Ilam Community Agriculture Campus

Ilam Community Agriculture Campus, also known as ICAC or Ilam Samudayik Krishi Campus, is a non-profit academic institution established in 2021 through the initiative of Ilam Municipality. Located at Ilam-9, Sera, the campus was formed to expand access to higher education in agriculture and prepare technical human resources for Nepal’s farming sector.

It is affiliated with Purbanchal University and currently offers the four-year B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture program. Its academic approach connects classroom study with laboratory work, agricultural land, field exposure, project work, research, and learning units situated in different agricultural settings of Ilam.

Quick Highlights

Establishment and Institutional Purpose

ICAC was established under the initiative of Ilam Municipality to support agricultural education, research, and extension. The municipality arranged the land and physical infrastructure required for the campus, while its institutional operation draws support from Ilam Municipality, the provincial government, the federal government, the University Grants Commission, internal revenue, and the local community.

The campus was planned in response to the need for trained agricultural professionals who can address economic, social, and environmental aspects of farming. Its non-profit structure is intended to make agriculture education more accessible, particularly for students from farming communities and households with limited economic capacity.

The establishment of the campus also reflects the agricultural setting of Ilam. The district has experience in plantation crops, location-specific farming practices, agroforestry, agricultural industries, and the gradual movement from subsistence farming toward commercial production and agro-based enterprises.

Affiliation and Academic Program

ICAC is academically affiliated with Purbanchal University. The affiliation provides the university framework for academic activities, examinations, and the agriculture degree offered by the campus.

The campus currently conducts the four-year B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture program. Agriculture students study subjects from several disciplines rather than being restricted to a single area. This structure allows them to build a broad academic foundation before selecting an area of interest for advanced study.

The university curriculum is organized across eight semesters. It includes laboratory practicals, project work beginning in the third semester, elective courses in the seventh semester, and a field-based internship with thesis research during the final semester. Elective areas include sustainable agriculture, horticulture, plant breeding, plant protection, animal science, soil science, agricultural economics and business management, and development studies. The medium of instruction, tests, and examinations is English.

Learning Approach and Agricultural Context

The academic model at ICAC combines curriculum-based instruction with exposure to local agricultural conditions. Ilam provides students with opportunities to observe plantation crops, horticultural systems, livestock activities, agroforestry, farm enterprises, and farming practices across different ecological settings.

The campus aims to connect agricultural science with the practical concerns of farmers and communities. Its approach covers teaching, problem-oriented research, and extension activities. Students may encounter production challenges, local technologies, market-related issues, and agricultural management practices through practical work and field-based learning.

Intensive English courses are conducted during the first two semesters. These courses are intended to strengthen communication, academic writing, and the use of English in study and publication-related work.

Satellite Learning Units

ICAC has satellite learning units in different parts of Ilam and nearby rural municipalities. These units are designed to expose students to agricultural practices within varied ecological and production settings.

The learning units include:

• Horticulture learning unit

• Temperate agriculture learning unit

• Agri-entrepreneurship learning unit

• Plantation crop learning unit

• Livestock learning unit

Through these units, students can relate theoretical lessons to crop production, livestock management, agricultural enterprises, and location-specific farming practices.

Physical and Academic Facilities

The campus has land and irrigation facilities that support practical agricultural activities. Its teaching and learning facilities include:

• Library

• Laboratories

• Agricultural land

• Irrigation facilities

• Smart classrooms

• Satellite learning units

Experienced faculty members conduct academic and practical instruction. They also provide guidance and counselling to students when required. The campus seeks to maintain a learning environment where students, faculty members, and staff can exchange ideas and participate in academic activities with mutual respect.

Mission and Vision

Mission

ICAC seeks to serve Nepal through agriculture and livestock education, problem-oriented research, and the preparation of competent agriculture graduates.

Vision

The campus aims to develop as a centre for agriculture education, research, and extension.

Eligibility for Admission

Applicants for the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture program must meet the following criteria:

• Passed SLC or an equivalent examination

• Passed I.Sc. or 10+2 in Science or Agriculture with at least 50 percent aggregate marks

• Studied English, Chemistry, and Biology with at least 100 full marks in each subject

• Studied Mathematics and Physics with at least 50 full marks in each subject

• Secured at least 50 percent in the entrance examination

• Be a Nepalese citizen

Documents Required During Admission

Candidates must submit original hard copies during admission. These documents must correspond with the records submitted through the online application. Failure to present the required documents at admission may result in disqualification from the admission process.

Required documents include:

• Three passport-size photographs

• Original Citizenship Certificate

• Original SEE/SLC or equivalent mark sheet and character certificate

• Original 10+2 or equivalent transcript, character certificate, provisional certificate, and migration certificate

• Equivalence certificate for qualifications completed under a board other than a Nepal board

• Original quota verification letter or certificate, where applicable

• Original admit card for the relevant entrance examination

Contact Details

Address: Ilam-9, Sera, Ilam, Koshi Province, Nepal
Phone: +977-27-524370, +977-9842635893, +977-9848283842
Email: ilamagriculturecampus2078@gmail.com
Website: https://icac.edu.np