EXAM SYLLABUS
ICAR AIEEA Syllabus will be prescribed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will organize the All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA).
AIEEA PG is conducted for postgraduate courses in the field of agriculture offered by the agriculture universities. Candidates can view the detailed ICAR AIEEA syllabus for PG course entrance exam below:
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Plant Biotechnology | Plant Biochemistry/ Bio. Chem | 120 Q |
Plant Biotechnology & Molecular Biology/Biotechnology | ||
Plant /Crop Physiology | ||
Plant Sciences | Plant Breeding & Genetics | 120 Q |
Plant Pathology | ||
Agricultural Microbiology/Microbiolog | ||
Seed Science & Technology | ||
Plant Genetic Resources | ||
Physical Sciences | Agricultural / Agro. Meteorology | 120 Q |
Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry/ Soil Conservation and Water Management/ SWC/ Irrigation and Water Management | ||
Agricultural Physics | ||
Agricultural Chemicals | ||
Environmental Science | ||
Entomology and Nematology | Agricultural/ Horticultural Entomology | 120 Q |
Nematology & Apiculture | ||
Sericulture & Plant Protection | ||
Agronomy | Agronomy & Tea Husbandry & Technology | 120 Q |
Social Sciences | Agricultural Economics | 120 Q |
Dairy Economics & Agriculture Extension/Extension Education/ Communication | ||
Dairy Extension Education | ||
Statistical Sciences | Agricultural Statistics & Computer Application | 120 Q |
Bioinformatics | ||
Horiculture | Horticulture & Vegetable Crops or Sci. / Olericulture | 120 Q |
Pomology/ Fruit Sci., Fruit Sci. and Horticulture Technology | ||
Post-Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops | ||
Floriculture & Landscaping Architecture | ||
Plantation Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops | ||
Forestry/Agroforestry | Forest Production & Utilization | 120 Q |
Silviculture & Agroforestry | ||
Tree Physiology and Breeding | ||
Agroforestry & Forest NRM/Forest Mgmt & Utilization | ||
Plantation Technology | ||
Wild Life Sc. (Forestry) | ||
Wood Science | ||
Agricultural Engineering | Soil & Water Conservation Engg./Soil & Water Engg | 120 Q |
Irrigation Drainage Engg,/Irrigation Water Mgmt.Engg | ||
Post Harvest Technology/ Processing and Food Engg. | ||
Farm Machinery and Power Engg. | ||
Renewable Energy Engg. | ||
Water Science & Technology | Water Science and Technology | 120 Q |
Communiity Science | Food & Nutrition | 120 Q |
EXAM PATTERN
In the AIEEA PG question paper, there is a one question paper for each of the 20 major subject-groups, which includes 120 multiple choices objective type of questions, each of which has four options.
Test Mode | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
Objective Type Online (LAN | Anyone selected subjects | 120 Q | 120 x 4 = 480 Marks | 120 Minutes |
Courses that students can take up are Plant Biotechnology, Physical Science, Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Social Sciences, Entomology and Nematology, Statistical Sciences, Forestry/ Agroforestry and Silviculture, Horticulture, Water Science & Technology, Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Animal Biotechnology, Community Science (Home Science), Animal Sciences, Veterinary Science, Dairy Science, Fisheries Science, Dairy Technology, Agri-Business Management and Food Science Technology.
Mode of Examination
ICAR Examination will be held as an Online Computer Based Test. Questions will be Objective type Multiple choice in nature.
Medium of Examination
The exam paper for ICAR Examination will be in English language Only.
Marking Scheme
1. Each correctly answered multiple-choice objective type question awarded as 4 marks.
2. For each incorrectly answered multiple-choice objective type question, 1 mark is deducted.
3. No marks are awarded for un-attempted questions.
4. AIEEA PG consists of 480 marks in total.
Note
1. Acronym - ICAR (PG)
2. Conduting Body/Administrator - National Testing Agency (NTA)
3. Exam Purpose - For Admission to PG professional degree programmes
4. Exam Mode - Computer Based Test (CBT)
5. Exam Stages - Single Stage
6. Offered - Once a Year
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates applying for ICAR PG (AIEEA-PG) must fulfill the prescribed eligibility conditions related to nationality, educational qualification, and minimum marks. Only those who meet all the criteria will be considered for admission through ICAR counselling.
