In a strong indication of shifting priorities among students and parents, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, witnessed an encouraging participation of 2,951 students in its Common Entrance Test (PAU-CET) 2025, choosing the promise of academic stability and career opportunities in India over uncertain prospects abroad.
Providing the details, Dr. Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar of PAU, shared that the examination was conducted across 13 centres situated within the university campus and select schools in Ludhiana city. Out of the total candidates, 1,366 were male (46.29%) and 1,585 were female (53.71%), registering an overall attendance rate of 84.17%.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, welcomed the growing interest in agricultural education and emphasized that students are now increasingly recognizing the value and potential of agriculture and its allied sectors in the current socio-economic landscape. “This year’s strong participation is reflective of a broader trend where students are choosing dependable academic pathways in Punjab over costly and uncertain education abroad,” he remarked.
Dr. Gosal highlighted the relevance of PAU’s evolving curriculum, which not only focuses on core agriculture but also integrates modern disciplines such as food technology, agribusiness, agri-engineering, AI-driven models, and agri-fashion, aligning with global developments while catering to local aspirations.
He also addressed global employment instability and financial uncertainties that have influenced this shift in student outlook. “At a time when job markets abroad are shrinking and visa regulations are tightening, students are now embracing self-reliant ventures in India. This signals a maturing approach towards career-building—rooted in certainty, purpose, and regional development,” he added.
Dr. Gosal proudly noted PAU’s outstanding performance in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025, where the university secured the No. 1 position among State Agricultural Universities and stood 2nd at the national level. He attributed this achievement to PAU’s comprehensive academic ecosystem, industry-relevant programs, and a growing trust among students from Punjab and beyond.
As agriculture evolves to meet the demands of a changing world, institutions like PAU are becoming critical platforms for nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in rural economies. The CET 2025 turnout is a reflection of that growing confidence one that promises a strong and self-sufficient future for Punjab and Indian agriculture at large.
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