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SYLLABUS
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 exam syllabus covers advanced, subject-specific topics (Major Field) in agricultural sciences, alongside general, research methodology, and basic sciences pertinent to the chosen discipline. Key areas include plant breeding, biotechnology, horticulture, animal sciences, and soil science, focusing on molecular techniques, genetic resources, and sustainable practices. Detail Syllabus is given below.
ICAR PhD Syllabus For Section A
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
General knowledge/ | The questions assess the level of candidate’s awareness about the environment and its application to the society. The questions are based on general knowledge in the domain of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Allied Sciences, etc. including current events and matters of everyday observation and experience | 20 Ques |
ICAR PhD Syllabus For Section B
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Crop Sciences-I | Genetics & Plant Breeding, Seed Science & Technology & Economic Botany and Plant Genetic Resources | 50 Q each |
Crop Sciences- II | Plant Pathology, Nematology, Agricultural Entomology/Entomology & Sericulture | |
Crop Sciences- III | Plant Biochemistry/Biochemistry, Plant Physiology/Crop Physiology, Agricultural Biotechnology/Biotechnology/Molecular Biology & Biotechnology & Agricultural Microbiology/Microbiology | |
Horticulture | Vegetable Science/Olericulture, Fruit Science/Pomology, Floriculture & Landscaping/Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, Spices, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants & Post Harvest Technology (Horticulture) | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-I | Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Livestock Production Management, Livestock Products Technology & Poultry Science | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-II | Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Public Health/Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Veterinary Microbiology & Veterinary Pathology | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-III | Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Vety. Gynaecology & Obstetrics/Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Veterinary Surgery & Radiology/Veterinary Surgery & Veterinary Anatomy/Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-IV | Veterinary Physiology/Animal Physiology, Veterinary Biochemistry/Animal Biochemistry & Animal Biotechnology | |
Dairy Science, Dairy Technology & Food Technology | Dairy Chemistry, Food Technology, Dairy Microbiology, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Dairy Technology, Dairy Engineering | |
Agricultural Engineering and Technology | Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering /Soil and Water Engineering, Agricultural Processing and Food Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering & Irrigation Water Management Engineering/Irrigation & Drainage Engineering | |
Community Science | Family Resource Management, Textiles and Apparel Designing, Human Development and Family Studies/Human Development, Food Science and Nutrition/Human Nutrition & Home Science Extension and Community Management | |
Fishery Science-I | Fisheries Resource Management, Fish Processing Technology/Fish Post-Harvest Technology, Fisheries Engineering & Technology & Aquatic Environment Management | |
Fishery Science-II | Aquaculture, Fish Health Management/Aquatic Animal Health Management & Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology | |
Fishery Sciences-III | Fish Genetics and Breeding, Fish Biotechnology & Fish Physiology and Biochemistry | |
Natural Resource Management – I | Forestry/Agroforestry, Agricultural Meteorology, Environmental Sciences & Agricultural Physics | |
Natural Resource Management – II | Agronomy, Soil Sciences/Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Chemicals & Water Science & Technology | |
Agricultural Economics & Agri-Business | Agricultural Economics & Agri-business Management | |
Agricultural Extension | Agricultural Extension/ Extension Education/Communication | |
Agricultural Statistics | Agricultural Statistics, Bioinformatics & Computer Application & IT |
SYLLABUS
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 exam syllabus covers advanced, subject-specific topics (Major Field) in agricultural sciences, alongside general, research methodology, and basic sciences pertinent to the chosen discipline. Key areas include plant breeding, biotechnology, horticulture, animal sciences, and soil science, focusing on molecular techniques, genetic resources, and sustainable practices. Detail Syllabus is given below.
