Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)

About

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) had its genesis from establishment of an Agricultural School at Saidapet, Madras, Tamil Nadu, as early as 1868 and it was later relocated at Coimbatore. In 1920 it was affiliated to Madras University with the introduction of a three-year degree program. TNAU assumed full responsibilities of Agricultural Education and Research and supported the State Agricultural Department by delivering research products. Till 1946, the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore, was the only Institute for Agricultural Education for the whole of South India. In 1958, it was recognized as a Post-graduate Centre leading to Masters and Doctoral degrees. The Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai was established in 1965. These two colleges formed the nucleus of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University while it was established in 1971.  It was the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University which undertook all of the duties associated with Agricultural Education and Research. It also helped the department of agriculture of the state, by producing numerous products for research and development. It was in 1958 that the university gained recognition as a place for post-graduation. It also began to offer masters and doctoral diplomas to the students.

In 1972, separate degree programmes of B.Sc. (Horticulture) and B.E.(Agriculture) were started. In 1979, a separate Faculty of Horticulture was established. In 1980, B.Sc.(Home Science) programme was started at Madurai campus. The third Agricultural College was started at Killikulam in 1984 and the fourth at Kumulur (Trichy) in 1989 and later shifted to Navalur Kuttappattu (Trichy) in 1992 which is named as Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute. During 1985, B.Sc.(Forestry) programme was started at Coimbatore. Presently the B.Sc.(Horticulture) degree programme is being offered at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam and B.Sc.(Forestry) degree programme at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. In line with technological changes the B.E.(Agriculture) hither to offered is offered as B.Tech.(Agricultural Engineering) from the Academic year 2002-2003 at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy. B.Sc.(Home Science) degree program is being offered at Home Science College and Research Institute, Agricultural College Campus, Madurai. The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, governed by Government of Pondichery, is an affiliated institute of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University where B.Sc.(Agriculture) course is being offered. Apart from these academic institutes, the University now has research programs at more than 32 stations, spread over in Tamil Nadu with more than 1200 scientists and teaching faculty.

Today, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, located in 1350 acres of land in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is designed to educate students in research and higher education in the field of agriculture. This university  is recognized by UGC and operates in accordance with Tamil Nadu Directorate of Education. 

TNAU offers a total of 96 UG, PG, PG diploma and PhD courses in various fields of Science and Technology through its 15 constituent colleges and 29 affiliated colleges spread across Tamil Nadu. The University offers a four-year BTech and a four-year BSc in full-time mode at the UG level.  Admission to the UG courses is based on both Entrance and merit in the last qualifying exam. Moreover, it offers MTech, MSc and MBA and PhD at PG and doctoral levels.  As the university switched over to the e-learning from the academic year 2007, it was made compulsory for first-year students to procure personal laptops.  Apart from academic institutes, the university now has 36 Research Centers for Agrotechnology Development and 14 Farm Science Centers for outreach research programs. 

The Global Technological developments has lead to introduction of new courses. Introduction of B.Tech.(Food Process Engineering) from the academic year 1998-99, B.Tech.(Agricultural Biotechnology) and B.Tech.(Horticulture) from the academic year 2002-2003 as self supporting program has created avenues for bugetary independence. A new degree program B.Tech.(Energy and Environmental Engineering) was started during 2004 and B.Tech. (Bioinformatics) during 2006. B.Tech.(Agricultural Information Technology) and B.S.(Agribusiness Management) were started in 2007.

TNAU was ranked as 44 by NIRF in 2019 and Outlook placed the University at #45 the same year. Globally speaking, the University was ranked at 105 in the BRICS nations in the QS World University Rankings of 2018.  NIRF ranked the University 28 overall in India and 17 among Indian universities in India in 2017. Internationally, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University was ranked 301–350 in Asia by the QS World University Rankings of 2023.  it was ranked 1501+ in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2023, 501+ in Asia in 2022 and the same among emerging economies.

According to the NIRF report 2023, a total of 226 out of 1,553 UG and PG students were placed during Tamil Nadu Agricultural University placements 2022.   

Set in a spacious campus, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore offers a wide range of facilities to the students, faculty and staff. TNAU Coimbatore facilities include accommodation facilities, sports facilities, gym, cafeteria, auditorium, laboratories, Health centre catering to all medical needs of students and staff, gym,and many other facilities. The university provides separate hostels for boys and girls with amenities like modern kitchen, xeroxing facility, store and desalinization plant etc. The library of the university stocked with 200,000 books, monographs, 25,000 text, 8000 theses and dissertations,   2200 national and international journals and subscribed with online access for the journals provides students with various academic resources. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore facilities also include many sports infrastructure and a gymnasium. The auditorium is used for organising events and functions. The latest audio-visual equipment is available in the auditorium. Smart classrooms are present in the university. A modern IT infrastructure is also part of TNAU Coimbatore campus facilities. Transport facilities are also provided by the university.