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India. Admission under the All India Quota is open to Indian nationals only.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Allied Sciences from an ICAR-recognized or accredited university. The qualifying degree must be relevant to the Master’s programme for which admission is sought.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
General / OBC / EWS: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent OGPA
SC / ST / PwBD: Minimum 50% marks or equivalent OGPA
The equivalent percentage will be calculated as per the norms of the candidate’s university.
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for admission to ICAR PG programmes.
Final Year Candidates
Candidates appearing in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply, provided they complete the degree and submit proof of qualification at the time of admission.
Other Conditions
Candidates must ensure that their Bachelor’s degree subject combination matches the eligibility requirements of the chosen Master’s programme.
Eligibility will be verified during ICAR PG counselling and document verification.
Eligibility Qualifications for Admission to different Subjects:
Subject/ Discipline | Eligibility Qualifications for SAUs/CAUs etc. (4/5/6 years Bachelors’ degree in) | Alternate Eligibility Qualificationsfor (1) IARI, (2) IVRI, (3) NDRI & (4) CIFE | Applicable at |
01-PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY | |||
1.1 Plant Bio Chemistry/ Bio.Chem | B.Sc. Ag./Horti. or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture. | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 yrs.system) | IARI |
1.2 Plant Biotech & Molecular Biology/ Biotech. | B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry/ Seri./ Biotechnology or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry/ Sericulture/ Biotechnology. | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system) | IARI |
1.3 Plant/ Crop Physiology | B.Sc. Ag./Horti. or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture. | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system) | IARI |
02- PLANT SCIENCES | |||
2.1 Plant Breeding and Genetics | B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry. | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system) | IARI |
2.2 Plant Pathology | B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system | IARI |
2.3 Agricultural Microbiology/ Microbiol. | B.Sc. Ag./Horti. or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture. | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system) | IARI |
2.4 Seed Science & Technology | B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry. | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system) | IARI |
2.5 Plant Genetic resources | B.Sc. Ag./Horti./Forestry or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/ Horticulture/Forestry. | B.Sc.(10+ 2+3 system) | IARI |
03- PHYSICAL SCIENCE | |||
3.1 Agricultural | |||
IMPORTANT DATES
The ICAR PG 2026 admission process is expected to begin with the release of the official notification in April 2026, followed by the start of the online application process in the same month. The last date to apply is likely to fall in May 2026, after which the application correction window may be opened briefly. The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 examination is tentatively scheduled for June 2026, with the results expected in July 2026. Qualified candidates will then be invited to participate in ICAR PG counselling, which is expected to commence during August 2026.
Event | Dates |
Online submission of Application Form | April to May |
Last date of successful transaction of fee | Last week of May |
Correction in particulars of Application Form on website only | Upto Mid of May |
Date of Examination | June |
Declaration of Result on NTA website | July |
EXAM ANALYSIS
For the preparation of the ICAR PG 2026 examination, we are presenting the analysis of the ICAR AIEEA-PG exam conducted last year. This analysis is based on the paper held on 29 June 2025 in the single morning shift from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Studying last year’s paper helps candidates understand the actual exam difficulty, question trends, and preparation requirements for the upcoming ICAR PG exam.
Exam Overview (29 June 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon)
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Duration: 2 hours
Total Questions: 120
Total Marks: 480
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Negative Marking: –1 mark for each wrong answer
Overall Difficulty Level
The paper was moderate to slightly difficult.
Questions were mainly conceptual and application-based, rather than direct factual recall.
Candidates with strong UG fundamentals found the paper balanced.
Subject-Wise Analysis
Questions were evenly distributed across the entire UG syllabus, reducing the scope of selective preparation.
Numerical and analytical questions were more prominent in Engineering, Statistics, and Economics.
Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary, and Animal Science papers emphasized core concept clarity.
Question Trends
No direct repetition of questions, but concepts from previous years were frequently tested.
Several questions required linking of two or more concepts, increasing difficulty.
Memory-based questions were comparatively fewer.
Time Management Analysis
Completing all 120 questions within the allotted time was challenging.
Candidates who avoided blind guessing and focused on accuracy performed better due to negative marking.
Good Attempts (Based on 2025 Paper)
General Category: 85–95 correct attempts
OBC / EWS: 75–85 correct attempts
SC / ST: 65–75 correct attempts
Key Takeaways for ICAR PG 2026 Aspirants
Prepare the complete UG syllabus without skipping topics.
Focus more on conceptual understanding than rote learning.
