Overview
Review ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana. Compare courses such as B.Tech, M.Tech, fees, admissions, cutoffs, placements, facilities, and official updates in one place.
College
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute
Karnal, HaryanaEst. 1923NAAC (A++)
Review ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana. Compare courses such as B.Tech, M.Tech, fees, admissions, cutoffs, placements, facilities, and official updates in one place.
Last updated 25 Jun 2026ApprovedNAAC (A++)
Courses Offered
Courses, Fees & Rankings at a Glance
NDRI Karnal offers a focused ladder of dairy-centric programmes from undergraduate to doctoral level. The table below summarises its flagship courses with the indicative total fee, duration and the institute's headline NIRF position, answering the question "what can I study at NDRI and what does it cost?" Use it as a quick comparison before opening the detailed Courses and Fees tabs for eligibility and entrance details.
The clear takeaway is that NDRI's PG and PhD programmes are remarkably affordable - M.Tech at ₹26,600 and PhD at ₹33,400 for the full programme - because they are heavily subsidised and research-funded. The B.Tech at ₹1,71,000 is the costliest option but remains the institute's flagship career-entry route. All programmes carry the same #2 NIRF Agriculture standing, so the choice is driven by your academic level rather than relative prestige.
| Programme | Duration | Indicative Total Fee | Key Entrance Exam | Institute Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Dairy Technology) | 4 years | ₹1,71,000 | CUET, ICAR AIEEA UG | NIRF Agriculture #2 (2025) |
| M.Tech | 2 years | ₹26,600 | ICAR AIEEA PG | NIRF Agriculture #2 (2025) |
| M.Sc | 2 years | ₹50,000 | ICAR AIEEA PG | NIRF Agriculture #2 (2025) |
| PhD | 3 years | ₹33,400 | ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) | NIRF Agriculture #2 (2025) |
What courses are offered at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute?
NDRI Karnal offers around 31 programmes across diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. The flagship options include the 4-year B.Tech (Dairy Technology), the 2-year M.Tech and M.Sc, and the 3-year PhD, all centred on dairy science, technology and engineering. UG admission uses CUET and ICAR AIEEA UG, while PG and doctoral entry run through ICAR AIEEA PG and ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF respectively.
ICAR-NDRI Courses & Fees 2026
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English, minimum 50% aggregate
Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline (Dairy/Engineering) with minimum 60% aggregate
Relevant Bachelor's degree with minimum 60% aggregate
Master's degree with minimum 60% marks in the relevant field
| Course | Duration | Total Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech Full Time | 4 Years | ₹171,000 | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English, minimum 50% aggregate |
| M.Tech Full Time | 2 Years | ₹26,600 | Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline (Dairy/Engineering) with minimum 60% aggregate |
| M.Sc Full Time | 2 Years | ₹50,000 | Relevant Bachelor's degree with minimum 60% aggregate |
| PhD Full Time | 3 Years | ₹33,400 | Master's degree with minimum 60% marks in the relevant field |
Fees
What are the total fees at NDRI Karnal?
Fees at NDRI Karnal are heavily subsidised: the B.Tech (Dairy Technology) total fee is ₹1,71,000 for 4 years, M.Tech is ₹26,600 for 2 years, M.Sc is ₹50,000 for 2 years and PhD is ₹33,400 for 3 years. Because NDRI is a government deemed university under ICAR, its postgraduate and doctoral programmes are far cheaper than equivalent private dairy or engineering courses, making it highly cost-effective.
ICAR-NDRI Scholarships 2026
Awarded by ICAR to merit B.Tech (Dairy Technology) undergraduates at NDRI who join a university in a state outside their domicile state. Students must maintain 7.0 OGPA and good conduct throughout the course.
For M.Sc./M.Tech students admitted to NDRI on academic and entrance merit, payable for two years. Students must maintain at least 65% aggregate (6.5 GPA) to continue receiving it.
For Master's students at NDRI selected through the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF examination, paid as per Government of India norms for the two-year programme.
Paid to eligible doctoral students on the rolls of NDRI - Rs 25,000 per month for the first two years and Rs 28,000 in the third year. Requires a journal publication (NAAS rating above 6) before thesis submission.