ICAR PhD Syllabus For Section A
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
General knowledge/ | The questions assess the level of candidate’s awareness about the environment and its application to the society. The questions are based on general knowledge in the domain of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Allied Sciences, etc. including current events and matters of everyday observation and experience | 20 Ques |
ICAR PhD Syllabus For Section B
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Crop Sciences-I | Genetics & Plant Breeding, Seed Science & Technology & Economic Botany and Plant Genetic Resources | 50 Q each |
Crop Sciences- II | Plant Pathology, Nematology, Agricultural Entomology/Entomology & Sericulture | |
Crop Sciences- III | Plant Biochemistry/Biochemistry, Plant Physiology/Crop Physiology, Agricultural Biotechnology/Biotechnology/Molecular Biology & Biotechnology & Agricultural Microbiology/Microbiology | |
Horticulture | Vegetable Science/Olericulture, Fruit Science/Pomology, Floriculture & Landscaping/Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, Spices, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants & Post Harvest Technology (Horticulture) | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-I | Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Livestock Production Management, Livestock Products Technology & Poultry Science | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-II | Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Public Health/Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Veterinary Microbiology & Veterinary Pathology | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-III | Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Vety. Gynaecology & Obstetrics/Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Veterinary Surgery & Radiology/Veterinary Surgery & Veterinary Anatomy/Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-IV | Veterinary Physiology/Animal Physiology, Veterinary Biochemistry/Animal Biochemistry & Animal Biotechnology | |
Dairy Science, Dairy Technology & Food Technology | Dairy Chemistry, Food Technology, Dairy Microbiology, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Dairy Technology, Dairy Engineering | |
Agricultural Engineering and Technology | Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering /Soil and Water Engineering, Agricultural Processing and Food Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering & Irrigation Water Management Engineering/Irrigation & Drainage Engineering | |
Community Science | Family Resource Management, Textiles and Apparel Designing, Human Development and Family Studies/Human Development, Food Science and Nutrition/Human Nutrition & Home Science Extension and Community Management | |
Fishery Science-I | Fisheries Resource Management, Fish Processing Technology/Fish Post-Harvest Technology, Fisheries Engineering & Technology & Aquatic Environment Management | |
Fishery Science-II | Aquaculture, Fish Health Management/Aquatic Animal Health Management & Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology | |
Fishery Sciences-III | Fish Genetics and Breeding, Fish Biotechnology & Fish Physiology and Biochemistry | |
Natural Resource Management – I | Forestry/Agroforestry, Agricultural Meteorology, Environmental Sciences & Agricultural Physics | |
Natural Resource Management – II | Agronomy, Soil Sciences/Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Chemicals & Water Science & Technology | |
Agricultural Economics & Agri-Business | Agricultural Economics & Agri-business Management | |
Agricultural Extension | Agricultural Extension/ Extension Education/Communication | |
Agricultural Statistics | Agricultural Statistics, Bioinformatics & Computer Application & IT |
ICAR PhD Syllabus For Section C
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Genetics and Plant Breeding | General Genetics and Plant Breeding etc | 50 Q each |
Seed Science & Technology | Seed Biology & Protection of Plant Varieties etc | |
Economy Botany & Plant Genetic Resources | Biodiversity and Plant Genetic Resources etc | |
Plant Pathology | Laboratory and Analytical Techniques etc | |
Nematology | History and Economic Importance etc | |
Agricultural Entomology/ | Systematics & Morphology etc | |
Sericulture | Mulberry Crop Production, Silkworm Nutrition etc | |
Plant Biochemistry/Biochemistry | Basic Biochemistry and Biomolecules etc. | |
Plant Physiology/Crop Physiology | Cell Organelles and Water Relations etc | |
Agricultural | Cell Structure and Function & Enzymology etc | |
Agricultural Microbiology/Microbiology | History of Microbial World etc | |
Vegetable Science/Olericulture | Breeding of Vegetable Crops etc | |
Fruit Science/Pomology | Biodiversity and Conservation etc | |
Floriculture & Landscaping/Floriculture & Landscape Architecture | Breeding & Landscaping etc | |
Spices, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants | Production technology of Plantation Crops etc | |
Post Harvest Technology (Horticulture) | Value Addition of flowers etc | |
Animal Genetics & Breeding | Overview of Genetics & Advanced Genetics etc | |
Animal Nutrition | Energy and Proteins etc | |
Livestock Production Management | General & Breeding Management etc | |