Practice previous year papers and full-length mock tests regularly.
Accuracy is more important than attempting all questions.???????
STUDY TIPS
Preparing for the ICAR PG (AIEEA-PG) exam requires a strong command over undergraduate concepts, consistent revision, and smart exam strategy. Since the paper is subject-specific with negative marking, accuracy and conceptual clarity are crucial.
1. Know the Syllabus Thoroughly
Study the complete UG syllabus of your chosen subject group.
Do not skip small or less popular topics, as questions can come from anywhere.
2. Strengthen Core Concepts
Focus on understanding fundamentals rather than rote learning.
Make short notes for formulas, definitions, processes, and diagrams.
3. Follow Standard Reference Books
Use UG-level textbooks recommended for ICAR PG preparation.
Avoid too many sources; revise the same material multiple times.
4. Practice Previous Year Questions
Solve ICAR AIEEA-PG previous year papers to understand question patterns.
Identify frequently asked topics and difficulty level.
5. Take Regular Mock Tests
Attempt full-length mock tests in exam-like conditions.
Analyze mistakes carefully and work on weak areas.
6. Focus on Accuracy
Due to negative marking, avoid guesswork.
Attempt only those questions you are confident about.
7. Revision is Key
Revise each subject multiple times before the exam.
Keep the last 2–3 weeks only for revision and practice.
8. Time Management
Practice completing 120 questions within 2 hours.
Learn to move on quickly if a question is time-consuming.
9. Stay Updated with Notifications
Regularly check NTA and ICAR websites for updates related to the exam and counselling.
10. Maintain Health & Consistency
Follow a fixed study routine with proper sleep and breaks.
Stay calm and confident during preparation and on exam day.
STUDY PLANS
A well-structured study plan is essential to crack the ICAR PG (AIEEA-PG) exam, as the syllabus is vast and entirely based on undergraduate-level subjects. Below are practical and flexible study plans suitable for different preparation timelines.
6-Month Study Plan (Ideal Preparation)
Month 1–2: Concept Building
Cover the complete UG syllabus topic-wise.
Focus on understanding basics and standard definitions.
Make concise notes for quick revision.
Month 3–4: Strengthening & Practice
Revise studied topics regularly.
Start solving previous year questions topic-wise.
Identify weak areas and revise them thoroughly.
Month 5: Mock Tests & Analysis
Attempt full-length mock tests weekly.
Analyze mistakes and revise weak concepts.
Improve speed and accuracy.
Month 6: Final Revision
Revise short notes multiple times.
Solve 2–3 mock tests per week.
Avoid new topics and focus on accuracy.
3-Month Study Plan (Focused Preparation)
Month 1
Complete high-weightage topics first.
Revise core concepts daily.
Month 2
Solve previous year papers and mock tests.
Strengthen weak areas through targeted revision.
Month 3
Full revision of syllabus.
Practice mock tests frequently.
Focus on time management and accuracy.
1-Month Revision Plan (Last-Minute Preparation)
Revise short notes and important formulas daily.
Solve previous year papers and mock tests on alternate days.
Focus only on revision, not new topics.
Work on accuracy to avoid negative marking.
OVERVIEW
ICAR PG admission provides entry to postgraduate courses offered by ICAR-affiliated universities across India. Admission is based on ICAR AIEEA-PG scores followed by centralized ICAR counselling.
Particulars | Events |
Exam Full Name | ICAR Postgraduate Admission (Through AIEEA-PG) |
Conducting Authority | Indian Council of Agricultural Research |
Admission Purpose | Admission to PG courses under ICAR All India Quota |
Exam Level | National |
Admission Mode | Through ICAR AIEEA-PG |
Application Mode | Online |
Exam Date | July 2026 (Tentative) |
Courses Offered | M.Sc, M.Tech, MBA (Agribusiness), Ph.D. (if applicable) |
Official Website |
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the ICAR PG 2026 exam involves a national-level computer-based test (CBT) followed by online counselling based on merit. Candidates are selected based on their performance (scores) in the exam, which determines their eligibility for seat allotment in Masters and Doctoral degree programs at various agricultural universities.
Key Steps in the ICAR PG 2026 Selection Process
1 - Entrance Exam (CBT): Candidates must appear for the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026, a 2-hour, 120-question multiple-choice exam conducted in English.
Scoring: 4 marks for each correct answer; -1 for incorrect answers.
