API score categories explained: Category I, II and III with example activities
The API score is split into three categories. Here is what each one covers, how much each can add in a year in CAS Manager, and which activity groups belong to it.
Category I — Teaching, research, extension and technical administration
Yearly maximum in CAS Manager: 125 points. It is divided into four groups:
- A. Teaching and related activities: contact hours taught, teaching material developed, examination duties, academic in-charge or coordinator roles, invited lectures and student guidance outcomes.
- B. Research and related activities: project leadership, variety or technology release, seed production, patents and notified varieties, special assignments and farm management.
- C. Extension and related activities: organising farmers' fairs, extension duties, front-line demonstrations and on-farm training, and technology adoption recognised by farmer awards.
- D. Technical administration and related activities: office and university support service, administrative duties, committee and scheme monitoring, and IT-related activity.
Category II — Co-curricular and professional development
Yearly maximum in CAS Manager: 50 points. Typical activities:
- Institutional co-curricular activities for students such as field studies and visits.
- Student welfare and co-curricular roles.
- Records, works, purchase, auction and dead-stock committees.
- Membership of scientific societies and professional associations.
- External examination duties.
- Organising orientation, refresher and training programmes.
- Other professional development activity.
Category III — Research and academic contributions
No yearly maximum in CAS Manager. Typical activities:
- Research papers in referred and non-referred journals.
- Conference papers published as full papers.
- Books, chapters and subject-specific publications.
- Research notes, abstracts and short communications.
- Awards, medals and recognition.
- Assets created for the university.
- Postgraduate research guidance.
- Consultancy projects.
- Academic or general regulations prepared or amended.
How the categories combine for promotion
Promotion requirements are usually stated per category and also as a combined Category I + II score. Category III is often assessed year by year as well as over the whole stage. CAS Manager's dashboard shows every one of these checks together, so you can see which category is holding you back.
The activity list is the one configured in CAS Manager. Your university's notification decides what counts for you.
Related guides
Points per activity, yearly maximums and a worked example.
The score and service checks to run before you submit.
What proof to keep for teaching, research, extension and publications.