Himalayan College of Agriculture Science and Technology (HICAST)

Himalayan College of Agriculture Science and Technology (HICAST), Kirtipur, Kathmandu, is an affiliated college of Purbanchal University offering BSc (Hons) Agriculture, BVSc & AH, MSc Dairy Technology, MSc Meat Technology, and MSc Agri-Business Management.

HICAST runs agriculture and veterinary education with a community-oriented approach. The college states it was formed in 2000 and is affiliated with Purbanchal University for all programs. Its current public contact address is Kirtipur (Salyanthan), Kathmandu, with admissions and notices published on its official website and social channels. 

HICAST’s stated mission centers on developing skilled human resources for agriculture, livestock, and food processing industries. The college highlights interactive learning, laboratory work, outreach activities, and internships across farms and partner institutions. It also reports research and training activities (including mobile veterinary camps) and periodic calls for mini-research grants, reflecting an applied academic culture.

Quick Highlights

• Affiliation: Purbanchal University (undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agriculture and veterinary sciences).

• Location: Kirtipur, Salyanthan, Kathmandu

• Established: In 2000

• Programs: BSc (Hons) Agriculture; BVSc & AH; MSc Ag (Agri-Business Management); MSc Meat Technology; MSc Dairy Technology. 

• Intake seats (indicative): BSc (Hons) Agriculture 96; BVSc & AH 48 (final seat matrix is as per university notices each year).

• Scholarship policy: College states 10% of total enrolled students receive scholarships—half by merit in the entrance test and half by the University’s reservation criteria.

• Learning model: Classroom teaching, laboratory work, community/farm engagement, and mandatory internship/research exposure. 

Vision

At HICAST, the dream is simple: to become a place where learning, research, and innovation in agriculture truly make a difference. The college hopes to guide young people into becoming professionals who don’t just succeed in their careers but also help shape Nepal’s future.

Mission

• To prepare graduates who are confident, capable, and ready to lead agriculture and related fields.

• To develop new ideas and technologies that farmers and communities can actually use.

• To work alongside farmers, entrepreneurs, and local groups, offering training and services that improve everyday life.

Objectives

• Strengthen study programs by making the most of HICAST’s location, resources, and opportunities so education connects with real needs in society.

• Carry out research and introduce practical solutions in farming, livestock, veterinary science, and entrepreneurship.

• Reach beyond the classroom to support farmers, cooperatives, and communities with useful services and hands-on training.

Academic Programs Offered

Undergraduate Programs (Purbanchal University)

BSc (Hons) in Agriculture

• Awarding University: Purbanchal University

• Seat guideline: 96 seats listed on a major education portal (check the latest university notice each cycle).

• Focus areas: Crop production, soil science, plant breeding, pest management, agricultural economics, agronomy, and farm management, with field exposure and lab-based coursework.

• Learning mode: Classroom, laboratory, and community/farm-based practicals, as well as internship.

Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH)

• Awarding University: Purbanchal University

• Duration: Five years / ten semesters (PU framework).

• Seat guideline: 48 seats (portal listing; confirm annually with official admission notice).

• Focus areas: Anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, surgery, theriogenology, veterinary public health, and livestock management. National licensure applies to practicing veterinarians after graduation.

• Learning mode: Pre-clinical + para-clinical + clinical rotations, with applied work and internship.

Postgraduate Programs (Purbanchal University)

MSc Ag (Agri-Business Management)

• Scope: Agricultural economics, supply chains, finance, marketing, and enterprise management with sector-specific cases.

MSc in Meat Technology

• Scope: Meat science, processing, quality assurance, safety, and value-addition, aligned to Nepal’s growing meat processing industry.

MSc in Dairy Technology

• Scope: Dairy chemistry, microbiology, engineering, plant operations, QA, safety standards, and product development; typical two-year structure under PU.

Note: Program availability, seat numbers, and semester plans are updated by the University and college each year. Always verify current intake notices before applying.

Admission Process

Entry Routes and Eligibility

BSc (Hons) Agriculture (PU):

• Minimum 45% or GPA 2.0 in aggregate in NEB (+2 Science) / A-Level / I.Sc. / I.Sc. Ag. (or equivalent).

• Admission is based on PU-conducted entrance merit.

BVSc & AH (PU):

• +2 Science / A-Level / I.Sc. / I.Sc. Ag. (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology & English and at least 50% marks or GPA 2.40 in aggregate.

• Mandatory common entrance under the University framework for BVSc & AH, followed by merit-based selection.

MSc Programs (PU):

• Bachelor’s in Agriculture/Animal Science/Food or Dairy Science/Biotechnology; or BVSc & AH; or B.Tech Food/Dairy from PU or a PU-recognized institution.

• Selection via PU entrance and academic merit.

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility and program-wise notices on the PU entrance portal and HICAST website. 