Livestock Products Technology | Basic and General Aspects of Livestock Products etc | |
Poultry Science | Poultry Genetics and Breeding etc | |
Veterinary Parasitology | Veterinary Helminthology etc | |
Veterinary Public Health/Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology | Veterinary Public Health, Milk Hygiene etc | |
Veterinary Microbiology | General Bacteriology & General Virology | |
Veterinary Pathology | Introduction, History and Etiology etc | |
Veterinary Medicine | General Medicine & Common toxicities etc | |
Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology | General Pharmacology & Autacoids | |
Vety. Gynaecology & Obstetrics/Animal | Veterinary Gynaecology etc | |
Veterinary Surgery & | General Surgery & Anaesthesia etc | |
Veterinary Anatomy/Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | Comparative Splanchnology etc | |
Veterinary Physiology/Animal Physiology | Blood and Circulation etc | |
Veterinary Biochemistry/Animal Biochemistry | Biochemistry and molecular biology in animal sciences etc | |
Animal Biotechnology | Animal Tissue Culture and Hybridoma Technology etc | |
Dairy Chemistry | Milk constituents, their normal contents and physical and chemical nature etc | |
Food Technology | Introductory Food Technology etc | |
Dairy Microbiology | Scope and History of Microbiology | |
Food Safety and Quality Assurance | General Principles of Food Law etc | |
Dairy Technology | Technology of Milk and Milk Products etc | |
Dairy Engineering | Evaporation and Drying etc | |
Farm Machinery and Power Engineering | Design of Tillage and Planting Machinery | |
Soil and Water Conservation Engineering /Soil and Water Engineering | Groundwater Development, Wells and Pumps etc | |
Agricultural Processing and Food Engineering | Engineering Properties and Quality of Biomaterials etc | |
Renewable Energy Engineering | Biochemical Conversion Technology etc | |
Irrigation Water Management Engineering/Irrigation | Soil-Water-Plant Relationships etc | |
Family Resource Management | Family Resource Management etc | |
Textiles and Apparel Designing | Clothing Construction and Pattern Making etc | |
Human Development and Family Studies/Human Development | Lifespan Development & Early Childhood Education etc | |
Food Science and Nutrition/Human Nutrition | Food and Food Groups etc | |
Home Science Extension and Community Management | Home Science extension education etc | |
Fisheries Resource Management | Fisheries Resources & Fisheries Livelihood etc | |
Fish Processing Technology/Fish Post-Harvest Technology | Low and High Temperature Preservation etc | |
Fisheries Engineering & Technology | Fishing Harbour and Fleet Management etc | |
Aquatic Environment Management | Fundamentals of Environmental Sciences etc | |
Aquaculture | Status and Scope of Aquaculture etc | |
Fish Health Management/Aquatic Animal Health Management | Introduction to Fish Health and Pathology etc | |
Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology | Principle of Fish Nutrition etc | |
Fish Genetics and Breeding | Principles of Fish Genetics and Breeding etc | |
Fish Biotechnology | Cellular and Molecular Biology | |
Fish Physiology and Biochemistry | Introduction to Fish Physiology | |
Forestry/Agroforestry | Forests and Forest Policy | |
Agricultural Meteorology | General Meteorology etc | |
Environmental Sciences | Biodiversity & Environmental Pollution etc | |
Agricultural Physics | Basic Physics & Soil Physics | |
Agronomy | Crop Ecology and Geography etc | |
Soil Sciences/Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry | Pedology & Soil Physics | |
Agricultural Chemicals | General Chemistry & Chemistry of Natural Products | |
Water Science & Technology | General Concepts of Water Resources Management etc | |
Agricultural Economics | Economic Theory & Agricultural Marketing etc | |
Agri-business Management | Human Resource Management etc | |
Agricultural Extension/ Extension Education/Communication | Extension Methods & Farm Journalism etc | |
Agricultural Statistics | Statistical Methods I & II etc | |
Bioinformatics | Molecular Biology and Biotechnology etc | |
Computer Application & IT | Computer organization and architecture |
ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF(PhD): RECOMMENDED BOOKS
1. General Agriculture For I.C.A.R. Examinations by Muniraj Singh Rathore
EXAM PATTERN
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 exam is a 2-hour, computer-based test (CBT) with 120 multiple-choice and matching-type questions total, designed for admission to doctoral programs in agriculture. It covers general agriculture, core subject knowledge, and specialized topics, with a marking scheme of +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones. Details of the Test are as given below :
Test Mode | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Seperate Time/Total Time |
Objective Type | Part A - General knowledge/reasoning ability | 20 Q | 20 x 4 = 80 Marks | 120 Minutes |
Part B - Core Group containing the specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D | 50 Q | 50 x 4 = 200 Marks | ||
Part C - Specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D | 50 Q | 50 x 4 = 200 Marks | ||
Total | 120 Ques | 480 Marks |
Subtest/Section A - First 20 MCQs will be common to all the 73 specialized Subjects.
