Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology: About Us

Established in 1962, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, stands as the second oldest agricultural university in the country. With the motto "Knowledge for Prosperity," OUAT is a public university dedicated to agricultural research, extension, and education. The university encompasses 11 constituent colleges, offering a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spanning agriculture, veterinary science, agricultural engineering, horticulture, fishery science, forestry, community science, and basic sciences. OUAT is renowned for its robust research initiatives, emphasising advancements in agricultural practices and technology and addressing climate change challenges. The university extends its impact through extension centres across Odisha, providing farmers with essential information and training.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision: Premier Farm University, globally recognised, locally relevant, leading education, research, and extension in agriculture & allied sciences. Life-enhancing, socially sensitive, environmentally responsible, and economically beneficial.

Mission: Enhance production, improve resource use, create business opportunities, and ensure livelihood security through a technology & systems approach. Address plant production challenges and develop climate-resilient agriculture.

Objectives:

• Advance knowledge & skills in agriculture & allied sciences.

• Conduct strategic research for sustainable solutions.

• Develop & disseminate location-specific technologies.

• Enhance productivity & resource use efficiency.

• Create business opportunities & ensure livelihood security.

• Foster social & environmental responsibility.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria and Fee Structure

Courses	Eligibility	Admission Process	Fee structure (yearly fees in INR)	Duration
BSc (Hons) Agriculture	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology	OUAT Entrance Exam	INR 20,000	4 years
B.Tech. Food Technology	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics	OJEE/JEE Main	INR 40,000	4 years
MSc Agriculture	BSc Agriculture	OUAT Entrance Exam	INR 15,000	2 years
M.V.Sc	BVSc/BSc Agriculture	OUAT Entrance Exam	INR 40,000	2 years
PhD Agriculture	Master's degree relevant field	Written test and Interview	INR 8,000	As per research progress (Minimum 3 years)

How do I apply for admission to the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology?

Undergraduate:

1. Check eligibility: Refer to the official website or brochures.

2. Appear for the entrance exam: OUAT CET for most programmes; other national exams are accepted for some.

3. Qualify & register for counselling: Attend counselling based on your entrance score.

4. Document verification & seat allotment: Attend the designated centre with documents.

5. Fee payment & admission: Pay fees and confirm admission at the allotted college.

Postgraduate:

1. Check eligibility: Refer to the website or brochures.

2. Appear for the entrance exam: Varies by programme (OUAT PG exam, national exams, etc.).

3. Shortlisting based on merit: Score and past academics considered.

4. Counselling & document verification: Attend the designated centre if shortlisted.

5. Fee payment & admission: Pay fees and confirm admission at the allotted college.

Doctoral:

1. Check eligibility: Refer to the website or brochures.

2. Appear for the entrance exam: Conducted by OUAT for most programmes.

3. Shortlisting based on merit: Score and past academics considered.

4. Viva-voce: Appear for an interview or presentation as per programme requirements.

5. Final selection & admission: Based on combined performance.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Facilities

Academic:

• Central Library: A vast collection of books, journals, and periodicals relevant to agriculture and allied sciences.

• Colleges: 11 constituent colleges offer diverse UG & PG programmes.

• Laboratories: Well-equipped labs for practical learning across various disciplines.

• IT Infrastructure: Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the campus; access to computer labs.

Residential:

• Hostels: Separate hostels for boys and girls with dining facilities.

• Guest Houses: Accommodation for visiting faculty and scholars.

Recreational & Other:

• Sports Complex: Facilities for various sports like cricket, football, basketball, etc.

• Gymnasium: Fitness centre for physical well-being.

• Auditorium: Venue for cultural events and conferences.

• Cafeterias and canteens: Food outlets across the campus.

• Health Centre: Provides medical care to students and staff.

• Community Centre: Space for social gatherings and student activities.

• Post Office and Banking Facilities: Convenience within the campus.

• Transportation: Internal bus service for easy movement within the campus.

Additionally:

• Centres: Specialised research centres like the Geospatial Technology Centre and the High Computing Facility Centre.

• Seed Testing Laboratory: Testing seeds for quality and purity.

• Farm: Hands-on learning through practical agricultural activities.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Future & Career Opportunities

Traditional avenues:

• Government jobs: Agriculture Extension Officer, Research Scientist, Soil Conservation Officer, etc.

• Private sector: Agri-businesses, Seed companies, Fertiliser companies, Food processing industries, etc.

• Self-employment: Starting own farms, consulting firms, agribusiness ventures, etc.

• Education and research: Teaching in agricultural universities, research institutions, etc.

Emerging opportunities:

• Precision agriculture: Using technology for data-driven farming practices.

