AAU PG CET 2026 Schedule Released: Exam on August 21 and 22 — Complete Guide

Assam Agricultural university (AAU), Jorhat, has released the AAU PG CET 2026 schedule for postgraduate and selected doctoral admissions for the academic session 2026-27. According to the official notification published on aau.ac.in, the Common Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programmes (CETPG) will be held on 21 August 2026 and 22 August 2026. If you have applied for M.Sc., M.Tech., MBA (Agri-Business), or department-level Ph.D. entrance tests at AAU, this is the date window you must plan around.

Unlike many all-India university exams where a single score decides every seat, AAU PG admission works in layers. Most master's seats are filled first through ICAR AIEEA (PG) scores. The University's own PG CET acts as an important second channel especially for Faculty of Agriculture programmes and as a dedicated route for subjects where ICAR does not conduct a matching test or where eligibility differs across departments. Whether you are a B.Sc. Agriculture graduate from Assam or a candidate exploring allied PG options in the Northeast, understanding this schedule is the first step toward a smooth admission season.

What Is AAU PG CET 2026?

The AAU PG CET (also referred to as CETPG or AAU PGET in admission documents) is the university-conducted entrance examination for postgraduate degree programmes at Assam Agricultural University. AAU is a leading agricultural university in Northeast India, with constituent colleges across Assam offering programmes in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary science, fisheries, community science, sericulture, food technology, and agribusiness management.

For the 2026-27 session, AAU follows a dual-track PG selection model outlined in its official Information Bulletin:

• Primary channel: Admission based on NTA score in ICAR's AIEEA (PG) for most master's programmes.
• Secondary channel: A Common Entrance Test (CET) for eligible students in Faculty of Agriculture subject groups who could not secure a preferred department through ICAR scores.
• Department-level Entrance Tests (ET): Separate tests for specific subjects such as Tea Husbandry & Technology (THT), Biochemistry, Food Science & Nutrition (FSN), Agricultural Biotechnology (ABT), Food Science & Technology (FST), and MBA (Agri-Business).

Candidates who have already appeared in national-level exams such as ICAR AIEEA (PG) or GAT-B for biotechnology programmes should still monitor the AAU PG CET schedule if they opted for university entrance tests in their online application. Missing the August 2026 exam dates can disqualify you from the corresponding merit lists, even if your academic profile is strong.

Why the PG CET Schedule Matters Now

The release of exam dates converts a long admission timeline into concrete action points: admit card download, travel planning to Jorhat or designated centres, final revision, and document preparation for counselling. For Assam domicile students especially, AAU remains one of the most affordable and reputable pathways into agricultural higher education. Timely awareness of the 21 and 22 August 2026 exam window helps you avoid last-minute confusion that often affects first-time applicants.

AAU PG CET 2026 Exam Schedule: Key Dates

Based on the schedule notified for CETPG 2026, the entrance examinations will be conducted across two days in August 2026. The structure follows the pattern AAU has used in recent years, grouping general agriculture PG tests on the first day and specialised or departmental tests on the second day.

Expected Schedule Overview (August 2026)

The table below summarises the AAU PG CET 2026 schedule as released for the academic session 2026-27. Candidates should cross-check the latest version on the official CET PG page at aau.ac.in/cet_pg_entrance, as minor timing revisions are possible.

Important note: If you registered for more than one test category, verify whether your subjects fall on the same day or different sessions. Overlapping papers are uncommon, but MBA and certain Ph.D. tests on 22 August 2026 are scheduled in separate time slots to reduce clashes.

Other Important Dates for AAU Admission 2026-27

• Online application portal: admission.aau.ac.in
• Application window (UG & PG): 11 May 2026 to 10 June 2026 (as per Admission Notice 01/2026)
• PG application fee: ₹1,500 (online payment only)
• Admit card: To be released on the admission portal before the exam; download using registration credentials
• UG CET (CET-UG-AAU26): Conducted separately on 29–30 June 2026 in CBT mode do not confuse with PG dates
• Counselling & admission reporting: Expected after result declaration; check bulletin for physical reporting requirements

Always treat the official Information Bulletin 2026-27 PDF on aau.ac.in as the final authority if any third-party website shows conflicting dates.

Who Should Appear for AAU PG CET 2026?

Not every postgraduate applicant at AAU needs to sit for CETPG. Your requirement depends on the programme, your ICAR AIEEA (PG) status, and the options selected during online registration.

Eligibility Highlights for Master's Programmes

General eligibility for M.Sc. (Agri) and related programmes requires a four-year bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, biotechnology, community science, or allied disciplines from AAU or any recognised university. Minimum CGPA or percentage thresholds apply by category:

• General / OBC / UPS: Typically CGPA 2.60/4.00, 3.25/5.00, or 6.60/10.00 (or about 60% where grades are not used)
• SC / ST / DAC (Assam domicile): Relaxed thresholds such as CGPA 2.20/4.00 or 50% marks in traditional systems
• In-service candidates: Separate relaxations with sponsorship from Government of Assam or AAU for select programmes

Programme-specific rules also exist:

• MBA (Agri-Business): Four-year degrees in agriculture, veterinary science, fisheries, forestry, dairy, or allied fields.
• M.Tech (Food Processing / Agricultural Engineering): B.Tech or relevant four-year science degrees as listed in the bulletin.
• M.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology: Often linked to GAT-B scores at the national level, with AAU ET for residual seats where applicable.
• M.Sc. (Community Science) in FSN: Open to graduates in food technology, biochemistry, nutrition, and related streams.

