Yash Khajuria
Leh, June 30: The University of Ladakh’s announcement of the commencement of admissions for its B.Sc. Agriculture program on July 15, 2024, has sparked widespread concern among aspiring agriculture students. The program, lacking affiliation with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), poses a significant challenge to students aiming for recognized qualifications in the field.
ICAR, the apex body responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture in India, plays a crucial role in maintaining the standards of agricultural education across the country. Without ICAR accreditation, degrees from the University of Ladakh’s B.Sc. Agriculture programs are not recognized by most agricultural universities in India. This lack of recognition poses a substantial hurdle for students wishing to pursue further studies.
This predicament has left thousands of students in a state of uncertainty about their academic futures. The primary concern is that the B.Sc. Agriculture degree from the University of Ladakh will not be valid for admissions into ICAR-affiliated M.Sc. programs, severely limiting their opportunities for advanced education and professional growth in the field of agriculture.
“I was excited about the prospect of studying agriculture in my home region, but now I’m worried that my degree won’t be recognized elsewhere,” said Tashi Dorje, a prospective student. “Without ICAR accreditation, my chances of getting into a good M.Sc. program are slim.”
Parents and students alike are urging the University of Ladakh to expedite the process of obtaining ICAR affiliation to ensure the validity and recognition of their degrees. “We need clarity and assurance from the university administration,” said Shareen Dolkar. “Our children’s futures depend on this accreditation.”
The University of Ladakh’s administration has acknowledged the students’ concerns and stated that they are in the process of seeking ICAR accreditation. However, there has been no official timeline provided for when this affiliation might be secured.
Speaking to The Earth News Ladakh, Dr. Sonam Joldan, Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Ladakh, confirmed that the university has not yet obtained ICAR affiliation but emphasized that as a recognized university, they can still offer the B.Sc. Agriculture program. When asked about the recognition of the degree, Dr. Joldan noted that major educational institutions across the nation do not recognize degrees from institutions not affiliated with ICAR. He added that the university has applied for ICAR affiliation and is hopeful of obtaining it soon.
In the meantime, experts are advising students to thoroughly research and consider the implications of enrolling in a program without ICAR accreditation. They recommend exploring alternative universities that offer accredited programs to ensure a seamless educational journey and better career prospects.
“The B.Sc. Agriculture course offered by the university needs ICAR accreditation; otherwise, the university is just making the future of agriculture students more difficult,” said Tashi Namgyal (name changed). “Students with degrees from the University of Ladakh won’t be eligible for M.Sc. programs in ICAR-affiliated institutions, which are almost all agricultural universities in India.”
Stanzin Norbu, another student, pointed out, “For agriculture, there has to be a full-fledged college with minimum requirements according to ICAR guidelines. If that is not fulfilled, the course will not be accredited, hampering the students’ chances for further studies.”
As the admission date approaches, the University of Ladakh faces increasing pressure to address these concerns and provide a clear path forward for its students. The resolution of this issue will be crucial in determining the future of agricultural education in the region and the confidence of students in the university’s programs.
