The UPCATET 2025 syllabus is the first thing every serious candidate should go through before starting their preparation. Whether you're applying for UG, PG, or PhD programmes, the questions in the exam will be based on subject knowledge from your previous qualifying level. While the official notification doesn't outline topics in detail, the exam broadly covers areas like Agriculture, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and domain-specific subjects such as Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, and more.
By the end of this blog, you will know
The complete UPCATET 2025 syllabus for UG, PG, and PhD courses, including paper-wise subjects and group breakdowns.
Key topics from each subject and group (PCB, PCM, PAG, and PHS) to help prioritise your preparation.
Useful insights on the exam pattern, marking scheme, and where to download official PDFs for reference.
Key Details About the UPCATET 2025 Syllabus
The UP Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) 2025 is conducted once a year for students seeking admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in agricultural universities across Uttar Pradesh. The exam is held in offline mode and follows a multiple-choice question format.
Here's a detailed look at the important elements of the UPCATET 2025 syllabus:
Particulars
Details
Exam Name
UP Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) 2025
Conducting University
Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology
Eligibility for UG Courses
Passed Class 12th
Purpose of the Exam
Admissions to Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes
Exam Type
Pen-and-paper-based (Offline mode)
Exam Frequency
Conducted once every year
Number of Questions
200 objective-type questions
Total Marks
600 marks
To make your preparation more focused, here’s how the UPCATET syllabus is organised across different subjects for UG courses.
Candidates applying for undergraduate programmes through UPCATET 2025 must appear for the paper group relevant to their academic background. The syllabus is divided into four major groups—PCB, PCM, PAG, and PHS—and each group focuses on a different combination of subjects.
Here's a breakdown of the subject-wise topics covered under each group:
Group
Subjects Covered
PCM
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and General Studies
PCB
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Studies
PHS
Hindi, English, General Knowledge, Sociology, Home Science, Economics, and Geography
So, if you're from a Science, Agriculture, or Arts background, choosing the correct group and preparing accordingly will increase your chances of scoring well in the entrance exam.
Once you've identified your paper group, it's time to get into the detailed syllabus. Here’s a subject-wise breakdown of the key topics you'll need to prepare.
The UPCATET 2025 syllabus for UG courses is structured around Class 12 subjects and varies depending on the paper group (PCB, PCM, PAG, or PHS). Each section is designed to evaluate your grasp of fundamental concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Studies.
Here's a detailed overview of the key topics under each subject:
Subject
Topics to Cover
Physics
Basics of Physics & the Universe
The Solar System and Satellites
Reflection & Refraction (Mirrors, Lenses, Prisms)
Human Eye and Vision Defects
Sound Waves, Echo & Doppler Effect
Thermal Expansion in Solids, Liquids, and Gases
Mechanics: Motion, Work, Energy
Properties of Matter and Fluids
Electromagnetism & Magnetic Effects
Electric Current & Circuits
Kinetic Theory of Matter
Four Fundamental Forces
Relativity (Special & General)
Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission & Fusion
Chemistry
Atomic Models & Structure
Mole Concept and Chemical Calculations
Periodic Table & Element Families
Nuclear Chemistry & Radioactivity
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
Coordination Compounds
Gaseous State and Laws
Biology
Cell Cycle & Cell Division
Sensory Organs, Excretion, Respiration, Movement
Genetics & Inheritance (Molecular Basis)
Chemical Coordination in Plants & Animals
Anatomy & Morphology of Flowering Plants
Plant Nutrition & Mineral Requirements
Fungi & Food Production
Breeding & Crop Improvement
Environmental Issues & Pollution
Applications of Biotechnology
Basic Biomedical Technologies
General Studies
Everyday Science Awareness
Environmental Science
History of India (Ancient to Modern)
Geography and Indian Culture
Post-Independence Developments
Indian Political & Economic System
Sports & Current Affairs
Basics of ICT (Information & Communication Technology)
So, if you’re appearing for the UG entrance, expect questions based on key 12th-grade concepts across science, agriculture, and general awareness, depending on your group.