Subtest/Section B - 50 MCQs will be from the Core Group containing the specialized Subject opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
Subtest/Section C - 50 MCQs will be from one of the specialized Subjects opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
Core Groups and Specialized Subjects for AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.) Examination
Core Group | Specialized Subjects for examination |
01 Crop Sciences-I | 1.1 Genetics & Plant Breeding |
1.2 Seed Science & Technology | |
1.3 Economic Botany and Plant Genetic Resources | |
02 Crop Sciences- II | 2.1 Plant Pathology |
2.2 Nematology | |
2.3 Agricultural Entomology/Entomology | |
2.4 Sericulture | |
03 Crop Sciences- III | 3.1 Plant Biochemistry/Biochemistry |
3.2 Plant Physiology/Crop Physiology | |
3.3 Agricultural Biotechnology/Biotechnology/Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | |
3.4 Agricultural Microbiology/Microbiology | |
04 Horticulture | 4.1 Vegetable Science/Olericulture |
4.2 Fruit Science/Pomology | |
4.3 Floriculture & Landscaping/Floriculture & Landscape Architecture | |
4.4 Spices, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants | |
4.5 Post Harvest Technology (Horticulture) | |
05 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-I | 5.1 Animal Genetics & Breeding |
5.2 Animal Nutrition | |
5.3 Livestock Production Management | |
5.4 Livestock Products Technology | |
5.5 Poultry Science | |
06 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-II | 6.1 Veterinary Parasitology |
6.2 Veterinary Public Health/Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology | |
6.3 Veterinary Microbiology | |
6.4 Veterinary Pathology | |
07 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-III | 7.1 Veterinary Medicine |
7.2 Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology | |
7.3 Vety. Gynaecology & Obstetrics/Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics | |
7.4 Veterinary Surgery & Radiology/Veterinary Surgery | |
7.5 Veterinary Anatomy/Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | |
08 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-IV | 8.1 Veterinary Physiology/Animal Physiology |
EXAM PATTERN
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 exam is a 2-hour, computer-based test (CBT) with 120 multiple-choice and matching-type questions total, designed for admission to doctoral programs in agriculture. It covers general agriculture, core subject knowledge, and specialized topics, with a marking scheme of +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones. Details of the Test are as given below :
Test Mode | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Seperate Time/Total Time |
Objective Type | Part A - General knowledge/reasoning ability | 20 Q | 20 x 4 = 80 Marks | 120 Minutes |
Part B - Core Group containing the specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D | 50 Q | 50 x 4 = 200 Marks | ||
Part C - Specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D | 50 Q | 50 x 4 = 200 Marks | ||
Total | 120 Ques | 480 Marks |
Subtest/Section A - First 20 MCQs will be common to all the 73 specialized Subjects.
Subtest/Section B - 50 MCQs will be from the Core Group containing the specialized Subject opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
Subtest/Section C - 50 MCQs will be from one of the specialized Subjects opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
Core Groups and Specialized Subjects for AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.) Examination
Core Group | Specialized Subjects for examination |
01 Crop Sciences-I | 1.1 Genetics & Plant Breeding |
1.2 Seed Science & Technology | |
1.3 Economic Botany and Plant Genetic Resources | |
02 Crop Sciences- II | 2.1 Plant Pathology |
2.2 Nematology | |
2.3 Agricultural Entomology/Entomology | |
2.4 Sericulture | |
03 Crop Sciences- III | 3.1 Plant Biochemistry/Biochemistry |
3.2 Plant Physiology/Crop Physiology | |
3.3 Agricultural Biotechnology/Biotechnology/Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | |
3.4 Agricultural Microbiology/Microbiology | |
04 Horticulture | 4.1 Vegetable Science/Olericulture |
4.2 Fruit Science/Pomology | |
4.3 Floriculture & Landscaping/Floriculture & Landscape Architecture | |
4.4 Spices, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants | |
4.5 Post Harvest Technology (Horticulture) | |
05 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-I | 5.1 Animal Genetics & Breeding |
5.2 Animal Nutrition | |
5.3 Livestock Production Management | |
5.4 Livestock Products Technology | |
5.5 Poultry Science | |
06 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-II | 6.1 Veterinary Parasitology |
