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Organized by the Maharashtra Council of Agriculture Education and Research (MCAER), this common entrance test is mandatory for admission to PhD programs in various agricultural disciplines offered by Maharashtra Agricultural Universities (MAUs). It is conducted by the Maharashtra Agriculture University Examination Board (MAUEB).
Latest Updates:
- MCAER PhD CET 2023 Answer Key announced. Check the Answer key section for more details
MCAER PhD CET
Dreaming of pursuing a PhD in agricultural sciences in Maharashtra? Then the MCAER PhD CET is your gateway! This competitive entrance exam opens doors to exciting research opportunities across the state’s renowned agricultural universities. But before you embark on this journey, equip yourself with the right knowledge and strategies.
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MCAER PhD CET Exam Dates
The exam is usually held once a year, with centers across Maharashtra. Consult the official notification for specific details.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates with a Master’s degree in Agriculture or allied sciences, fulfilling the specific eligibility criteria set by individual MAUs, can apply.
Before filling out the MCAER PhD. Application Form, candidates need to ensure that they meet the specified eligibility criteria. Failure to meet these criteria will result in disqualification from the admission process. Eligibility for MCAER PhD. Admission is based on the following criteria for each course:
| Stream | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Agriculture courses | Candidates must hold a Master degree in relevant subjects i.e. Agronomy, Biochemistry, Plant Physiology, Agricultural Meteorology, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Entomology, Plant Pathology, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Seed Technology, Agriculture Extension Education, Fruit Sciences, Vegetable Science, Floriculture and Landscaping, Plantation Spices, Agricultural Microbiology, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Science, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Irrigation Water Management. |
| Home Science | Candidates must hold a master’s degree in Home Science with a specialization in Food and Nutrition. |
| Fisheries | Master degree with relevant specialization in Aquaculture, Fisheries Resources Management, Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology, Fish Processing & Technology, Aquatic Environment Management, and Fisheries Extension |
| Food Technology | Candidates must hold a Master of Technology degree in the relevant stream |
| Agril. Biotechnology | Candidates must hold a Master degree in Agriculture Technology |
| Agril. Engineering | Candidates must hold a Master degree in Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, Farm Power & Machinery, Renewable Energy Sources, Soil & Water Conservation, Process & Food Engineering |
Subject Wise Eligibility
| Subject Code | Ph.D.-CET-Subject (Stream) | Eligibility for Ph.D.-CET |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Agronomy | Master’s degree in Agronomy |
| 02 | Agricultural Meteorology | Master’s degree in Agricultural Meteorology |
| 03 | Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry | Master’s degree in Soil Sciences and Agricultural Chemistry/ Soil Science/ Agricultural Chemistry/ Land Resource Management |
| 04 | Biochemistry | Master’s degree in Agricultural Biochemistry/ Biochemistry |
| 05 | Plant Physiology | Master’s degree in Plant Physiology |
| 06 | Genetics and Plant Breeding | Master’s degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding |
| 07 | Seed Technology | Master’s degree in Seed Technology |
| 08 | Agricultural Extension and Communication | Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension and Communication/ Agricultural Extension Education |
| 09 | Agricultural Economics | Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics |
| 10 | Agricultural Entomology | Master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology |
| 11 | Plant Pathology | Master’s degree in Plant Pathology |
| 12 | Agricultural Microbiology | Master’s degree in Agricultural Microbiology |
| 13 | Animal Husbandry | Master’s degree in Animal Husbandry/ Animal Science |
| 14 | Dairy Science | Master’s degree in Dairy Science |
| 15 | Fruit Sciences | Master’s degree in Horticulture/ Fruit Sciences |
| 16 | Vegetable Science | Master’s degree in Horticulture/ Vegetable Sciences |
| 17 | Floriculture and Landscaping | Master’s degree in Horticulture/ Floriculture and Landscaping |
| 18 | Plantation Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops | Master’s degree in Horticulture/ Plantation Spices Medicinal and Aromatic Crops |
| 19 | Irrigation Water Management | Master’s degree in Irrigation Water Management |
| 20 | Aquaculture | Master’s degree in Aquaculture |
| 21 | Fish Processing Technology | Master’s degree in Fish Processing Technology |
| 22 | Aquatic Environment Management | Master’s degree in Aquatic Environment Management |