For Ph.D. scholars at NDRI selected via the ICAR AICE-SRF examination, as per Government of India norms (Rs 37,000 for first two years, Rs 42,000 in the third year).
| Scholarship | Type | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS) | Merit | Rs 3,000 per month | Awarded by ICAR to merit B.Tech (Dairy Technology) undergraduates at NDRI who join a university in a state outside their domicile state. Students must maintain 7.0 OGPA and good conduct throughout the course. |
| Institute Merit Scholarship (Master's) | Merit | Rs 7,560 per month + Rs 6,000 per year contingency | For M.Sc./M.Tech students admitted to NDRI on academic and entrance merit, payable for two years. Students must maintain at least 65% aggregate (6.5 GPA) to continue receiving it. |
| ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Government | Rs 12,640 per month + Rs 6,000 per year contingency | For Master's students at NDRI selected through the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF examination, paid as per Government of India norms for the two-year programme. |
| Institute Scholarship for Ph.D. (Doctoral) | Merit | Rs 25,000-28,000 per month + Rs 10,000 per year contingency | Paid to eligible doctoral students on the rolls of NDRI - Rs 25,000 per month for the first two years and Rs 28,000 in the third year. Requires a journal publication (NAAS rating above 6) before thesis submission. |
| ICAR Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | Government | Rs 37,000-42,000 per month + Rs 10,000 per year contingency | For Ph.D. scholars at NDRI selected via the ICAR AICE-SRF examination, as per Government of India norms (Rs 37,000 for first two years, Rs 42,000 in the third year). |
Admission Process
Placement & Admission Snapshot
NDRI Karnal recorded a highest placement package of ₹12,00,000 in 2025, up from ₹11,00,000 in 2024, with admission driven primarily by national entrance examinations. The institute's published data does not disclose a verified all-programme average package figure, so the most reliable headline metric is the rising top package across the two most recent cycles. Recruiters spanning the dairy and FMCG sectors - including Nestle, Amul, Mother Dairy, Cadbury, ITC and Tetra Pak - participate in the placement process.
The table below contrasts the two most recent placement years so applicants can read the trend directly.
The trend is positive: the ceiling package climbed by ₹1,00,000 year-on-year, signalling sustained industry demand for NDRI's dairy specialists. On the admission side, entry is entrance-based - B.Tech aspirants apply through CUET and ICAR AIEEA UG, while M.Tech, M.Sc and PhD candidates enter via ICAR AIEEA PG and ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF respectively - so strong exam performance, not just board marks, is decisive.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Package | ₹12,00,000 | ₹11,00,000 |
| Average Package (disclosed) | Not officially disclosed | Not officially disclosed |
| Notable Recruiters | Nestle, Amul, Mother Dairy, Tetra Pak | Nestle, Amul, ITC, Cadbury |
Is admission to NDRI Karnal merit or entrance based?
Admission to NDRI Karnal is entrance-based. B.Tech (Dairy Technology) aspirants must qualify CUET and ICAR AIEEA UG, with 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English at a minimum 50% aggregate. M.Tech and M.Sc candidates enter through ICAR AIEEA PG, while PhD applicants are selected via ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF. Final selection is driven by entrance rank rather than board marks alone.
Cutoffs
ICAR-NDRI Cutoff 2024
Top cutoff closing ranks and scores.
| Exam | Year | Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|
| CUET UG | 2024 | 275.00 |
Rankings & Accreditation
What is the NIRF and NAAC status of NDRI Karnal?
NDRI Karnal is ranked #2 in the NIRF Agriculture & Allied Sectors category in 2025 with a score of 75.87, holding the same #2 rank in 2024. It is a UGC-recognised, NAAC-accredited deemed-to-be university operating as a constituent institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This combination of a top-2 NIRF position and ICAR governance underlines its national standing in dairy and agricultural education.
ICAR-NDRI Rankings 2025
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Agriculture | #2 | 75.9 | 2025 |
Location & Campus Details
Contact ICAR-NDRI
Address
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
Phone
+91-184-2259691
Website
This page is published for informational purposes only. Always verify final details on the official institution website before making academic or financial decisions.
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute Key Facts (2026)
The table below summarises the essential identity facts an aspirant needs before exploring NDRI Karnal in detail. It answers the common opening question - "what type of institution is NDRI and what is its standing?" - by listing the year of establishment, governance, approvals, campus scale and ranking position in one place. Read it top to bottom to understand both the heritage and the current 2026 status of the institute.