6.2 Veterinary Public Health/Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology | |
6.3 Veterinary Microbiology | |
6.4 Veterinary Pathology | |
07 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-III | 7.1 Veterinary Medicine |
7.2 Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology | |
7.3 Vety. Gynaecology & Obstetrics/Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics | |
7.4 Veterinary Surgery & Radiology/Veterinary Surgery | |
7.5 Veterinary Anatomy/Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | |
08 Veterinary and Animal Sciences-IV | 8.1 Veterinary Physiology/Animal Physiology |
8.2 Veterinary Biochemistry/Animal Biochemistry | |
8.3 Animal Biotechnology | |
09 Dairy Science, Dairy Technology & Food Technology | 9.1 Dairy Chemistry |
9.2 Food Technology | |
9.3 Dairy Microbiology | |
9.4 Food Safety and Quality Assurance | |
9.5 Dairy Technology | |
9.6 Dairy Engineering | |
10 Agricultural Engineering and Technology | 10.1 Farm Machinery and Power Engineering |
10.2 Soil and Water Conservation Engineering /Soil and Water Engineering | |
10.3 Agricultural Processing and Food Engineering | |
10.4 Renewable Energy Engineering | |
10.5 Irrigation Water Management Engineering/Irrigation & Drainage Engineering | |
11 Community Science | 11.1 Family Resource Management |
11.2 Textiles and Apparel Designing | |
11.3 Human Development and Family Studies/Human Development | |
11.4 Food Science and Nutrition/Human Nutrition | |
11.5 Home Science Extension and Community Management | |
12 Fishery Science-I | 12.1 Fisheries Resource Management |
12.2 Fish Processing Technology/Fish Post-Harvest Technology | |
12.3 Fisheries Engineering & Technology | |
12.4. Aquatic Environment Management | |
13 Fishery Science-II | 13.1 Aquaculture |
13.2 Fish Health Management/Aquatic Animal Health Management | |
13.3 Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology | |
14 Fishery Sciences-III | 14.1 Fish Genetics and Breeding |
14.2 Fish Biotechnology | |
14.3 Fish Physiology and Biochemistry | |
15 Natural Resource Management – I | 15.1 Forestry/Agroforestry |
15.2 Agricultural Meteorology | |
15.3 Environmental Sciences | |
15.4 Agricultural Physics | |
16 Natural Resource Management – II | 16.1 Agronomy |
16.2 Soil Sciences/Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry | |
16.3 Agricultural Chemicals | |
16.4 Water Science & Technology | |
17 Agricultural Economics & Agri-Business Management | 17.1 Agricultural Economics |
17.2 Agri-business Management | |
18 Agricultural Extension | 18.1 Agricultural Extension/ Extension Education/Communication |
19 Agricultural Statistics | 19.1 Agricultural Statistics |
19.2 Bioinformatics | |
19.3 Computer Application & IT |
ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.): MEDIUM OF EXAMINATION
The exam paper for ICAR AICE Examination will be in English language Only.
ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.) : FAST FACTS
1. Acronym - ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.)
2. Conduting Body/Administrator - National Testing Agency (NTA)
3. Exam Purpose - For Admission to Ph.D. professional degree programmes
4. Exam Stages - Single Stage
5. Offered - Once a Year
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following primary requirements set by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
1 - Nationality
The nationality of the applying candidate should be Indian only.
2- Educational Qualifications
Master's Degree: You must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant subject from an ICAR-accredited college/university.
Minimum Marks (OGPA):
1 - General/OBC-NCL/UPS/EWS: Minimum 6.5/10.0 OGPA or 60% aggregate marks.
2 - SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: Minimum 5.5/10.0 OGPA or 50% aggregate marks.
Bachelor's Degree Duration: Generally, a 4 or 5-year Bachelor's degree is required. Candidates with a 3-year degree are typically ineligible except for specific programmes at IARI (New Delhi) or NDRI (Karnal).
3- Age Limit
Minimum Age: At least 20 years as of the cut-off date (typically August 31, 2026, or July 1, 2026).
Upper Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the entrance examination itself.
4- Institutional Accreditation
Compulsory Accreditation: Candidates must have graduated from a programme and college accredited by ICAR. Students from non-accredited private or public institutions are generally not eligible unless they belong to the first batch of a newly established government institution.
5- Special Categories
In-Service Candidates: Those working in ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), or government departments are eligible if they provide a Sponsorship Certificate from their employer.
