PGP ABM: Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management Course Details
PGP-ABM is a specialized postgraduate program that prepares graduates for careers in agribusiness, food supply chains, and rural management. This article covers course details, eligibility, fees, top colleges, and career opportunities in the agribusiness sector.
The Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP ABM) is a 2-year program designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in India’s agricultural sector. The PGP ABM curriculum covers agricultural business management, rural marketing, supply chain management, and finance, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% is generally required for admission. Prestigious institutions like IIM Lucknow, MANAGE Hyderabad, and VAMNICOM, Pune offer this program.Â
The PGP ABM develops students’ analytical, decision-making, leadership, and communication skills, preparing them for roles such as Agri-business Manager, Rural Development Officer, Supply Chain Manager, and Agricultural Finance Officer. Admission criteria vary, but most institutions accept entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, and ATMA, with some valuing work experience. The program fee typically ranges from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs. This guide provides information on PGP ABM programs, including colleges, fees, syllabus, and placements.
PGP ABM: Program Overview
The Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP ABM) is a 2-year master’s degree program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the agribusiness industry. The program focuses on agricultural business management, rural marketing, supply chain management, and finance.Â
Program fees range from INR 2,50,000 to INR 14,00,000 per year, depending on the institution. Eligibility typically includes a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks and a valid score in entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, or XAT. Graduates can pursue careers as agri-business managers, rural development officers, supply chain managers, and agricultural finance officers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management |
| Full Form | PGP ABM |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Average Fees (INR) | INR 2,50,000 – INR 14,00,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks |
| Entrance Exams Accepted | CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA |
| Job Roles | Agri-business Manager, Rural Development Officer, Supply Chain Manager, Agricultural Finance Officer |
| Key Highlights | Focus on agribusiness, rural marketing, supply chain management, and finance |
| Skills Developed | Analytical skills, decision-making, leadership, and communication |
| Target Audience | Graduates with an interest in agriculture and business |
| Industry Relevance | The agriculture sector contributes around 18% to India’s GDP, with a growing demand for skilled agribusiness professionals |
PGP ABM Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for the Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP ABM) vary by institution, but most require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum percentage of marks. Some colleges also accept entrance exam scores such as CAT, XAT, MAT, and CMAT. Work experience is desirable at some institutions. Reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC may have relaxed eligibility criteria.
| College Name | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Percentage | Entrance Exam Accepted |
| IIM Lucknow | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Science / Agricultural Engineering / allied subjects (or any discipline with 2+ years relevant agri-sector experience/interest) | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) | CAT (with sectional/total cut-offs, e.g., 85 overall for General in recent policies) |
| MANAGE Hyderabad | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Sciences or Agriculture-related disciplines | 50% | CAT (valid score required) |
| National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) Jaipur | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Sciences or any other discipline | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PH) | CAT |
| VAMNICOM, Pune | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (10+2+3) | 50% (45% for SC/ST) | CAT / XAT / GMAT / CMAT |
| Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM), Bangalore | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (often prefers agri/plantation-related) | 50% | CAT / CMAT / MAT / ATMA |
| University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / allied fields (or any graduate for some seats) | 50% | University Entrance Exam / Merit-based |
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / allied sciences (e.g., B.Sc. Agri/Hort.) | 50-60% (relaxed for reserved categories, e.g., 45% for BC/SC) | Merit-based / TNAU Entrance / ICAR |
| Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Hyderabad | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / allied fields (e.g., B.Sc. Agri/Hort./B.Tech Agri Engg.) | OGPA 6.60/10 (relaxed to 5.60 for SC/ST) | Merit / ICAR / University Entrance |
| Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry / Home Sc. / Dairy / Fisheries / Agri Engg. / allied (or any for MBA Agribusiness) | 55% (relaxed for reserved) | CAT / CMAT / Merit |
PGP ABM Admission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The PGP ABM admission process includes entrance exams, group discussions, and personal interviews. Candidates must meet the minimum qualification and percentage requirements set by colleges such as IIM Lucknow, MANAGE Hyderabad, and National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) Jaipur. The annual fees for these colleges range from INR 2,50,000 to INR 14,00,000.
- Check the eligibility criteria of the desired colleges, including minimum qualification, percentage, and accepted entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, and ATMA.
- Register and appear for the relevant entrance exams (registration fees: INR 1,000 – INR 2,000).
- Apply to colleges accepting the entrance exam scores (application fees: INR 500 – INR 2,000).
- Shortlisted candidates participate in Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) to assess communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
- Final selection considers entrance exam score, GD/PI performance, and academic record; some colleges weigh work experience.
- Prepare for entrance exams by studying the syllabus and practising with sample papers.