The takeaway for 2026 applicants is that NDRI combines a century of heritage with a top-tier current ranking - holding the #2 NIRF Agriculture spot in both 2024 and 2025 shows consistency, not a one-off result. Its compact student strength of around 411 on a vast 1,348-acre campus signals a low student-to-resource ratio and a research-intensive environment rather than a high-volume teaching college.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1923 (deemed-to-be university since 1989) |
| Type | Public, deemed-to-be university under ICAR |
| Affiliation / Approvals | ICAR constituent institute; UGC-recognised; NAAC-accredited |
| Campus Size | Approximately 1,348 acres, Karnal, Haryana |
| Total Courses | Around 31 programmes across diploma, UG, PG and PhD levels |
| NIRF Status | Rank #2 in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (2025, score 75.87); Rank #2 (2024) |
| Student Strength | Approximately 411 students |
ICAR-NDRI at a Glance
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Deemed Institute |
| Established | 1923 |
| Accreditation | NAAC (A++) |
| Approved By | ICAR, UGC |
| Campus Size | 1,384 Acres |
| Total Students | 411 |
| Total Faculty | 154 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 3:1 |
| Hostel | Available |
Sources and Verification
Information last reviewed on 25 Jun 2026.
Fees, cutoffs, admission steps, placements, and programme details can change. Always cross-check the latest institutional or authority notice before acting.
FAQs
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, is India's premier dairy education and research institution, established in 1923 and granted deemed-to-be-university status in 1989. Located on GT Road in Karnal, Haryana, it functions as a constituent laboratory of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and NAAC-accredited. NDRI is best known for being the country's apex centre for dairy science, dairy technology and dairy engineering, producing the bulk of India's specialist dairy professionals and ranking #2 in NIRF Agriculture 2025.
NDRI Karnal stands out for reasons that are specific to its dairy mandate and national standing, not generic claims. Here are the differentiators that matter most for a 2026 applicant:
Yes, NDRI Karnal is one of India's best institutions in its field, ranked #2 in NIRF Agriculture 2025 with a score of 75.87 and also #2 in 2024. As a 1923-established, ICAR-governed deemed university spread over roughly 1,348 acres, it is the country's apex dairy science centre. Its consistent top-2 national ranking, specialised dairy facilities and recruiter base of Nestle, Amul and Mother Dairy make it a strong choice for dairy-focused careers.
NDRI Karnal is known as India's premier dairy research and education institute, specialising in dairy technology, dairy science and animal biotechnology. Established in 1923 and a deemed university since 1989, it is the leading provider of the B.Tech (Dairy Technology) degree in India. It ranks #2 in NIRF Agriculture 2025 and is renowned for its model dairy plants, research output and placements with major dairy and FMCG companies.
NDRI Karnal offers around 31 programmes across diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. The flagship options include the 4-year B.Tech (Dairy Technology), the 2-year M.Tech and M.Sc, and the 3-year PhD, all centred on dairy science, technology and engineering. UG admission uses CUET and ICAR AIEEA UG, while PG and doctoral entry run through ICAR AIEEA PG and ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF respectively.
Fees at NDRI Karnal are heavily subsidised: the B.Tech (Dairy Technology) total fee is ₹1,71,000 for 4 years, M.Tech is ₹26,600 for 2 years, M.Sc is ₹50,000 for 2 years and PhD is ₹33,400 for 3 years. Because NDRI is a government deemed university under ICAR, its postgraduate and doctoral programmes are far cheaper than equivalent private dairy or engineering courses, making it highly cost-effective.
NDRI Karnal is ranked #2 in the NIRF Agriculture & Allied Sectors category in 2025 with a score of 75.87, holding the same #2 rank in 2024. It is a UGC-recognised, NAAC-accredited deemed-to-be university operating as a constituent institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This combination of a top-2 NIRF position and ICAR governance underlines its national standing in dairy and agricultural education.
The highest placement package at NDRI Karnal was ₹12,00,000 in 2025, up from ₹11,00,000 in 2024. The institute does not officially disclose a verified all-programme average package, so the rising top package is the most reliable indicator of placement strength. Recruiters from the dairy and FMCG sectors, including Nestle, Amul, Mother Dairy, Cadbury, ITC and Tetra Pak, actively hire NDRI graduates.