• Climate-smart agriculture: Designing solutions for sustainable food production in a changing climate.

• Agribusiness management: Combining agricultural knowledge with business skills.

• Food processing and value addition: Enhancing shelf life and income by processing agricultural products.

• Biotechnology and genomics: Applying advanced science in agriculture for improved yields and disease resistance.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Placements

Placement Overview:

• OUAT has a decent placement record, with a majority of students securing jobs through campus placements or other channels.

• The placement rate varies depending on the programme, with some programmes consistently recording higher placement rates than others.

• The median salary package offered to students also varies, but generally falls within the range of 3 LPA to 5 LPA for undergraduate programmes and 4 LPA to 6 LPA for postgraduate programmes.

• Top recruiters include Mahindra, Amul, VST, Nestle, OLIC, Gram Vikas Pradan, ITC, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, and more.

Recent Placement Data:

• As of 2022, a total of 247 students (137 UG and 110 PG) were placed during OUAT placements.

• The median package offered to UG students was INR 3.09 LPA, while the median package for PG students was INR 4.60 LPA.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Activities

Academic Activities:

• Guest Lectures and Workshops: Renowned experts and professionals are frequently invited to deliver lectures and conduct workshops, enriching students' knowledge and exposure.

• Seminars and Conferences: OUAT regularly hosts national and international seminars and conferences, providing platforms for students to engage in academic discourse and interact with leading researchers.

• Student Research Projects: Encouraged by faculty, students actively participate in research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience and contributing to the university's research endeavors.

• Competitions and Quizzes: Various academic competitions and quizzes are organised throughout the year, challenging students to test their knowledge and showcase their talents.

Cultural Activities:

• Annual Cultural Fest: OUAT's annual cultural extravaganza, "Utsav," is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, drama, and other art forms, showcasing the diverse talents of students.

• Clubs and Societies: Numerous student-run clubs and societies cater to various interests, such as music, dance, drama, photography, literature, and social work, providing avenues for students to pursue their passions and connect with like-minded individuals.

• Inter-College Competitions: OUAT actively participates in inter-college cultural competitions, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie among students from different institutions.

Sports Activities:

• Intra-University Tournaments: OUAT organises various intra-university sports tournaments throughout the year, encouraging students to participate in a variety of sports and develop their athletic skills.

• Inter-College and National Tournaments: OUAT athletes regularly compete in inter-college and national tournaments, bringing laurels to the university and showcasing their sporting talent.

• Well-equipped Sports Facilities: The university boasts well-maintained sports facilities, including a stadium, cricket ground, basketball courts, football fields, and indoor sports facilities, catering to the diverse sporting interests of students.

Sports tournament at OUAT

Social Outreach Activities:

• NSS and NCC Units: OUAT's National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) units actively engage in social welfare activities, inculcating a sense of social responsibility and community service among students.

• Rural Development Initiatives: OUAT collaborates with various NGOs and government agencies to organise rural development initiatives, empowering local communities and addressing their challenges.

• Environmental Awareness Programmes: The university actively promotes environmental awareness through various programmes and campaigns, encouraging students to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to environmental protection.

NSS activity at OUAT

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Scholarships Programme

Types of scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded based on academic performance.

• Means-based scholarships: Awarded based on financial need.

• Caste-based scholarships: Awarded to students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and other reserved categories.

• Special scholarships: Awarded for specific categories like wards of farmers, physically disabled students, etc.

Some prominent scholarships include:

• National Scholarship Scheme (NSS): For meritorious students from poor families across all programmes.

• Post-Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme (PGMSS): For meritorious PG students in various disciplines.

• ICAR Scholarships: For PG and doctoral students under different ICAR schemes.

• State Government Scholarships: Offered by the Odisha government for various categories.

• University Merit Scholarships: For top rankers in entrance exams and university examinations.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Affiliation and Accreditation

Affiliations:

• The University Grants Commission (UGC): Grants financial assistance and recognises degrees offered by the university.

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): Provides funding for research projects and recognises academic programmes.

• The Veterinary Council of India (VCI): Recognises programmes related to veterinary science and animal husbandry.

• Association of Indian Universities (AIU): Promotes cooperation and collaboration among universities.

• National Accreditation Board (NAB): Accredits undergraduate and postgraduate programmes based on quality standards.

Accreditations:

• NAAC: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has accredited OUAT at 'A' grade (3rd cycle).

• ICAR Accreditation: Several individual programmes have received ICAR accreditation for meeting specific quality benchmarks.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Highlights

Highlight	Details
Name	Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)
Type	Public State Agriculture University
Establishment	1962
Official Website	ouat.nic.in
Address	Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Motto	Krushi-Kala-Krushi
Academic Affiliations	ICAR, UGC, VCI, AICTE, AIU, and NAAC
Chancellor	Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha
Vice Chancellor	Prof.Prabhat Kumar Roul

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology's FAQs

What programmes does OUAT offer?