- Research colleges and their specialisations, such as agribusiness, rural marketing, and supply chain management.
- Ensure all documents, including certificates, transcripts, and ID proofs, are ready.
- Stay updated with the admission schedule, including deadlines, exam dates, and result announcements.
- Network with current students, alumni, and faculty to gain insights into the program and college life.
The admission process for PGP ABM is competitive, with cutoff scores for entrance exams ranging from 60 to 90 percentile. Candidates should prepare for the GD and PI rounds, showcasing their knowledge, skills, and experience in agribusiness and management.
Entrance Exams for PGP ABM Admission in India: CAT, XAT, MAT, and More
Admission to the Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP ABM) requires candidates to take national and state-level entrance exams that assess aptitude, knowledge, and skills in areas such as quantitative ability, verbal comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. Common entrance exams include CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, and ICAR AIEEA. Each exam has its own eligibility criteria, syllabus, and exam pattern. Refer to the conducting bodies for the latest information on exam dates, registration process, and cutoff scores.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Exam Type | Eligibility | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | CBT | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% | Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness |
| ICAR AIEEA | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) | CBT | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or related field with 60% | Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries, Forestry, Home Science, Veterinary Science |
| ATMA | Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) | CBT | Bachelor’s Degree | Quantitative Skills, Verbal Skills, Analytical Reasoning |
| GMAT | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | CBT | Bachelor’s Degree | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning |
| PGCET | State Governments | CBT | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% | Quantitative Ability, Verbal Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge |
Top Government Colleges for PGP ABM in India: Fees, Rankings, and Location
The following table lists the top government colleges in India that offer PGP ABM programs, along with their city, NIRF ranking, annual fees, admission mode, and unique features. These colleges provide students with a strong foundation for a career in agribusiness management. The annual fees range from INR 2,50,000 to INR 4,00,000. Admission is typically based on entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT, followed by a group discussion and personal interview.
| College Name | City | NIRF Ranking | Annual Fees | Admission Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANAGE Hyderabad | Hyderabad | NIRF Ranking – 31 (in the Management category) | Rs 4,00,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam-based (CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA) |
| National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) Jaipur | Jaipur | NIRF Ranking – 42 (in the Management category) | Rs 3,50,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam-based (CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA) |
| VAMNICOM, Pune | Pune | NIRF Ranking – 25 (in the Management category) | Rs 2,50,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam-based (CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAT, ATMA) |
| IIM Lucknow | Lucknow | NIRF Ranking – 4 (in the Management category) | Rs 14,00,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam-based (CAT) |
| Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM), Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar | NIRF Ranking – 16 (in the Management category) | Rs 8,00,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam based (CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT) |
| Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM), Bangalore | Bangalore | NIRF Ranking – 51 (in the Management category) | Rs 3,00,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam based (CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA) |
| National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal | Karnal | NIRF Ranking – 35 (in the Agriculture category) | Rs 2,00,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam-based (ICAR AIEEA) |
| Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi | New Delhi | NIRF Ranking – 11 (in the Agriculture category) | Rs 1,50,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam-based (ICAR AIEEA) |
| University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore | Bangalore | NIRF Ranking – 28 (in the Agriculture category) | Rs 1,20,000 per year (includes tuition, lab fees, and library charges) | Entrance exam-based (ICAR AIEEA, KCET) |
Top Private Colleges for PGP ABM in India: Fees, Rankings, and Location
The table below lists the top private colleges for PGP ABM in India, including their city, ranking, annual fees, admission mode, and unique features. These colleges are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The annual fees range from INR 4,00,000 to INR 14,00,000, depending on the institution. Admission is based on entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT, followed by a group discussion and personal interview.
| College Name | City | Ranking | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Lucknow | Lucknow | NIRF Rank #4 | Rs 14,00,000 per year |
| Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM), Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar | NIRF Rank #16 | Rs 8,00,000 per year |
| ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad | Hyderabad | NIRF Rank #25 | Rs 6,50,000 per year |
| Amity Business School, Noida | Noida | NIRF Rank #30 | Rs 5,50,000 per year |
| Institute of Rural Management (IRM), Anand | Anand | NIRF Rank #35 | Rs 4,50,000 per year |
| Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai | Mumbai | NIRF Rank #40 | Rs 6,00,000 per year |
| Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune | Pune | NIRF Rank #45 | Rs 7,00,000 per year |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow | Lucknow | NIRF Rank #50 | Rs 5,00,000 per year |
| IFMR Graduate School of Business, Sri City | Sri City | NIRF Rank #55 | Rs 6,50,000 per year |
| Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida | Greater Noida | NIRF Rank #60 | Rs 7,50,000 per year |
PGP ABM Syllabus PDF
PGP ABM (MBA Agri Business Management) Syllabus
PGP ABM Subjects and Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown
The PGP ABM is a two-year course divided into four semesters, covering a range of subjects related to agricultural business management. The first semester includes Principles of Management, Agricultural Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Financial Accounting. Subsequent semesters introduce specialized subjects such as Marketing Management, Farm Management, Agricultural Finance, and Research Methodology. Electives include International Agribusiness, Commodity Trading, Precision Farming, and Sustainable Agriculture. Core subjects typically have 3-4 credit hours, while electives have 2-3 credit hours.
