Srinagar, Jun 25: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has been awarded 4th rank nationally (Agriculture & Horticulture University category) in the International Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) University Rankings 2026, reinforcing its growing stature as one of India’s leading institutions in agricultural education and research.    Ranked just behind three of the country’s most prestigious agricultural universities, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi; Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana; and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, SKUAST-K’s achievement reflects its remarkable rise as a leading center of excellence in agricultural education, research, innovation, and rural transformation.   The recognition places SKUAST-K among the country’s top agricultural universities and reflects its expanding academic, research, and innovation footprint.   The ranking is based on IIRF’s comprehensive evaluation of over 2,500 institutions nationwide, using key performance indicators such as academic reputation, student diversity, research outcomes, innovation, infrastructure, community engagement, and international outlook.