Introduction

The Ministry of Education, Government of India (GOI) has established the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an independent, autonomous, and self-sustained premier testing organization under the Society Registration Act, 1860, for conducting efficient, transparent, and internationally standardized tests to assess the competency of candidates for admissions to premier higher education institutions.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture across the country under the aegis of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

The ICAR-AU System of India comprises 74 Agricultural Universities, including 63 State Agricultural, Veterinary, Horticultural, and Fisheries Universities (SAUs), 4 ICAR-Deemed Universities (DUs) (Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), and Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE)), 3 Central Agricultural Universities (CAU, Imphal; Dr. RPCAU, Pusa; and RLBCAU, Jhansi), and 4 Central Universities (CUs) with a Faculty of Agriculture (Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Visva-Bharati University, and Nagaland University). The National Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension System (NAREES) of India is one of the largest in the world, admitting over 28,000 students at the undergraduate level and over 17,500 students at the Master’s and Doctoral levels annually in various disciplines of Agricultural and Allied Sciences.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has entrusted the responsibility of conducting All India Entrance Examinations for admission to Master’s (PG) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in Agricultural Universities and the award of scholarships and fellowships to the National Testing Agency for the academic year 2024-25. Details are as follows:

ICAR AIEEA (PG)

The All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA) for postgraduate programs (PG) fills 30% of the seats in Master’s degree programs in Agricultural Universities. Additionally, 100% of the seats in the four ICAR-Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, and CIFE) and Central Agricultural Universities (RLBCAU, Jhansi, and Dr. RPCAU, Pusa) are filled through this examination. Furthermore, no more than 40% of candidates from any single state shall be admitted to any Agricultural University in a particular subject and category.

This examination allows a large number of candidates from across the country to seek admission to Master’s degree programs in disciplines such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Community Science (formerly Home Science), Fisheries, Dairy Science, and other allied sciences. The ICAR PG Scholarship shall be awarded to a limited number of candidates based on merit in this examination, as per their overall merit rank and seat availability in different disciplines.

The National Talent Scholarship (NTS) will also be awarded to deserving candidates based on revised guidelines. Only candidates declared eligible for registration and choice filling for counselling by ICAR will be considered for allocation of subjects and Agricultural Universities. There is no provision for direct nomination for admission through ICAR into any Master’s degree program without qualifying in ICAR AIEEA (PG).

ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.)

The All India Competitive Examination for Junior and Senior Research Fellowships (AICE-JRF/SRF) for Ph.D. admissions grants entry to 30% of seats in Agricultural Universities. Additionally, 100% of seats at Dr. RPCAU, Pusa; RLBCAU, Jhansi; and ICAR-Deemed Universities (IVRI, IARI, CIFE, and NDRI) are filled under the ICAR-AU system. No more than 40% of candidates from any single state shall be admitted to any Agricultural University or subject under a particular category.

ICAR JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) fellowships shall be awarded to a limited number of candidates based on merit in this examination, as per their overall merit rank and seat availability in various disciplines. Other candidates who qualify for counselling will be eligible, based on their merit rank and seat availability, for admission to Ph.D. programs without a fellowship in specific subjects in Agricultural Universities. The same eligibility conditions apply to in-service candidates.

Only candidates declared eligible for registration and choice filling for counselling by ICAR will be considered for the allocation of subjects and Agricultural Universities. There is no provision for direct nomination for admission through ICAR into any Doctoral degree program without qualifying in ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.).

Examination Mode

Both ICAR AIEEA (PG) and ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) will be conducted in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The question papers for these exams will be objective type, consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

ICAR JRF Eligibility 2026, Age Limit, and Educational Qualification

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the eligibility requirements for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) examination. Candidates are advised to carefully review the ICAR JRF 2026 eligibility criteria before applying for the fellowship. The eligibility assessment will be based on several factors, including nationality, educational qualifications, and age.

ICAR JRF Eligibility 2026 Overview

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the ICAR JRF exam at the national level twice a year. The examination is conducted online, and only Indian citizens are eligible to apply. Below is a summary of the ICAR JRF Eligibility 2026 criteria.

ICAR AIEEA 2026 Exam Date

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon announce the ICAR AIEEA 2026 exam date on its official website. Following previous patterns, the exam is likely to be held in June 2026. The complete schedule will be made available online on the NTA website. Candidates can refer to the official notification to check important dates, including the release of the notification, application form submission, admit card issuance, and exam schedule. Below is the tentative ICAR AIEEA 2026 exam timeline.