2. Register online and submit the entrance form on the PU portal within the stated deadline; payment through listed gateways (e.g., Connect IPS, Khalti, eSewa in past cycles).

3. Sit for the entrance exam (BVSc & AH has a common entrance; BSc Ag and MSc programs follow university/college instructions for that session).

4. Merit list and seat allocation are published by the University/college; scholarship results may also be published separately. Facebook

Teaching Faculty and Learning Methodology

HICAST reports a qualified faculty cohort with sector experience in agriculture, livestock, veterinary science, and food technologies. The college emphasizes interactive instruction, laboratory practicals, field/clinical exposure, and independent internship or research in relevant institutions, industries, or community settings. Sample placements include farms and offices linked with agencies such as NARC, DLS, and District Agriculture Offices.

This blend of classroom work and applied tasks allows students to develop technical skills, reporting practice, and professional conduct required in agriculture and veterinary roles. The college also advertises mini-research grants from time to time, encouraging student-faculty project work.

Infrastructure and Learning Facilities

• Laboratories: Agriculture, veterinary, food technology, and basic sciences.

• Library: The college has 5,807 books in stock. 

• Field/clinical exposure: Access to community farms and sector bodies for applied learning; mobile veterinary camps.

• Transport and cafeteria: Basic campus services are described on the official page.

• Contact and location: Kirtipur (Salyanthan), Kathmandu, with a working phone and email for academic queries and admissions.

Student Life and Campus Experience

Students engage with laboratory classes, farm visits, clinic postings (for veterinary), and guided research.

Activities typically include:

• Community-based fieldwork linked to crop, livestock, and food technology tasks.

• Internship and independent research in agencies/industries/NGOs or local communities as part of program requirements.

• Academic events and notices such as mini-research calls, exam schedules, and program updates published via official channels.

Extracurricular Activities (ECA)

While ECA varies by cohort, students commonly join:

• Subject clubs and reading circles that connect coursework with journals and current issues in agriculture and veterinary practice.

• Awareness and outreach events (the college references awareness campaigns and mobile vet camps).

• Field competitions and academic presentations aligned with practical modules and research tasks.

Scholarships and Financial Support

• Institutional scholarship (as stated by HICAST): 10% of total enrolled students receive scholarships; 50% allocated by entrance merit and 50% by the University’s reservation criteria. Applicants should check the current call for precise quotas and categories.

• University scholarship/entrance tracks: Purbanchal University runs scholarship entrance processes at the bachelor level, including tracks relevant to BVSc & AH and other science/technology programs. Applicants should review the year’s official notice.

Achievements and Institutional Milestones

• Graduate output and scale: The homepage lists ~2,000 graduates, ~355 current students, and ~60 faculty/staff

• Academic outreach and research: The college reports research and training, mobile veterinary camps, and community awareness engagements. HICAST also edits the Nepalese Journal of Agricultural Sciences (NJAS), indicating involvement in scholarly dissemination. ResearchGate

• Applied links: The college page notes access to farms and agencies such as NARC and DLS for field learning.

Why Choose This Institution?

• PU Affiliation with sector-specific programs: Clear progression from BSc Agriculture and BVSc & AH to MSc programs focused on dairy, meat, and agribusiness.

• Applied learning path: Lab work, community/farm exposure, and internship/research build job-ready skills for agriculture, livestock, and food industries.

• Structured admissions: Program-wise eligibility and PU entrance routes keep selection transparent, with scholarship provisions stated by the college and university.

• Location and accessibility: Kirtipur (Salyanthan), Kathmandu, with standard campus services and published contacts for applicants.

Working Together

HICAST believes progress happens when people work together. That’s why it has joined hands with government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and universities abroad. These partnerships create more opportunities for students and help bring new knowledge into classrooms and communities.

Government Partners

• Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD)

• Department of Agriculture, MoAD

• Department of Livestock Services, MoAD

• Nepal Agricultural Research Council, MoAD

• Dairy Development Corporation, MoAD

• Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, MoAD

Private Partners

• Nepal Dairy Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu

• Laxmi Dairy Pvt. Ltd., Lalitpur

• Valley Cold Store Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu

• Nepal Sausage Industry Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu

• Organic Farmers Cooperative, Thimi, Bhaktapur

NGO Partner

• WOREC Nepal, Kathmandu

International Partners

• University of Florida, USA

• Agricultural University of Hebei, China

These collaborations open doors for students to learn through training, research, and knowledge exchange. For farmers and communities, it means access to better practices, new skills, and support that directly improve their work and lives.

Conclusion

HICAST is an affiliated college under Purbanchal University that runs agriculture and veterinary programs with a practical orientation. Prospective students can expect laboratory learning, field/clinical exposure, and internship or research components integrated into their course of study.

For the latest intake timelines, seat matrix, and fee schedules, follow the PU entrance portal and HICAST notices, and communicate directly with the college’s admissions desk using the current contact details provided below.