Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal

About

Maharana Pratap Horticultural University (short name MHU) is a state public horticultural university located near Karnal in Haryana, India. It was established on 28 November 2016 through Haryana Act No. 32 of 2016 by the Government of Haryana to promote specialized education, research, and extension activities in the field of horticultural sciences. The university is named after the legendary Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap and aims to develop skilled professionals, advance horticultural research, and support the agricultural community through innovation and outreach.

MHU’s main campus is situated at Anjanthali village, Nilokheri tehsil, Karnal district, Haryana, approximately 21 km north of Karnal along National Highway 1 (NH-1). The existing academic land spans roughly 97 acres, with ongoing development of a larger main campus at Uchani, Karnal. The university operates a research-and-extension-oriented approach focusing on horticultural education, sustainable practices, and direct support to farmers and industry stakeholders.

Maharana Pratap Horticultural University is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring its academic programs conform to national higher education standards. It maintains academic and research collaboration with Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU) for admissions and academic linkage. As a specialized horticulture university, it continues to build its research profile and national recognition but is not yet featured prominently in national general university rankings.

The academic core of MHU is the College of Horticulture, established in December 2020, which provides teaching and research facilities in horticultural sciences. The university includes departments focusing on Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, and is planning further units aligned with national horticultural standards. Apart from the main campus functions, MHU oversees regional research stations in Ambala, Jind, Jhajjar, and Murthal to support localized research and extension.

Admissions to M.Sc. and Ph.D. courses are typically through the entrance test (CET) conducted by CSSHAU, with selections based on merit in the exam and counseling, while UG admissions involve appropriate eligibility and counseling procedures. Eligibility generally requires passing relevant prior qualifications (10+2 for UG and a relevant bachelor’s degree for PG/Ph.D. candidates). Scholarships under national and state schemes (e.g., Post-Matric, Merit-cum-Means, and Central Sector Scholarships) are available to support students, especially from reserved or economically weaker categories.

The university is developing robust infrastructure including smart classrooms, modern laboratories, experimental farms, greenhouses, and research facilities designed for hands-on learning and cutting-edge horticultural experimentation. The campus also features administrative blocks, seminar halls, and technology-enabled learning spaces to support both academic and research activities. Regional research stations extend facilities for localized crop trials and farmer outreach.

While MHU is a relatively young institution and organized placement statistics are still emerging, its career support system and placement cell provide students with guidance, skill-building workshops, internships, and industry interactions. Estimated placement rates in horticulture and allied sectors are reported in the range of about 70–80 % for graduates, with opportunities in agribusiness firms, research organizations, and consultancy roles. Companies and institutes like Syngenta, ICAR institutes, and Jain Irrigation Systems are noted in engagement circles.

Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal stands out as Haryana’s dedicated horticultural institution, providing focused education, research, and extension services in horticultural sciences. With its mission to empower students and farming communities, ongoing infrastructure enhancements, and expanding academic offerings, MHU aims to deepen its impact in sustainable agriculture and horticulture while contributing to rural economic development and skilled human resource creation.

Some Highlights of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal

Why Choose Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal ?

1. Specialized Horticultural Focus 

   MHU is dedicated exclusively to horticulture education and research, making it ideal for students passionate about plant sciences and allied sectors.

2. Government-Backed Institution 

   Established under Haryana Act by the Government of Haryana, MHU benefits from strong state support and investment in infrastructure and academics.

3. Industry-Relevant Curriculum 

   The university follows curriculum norms (including those recommended by ICAR) designed to equip students with both theoretical and practical skills in horticulture.

4. Hands-On Practical Training 

   Students get extensive field, farm, greenhouse, and laboratory exposure, ensuring real-world experience in plant propagation, pest management and crop production.

5. Research and Innovation Opportunities

   With regional research centers and MoUs with agritech firms (e.g., Dhanuja Agritech), students gain exposure to cutting-edge research in crop protection and modern technologies like AI and drones in farming.

6. Strong Placement Support

   Career Development Cell provides workshops and industry linkages, with around 70–80 % placement rate via agribusiness firms, research organizations and consultancy avenues.

7. Scholarship Support 

   Scholarships available for meritorious and financially needy students, including SC/ST/OBC categories and national talent awards.

8. Strategic Location 

   Situated on major highway near Karnal, MHU is easily accessible from Delhi and northern India, facilitating connectivity for students from across regions.

9. Future Growth Potential 

   With ongoing development of a large main campus, hostels, sports grounds, labs and extension facilities, MHU is rapidly expanding academic and research infrastructure.

10. Contribution to Agricultural Economy 

    The university focuses on developing technologies and practices that directly benefit farmers, enhance crop diversification and improve livelihood opportunities in the agrarian sector.

Vision & Mission of  Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal

The Mandate of the University is to be a centre of excellence in teaching, research and extension education in the field of horticulture and allied sectors for food and ecological security, improved livelihood opportunities and economic prosperity of farming communities. The university aims to develop diversified sustainable farming systems for improving productivity and profitability in horticulture and also to train the farmers and extension functionaries for the effective dissemination of advanced horticultural technologies in Haryana and its neighboring states.

Admission Procedure

MHU Courses are offered at UG, PG, Doctorate level. There are 7 courses offered at MHU. The courses are offered disciplines like Agriculture. MHU courses includes M.Sc, B.Sc {Hons.}, Ph.D. Popular courses at MHU are M.Sc, B.Sc {Hons.}, Ph.D.