Some Highlights of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

Why Choose Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore ?

Premier Agricultural University

• TNAU is one of the top-ranked agricultural universities in India, with national and global recognition in teaching, research, and extension activities.
  
• Strong Academic Programs
  
• Offers a wide range of UG, PG, Doctoral, and Diploma programs in Agriculture and allied sciences.
  
• Courses are updated regularly with industry and research input.
  

Research Excellence

• Known for cutting-edge research in crop improvement, biotechnology, soil science, and sustainable farming.
  
• Houses specialized research stations across Tamil Nadu catering to different agro-climatic zones.
  

Practical & Field-Oriented Training

• Curriculum includes Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) and Experiential Learning Programs (ELP) that provide real-world exposure to farming practices.
  
• High Placement Opportunities
  
• Strong industry connections with agribusiness firms, seed companies, fertilizer industries, research institutes, and government departments.
  
• Students get placed in reputed organizations with good career prospects.
  

International Collaborations

• Tie-ups with leading universities and research institutes worldwide for student exchange, joint research, and training.
  
• Extension & Outreach Activities
  
• TNAU plays a major role in agricultural extension, transferring technologies to farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), training programs, and mobile advisory services
  

Excellent Infrastructure

• Modern laboratories, research farms, digital libraries, e-learning platforms, and well-equipped hostels.
  
• A lush green eco-friendly campus in Coimbatore with a conducive environment for learning.
  

Scholarships & Financial Support

• Various scholarships available from the ICAR, State Government, and Central Government for meritorious and economically weaker students.
  

Entrepreneurship & Start-up Support

• Incubation centers and agri-business units encourage students to become agri-entrepreneurs and innovators.

Vision & Mission of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

Vision  

The vision of TNAU is to promote science based agriculture and allied processes in the State of Tamil Nadu to help the farmers and agri-based industries to compete successfully in the national and international markets through its education, research and out-reach programmes.

Mission  

Agricultural education through quality research, training and transfer of technology for ensuring food security, commercialization of agriculture and to improve standard of living of farming community.

Admission Procedure

TNAU offers UG, PG and Doctoral level programs in various disciplines of Agriculture. For admissions, candidates can apply to TNAU programs through Online mode. TNAU Admission typically begins in the month of April and continues till August. Admission to UG programs are based on the merit of the qualifying exam followed by a counseling process. Admission to TNAU PG programs are based on scores of the Entrance exam conducted by the University. However, TNAU PhD program admissions are based on the entrance exam and Personal Interview conducted by the University. The admission criteria for TNAU courses have been discussed in detail in the following articles.

Admission Criteria

Admission for UG Programme

TNAU offers UG, level programs in various disciplines of Agriculture. For admissions, candidates can apply to TNAU programs through Online mode. TNAU Admission typically begins in the month of April and continues till August. Admission to UG programs are based on the merit of the qualifying exam followed by a counseling process.

Eligibility

• BSc (Hons.) - Candidates should have passed all the subjects in the 10+2 examination with an aggregate of 55% from a recognized board.
• BTech - Candidates must have passed 10+2 exams in Science stream with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology OR Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science from a recognized board or its equivalent.

Admission for PG Programme

TNAU offers 32 Master’s Degree Courses in disciplines Agriculture. Admission to TNAU PG programs are based on the score of the entrance examination conducted by the University. The Eligibility and Selection Criteria of TNAU PG course below:

Eligibility

• MSc - Candidates must have passed graduation in B.Sc.(Ag.)/ B.Sc.(Hort.)/ B.Sc.(Forestry)/B.Tech. (Hort.)/ B.Sc.(Sericulture)/B.Sc.(Home.Sc.)/ B.Tech. (AIT) /B.S. (ABM)/ B.Tech.(Ag.Biotech) / B.Tech.(Biotech.) offered by SAUs with minimum OGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00/6.6 out of 10 (6.50 for reserved category students).
• MTech - B.Tech (Agl. Engg.)/B.Tech. (FPE)/B.E(Ag.)/B.Tech. (Food Technology)/ B.Tech.(EEE) of SAUs with minimum OGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00/6.6 out of 10 (6.50 for reserved category students)
• PhD - Master’s degree in a relevant field with minimum OGPA of 7.00 out of 10.00.

TNAU Application Process

For UG courses:

• Registration to any of the courses are done online. Candidates needs to follow these steps to apply for TNAU Admission:
  
• Visit the official website of the University.
  
• Click on “Undergraduate” and then “UG Admission”
  
• Click on “New Registration” and the application form will be opened.
  
• Fill all the important details correctly.
  
• It will generate a user ID and password on your registered email and mobile phone.
  
• Click on the “Proceed to Application” button.
  