2 - Result & Rank Card: Based on the scores, ICAR will release the results and merit rank, indicating eligibility for counseling.
3 - Online Counseling & Registration: Qualified candidates must register on the official ICAR website, pay a fee (e.g., ?400), and fill in their preferences for universities and programs.
4 - Seat Allotment: Based on merit, rank, and seat availability, ICAR will conduct multiple rounds of seat allotment.
5 - Document Verification: Candidates must submit documents online for verification (e.g., admit card, score card, transcripts).
6 - Final Admission: Selected candidates must download their provisional admission letter, accept the seat, and report to the allotted university for final admission.
Important Details
Fellowships: The top candidates are awarded 600 ICAR-PG Scholarships and 300 JRF/SRF spots based on merit.
Eligibility: A 4/5/6-year bachelor's degree in agriculture or related fields is required.
Reservation: 40% maximum intake for candidates from any single state in a particular university.
LATEST UPDATE 2026
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts admission to Postgraduate (PG) programmes through ICAR AIEEA-PG (All India Entrance Examination for Admission – Postgraduate). For ICAR PG Admission 2026, candidates seeking admission to agriculture and allied science PG courses under the All India Quota (AIQ) must qualify ICAR AIEEA-PG 2026, conducted by ICAR. The official notification is expected in March 2026, and the online application process will be available on the ICAR portal. The examination is likely to be conducted in July 2026, followed by counselling for seat allotment under the All India Quota.
IMPORTANT DATES
The ICAR PG 2026 notification is expected in March 2026, with online applications starting the same month. The last date to apply will be in late March 2026, followed by an application correction window in April 2026. Admit cards will be released in June 2026, and the ICAR PG exam is likely in July 2026. Results are expected between August–September 2026, and PG counselling registration will start thereafter.
ICAR PG 2026 Notification: March 2026
Online Application Start Date: March 2026
Last Date to Apply: Last week of March 2026
Application Correction Window: April 2026
Admit Card Release: June 2026
ICAR PG 2026 Exam Date: July 2026
Result Declaration: August–September 2026
Counselling Registration: September–October 2026
COURSES OFFERED
The ICAR AIEEA-PG examination is conducted for admission to various Master’s degree programmes offered by ICAR-affiliated agricultural universities across India. For the PG exam, candidates must appear in one major subject group, and the question paper is prepared based on the UG syllabus of the selected subject. Each subject group includes multiple specialized sub-disciplines.
1. Agriculture
Major Subject Group
Agriculture
Sub-Subjects
Agronomy
Genetics & Plant Breeding
Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Extension Education
Seed Science & Technology
Agricultural Meteorology
Organic Farming
Sustainable Agriculture
2. Horticulture
Major Subject Group
Horticulture
Sub-Subjects
Fruit Science (Pomology)
Vegetable Science (Olericulture)
Floriculture & Landscape Architecture
Plantation, Spices, Medicinal & Aromatic Crops
Post-Harvest Technology
Horticultural Biotechnology
3. Forestry
Major Subject Group
Forestry
Sub-Subjects
Silviculture
Forest Management
Forest Economics
Agroforestry
Forest Products & Utilization
Forest Ecology & Environment
Wildlife Science
4. Fisheries Science
Major Subject Group
Fisheries Science
Sub-Subjects
Aquaculture
Fisheries Resource Management
Aquatic Environment Management
Fish Genetics & Breeding
Fish Processing Technology
Fisheries Economics & Extension
5. Agricultural Engineering
Major Subject Group
Agricultural Engineering
Sub-Subjects
Farm Machinery & Power Engineering
Soil & Water Engineering
Irrigation & Drainage Engineering
Processing & Food Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering
6. Veterinary Science
Major Subject Group
Veterinary Science
Sub-Subjects
Veterinary Anatomy
Veterinary Physiology
Veterinary Biochemistry
Veterinary Pathology
Veterinary Microbiology
Veterinary Parasitology
Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology
Veterinary Public Health
Animal Nutrition
Animal Genetics & Breeding
7. Animal Science
Major Subject Group
Animal Science
Sub-Subjects
Animal Nutrition
Animal Genetics & Breeding
Livestock Production & Management
Poultry Science
Dairy Science
8. Home Science
Major Subject Group
Home Science
Sub-Subjects
Food & Nutrition
Clothing & Textiles
Human Development
Family Resource Management
Extension Education
9. Agricultural Biotechnology
Major Subject Group
Agricultural Biotechnology
Sub-Subjects
Molecular Biology
Genetic Engineering
Plant Biotechnology
Animal Biotechnology
Microbial Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
10. Food S
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ICAR Counselling 2025 schedule is out. Registration starts on October 14 and ends on October 17, 2025. Check step-by-step registration process, seat allotment dates, and document verification details at icarcounseling.com...
| Posted On: 14 Oct, 2025 | |
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As per the official notice, the ongoing ICAR JRF and SRF (PhD) counselling for the current academic year 2024- 25 will be conducted along with the counselling of PG programmes of Veterinary stream during January and February 2025...