Ph.D. Entrance Tests at AAU

Ph.D. admission is primarily through ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) scores. However, candidates interested in Tea Husbandry & Technology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, or Plant Physiology may need to clear department-level entrance tests on the dates notified included in the 22 August 2026 schedule block.

Actionable tip: Open your submitted application on admission.aau.ac.in and confirm which entrance tests you opted into. Many students assume ICAR alone covers all PG admissions and miss AAU-specific ET deadlines.

AAU PG CET Exam Pattern and Syllabus

While the UG CET at AAU follows a standard 160-mark MCQ paper in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology, the PG CET pattern is discipline-oriented and tied to the bachelor's subject group you belong to.

Likely Exam Format (Based on AAU PG CET Norms)

• Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper) for most PG departmental tests; confirm on admit card
• Duration: 90 minutes for standard CETPG papers; up to 120 minutes for select Ph.D. tests
• Question type: Objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
• Marking: Check the bulletin for negative marking rules specific to PG tests
• Language: English (unless specified otherwise for a department)

Subject Areas to Revise

Candidates should align preparation with their qualifying degree major and the PG specialization they applied for:

1. Core agricultural sciences: Agronomy, soil science, plant breeding, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture fundamentals
2. Biotechnology / biochemistry: Cell biology, genetics, microbiology, enzymology, molecular techniques
3. Food science & nutrition: Food chemistry, processing, quality control, human nutrition basics
4. MBA (Agri-Business): Agriculture economics, farm management, agribusiness concepts, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness
5. Tea Husbandry & Technology: Tea cultivation, processing, plantation management, and related chemistry

Revise your final-year B.Sc. or B.Tech. syllabus thoroughly. AAU PG CET questions typically test conceptual clarity and application rather than obscure trivia. Previous years' ICAR AIEEA (PG) sample papers can also help because the subject domains overlap for agriculture students.

Students simultaneously preparing for other state or national entrance exams can use overlapping study time wisely. For example, science and aptitude practice useful for exams like MHT CET or IPU CET can strengthen analytical skills for MBA and general MCQ sections, though syllabus alignment is not exact. Design-oriented tests such as the NIFT entrance exam or NID DAT are entirely different pathways relevant only if you are comparing career options beyond agricultural sciences.

How to Apply for AAU PG Admission 2026-27

All AAU degree admissions including PG programmes are processed only through the official online portal. The university explicitly states that no agent, coaching centre, or third party is authorised to submit applications on its behalf.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register at admission.aau.ac.in using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Verify your email through the link sent after registration.
3. Fill the application form with personal, academic, and category details.
4. Upload documents (photo, signature, mark sheets, PRC, caste/EWS certificates if applicable, medical fitness certificate in AAU format).
5. Select programmes and entrance tests carefully this determines whether you must appear for CETPG in August 2026.
6. Pay ₹1,500 application fee online via the integrated payment gateway.
7. Download the acknowledgement and keep printouts for counselling.

Documents Required at Application Stage

• Passport-size photograph and signature (JPEG, max 100 KB each)
• Mark sheets from Class X onwards and degree pass certificate (PDF, max 150 KB each)
• Age proof, Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) / nativity certificate for domicile claims
• Caste certificate with valid Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) status for OBC candidates
• Medical fitness certificate as per AAU format
• Gap certificate (if applicable), migration certificate, sponsorship letters for in-service candidates

Critical reminder: Once submitted, the application cannot be edited. Double-check entrance test selections and category certificates before final payment.

Admit Card, Exam Day Guidelines, and Result

AAU PG CET 2026 Admit Card

The admit card for CETPG is expected to be available on admission.aau.ac.in a few days before 21 August 2026. Log in with your application number and password/date of birth to download it. The admit card typically includes your roll number, exam centre address, paper name, reporting time, and instructions.

What to carry to the exam centre:

• Printed admit card
• Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, or driving licence)
• Black/blue ballpoint pen as permitted
• Additional documents if mentioned on the admit card

Exam-Day Best Practices

• Reach the centre at least 45–60 minutes before reporting time.
• Confirm centre location in Jorhat or the allotted city a day earlier August weather in Assam can include heavy rain.
• Do not carry prohibited electronic devices inside the hall.
• Follow seat allocation and invigilator instructions strictly.

Result and Merit List

After the August 2026 exams, AAU will publish results and programme-wise merit lists on the admission portal. Selection combines entrance performance with category reservations as per Government of Assam and AAU regulations, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, DAC, and other notified quotas.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for counselling and physical document verification. Failure to attend counselling on the scheduled date may result in seat forfeiture, with the vacancy offered to the next merit candidate. In-service and sponsored candidates must produce release orders or no-objection certificates from competent authorities at the time of admission.

