visits, research programmes, extension services, and other institutional requirements. The main campus at Vellanikkara is well connected by public transport, with frequent Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses operating from Thrissur city and nearby towns. The Thrissur Railway Station and Cochin International Airport are also easily accessible, ensuring convenient travel for students and visitors. The availability of reliable transport connectivity enables students to commute comfortably while participating in academic, research, and extracurricular activities.