OUAT offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in agriculture, veterinary science, agricultural engineering, horticulture, fishery science, forestry, community science, and the basic sciences.

How can I apply for admission to OUAT undergraduate programmes?

To apply for undergraduate programmes at OUAT, candidates need to appear for the OUAT Entrance Exam. Eligible candidates can then register for counselling, undergo document verification, and pay the admission fees.

What is the eligibility criteria for B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture at OUAT?

Candidates applying for B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture at OUAT should have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Eligibility criteria may vary for other programmes.

Is OUAT affiliated with any accreditation bodies?

Yes, OUAT has received an 'A' grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). It is also affiliated with various regulatory bodies, such as ICAR, UGC, VCI, AICTE, and AIU.

What is the admission process for postgraduate programmes at OUAT?

For postgraduate programmes, candidates may need to appear for the OUAT PG entrance exam or other national exams. Counseling and document verification come after shortlisting, which is based on merit.

Are there scholarships available for OUAT students?

Yes, OUAT offers various scholarships, including merit-based, means-based, caste-based, and special scholarships. Students can apply for scholarships offered by the university, the state government, ICAR, and other organisations.

Tell me about the facilities at OUAT.

OUAT provides academic facilities such as a central library, well-equipped laboratories, and IT infrastructure. Residential facilities include hostels for boys and girls. Recreational facilities include a sports complex, a gymnasium, an auditorium, and cafeterias. Health and banking facilities are also available on campus.

What are the career opportunities for OUAT graduates?

OUAT graduates have various career opportunities, including government jobs such as Agriculture Extension Officer and Research Scientist, private sector roles in agribusinesses, seed companies, and food processing industries. Graduates can also pursue higher education, research, and entrepreneurship.

How is the placement scenario at OUAT?

OUAT has a decent placement record, with a majority of students securing jobs through campus placements. Top recruiters include Mahindra, Amul, TCS, Infosys, and more. Placement rates and salary packages may vary by programme.

Does OUAT have a strong emphasis on research?

Yes, OUAT is renowned for its robust research initiatives, focusing on advancements in agricultural practices and technology and addressing climate change challenges. The university conducts strategic research for sustainable solutions and technology dissemination.

Can I apply for OUAT admission online?

Yes, candidates can apply for OUAT admission online. The application forms are available on the official website. Applicants need to fill out the form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee through the online portal.

What is the admission process for international students at OUAT?

OUAT may have specific admission procedures for international students. It is advisable for international candidates to check the university's international admissions section on the official website or contact the university's international office for detailed information.

Are there any research opportunities for students at OUAT?

Yes, OUAT provides research opportunities for students. Apart from academic research projects, students can engage in hands-on research activities, participate in seminars, and contribute to the university's research initiatives.

How does OUAT support entrepreneurship among its students?

OUAT supports entrepreneurship by encouraging students to explore agribusiness ventures. The university may provide guidance, resources, and networking opportunities for students interested in starting their own farms or agribusiness ventures.

What is the process for obtaining scholarships at OUAT?

Students can apply for scholarships at OUAT based on various criteria, such as merit, means, caste, and special categories. Typically, the university informs eligible students about the scholarships that are available and directs them to the appropriate application process.

Is there a placement cell at OUAT to assist students in finding jobs?

Yes, OUAT has a dedicated placement cell that facilitates interactions between students and potential employers. The placement cell organises pre-placement training, career counselling sessions, and industry interaction programmes to prepare students for job interviews and placements.

Are there opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities at OUAT?

Yes, OUAT encourages students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. The university hosts cultural events, clubs, sports competitions, and social outreach programs. Students can join clubs related to music, dance, drama, photography, literature, and more.

What are the advantages of OUAT's focus on precision agriculture?

OUAT's focus on precision agriculture involves using technology for data-driven farming practices. This approach helps optimise resource use, enhance crop yield, and promote sustainable farming. Precision agriculture is essential for modernising agriculture and addressing global food production challenges.

How does OUAT contribute to environmental awareness?

OUAT contributes to environmental awareness through various programmes and campaigns. The university promotes sustainable practices, conducts awareness programmes, and encourages students to adopt eco-friendly measures. Initiatives may include tree plantation drives, waste management programmes, and awareness campaigns.

What is the role of the National Service Scheme (NSS) at OUAT?

The National Service Scheme (NSS) at OUAT engages students in social welfare activities, fostering a sense of social responsibility and community service. NSS units may organise blood donation camps, tree plantation drives, and awareness campaigns on social issues.