PG Programmes and Colleges Under AAU

AAU offers master's and doctoral programmes through multiple constituent colleges. Major PG offerings include:

• College of Agriculture, Jorhat: M.Sc. (Agri) in numerous disciplines, M.Tech., MBA (Agri-Business), M.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology
• College of Community Science: M.Sc. (Community Science) including Food Science & Nutrition and Extension streams
• College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara: M.V.Sc. programmes
• College of Fisheries, Raha: M.F.Sc. programmes
• Biswanath College of Agriculture: Selected M.Sc. (Agri) programmes

Seat intake varies by department from a handful of seats in niche specialisations like Nematology or Tea Husbandry to larger departments such as Plant Pathology or Agronomy. Consult Annexures in the Information Bulletin for exact seat matrix, fee structure, and hostel availability.

First-semester PG fees for general category students typically include admission, tuition, laboratory, library, and examination components as detailed in the bulletin. Budget separately for hostel and personal expenses if you are moving to Jorhat.

Comparing AAU PG CET With Other Admission Routes

Indian higher education offers multiple parallel pathways after graduation. AAU PG CET is specialised for agricultural and allied sciences. If your interests lie outside this domain, explore alternatives early:

• ICAR AIEEA (PG): National-level exam for agricultural universities across India; primary route for most AAU PG seats.
• State CETs: Exams like MHT CET serve Maharashtra-based professional programmes not substitutes for AAU, but part of the broader CET ecosystem students evaluate.
• Central university tests: IPU CET covers Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University programmes in Delhi NCR.
• Skills-focused universities: Institutions such as Team Lease Skills University emphasise industry-aligned vocational degrees a different model from research-oriented AAU master's programmes.

Choosing the right exam depends on your subject, domicile, and career goal: research, extension services, agribusiness, or entrepreneurship in food and farming sectors.

Preparation Strategy for AAU PG CET 2026

With the exam fixed on 21–22 August 2026, a focused six-to-eight-week plan can meaningfully improve your rank especially if you already completed ICAR preparation earlier in the year.

Week-by-Week Plan

1. Weeks 1–2: Collect the official syllabus for your paper (CETPG general, FSN, MBA, or Ph.D. ET). List weak topics from your UG course.
2. Weeks 3–4: Solve topic-wise MCQs and revise standard textbooks used during B.Sc. (Agri) or equivalent programmes.
3. Weeks 5–6: Take timed mock tests of 90 minutes. Analyse incorrect answers by concept, not just by memory.
4. Final week: Revise formulas, scientific names, economic terms for MBA, and key experiments in biotechnology. Rest well before exam day.

Resources Worth Using

• AAU Information Bulletin 2026-27 (eligibility and programme details)
• ICAR AIEEA (PG) previous papers for subject practice
• Standard reference books recommended by your UG professors for core departments
• Short notes on Assam-specific agriculture where relevant to extension and agronomy topics

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the August exam after focusing only on ICAR results
• Applying under the wrong subject group or missing ET opt-in during registration
• Uploading incorrect or expired caste/EWS certificates
• Missing counselling due to travel delays from distant districts of Assam or other Northeast states

Reservation, Quotas, and Special Categories

AAU admissions follow statutory reservation policies. Reserved-category candidates must upload valid certificates during application and carry originals for verification.

• SC / ST / OBC / EWS: As per Government of Assam norms; OBC requires valid NCL certificate extending through admission date.
• DAC (Differently Abled Candidates): Minimum 40% benchmark disability; applicable certificates required.
• Inter-State Candidates (ICAR quota): Admitted through ICAR AIEEA scores; separate from state domicile merit.
• NRI / International / NRI-Sponsored: Separate application fee and document set; follow ISA cell guidelines in the bulletin.
• In-service seats: Reserved seats in select programmes for Assam government or AAU deputed staff with experience requirements.

Supernumerary and management quota seats where applicable are filled on entrance merit without statutory reservation but with higher fee structures noted in Annexure III of the bulletin.

Conclusion

The release of the AAU PG CET 2026 schedule on 21 and 22 August 2026 marks a decisive phase for postgraduate aspirants at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Whether you are targeting M.Sc. programmes in core agriculture, specialised tests in biotechnology or food science, MBA in agribusiness, or select Ph.D. entrance exams, these dates should anchor your preparation and travel plans immediately.

Complete your registration on admission.aau.ac.in, track admit card updates, and keep printed copies of all certificates ready for counselling. Pair your AAU preparation with a clear understanding of how ICAR AIEEA (PG) and departmental entrance tests interact this dual awareness prevents missed opportunities after months of hard work.

For authoritative updates, bookmark aau.ac.in/cet_pg_entrance and the official Information Bulletin 2026-27. Agricultural education remains central to India's food security and rural livelihoods; securing a PG seat at AAU can open doors to research, extension, agribusiness leadership, and specialised technical roles across the Northeast and beyond.