| Semester | Core Subjects | Elective Subjects | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Principles of Management, Agricultural Economics, Quantitative Methods, Financial Accounting | – | 15 |
| Semester 2 | Marketing Management, Farm Management, Agricultural Finance, Research Methodology | – | 15 |
| Semester 3 | Supply Chain Management, Rural Marketing, Agribusiness Policy, Strategic Management | International Agribusiness, Commodity Trading | 15 |
| Semester 4 | Project Management, Entrepreneurship Development, Risk Management | Precision Farming, Sustainable Agriculture | 15 |
| Semester 1 (Specialization) | Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Finance, Farm Management | Rural Development, Agricultural Policy | 12 |
| Semester 2 (Specialization) | Agribusiness Management, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship Development | International Trade, Commodity Markets | 12 |
| Semester 3 (Electives) | – | Organic Farming, Agricultural Biotechnology, Rural Tourism | 9 |
| Semester 4 (Electives) | – | Agricultural Insurance, Agricultural Risk Management, Farm Mechanization | 9 |
| Semester 1 (Foundation) | Managerial Economics, Business Statistics, Financial Management | – | 12 |
| Semester 2 (Foundation) | Marketing Research, Human Resource Management, Operations Management | – | 12 |
PGP ABM Fee Structure: Comparing Government and Private Colleges in India
The PGP ABM fee structure differs between government and private colleges. Government colleges like MANAGE Hyderabad and National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) Jaipur offer the program at a lower cost, with tuition fees ranging from INR 3,50,000 to INR 4,00,000 per year.
Private colleges like IIM Lucknow and Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM), Bhubaneswar, charge higher tuition fees, ranging from INR 8,00,000 to INR 14,00,000 per year. Additional expenses like hostel fees, examination fees, and living expenses can add INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000 per year. Some colleges offer scholarships and financial aid.
| College Type | College Name | Tuition Fees (INR) | Hostel Fees (INR) | Other Fees (INR) | Total Fees (INR) | Scholarship Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government | MANAGE Hyderabad | 4,00,000 | 50,000 | 20,000 | 4,70,000 | Yes, for top 10% students |
| Government | National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) Jaipur | 3,50,000 | 40,000 | 15,000 | 4,05,000 | Yes, for SC/ST students |
| Private | IIM Lucknow | 14,00,000 | 1,00,000 | 50,000 | 15,50,000 | Yes, for students with high CAT scores |
| Private | Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM), Bhubaneswar | 8,00,000 | 60,000 | 30,000 | 8,90,000 | Yes, for students with high XAT scores |
| Government | VAMNICOM, Pune | 2,50,000 | 30,000 | 10,000 | 2,90,000 | Yes, for students with high MAT scores |
| Private | IRMA Anand | 10,00,000 | 80,000 | 40,000 | 11,20,000 | Yes, for students with high CAT scores |
| Government | National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal | 3,00,000 | 40,000 | 15,000 | 3,55,000 | Yes, for students with high ICAR scores |
| Private | Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai | 9,00,000 | 70,000 | 35,000 | 10,05,000 | Yes, for students with high CAT scores |
| Government | Indian Institute of Agricultural Management (IIAM), Bhubaneswar | 2,80,000 | 35,000 | 12,000 | 3,27,000 | Yes, for students with high Odisha JEE scores |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the duration of the PGP ABM program?
The PGP ABM program is 2 years long and focuses on Agricultural Business Management, covering key areas such as agribusiness, rural marketing, supply chain management, and finance.
Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the PGP ABM program at IIM Lucknow?
To be eligible for admission to the PGP ABM program at IIM Lucknow, candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 50% marks and must appear for the CAT entrance exam. Work experience is not required.
Q3. What is the annual fee for the PGP ABM program at Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM), Bhubaneswar?
The annual fee for the PGP ABM program at Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM), Bhubaneswar is INR 8,00,000, making XSRM one of the private institutions offering the PGP ABM program in India.
Q4. What are the core subjects covered in the first semester of the PGP ABM program?
The core subjects covered in the first semester of the PGP ABM program include Principles of Management, Agricultural Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Financial Accounting. These subjects provide students with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural business management principles.










