Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(9): 134-146 134 Original Research Article https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.709.018 Factors Affecting Academic Performance of the Undergraduate Students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India Anjana Rai * and Kanwaljit Kaur Department of Extension Education and Communication Management, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India *Corresponding author ABSTRACT Introduction In this era of globalization and technological revolution education is considered as first step for every human activity. It plays vital role in the development of human capital and is linked with well-being and opportunities for better living. It ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enables individuals to increase their productivity which leads towards new sources of earning. This not only enhances the economic growth of a country but also improves the quality of life of each individual. Education is considered to be an important form of national investment for future prosperity and welfare of the nation. Literacy, therefore, is the key unit for developing skills and values in individuals. In our country when rapid technology and economic development is taking place, the academic performance of students is an area of greatest concern which plays an important role in becoming more competent, intelligent and intellectual professionals. Even when these professionals move higher in their life, their academic performance still remains a criterion for deciding and measuring their professional expertise. Academic performance International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 09 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com The study was conducted to know and compare the factors affecting academic performance of undergraduate students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. A sample of 150 students was selected through purposive sampling technique from three Colleges of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana having Government funded programmes namely B.Sc. (Hons.) Home Science, B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering & Technology). Data were collected with the help of questionnaire. The findings revealed that 53 percentage of students had medium and 19 per cent had high level of academic performance. The factors like percentage of marks, extra coaching at 10+2 level and study habits were positively correlated with the academic performance of the students whereas the factors like participation in sports, level of participation in cultural activities and appearing in supplementary and compartment examinations were negatively correlated with the academic performance of the students. Significant association was observed between academic performance of the students who were getting scholarship and involved in student’s union activities. Keywords Academic Performance, Academic Factors, University, Students, Study habits Accepted: 04 August 2018 Available Online: 10 September 2018 Article Info