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To download the results, candidates must go to the official website and log in with their application number and date of birth...
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The NTA held the ICAR examinations on June 29 in 170 testing centres across 91 cities in India, with around 46,452 candidates appearing in the exam...
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Students can download the admit card by visiting the official website and logging in with their application number and date of birth...
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Candidates who will appear in the two entrance exams can get the city information slips from the official website...
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The exam admit card will be available for download beginning on June 14, 2024. The examination will be held on June 29, 2024...
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Candidates can apply for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) [AIEEA(PG) and AICE JRF/SRF(Ph.D)] Entrance Examinations -2024 by visiting the ICAR AIEEA official website...
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Candidates who want to make changes to their ICAR AIEEA application form 2023 can do so on the official website...
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Candidates who appeared in these exams can now view their results on the official website...
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Candidates who have registered for counselling can upload the required papers by going to the official website...
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The ICAR AIEEA PG exam is held annually by the NTA. It is an Agriculture entrance exam. Through this exam, candidates get admission to PG Agriculture in Agricultural Universities in India. To get full information about ICAR PG exam, you can go to the general information button above.
ICAR AIEEA exam comprises of questions from subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology along with Agriculture and Mathematics sections. Thus, the topics from which questions are asked are similar to that of the NEET exam. Apart from this, experts share that the difficulty level of questions asked in the ICAR exam is of moderate level. On the other hand, NEET is of tough difficulty level. To view accurate study plan click on above Study Tips button. This study plan will help you for the preparation of ICAR PG exam.
ICAR AIEEA exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of ICAR. For access full information of ICAR PG exam click on General information button above.
You can apply for the All India Entrance Examination for Post Graduate for academic session by filling the application form. Visit icar.nta.ac.in and check the registration form. Enter details, and pay fee before the last date to apply for ICAR AIEEA PG exam. To view all the information related to ICAR PG Exam Application Form and process to fill the application form, go to the General Information tab above.
Candidates must note that there is no specific limit on the number of attempts for the ICAR JRF exam. Candidates can appear for the exam multiple times until they fulfill the eligibility criteria and meet the age limit specified by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The scholarship amount will be Rs. 12,640/- per month together with a contingent grant of Rs. 6,000/- per year for buying essential chemicals, books, travel expenses etc connected with the research work.
Preparing for postgraduate entrance will be termed as more difficult than that of the undergraduate courses.
After this, the candidate needs to fill their choices of courses/universities in the stipulated time period.
No. The ICAR AIEEA is conducted in online mode i.e. Computer Based Test (CBT). You can check all the detailed information about number of questions, time limit, negative marking, exam mode asked in ICAR PG exam by clicking on the format button given above.
No. Students are required to be at the exam centre to attempt the ICAR AIEEA on the given date and time. Complete details about ICAR PG Exam is available on the general information section above.
The ICAR AIEEA exam pattern for PG courses is as such that the exam will be in MCQs and in online mode. However, the duration, total marking and no. of questions of the entrance exam for PG courses is different than UG courses. To know full detail about ICAR PG Exam Mode, Language, Pattern etc. Go through the format button given above.
No. The candidate is required to carry a hard copy of the admit card to the ICAR AIEEA exam center along with an authorised government. document. You can see complete process to download ICAR PG Exam Admit Card by visiting the General Information tab above.
No, candidates cannot carry their calculators to the ICAR AIEEA exam centre. It will be a mode of unfair means of bringing the calculator.
No. Students who miss the ICAR AIEEA entrance exam will not be given another chance under any circumstances.
No. If a student leaves the question unattempted, no marks will be awarded or deducted in ICAR AIEEA exam. By clicking on the format button above, you can see the marking scheme of ICAR PG exam, which shows how many marks are assigned to each question and how many marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
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