ICAR AIEEA 2026 Application Form Dates

Candidates can check the expected dates for the release of the ICAR AIEEA 2026 Application Form:

CUET ICAR AIEEA PG Application Form 2025 - Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Registration

1. Visit the official website of the exam.
2. Click on the 'New Registration' tab and read the instructions carefully.
3. Fill the registration form with personal, contact details, and address.
4. Choose a password and security question.
5. Enter the security pin and complete registration.
6. Candidates will receive a username and password via registered email and SMS.

Mandatory Fields for Registration:

• Candidate Name
• Father’s Name
• Mother’s Name
• Guardian’s Name
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Identity Type (Select a valid Photo Identity Card type)
• Identity Card Number
• Present and Permanent Address
• Email ID
• Mobile Number and Alternate Contact Number
• Choose Password (8-13 characters with one special character, one uppercase, one lowercase, and one numerical character)
• Select a Security Question and Answer
• Enter Security Pin
• Verify the submitted details
• Enter OTP sent to the registered Mobile Number

Step 2: Application Process

Personal Details:

• Confirmation of PwBD category
• Parent’s Qualification
• Parent’s Occupation
• Annual Family Income
• Confirmation of Being a Twin
• Domicile State
• Confirmation of Being a Diabetic
• Place of Residence
• Mode of Preparation
• Medium of Studying in Qualifying Education
• Other Quota & Category Information (e.g., BPL, Kashmiri Migrant, Ward of Defence Personnel/Ex-Serviceman, Claim for NCC Quota, Claim for Sports Quota, Ward of University Employee)

Education Details:

• Class 10 and Class 12 or Equivalent Education Details
• Result Status
• Passing Year
• Qualifying Examination
• Place of Schooling
• Type of School/College
• Qualifying Examination Country, State, and District
• Board Name
• School/College Name, Address, and Pincode
• Roll Number
• Result Mode

Step 3: Examination Centre Selection

• Select two examination state and city choices in preferential order.
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Step 4: University/Programme Selection

• Apply for one or more universities and programmes from the dropdown menu.
• Click on the 'Add' button.
• Changes can be made by clicking on the 'Update' tab.

Step 5: Test Paper/Subject Selection

• Select a minimum of three and a maximum of 10 subjects or papers.
• Choose the medium or language of the question paper.
• If selecting less than 10 subjects, select 'NA: Not Applicable' for the remaining subject fields.

Step 6: Upload Photograph and Signature

• Upload scanned photograph and signature as per the prescribed specifications.

·         Verify all entered details.

·         Verify email ID via OTP.

Step 7: Application Fee Payment

• Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI Wallet.

• Payment gateways available: State Bank of India, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, Paytm.
• Select preferred payment mode and complete the payment.
• Upon successful payment, an application confirmation message will be displayed and sent via email.

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Application Form - Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not upload a blurred signature image.
• Use plain white paper while scanning images.
• Upload qualification certificates as required.

What After ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Application Process?

• Preserve the following information:
• Application Confirmation Page (printout and soft copy)
• ICAR AIEEA PG Credentials (Registration/Application Number and Password)
• Documents uploaded in the application form
• List of corrections/changes to be made during the correction window

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Application Password Retrieve and Reset Process

Forgot Password:

1. Visit the NTA official website.
2. Click on the 'Log-in' tab.
3. Click on 'Forgot Password'.
4. Enter the Security Question Answer.
5. The password will be sent to the registered email ID.

Reset Password:

1. Visit the ICAR AIEEA PG official website.
2. Click on the 'Log-in' tab.
3. Click on the 'Reset/Change Password' tab.
4. A reset link will be mailed to the registered email ID.
5. Click on the link and change/reset the password.

How to Make ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Application Corrections?

1. Visit the official website.
2. Click on the 'Sign In' tab.
3. Enter the application number, password, and security pin.
4. Click on the 'Application Correction' tab.
5. Receive OTP on the registered email or mobile number.
6. Enter OTP and make the necessary changes.
7. Verify details and click 'Submit'.