• Pay the Application fee
  
• You can login again with your user ID and password to download and print Joint Declaration Form and Appendices / Checklist.
  

Scholarship

The central and state governments focus in providing a hustle-free platform for scholarships through variety of schemes to students for their higher education. The Scholarship Cell functioning in the Office of the Dean (Agricultural College and Research Institute), TNAU, Coimbatore in order to strengthen the bridge between the government providing scholarship schemes and students. The scholarship cell coordinates with all the constituent and affiliated colleges of TNAU with the undergraduate, Diploma and post graduate scholarships & fellowship governed activities.

• Post Matric Scholarships
  
• Community Scholarships (BC,MBC & DNC, SC & ST)
  
• SC & ST Higher Education Scholarship
  
• National Scholarship (Minority scholarships)
  
• Chief Minister public Relief Fund
  
• Moovalur Ramamiratham Ammaiyar Higher education Assurance scheme
  (Pudumaipenn)
  
• National Talent Scholarship-ICAR
  
• Student Ready RAWE (Rural Agricultural Work Experience)- ICAR
  

Placement

Placement Cell at Centre for Students Welfare, TNAU serves as platform between the students of TNAU and plethora of industries . The placement cell hones the employability skills of the students through various career development activities. The cell guides them in selecting their career path by providing various resources and activities to facilitate the career planning process.

• The cell helps in conduct of Campus Interviews throughout the year in relation to employers’ indent.
  
• About 60 companies participates annually in Campus Placement activities.
  
• Job Fair is conducted coinciding with closure of academic programmes.
  

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

All the TNAU colleges have well constructed buildings accommodating and meeting all administrative and teaching needs with all the basic amenities like furniture, surplus water supply and uninterrupted electricity. In addition, big meeting halls, auditorium and farm lands are also available.

To get hands on experience with the latest technologies, all the colleges have very good infrastructure with advanced laboratories equipped with state of the art equipment, etc. All colleges are now equipped with latest computer products and internet connectivity. Additional resources such as printers, wireless internet connectivity (wi-fi zones) for use in laptops are also be provided by the colleges. Smart classrooms have equipments such as laptops, cameras, printers, projectors, etc. and are readily accessible to students.

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University recognizes physical activity and sports as integral parts of curriculum for first and second year UG Students to increase awareness among students about the significant benefits of physical activity and the practice of sports.

The University dispensary supports for the health care activities to the students and staff members of the campus. The centre provides medical care for all common ailments, chronic diseases ad medical emergencies. Screening camp for students for gynecological ailments and eye camps is regularly conducted in association with specialistsThe health centre has four bedded facilities to treat the patients for common health disorders with the required medical equipment for diagnosis and treatments.

The TNAU Library System comprises of a University Library and 10 constitutional college libraries that collectively support the teaching, research and extension programmes of the University. The University Library houses a total collection of over Two lakh documents comprising of books, theses, journals, and compact discs in the fields of Agricultural science. All in-house operations in the library are fully computerized using the Koha software it provides web-based access to the online catalogue of Library. The benefit of consortia-based subscription to electronic resources is confined to its core members and also extended to all Constitutional Colleges, Research stations &KVKs through Remote access.

Hostel

The University main campus has separate hostels for boys and girls with requisite infra-structural facilities. There are six hostels for boys and four for girls supported by modern kitchen cum dining hall. Additionally, Norman Borlaug International Hostel is available for accommodating International students and professors quarters for visiting fellows and external experts. A refreshment home is also functioning to cater to the food needs of the day-scholars, staff and visitors.

Students who are given admission in the hostel are required to join the mess. The mess offers simple, but full-fledged meals at moderate rates, which may vary from time to time depending on the cost of the meals served.

Safety ensured by multi-level monitoring by teaching staff viz., Residential Tutors, Assistant Wardens and a Warden in the cadre of Professor. Each hostel has its own Residential Tutor, a teaching faculty who administers the hostels.

Hostel residents are expected to observe the rules and regulations prescribed for them as well as all the requirements of the social norms, humanity and hygiene that living together demands. Failure to observe discipline or violation of rules may make a student liable to disciplinary action which may result in the withdrawal of hostel facilities besides other action which the Institute may deem fit to take against him/her.

Amenities

Each hostel is provided with a Reading Room, study room and a TV hall with LED TV with DTH facility. Guest room facilities are made available for the visitors / parents of the students. Based on the availability, the guest rooms are being provided to the student participants who are visiting the main campus, trainings seminars, workshops and other university functions etc.

The hostel administration has arranged facilities like photo copying, dry cleaning, saloon for men and parlour for women, cell phone recharge centre, two wheeler/cycle repairing centre and footwear repairing shop on “service rent” basis for the benefit of students.

Transport

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University provides buses for students & staffs.