Final Year Students: If you are in your final semester of a Master's programme, you can apply but must produce your Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC) at the time of counselling.
For verification of current accredited status, you can check the latest list on the ICAR official portal.
Would you like to see the specific subject-wise eligibility requirements for a particular discipline, such as Agronomy or Genetics?
Minimum OGPA/Marks in the Eligibility Examination required to appear in AICE-JRF/SRF ( Previous Year )
OGPA | Marks Secured | |||
Categories/ Scale | 10 point Scale | 5 point scale | 4 point scale | Percent (100 Point) |
General, OBC (NCL)and UPS/ EWS | 6.5 | 3.25 | 2.6 | 60 |
SC/ST/PwD | 5.50 | 2.75 | 2.2 | 50 |
Note :
1. Where OGPA is awarded, equivalence between OGPA and % marks will not be acceptable.
2. There will be no rounding-off of the OGPA/percentage of marks of qualifying examination while deciding the basic eligibility of any candidate for admission e.g. if a candidate obtains 49.99% marks in his/her qualifying examination, then it will not be rounded-off to 50%.
3. Merely qualifying the examination will not guarantee JRF/SRF/Admission. It would be governed by rules and regulations of ICAR and concerned University.
4. Candidate must ensure that he/she fulfills the eligibility requirements for the examination as well as admission as detailed in the Information Bulletin. Applying for AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.)-, appearing in the examination and qualifying the same does not necessarily mean acceptance of eligibility. The applicant for a particular Subject must satisfy the eligibility criterion as specified in this Information Bulletin (or its amendments/corrections).
Eligibility Qualifications at Master’s level
Students need to match the eligibility criteria as set by ICAR to appear for AICE JRF/SRF (PhD) which are as follows:
Subject of specialization | Eligibility Qualifications* for SAUs/CAUs, | Additional Eligibility Qualification at Bachelors level for IARI/NDRI |
Genetics & Plant Breeding | Genetics and/or Plant Breeding. | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Seed Science & Technology S | Seed Science & Technology | |
Economic Botany and Plant Genetic Resources | Plant Genetic Resources/ Botany/Agricultural Botany | |
Plant Pathology | Plant Pathology/Plant Protection with specialization in Plant Pathology | |
Nematology | Nematology/Plant Protection with specialization in Nematology | |
Agricultural Entomology/Entomology | Agricultural Entomology/ Entomology/Plant Protection with specialization in Entomology | |
Sericulture | < |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following primary requirements set by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
1 - Nationality
The nationality of the applying candidate should be Indian only.
2- Educational Qualifications
Master's Degree: You must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant subject from an ICAR-accredited college/university.
Minimum Marks (OGPA):
1 - General/OBC-NCL/UPS/EWS: Minimum 6.5/10.0 OGPA or 60% aggregate marks.
2 - SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: Minimum 5.5/10.0 OGPA or 50% aggregate marks.
Bachelor's Degree Duration: Generally, a 4 or 5-year Bachelor's degree is required. Candidates with a 3-year degree are typically ineligible except for specific programmes at IARI (New Delhi) or NDRI (Karnal).
3- Age Limit
Minimum Age: At least 20 years as of the cut-off date (typically August 31, 2026, or July 1, 2026).
Upper Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the entrance examination itself.
4- Institutional Accreditation
Compulsory Accreditation: Candidates must have graduated from a programme and college accredited by ICAR. Students from non-accredited private or public institutions are generally not eligible unless they belong to the first batch of a newly established government institution.
5- Special Categories
In-Service Candidates: Those working in ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), or government departments are eligible if they provide a Sponsorship Certificate from their employer.
Final Year Students: If you are in your final semester of a Master's programme, you can apply but must produce your Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC) at the time of counselling.
For verification of current accredited status, you can check the latest list on the ICAR official portal.
Would you like to see the specific subject-wise eligibility requirements for a particular discipline, such as Agronomy or Genetics?
Minimum OGPA/Marks in the Eligibility Examination required to appear in AICE-JRF/SRF ( Previous Year )
OGPA | Marks Secured | |||
Categories/ Scale | 10 point Scale | 5 point scale | 4 point scale | Percent (100 Point) |
General, OBC (NCL)and UPS/ EWS | 6.5 | 3.25 | 2.6 | 60 |
SC/ST/PwD | 5.50 | 2.75 | 2.2 | 50 |
Note :
1. Where OGPA is awarded, equivalence between OGPA and % marks will not be acceptable.
2. There will be no rounding-off of the OGPA/percentage of marks of qualifying examination while deciding the basic eligibility of any candidate for admission e.g. if a candidate obtains 49.99% marks in his/her qualifying examination, then it will not be rounded-off to 50%.