The UPCATET 2025 syllabus for postgraduate courses is designed to test subject-specific expertise across multiple fields like Agriculture, Biotechnology, Veterinary Science, Home Science, Fisheries, and more. Each programme includes a mix of core topics, applied sciences, and general knowledge, depending on the area of specialisation.
The table below outlines the subject areas candidates must prepare for, grouped by course:
PG Programme
Subjects to Prepare
M.Sc. (Agriculture) / M.Sc. (Horticulture)
General Knowledge
Agronomy & Agrometeorology
Soil Science
Genetics & Plant Breeding
Horticulture
Agricultural Engineering
Animal Husbandry & Dairy Science
Entomology
Plant Pathology & Nematology
Agricultural Economics
Seed Technology
Biotechnology
Forestry
Extension Education
Statistics
Soil Conservation
M.Sc. (Community Science / Home Science)
General Studies
Food and Nutrition
Child Development
Clothing and Textiles
Home Management
Home Science Extension
Statistics
M.Sc. Biotechnology
General Studies
Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering
Recombinant DNA Technology
Cell Biology
Immunology
Biochemistry & Physiology
Pathology & Microbiology
Animal Biotechnology
Commercial Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Science)
General Knowledge
Veterinary Surgery & Radiology
Animal Nutrition
Livestock Production Management (LPM)
Pathology
Veterinary Microbiology
Parasitology
Epidemiology & Public Health
Animal Genetics & Breeding
Medicine
Gynecology
Extension Education
M.Tech (Agricultural Engineering)
General Knowledge
Heat & Mass Transfer
Farm Machinery & Power
Soil & Water Conservation
Irrigation Engineering
Storage Engineering
Engineering Properties of Biomaterials
Dairy & Food Engineering
Milling of Agricultural Produce
M.Tech (Mechanical Engineering)
General Knowledge
Thermodynamics
Internal Combustion Engines
Power Plant Engineering
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Heat & Mass Transfer
Fluid Mechanics
Production Engineering
Machine Design
Industrial Engineering
M.F.Sc. (Fisheries Science)
General Knowledge
Aquaculture
Fisheries Resource Management
Aquatic Animal Health Management
Aquatic Environment Management
Fish Processing Technology
Fisheries Engineering
Fisheries Extension, Economics & Statistics
M.Sc. (Forestry)
General Knowledge
Forest Ecology & Management
Principles of Silviculture
Silvicultural Systems
Forest Mensuration
Forest Nursery & Afforestation Techniques
Agroforestry
Social Forestry
Fundamentals of Forest Protection
Wood Science & Technology
MBA (Agri-Business Management)
General Knowledge
General English (High School Standard)
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UPCATET 2025 Syllabus for PhD Programmes
The PhD entrance syllabus under UPCATET 2025 varies based on the subject area. While candidates from MBA (Agri-Business) are assessed on basic aptitude and communication skills, those from core research disciplines like Statistics will be tested on data analysis, experimental designs, and applied statistical techniques.
Here's a detailed look at what you should prepare:
PhD Programme
Topics to Focus On
PhD – MBA (Agri-Business Management)
General Knowledge
Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude
English Language (up to High School level)
PhD – Statistics (Common Subject)
Descriptive & Inferential Statistics
Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion
Skewness and Kurtosis
Probability Concepts
Properties of Normal Distribution
Sampling Techniques
Random, Stratified, and Multistage Sampling (Crop Estimation Surveys)
Regression and Correlation
Partial and Multiple Correlation
Tests of Significance
Statistical Testing
t-test, Z-test, F-test, Chi-square (χ²) test
Design of Experiments
Principles of Experimental Design
Completely Randomised Design (CRD)
Randomised Block Design (RBD)
Latin Square Design (LSD)
Factorial Design (2³ experiments)
Split Plot Design
Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA)
Handling Missing Plot Data (for RBD and LSD with one missing value)
To help you refer to the syllabus while planning your preparation, the next section explains where and how to access the official UPCATET 2025 syllabus PDF.
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How to Access the Official UPCATET 2025 Syllabus PDF?