Admission Criteria

M.Sc. Admission

At the PG level the university provides a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree program in Horticulture which is a 2 years full time post graduate degree program. Graduation in relevant discipline is must to meet the eligibility criteria. The University offers 3 full-time postgraduate M.Sc. courses. Here is a brief about the courses

Ph.D. Admission

In addition to PG programmes under multiple specializations, the university also provides Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the same specializations. Candidates having a postgraduate degree in relevant discipline are considered eligible to apply for this programme. The minimum duration of the Ph.D. degree program is 3 years and the maximum duration is 6 years.

CCSHAU Entrance Exam Pattern

Total Number of Questions: 100 MCQs of 1 mark each
Duration: 2 hour 30 minutes
No marks will be deducted for an incorrect answer. Therefore, there is no negative marking.
Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% marks (47.5% for SC/ST candidates) in the entrance test to qualify the entrance exam.

Scholarship

The college offers several scholarship programs for new entrants based on merit, providing financial support and motivation for students. Tuition fees are approximately 15,000 per year, with additional fees including 1,100 for tuition, 1,100 for examinations, 60 for NSS, 2,200 for the university sports fund, and 110 for curricular activities.

Scholarships are awarded to the top 25% of batch toppers each semester, with girls receiving 1,200 per month and boys receiving 800 per month. Additionally, there are scholarships available for SC candidates with an annual income below 2.5 lakh. The college also supports students through education loans, making the fee structure reasonable for middle-class families.

Placement

The Career Development Cell has been associated with multifaceted development of the students in an effort (CDC) of developing their personalities and to face the challenges of future with greater confidence.  Realizing the needs of present day and to further strengthen these efforts, the Directorate has initiated an ambitious programme to initiate the managerial, administrative, communicative, technical and self- employment oriented skills of the students. Career Development Cell in the Directorate of Student’s Welfare has been assigned four mandates viz., imparting trainings, placements, liaison with leading industries and guidance to university students.  

Further, the Students’ Counseling and Placement Cell typically focus on supporting students’ personal, academic, and career development with following aims and objectives:

Aims:

• Complete Growth: To meet the intellectual, emotional, and psychological needs of students in order to promote their overall growth and wellbeing.
• Career Readiness: To improve employability and career management skills in order to prepare students education to professional life.
• Guidance and Support: To offer prompt and efficient counseling to assist students in resolving difficulties with their studies, personal problems, and career preparation.
• Enhanced Employability: to close the skills gap between graduates and industrial requirements, ensuring that students are prepared for employment.
• Work-Life Balance: To promote healthy coping mechanisms and stress management for maintaining a balanced academic and personal life.

Facilities Offered @ Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal

The Central Library system facilitating the creation of new knowledge through the acquisition, organization, and dissemination of information resources and is also providing value-added services to its users. The main thrust of the library is to strengthen the qualitative collection, improve the quality of services and facilities, achieve a high degree of users' satisfaction, and endeavour to facilitate the right information to the right user, at the right time. Central Library is fully air-conditioned. The library has print editions, e-books collection, library subscribes CeRA (Consortium for E-Resources in Agriculture) and many numbers of newspapers and magazines for users.Sports facilities for Cricket, kabbadi and volleyball are available for the students at CoH Anjanthali.

National Service Scheme, popularly known as NSS, was formally launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation. National Service Scheme is a student – centered programme and it is complementary to education. It is a noble experiment in academic extension. It inculcates the spirit of voluntary work among students and teachers through sustained community interaction. It brings our academic institutions closer to the society. It is a link between the campus and community, the college and village, knowledge and action. The overall aim of NSS is the Personality Development of students through community service. It gives an extension dimension to Higher Education system and orients the student youth to community service.

The Career Development Cell has been associated with multifaceted development of the students in an effort (CDC) of developing their personalities and to face the challenges of future with greater confidence. Realizing the needs of present day and to further strengthen these efforts, the Directorate has initiated an ambitious programme to initiate the managerial, administrative, communicative, technical and self- employment oriented skills of the students. Career Development Cell in the Directorate of Student’s Welfare has been assigned four mandates viz., imparting trainings, placements, liaison with leading industries and guidance to university students.

Hostel

Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, Karnal offers two girls’ hostels, each designed to provide a comfortable and secure living environment for students. Girls’ Hostel 1 has a capacity of 11 students, while Girls’ Hostel 2 can accommodate up to 15 students. Both hostels are equipped with basic amenities, including a well-maintained cooperative mess that provides nutritious meals, a common room with television for entertainment, RO-purified drinking water for health and hygiene, and access to sports facilities to encourage physical fitness and recreation. These hostels ensure a homely atmosphere while supporting the overall well-being of students. To ensure the safety of all residents, the hostels are also well-equipped with CCTV cameras for 24/7 security monitoring.

The hostel management oversight guidelines regarding student conduct and hostel regulations:

1. Discipline and Conduct:


All students must maintain discipline and contribute to a peaceful environment in the hostels.

2. Vehicle Restrictions:


Motorized vehicles are not allowed on campus for hostel residents.

3. Night Stay Regulations:


Hostel residents cannot stay outside the hostel overnight without prior permission from the warden.

4. Daily Roll Call for Girls:


In girls’ hostels, a daily evening roll call is mandatory, and all residents must be present at a fixed time each night..

5. Affidavit Submission:


Students applying for hostel admission must submit affidavits signed by their parents or guardians in the prescribed format.

6. Warden Accessibility:


The warden is available at all times through phone or other communication means.

7. Anti-Ragging Vigilance:


A continuous effort to prevent ragging in hostels is maintained by Dean College of Horticulture, and Directorate of student Welfare (DSW).

Transport

The university campus is accessible by road, and plans for transport services are underway to connect the campus with nearby towns and railway stations. (Official listings note campus connectivity but specific bus schedules should be confirmed via MHU.)