University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore – Campus Overview
Introduction
The University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UAS Bangalore) is one of India's leading agricultural universities. It plays a pivotal role in providing education, research, and extension activities in the field of agriculture and allied sciences. Established in 1964, the university has been a cornerstone for innovation and rural development, especially in southern India. UAS Bangalore has expanded its reach through multiple campuses, offering world-class infrastructure, research facilities, and extensive outreach programs.
Main Campus – GKVK, Bangalore
The primary campus of UAS Bangalore is located at Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra (GKVK), Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Spanning over 412 acres, this urban campus blends state-of-the-art agricultural research with sustainability and biodiversity preservation.
Academic Infrastructure
The GKVK campus hosts several colleges:
College of Agriculture
College of Agricultural Engineering
College of Basic Sciences and Humanities
Each academic block is equipped with digital classrooms, advanced laboratories, and seminar halls. The teaching methodology integrates theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience through fieldwork, research activities, and demonstrations.
Laboratories and Research Facilities
GKVK has numerous dedicated labs such as:
Plant Pathology Lab
Soil Science Lab
Crop Physiology Lab
Entomology and Plant Breeding Lab
Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Lab
These facilities support cutting-edge research in areas like crop genomics, sustainable agriculture, pest management, and soil health.
Library and Digital Access
The central library at UAS Bangalore contains thousands of journals, periodicals, books, and e-resources. Digital access to agricultural databases, research publications, and thesis repositories is also available to students and faculty.
Hostels and Residential Life
The university offers separate hostels for undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and international students. Residential amenities include:
Fully furnished rooms
Hygienic mess facilities
Common recreation halls
Reading rooms and Wi-Fi access
Health services and first aid centers
The hostels are located within walking distance from the classrooms and laboratories, fostering a close-knit academic environment.
Healthcare and Wellness
On-campus medical services are available round-the-clock. A well-equipped university hospital ensures student and staff wellness. Additionally, yoga sessions, meditation centers, and mental health counseling services are offered to support the well-being of the university community.
Sports and Extracurricular Facilities
UAS Bangalore emphasizes physical development and recreation. The sports infrastructure includes:
Cricket ground
Football and hockey fields
Tennis and basketball courts
Indoor sports complex
Gymnasiums
Students regularly participate in inter-college tournaments, athletics meets, and national-level sports events.
Biodiversity and Sustainability Initiatives
GKVK is declared a biodiversity heritage campus, with over 600 plant species and 165+ bird species. It also houses several eco-parks, butterfly gardens, and medicinal plant plots. Sustainability practices include:
Rainwater harvesting systems
Waste recycling units
Solar-powered streetlights
Organic farming demonstration units
Research and Development Centers
Research is a core function at UAS Bangalore. The university manages:
Zonal Agricultural Research Stations (ZARS)
Regional Research Stations
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
These centers address region-specific agricultural issues and train farmers on best practices. Some key areas of focus include:
Crop variety development
Soil fertility management
Precision agriculture using drones
Post-harvest technology
Skill Development Centers
UAS Bangalore has introduced Skill Development Centers for capacity building in rural youth. Training programs include:
Agricultural machinery operation
Sericulture
Horticulture
Dairy and poultry management
Agripreneurship development
These programs aim to create self-employment opportunities and promote agri-based startups.
Community Outreach and Extension Activities
The university's extension wing is active in farmer education and rural upliftment. Regular workshops, exhibitions, and field days are conducted. The annual "Krishi Mela" is a major agricultural fair that attracts thousands of visitors from across Karnataka and beyond. It serves as a platform to display innovations, agricultural products, and new technologies.
Constituent and Regional Campuses
Apart from the GKVK main campus, UAS Bangalore has established several regional campuses to serve different agro-climatic zones.
College of Agriculture, Mandya
Established in 1991–92
Focuses on irrigated agriculture
Includes instructional farms, research labs, and a KVK
College of Agriculture, Hassan
Started in 1996
Offers B.Sc. (Agri.) and postgraduate programs
Promotes rainfed agriculture research and rural development
College of Agriculture, Chamarajanagar
Established in 2018–19
Dedicated to education and research in dryland farming systems
College of Sericulture, Chintamani
Specialized in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing
A leader in sericulture education and research
Each campus has its own hostel facilities, labs, farms, and administrative buildings to cater to students and faculty.
Laboratories and Agricultural Engineering
The College of Agricultural Engineering has state-of-the-art laboratories in:
Farm Machinery and Power
Soil and Water Engineering
Processing and Food Engineering
Renewable Energy Sources
Drone technology, AI-based crop monitoring, and smart irrigation systems are being introduced to modernize Indian agriculture.
National and International Collaborations
UAS Bangalore has collaborations with:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
World Bank-funded NAHEP projects
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Universities in USA, Japan, and Europe
These partnerships promote student exchange, joint research, and global exposure.
Ranking and Accreditations
NAAC Accreditation: A+
Ranked among top 15 agricultural universities in India by ICAR and NIRF
Recipient of national awards for research, teaching, and rural development
Campus Events and Student Activities
Various student clubs and societies enrich campus life:
Cultural fests and food festivals
Debate and quiz competitions
Agro-tech expos
Field visits and rural immersion programs
NSS and NCC units
The Student Union plays an active role in addressing student concerns and organizing annual events.
Green Campus Features
Bicycle-friendly campus with dedicated cycle lanes
Botanical garden and seed museum
Agro-climatic greenhouse farming
Composting units and green waste management
The university fosters an eco-conscious student culture with regular tree plantation drives and nature conservation events.
Cafeteria and Food Services
Multiple canteens and mess halls operate across all campuses. These offer nutritious, locally sourced meals at subsidized rates. Special meals are prepared during festivals and celebrations.
Transportation and Connectivity
The GKVK campus is well-connected by public transport. The university provides shuttle services between hostels, labs, and administrative blocks. For rural campuses, transport is arranged for field visits, community interactions, and exams.
Conclusion
The University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore is not just an educational institution—it is a center for excellence in agriculture, a beacon of sustainability, and a pillar of rural development. With its expansive campuses, modern infrastructure, and commitment to innovation, UAS Bangalore is nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Its emphasis on practical learning, research integration, and societal impact makes it a model for agricultural education across Asia.