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Application Correction - Editable Fields

Candidates can edit any one of the following fields:

• Candidate Name
• Father’s Name

ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Pattern

Students who wish to qualify for the ICAR AIEEA PG exam must be aware of the exam pattern to strategize their preparation effectively. The exam pattern of the ICAR AIEEA PG exam is detailed in the table below:

ICAR AIEEA PG Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise ICAR AIEEA Syllabus

The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Syllabus will be published by the exam conducting authority on the official website in online mode. The syllabus will be released along with the official notification by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Familiarity with the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam pattern and syllabus will help students in better preparation.

The ICAR AIEEA PG syllabus is divided into subject-wise and unit-wise sections. Candidates aiming to qualify for the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam should develop a deep understanding of the unit-wise syllabus. This will help them identify important topics that fetch maximum questions. Below is the ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 exam syllabus:

ICAR AIEEA PG Plant Biotechnology Syllabus

Unit 1

• Importance of agriculture in the national economy
• Cultivation of wheat, rice, sugarcane, chickpea, tomato, pigeon-pea, groundnut, and mango
• Basic principles of crop production
• Major soils of India
• The significance of NPK and its deficiency symptoms
• General structure and function of cell organelles
• Mendelian genetics
• Elementary knowledge of development, growth, photosynthesis, transpiration, and respiration
• Mitosis and Meiosis
• General structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, vitamins, and enzymes
• Elements of economic botany
• Major pests and diseases of rice, wheat, cotton, chickpea, and sugarcane and their management

Unit 2

• Organic farming; bio-fertilizers; bio-pesticides
• Recombinant DNA technology; transgenic crops
• Important rural development programs in India
• Organizational setup of agricultural research, education, and extension in India
• Elements of statistics
• Importance of biochemistry in agriculture
• Acid-base concept and buffers
• pH
• Structure, classification, and metabolic functions of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
• Structure and function of nucleic acids
• Enzymes: structure, nomenclature, mechanism of action
• Vitamins and minerals as coenzymes and cofactors
• Metabolic pathways
• TCA cycle, Glycolysis, triglyceride biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation
• Electron transport chain
• ATP formation
• Photosynthesis: C-3, C-4, and CAM pathways
• Nitrate assimilation
• Biological nitrogen fixation
• Colorimetric and chromatographic techniques

Unit 3

• Characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
• Differences between fungi, bacteria, mycoplasmas, and viruses
• Physical and Chemical Basis of Heredity
• Chromosome structure
• DNA replication, Transcription, and Translation
• Genetic code
• Operon concept
• Genetic engineering
• Restriction enzymes
• Vectors
• Gene cloning
• Gene transfer
• Plant cell and tissue culture
• Micro-propagation
• Soma clonal variation
• Transformation
• Recombination
• Heterosis
• General application of biotechnology

Unit 4

• Molecular and immunological techniques
• Concept of bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics
• Plant physiology and its importance in agriculture
• Seed germination, viability, and vigor
• Photosynthesis- the role of CAM, C-3, and C-4 pathways
• Photorespiration and its implications
• Translocation of assimilates
• Dry matter partitioning
• Harvest index of crops
• Growth and development
• Growth analysis
• Crop-water relationship
• Plant nutrients and their functions
• Phytohormones and their physiological role
• Photoperiodism, vernalization
• Pollination/fertilization in flowering plants
• Post-harvest physiology and its significance
• 
  

ICAR AIEEA PG Plant Sciences Syllabus

Unit 1

• Importance of Agriculture in the national economy
• Basic Principles of crop production
• Cultivation of wheat, sugarcane, mango, rice, pigeon-pea, tomato, groundnut, potato, and chickpea
• Major soils of India
• The significance of NPK and its deficiency symptoms

Unit 2

• Structure and function of cell organelles
• Mitosis and Meiosis
• Mendelian genetics
• Elementary knowledge of photosynthesis
• Respiration and transpiration
• Structure and functions of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and vitamins
• Major pests and diseases of wheat, cotton, rice, sugarcane, chickpea, and their management

Unit 3

• Characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
• Differences between fungi, bacteria, mycoplasmas, and viruses
• Physical and Chemical basis of heredity
• Chromosome structure
• Genes/operon concept
• Protein biosynthesis
• Transformation, recombination, Heterosis
• Elements of economic botany
• Integrated disease management
• Sterilization, disinfection, and pasteurization
• Koch's postulates
• Etiological agents of rusts, smuts, powdery/downy mildews, wilts, yellows, mosaic, necrosis, enations, blights, and witches’-broom
• pH, buffer, vitamins, and the significance of plant hormones in germination and dormancy of seeds
• Pollination/fertilization in flowering plants
• Methods of seed testing
• Breeders, foundation, and certified seeds
• Seed production in self and cross-pollinated crops
• Nitrate assimilation
• Biological nitrogen fixation and agricultural uses of microorganisms