Candidates planning to appear for the UPCATET 2025 exam can download the latest syllabus directly from the official source. The PDF contains detailed subject-wise topics for UG, PG, and PhD levels. Here's how you can access it:
From the homepage, go to the latest updates section
Click on the notification for UPCATET 2025
Download or open the syllabus PDF from the provided link
Save or print the document for future use during preparation
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UPCATET 2025 Question Paper Format & Marking Scheme
Understanding the exam structure is just as important as knowing the syllabus. The UPCATET 2025 exam will be held in offline mode and will assess candidates through objective-type questions. Both UG and PG exams follow a similar pattern in terms of duration, question count, and marking scheme.
Preparing for UPCATET 2025 becomes a lot more manageable when you're clear about what to study and how the exam is structured. With subject-wise syllabi across UG, PG, and PhD levels, knowing your paper group and the topics it covers is the first step to building a strong preparation plan. Make sure to also familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and marking scheme to avoid surprises on exam day.
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What is the minimum educational qualification required for UPCATET 2025 PhD programs?
For PhD admissions, candidates typically need a Master's degree in the relevant field. However, specific eligibility criteria—such as minimum marks or discipline requirements—are outlined in the official brochure. Always check the details for your chosen specialisation.
Can I switch from one paper group to another after registration?
No, once you select your paper group (e.g., PAG, PHS) and submit your application, changes are generally not permitted. Make sure to choose the group that aligns with your educational background before applying.
How are agronomy topics distributed across UG and PG levels in the UPCATET 2025 syllabus?
Agronomy appears in both UG (as part of PAG) and PG (especially in M.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture). While UG questions focus on fundamentals like plant-water relations, PG questions will also include applied aspects such as crop management and agrometeorology.
Is the General Knowledge section the same for all courses?
Yes, most programmes—UG, PG, and PhD—include general awareness sections. However, the content may vary slightly depending on your course group and the level of study.
Are practice tests from previous years helpful for PG-level preparation?
Absolutely. Solving earlier UPCATET PG question papers helps in understanding the level and style of questions. It also highlights areas where advanced study is required, such as experimental statistics or biotechnology.
What level of English is expected in the MBA (Agri-Business) section?
The MBA section tests English at a high-school proficiency level. You'll likely face grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary items, suitable for candidates with Class 10–12 English backgrounds.
What subjects are covered under the UPCATET PG entrance exam syllabus?
It includes course-specific topics like Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Genetics, and General Knowledge, depending on the PG programme chosen.
Do all PG courses have negative marking?
Yes. Both UG and PG exams follow the same marking system—+3 for correct answers and -1 for each wrong response. This makes accuracy crucial, especially for higher-level programmes like M.Sc. or M.Tech.
Is there a bilingual (Hindi and English) option available for the exam?
Yes, UPCATET is conducted in both Hindi and English. Choose your preferred medium when filling out the application form—once selected, it's rarely changed.
What happens if I leave a question blank?
Unanswered questions will not be penalised. Since there's a negative marking of −1, leaving difficult questions blank is often safer than guessing randomly.
Do candidates get extra time for descriptive questions?
No. The exam consists solely of objective-type MCQs, and the total duration is fixed at 3 hours for UG/PG and 2 hours for PhD programmes.
Can non-UP Board students apply for UPCATET UG courses?
Yes. Students from any recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, etc.) are eligible, as long as their courses match the subject and percentage criteria specified in the guidelines.
Where can I find the official UPCATET 2025 syllabus PDF if I lost my copy?
You can download the official UPCATET 2025 syllabus PDF from the official website. Look for it under notifications or the latest updates section, then save it directly from there.
Will M.Tech (Mechanical) applicants need to study biomechanics topics?
No, biomechanics is not included. Instead, M.Tech (Mechanical) focuses on subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, production engineering, heat transfer, and refrigeration, which are more traditional mechanical engineering topics.
Does the Animal Biotechnology topic in the PG Biotechnology syllabus include practical-based questions?
The focus remains theoretical, but you can expect practical scenarios and case-based questions. It's helpful to refer to your B.Sc. and M.Sc. notes on lab techniques, recombinant systems, and applied animal biotech.
Can I appear for multiple programmes in the same year?
No, candidates can only apply and appear for the group they have selected during registration. If you want to attempt another programme, you must reapply in a future session.