What is Agricultural Engineering? Why does it matter in 2025? Full form, Duration and Criteria.

Agricultural Engineering is the branch of engineering that uses technology and science in farming and agriculture. It helps to focus on improving crop production, irrigation systems, farm machinery, soil management, and food processing.

You will learn about mechanics, biology, and environmental science to design tools and systems that make farming more efficient and sustainable. The course also covers renewable energy, water resource management, and smart farming technologies.

After graduating from Agricultural Engineering, you can work in farm equipment companies, irrigation projects, research centres, food industries, and government departments. This field is now in high demand in India and abroad because agriculture is an important part of the global economy.

Agricultural Engineering Highlights

What is Agricultural Engineering?

It is a branch of engineering that applies science and technology to farming. It helps to improve crop production, irrigation systems, farm equipment, and food processing. The scope of Agricultural Engineering is wide; you can work in many areas after graduation. 

Top Agricultural Engineering Specialisations

• Farm Machinery and Power Engineering

• Soil and Water Conservation Engineering

• Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

• Food Processing and Post-Harvest Technology

• Agricultural Structures and Environmental Engineering

• Renewable Energy in Agriculture

• Dairy and Food Engineering

• Crop Processing and Storage Engineering

• Bio-Resource Engineering

• Precision Farming and Smart Agriculture

Agricultural Engineering Syllabus

The Agricultural Engineering syllabus helps to cover both basic science subjects and advanced engineering concepts. At the undergraduate level, students study the fundamental subjects. And at the postgraduate level, the focus shifts to research, design, and specialised technologies in agriculture. 

Agricultural Engineering Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet basic requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. You should pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. A minimum of 50% marks is usually required to enrol in UG programs. 

And for postgraduate courses must hold a B.E./B. Tech degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related branch with at least 55% marks. Because admission is based on exams like GATE or university-level entrance tests.

And for diploma programs, you should pass class 10th with science and mathematics as compulsory subjects.

How to apply for Agricultural Engineering?

If you want to apply for Agricultural Engineering programs, students can use entrance exams or apply directly. Because there are many top colleges that use national or state engineering entrance exam scores for admissions. The application process is easy and usually done online through the school's or exam's website.

• Go to the official website of the school or exam.

• Sign up using a valid email and phone number.

• Complete the application with your details, including academics and course preferences.

• Upload the necessary documents like certificates, a photo, and your signature.

• Pay the application fee online.

• Save the confirmation page for your records.

• If needed, take the entrance exam.

• Participate in the counselling and seat assignment process.

Agricultural Engineering Entrance Exams

Getting into Agricultural Engineering programs usually depends on how well you do on national and state entrance exams. 

These tests check your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Maths. Some might also have sections on Biology or general skills. Doing well on these exams can help you get into India's best engineering schools.

Top Colleges of India offering Agricultural Engineering

Let's have a look at the best Agriculture engineering colleges in India: 

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee

• Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

• Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana

• Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh

• Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand

• University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

• Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat

• Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi

• Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur

Agricultural Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering

Agricultural engineering Course studies food processing and farming systems, such as irrigation and farm equipment. Designing machinery, manufacturing, and mechanical systems are all aspects of mechanical engineering. Though they are applied differently and result in different occupations, both make use of engineering concepts, equipment, and problem-solving techniques.