| 23 | Fisheries Resource Management | Master’s degree in Fisheries Resource Management |
| 24 | Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology | Master’s degree in Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology |
| 25 | Fisheries Extension | Master’s degree in Fisheries Extension |
| 26 | Food Technology | M.Tech. (Food Technology) |
| 27 | Agricultural Biotechnology | Master’s degree in Agricultural Biotechnology |
| 28 | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | M.Tech.(Agril. Engg.) in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering |
| 29 | Soil and Water Conservation | M.Tech.(Agril. Engg.) in Soil and Water Conservation |
| 30 | Process and Food Engineering | M.Tech.(Agril. Engg.) in Process and Food Engineering |
| 31 | Farm Power and Machinery | M.Tech.(Agril. Engg.) in Farm Power and Machinery |
| 32 | Renewable Energy Sources | M.Tech.(Agril. Engg.) in Renewable Energy Sources/ M.Tech.(EOES) |
| 33 | Silviculture and Agroforestry | M.Sc. Forestry in Silviculture/ Agroforestry/ Plantation Technology/ Agroforestry & Ecology/ Silviculture & Agroforestry |
| 34 | Forest Resource Management | M.Sc. Forestry in Natural Resource Management/ Forest Resource Management/ Forest Business Management/ Ecotourism |
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria listed in this table are subject to change, and the final eligibility criteria for admission to the Ph.D. programme will be as mentioned in the Ph.D. Admission Prospectus-being published by MCAER, Pune. Therefore, candidates should refer to the Ph.D. Admission Prospectus for the final and detailed eligibility criteria applicable at the time of admission.
MCAER Ph.D. CET Online Application Procedure
The application process for the MCAER Ph.D. Common Entrance Test is exclusively conducted online. Interested candidates can apply for the entrance exam by following the steps below:
- Visit the official website of MAUEB.
- Click on the link provided for the MCAER Ph.D. CET 2023 Application form.
- Complete the online registration by providing necessary details such as email ID, phone number, etc.
- Fill in the application form accurately, including academic and personal information.
- Upload required documents, including signature, photograph, and relevant academic and category-related certificates.
- Make the application fee payment online using Debit Card, Net Banking, Credit Card, or UPI.
- Save the application form and submit it once the payment status is confirmed.
- Download the application form and retain a printout for future reference.
Note:
- Ensure that all provided details are accurate.
- Avoid submitting duplicate forms.
- The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
The documents to be uploaded in the application form should be as per the specifications below:
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Photograph | The height should be around 300 pxThe width should be around 200 pxThe file size should not be more than 35 KB |
| Signature | The height should be around 300 pxThe width should be around 200 pxThe file size should not be more than 30 KB |
MCAER Ph.D. CET Application Fee
To complete the registration process, candidates are required to pay the application fee. The fee structure for different categories is as follows:
MAUEB PhD. CET Registration Fee
- General Candidates: Rs. 1500/-
- ST/SC/PwD Candidates: Rs. 750/-
- Students outside of Maharashtra: Rs. 1500/-
MCAER Ph.D. CET Admit Card
The MCAER Ph.D. CET Admit Card will be available for download to candidates who have successfully submitted their application forms. The hall ticket can be obtained in online mode by visiting the MAUEB website.
- The authority does not dispatch the hall ticket via post; hence, it must be downloaded from the web portal.
- The admit card is a mandatory document that candidates must carry to the examination center on the scheduled date.
- Candidates are advised to preserve the admit card until the completion of the admission process.
MCAER Ph.D. CET Result
The MCAER Ph.D. CET result will be released on the official website of MAUEB. The result will be declared online, and candidates who have achieved qualifying marks in the examination can check their results. The result is presented in PDF format, eliminating the need for login details.
Candidates have the option to apply for a re-verification of marks within 7 days after the result is declared. A re-verification fee of Rs. 750/- must be paid through a Demand Draft made in favor of Controller, MAUEB, Pune.
Answer Key
MCAER PhD CET Cut-Offs
Candidates can check minimum qualifying marks for MCAER PhD. CET below:-
| Category | Cut off criteria |
|---|---|
| Open and Outside Maharashtra candidates | 65% marks out of 200 |
| Reserved categories | 60% marks out of 200 |
MCAER PhD. CET – Overview
| Exam Name | MCAER PhD. CET |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Maharashtra Agriculture University Examination Board |
| Exam Level | State Level |
| Frequency | Once a Year |
| Available Courses | Doctoral Program |
| MCAER Official Website | http://www.mcaer.org/maueb.html |