The Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences is one among India's most famous universities and is located in Prayagraj, which was earlier known as Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. It started as a university by the name Allahabad Agricultural Institute, AAI in 1910 with a humble beginning by the visionary Christian missionary, Dr. Sam Higginbottom who aimed to make improvement over the traditional primitive farming methods and to teach better crop management and animal rearing techniques to farmers, for the upliftment of India's agricultural system. The institute went on to become very important to the country concerning agricultural education and research.

By the year 2000, the Indian government could well identify the importance of AAI and declared it a Deemed University. As such, it meant that it had the potential to be a university but with certain special privileges that gave them the leeway to offer many different programs and degrees. In the year 2009, the name was changed to Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS) in honor of its founder, Sam Higginbottom. Later, in the year 2016, it was eventually entitled to be called a 'full-fledged university' by the SHUATS Act No. 35 of 2016 of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature.

It is managed by the Sam Higginbottom Educational and Charitable Society-an organization which promotes education and rural development under the umbrella of Christianity. Its motto remains constant focus on helping the farmer-primarily in rural areas-and finding better techniques for farming in order to improve their lives. Meanwhile, the college is promoting Christian values and aiming for responsible citizens who would care for their community and environment.

SHUATS was declared a Minority Educational Institution and, thus has special rights under the Indian Constitution to serve the Christian minority community while opening its doors to all students irrespective of their backgrounds. The university has been accredited by various organizations, like the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, and was given an A grade. Various national and international associations, such as the Association of Indian Universities, Indian Agricultural Universities Association, and International Association of Universities, are also related to the university.

The university offers various options- 42 undergraduate programs, 101 postgraduate programs, 16 diploma programs, and PhD in different areas. These areas include agriculture, engineering, science, etc. Indeed, since its inception, research and technical training have been integral parts of SHUATS for training students in applied skills to equip them to face the jobs scenario in India and abroad. Most of the lecturers and instructors of SHUATS are graduates of foreign universities, which brings a global perspective to the students.

In the course of all these years, SHUATS has collaborated with national and international organizations and businesses that facilitate good job opportunities for its graduates. The institution always tries to connect students with potential employers and guides students in making good decisions for their career prospects.

Highlights SHUATS

SHUATS Rankings

In the year 2023 NIRF ranking for SHUATS was recorded at 70 which has improved by 9 ranks compared to the year 2022 as it had occupied a position at 79 rank. The following table shows the rankings of SHUATS in the Pharmacy category:

SHUATS courses offered-

The varsity conducts UG and PG programs in the discipline of Agriculture, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, etc. Amongst other popular programs, SHUATS Allahabad conducts D. Pharma, B. Pharma, and B.B.A (H) Agri-Business Management. Undergraduate courses provided here are available strictly through merit rank secured by candidates in SOETAP (SHUATS Online Entrance Test for Agriculture & Pharmacy) followed by merit-based counselling.

SHUATS Admission process -

The admission procedure of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) is guided by the following:

1. Application: The students applying for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by the university should apply directly on the university portal.
2. Entrance Exam: For the major courses offered at this university, admission to the course takes place only after a university conducted entrance test. However, in certain courses, merit is the basis of admission.
3. Counseling: Based on the entrance test performance, candidates are shortlisted for open online counseling. In addition to this, admissions to specific seats-such as Christian Minority seats-are also undertaken.
4. Document Verification: In counselling itself, the candidates have to present the documents for verification, and the seat allotment shall be made on the basis of availability and consideration eligibility in counselling.
5. Final Admission: The candidates have to ensure the seat by paying the fees at counselling.