ICAR AIEEA PG Horticulture Syllabus

Unit 1

• Importance of Agriculture in the national economy
• Basic Principles of crop production
• Cultivation of wheat, rice, chickpea, sugarcane, pigeon-pea, groundnut, mango, and tomato
• Major soils of India
• The significance of NPK and its deficiency symptoms
• Structure and function of cell organelles
• Mitosis and meiosis
• Mendelian genetics
• Elementary knowledge of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration
• Structure and functions of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, vitamins, and enzymes
• Major pests and diseases of wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, chickpea, and their management
• Important rural development programs in India

Unit 2

• Organizational setup of agricultural education, research, and extension in India
• Elements of statistics
• Layout and establishment of orchards
• Pruning and training
• Propagation and climatic requirements of fruit crops
• Cultivation of plantation crops like coconut, cashew nuts, and spices
• Important physiological disorders
• Major vegetable crops of tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions
• Techniques for raising nurseries
• Nutritive value of fruits and vegetables
• Basic physiology of ripening in fruits and vegetables
• Types of fruits and vegetable products
• Major floricultural crops for commercial purposes
• Methods of crop improvement
• Plant nutrients, deficiency symptoms, and fertilizers
• Systems of irrigation
• Management of important pests and diseases of fruits and vegetables

ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card

The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card will be available online on the official website. Candidates can download their hall ticket by logging in with their registration details. Carrying the ICAR AIEEA PG admit card to the exam center is mandatory. A direct download link for the hall ticket will be provided on this page once it is officially released.

ICAR AIEEA Preparation 2026: Tips, Strategy & Guide

ICAR AIEEA 2025 Preparation

Maintaining focus and utilizing reliable study materials are essential for success in a competitive exam like ICAR AIEEA 2026. An effective preparation strategy includes practicing previous years' ICAR AIEEA PG question papers alongside the official syllabus and exam pattern.

Since each student has a different approach to studying, preparation methods may vary. However, completing the ICAR AIEEA 2026 application form and paying the required fee is mandatory for exam eligibility. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the ICAR AIEEA 2026 exam provides admission opportunities for students in various Agriculture and Science courses through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination (ICAR AIEEA).

The ICAR AIEEA Undergraduate Test is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) administered online in two parts on the same day. To excel in the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam, candidates should adopt a well-structured preparation plan, including study schedules, exam patterns, syllabus coverage, and recommended books.

ICAR AIEEA PG Exam 2026 Preparation Strategy

To qualify for the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam, students should follow these strategic points:

• Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan for each subject and section to ensure systematic preparation.
• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the ICAR AIEEA 2025 syllabus and exam pattern to gain insights into the exam structure.
• Identify Important Topics: Analyze previous years' question papers to determine the most frequently asked and important topics for each section.
• Gather Study Materials: Acquire relevant books, study materials, and mock test practice sets in advance to aid preparation.
• Revise Thoroughly: Consistently revise the studied topics to enhance retention and improve performance in the exam.

Section-wise Analysis

Students who focus on each subject individually have a higher chance of qualifying for the exam since all subjects in ICAR AIEEA are considered challenging.

• Since incorrect answers result in negative marking, it is essential to analyze each subject carefully and list strengths and weaknesses.
• After identifying strong areas, students should practice daily and refine their understanding of improvement areas.
• For weak topics, students should seek clarification of doubts to ensure accuracy in theoretical questions. However, if certain weak areas require excessive time and effort, it is advisable to focus on strong areas where they can confidently score well.

Practice Online Mock Tests

• To familiarize themselves with the real-time ICAR AIEEA 2025 exam environment, including question types, sectional time limits, and overall structure, students should attempt online mock tests.
• NTA provides online mock tests for ICAR AIEEA, allowing candidates to enhance their exam-taking skills and evaluate their preparation level.

Revision Strategy

• Revision is an essential part of exam preparation. Students should revise all topics thoroughly before the examination.
• Utilizing revision notes, textbooks, and mock tests can help in reinforcing concepts and improving retention.
• Regular revision ensures that students are well-prepared for each section of the ICAR AIEEA 2026 PG exam.