Himalayan College of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (HICAST)

The vision of HICAST is to provide quality education to its students and produce competent graduates and leaders in the fields of agriculture, technology, animal and veterinary sciences, economics and sociology, climate change and environment, business management, etc., at the local, national, regional, and global levels.   It is located in Kathmandu at Kalanki.

Dr Binayak P Rajbhandari is the Founding Chairperson; Dr. Mohan Kharel, Dr Sarba Raj Khadka, Dr Mana Raj Kolachhapati, Mr Shreeram Pokharel, Dr Bidur Prasad Chaulagain, Ms Meena Pandit, Dr Yogesh Hari Shrestha, Dr Rebati Man Shrestha, Dr Neeraj Narayan Joshi, Ms Sagun Bista, and Dr Dilli Ram Baral are the Founding Members.

HICAST has a good team of qualified teaching staff to produce skilled graduates in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and veterinary science, as well as in seed and food technology, dairy, and meat technology. HICAST is conducting research and training activities and extension services like mobile veterinary camps and plant clinics in the villages. It has also been conducting awareness campaigns in different parts of the country in collaboration with the local and provincial governments, as well as I/NGOs.

It has produced around 2000 graduates, both with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. There is quite a good number of Bachelor graduates who have joined for Master’s degrees in developed countries. Some of the graduates are doing a Ph.D.

In affiliation with Purbanchal University, the college currently runs 4-year B.Sc. (Honours) Agriculture, 5-year B.V. Sc. and A. H. under Bachelor’s Programs, and M.Sc. in Dairy Technology, M.Sc. in Meat Technology, and M.Sc. Ag. in Agri-Business Management under Master’s Programs. All of these programmes have pivotal importance and tremendous scope in agrarian Nepal for its development.

Why join HICAST?

HICAST is dedicated to providing theoretical and practical education and various research and project works that create a positive impact on the business and industry of Nepal. HICAST consists of highly qualified teaching faculty members who believe in interactive and practical learning approaches. HICAST facilitates its students with modern laboratories and resourceful libraries for effective learning. The institution also provides applied learning opportunities on various livestock and crop farms belonging to individual farmers, DAO, NARC, DLS, DDC, etc. There is also a provision for internship and research activities that need to be carried out independently in relevant institutions/ industries/ NGOs/ other local communities. This provision has come up as an opportunity for the students to boost their self-empowerment, as well as receive some financial support from MoALD, I/NGOs, and Pvt Sector donors.

Facilities

HICAST provides scholarships. It has been providing scholarships to 10% of the total students enrolled in various programmes. Among 10 percent, 50% of students are selected based on the result of merit in the entrance test, while the rest 50% of the students are selected based on the reservation criteria, which is developed by the University.

There are around 8000 books in the library of the institution. Himalayan College has well-equipped modern laboratories for various subjects of agriculture, veterinary, technology, and extension, with equipment and basic science-related subjects. It also has a Cafeteria and transportation facilities.

Admission process

To join HICAST, students should have completed some courses mentioned by the university. The students should fill out the application form and take the entrance exam. There should be a positive result in the entrance exam. Students should meet the admission criteria, which are mentioned by HICAST/PU. The institution takes intakes in September.