Admission Procedure of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS). It's a multi-step procedure that consists of:

1. Merit-Based Admissions: Merits for different diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are prepared as indicated in table 1.1 and admissions are made purely based on the merit scores. The SOET is online and students are ranked according to their merit scores. Different lists of merits are prepared for Christian and General categories candidates.
2. SHUATS Online Entrance Test SOET: An entrance test will be conducted at various centers or proctored online. Multiple versions of the test with randomized questions and answers will ensure fairness.
3. Merit Lists: The university prepares different merit lists of Christian and General category candidates. A candidate provisionally admitted to one program is offered the particular program based on the student's ranking and seat available. In the case of NRI and NRI-sponsored category candidates, they are eligible for all the seats available in the category.
4. Counselling: The university conducts counseling in a off-line mode for the programs. Admission is approved based on merit and seat availability. For programs, only open online counseling is conducted. The candidates log into a dedicated portal wherein they could select their preferred program and upload all the desired documents.
5. Document Verification: Students, after provisional admission must verify all their documents and pay the required fees to ensure a seat at the university. The university then hands over the ID card once the process has been duly followed.
6. Cancellation of Admission: University reserves the right to cancel admissions in case false information has been submitted or Vice-Chancellor feels that candidate is not appropriate either on the academic or disciplinary grounds.

SHUATS fees and scholarships

Program-Wise Tuition Fees

Scholarships Details

The university offers scholarships to economically weaker students who have merit and good conduct. Here is a simplified depiction below:

1. Book Aid Scholarship: Helps in books.
2. Junior Fellowship of ICAR: To the students scoring well in agricultural research.
3. AIACHE Scholarship: All India Association for Christian Higher Education Support.
4. Jindal Trust Scholarship: Graded support at New Delhi.
5. Mandi Parishad Scholarship: By Rajya Krishi Utpadan Mandi Parishad, Allahabad
6. UP Alpsankhyak Vittiya Awam Nigam Scholarship: For minority, forms at the Registrar's Office
7. State Government Scholarships: SC/ST/OBC/Minority candidates
8. Earn While You Learn: Campus part-time job, extremely meager allowance.
9. Chaplain's and Yeshu Darbar Scholarships: Destitute and needy Christian students based on church leaders' recommendations.
10. Observations:
11. Earn While You Learn: The student may be employed for a few hours and earn pocket money.
12. Assistantships in teaching or research for post-graduate and Ph.D. students
13. In addition to the above scholarships, special scholarships are also available for students if they fall in particular categories of destitute/ needy/ orphan Christian students; they should carry a letter of recommendation from their church, produce a Baptism Certificate that the candidate is indeed baptized and confirm proof of family income.

How To Obtain SHUATS Scholarship?

Both the Registrar's Office and the official website of SHUATS have given a scholarship form for downloading. Thus, scholarships can be availed of while using the scholarship form.

SHUATS campus

SHUATS Placements

SHUATS Placement is a process that involves the Directorate of Career Planning and Counseling-DCPC, which makes contact with various industries for campus recruitment through networking. They arrange workshops, seminars, and interviews to prepare the students for employment.

Placement Statistics: Highest salary package Rs. 11.8 LPA; average salary package is around Rs. 4.50 LPA. They have various corporate connections where internships and job opportunities are provided.

All the organizations listed above are recruiting companies and the recruiters of SHUATS graduate students, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, HDFC Bank, and so on. All these active organizations seek campus recruitment through engaging opportunities available for students in all disciplines.

SHUATS alumni

Among the notable alumni from Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences is quite a few, who have given many vital contributions to their various fields. Some of the distinguished alumni and their achievements include:

1. Prof. (Dr.) A.C. Broadway: A great academician, passed out in 1947. He has made gigantic contributions to agricultural education and research.
2. Dr Gauri Shankar: He graduated in 1953. His work was mainly in agricultural sciences and some prestigious positions were held by him in the field.
3. A 1955 batch alumnus, he played an important role in shaping agricultural engineering education1. End.
4. Mr. Radhey Ram Mr Radhey Ram, the alumnus of 1963 was rewarded for his work on agricultural practices and innovation1.
5. Prof. R.S. Kushwaha: He has brought effective changes in the field of research in agriculture and education.

Conclusion

The agricultural learning at SHUATS is quite good with modern facilities and great industry connections. The position is ideal for those students who are focused on pursuing a successful career in agriculture and related areas, with excellent programs, a great faculty, and ample support regarding growth and service to the community.