3. Merely qualifying the examination will not guarantee JRF/SRF/Admission. It would be governed by rules and regulations of ICAR and concerned University.
4. Candidate must ensure that he/she fulfills the eligibility requirements for the examination as well as admission as detailed in the Information Bulletin. Applying for AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.)-, appearing in the examination and qualifying the same does not necessarily mean acceptance of eligibility. The applicant for a particular Subject must satisfy the eligibility criterion as specified in this Information Bulletin (or its amendments/corrections).
Eligibility Qualifications at Master’s level
Students need to match the eligibility criteria as set by ICAR to appear for AICE JRF/SRF (PhD) which are as follows:
Subject of specialization | Eligibility Qualifications* for SAUs/CAUs, | Additional Eligibility Qualification at Bachelors level for IARI/NDRI |
Genetics & Plant Breeding | Genetics and/or Plant Breeding. | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Seed Science & Technology S | Seed Science & Technology | |
Economic Botany and Plant Genetic Resources | Plant Genetic Resources/ Botany/Agricultural Botany | |
Plant Pathology | Plant Pathology/Plant Protection with specialization in Plant Pathology | |
Nematology | Nematology/Plant Protection with specialization in Nematology | |
Agricultural Entomology/Entomology | Agricultural Entomology/ Entomology/Plant Protection with specialization in Entomology | |
Sericulture | Sericulture/Agricultural or Horticultural Entomology | - |
Plant Biochemistry/ Biochemistry | Plant Biochemistry/Biochemistry | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Plant Physiology/ Crop Physiology | Plant Physiology/Crop Physiology | |
Agricultural Biotechnology / Biotechnology/Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | Agricultural Biotechnology/Biotechnology/ Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | |
Agricultural Microbiology/ Microbiology | Agricultural Microbiology/ Microbiology | |
Vegetable Science/Olericulture | Vegetable Science/Olericulture/Horticulture with specialization in Vegetable Science | - |
Fruit Science/Pomology | Fruit Science/ Pomology/ Horticulture with specialization in Fruit Science | - |
Floriculture & Landscaping/ | Floriculture & Landscaping/ Floriculture & Landscape Architecture / Agriculture or Horticulture with specialization in Floriculture and Landscape Architecture | - |
Spices, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants | Spices, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants/Agriculture or Horticulture with specialization in Spices/Plantation Crops / Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | - |
Post Harvest Technology (Horticulture) | Post-harvest Technology with specialization in Horticultural Crops | - |
Animal Genetics & Breeding | Veterinary Science with specialization in Animal Genetics and Breeding | - |
Animal Nutrition | Veterinary Science with specialization in Animal Nutrition | - |
Livestock Production Management | Veterinary Science with specialization in Livestock Production Management | - |
Livestock Products Technology | Veterinary Science with specialization in Livestock Products Technology | - |
Poultry Science | Veterinary Science with specialization in Poultry Science | - |
Veterinary Parasitology | Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Parasitology | - |
Veterinary Public Health/ | Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Public Health/Vety. Public Health & Epidemiology/Vety. Epidemiology | - |
Veterinary Microbiology | Veterinary Science with specialization in Microbiology/ Bacteriology/Virology/Immunology | - |
Veterinary Pathology | Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Pathology | - |
Veterinary Medicine | Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Medicine/ Preventive Veterinary Medicine/ Veterinary Clinical Medicine | - |
Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology | Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology/Veterinary Pharmacology | - |
Vety. Gynaecology & Obstetrics/Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics | Veterinary Science with specialization in Vety. Gynaecology & Obstetrics/Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics | - |
Veterinary Surgery & Radiology/Veterinary Surgery | Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Surgery & Radiology/Veterinary Surgery | - |
Veterinary Anatomy/Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Anatomy/ Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | - |
Veterinary Physiology/ Animal Physiology | For IVRI/SAUs/CAUs - Veterinary Science with specialization in Veterinary Physiology For NDRI only Veterinary Physiology/Animal Physiology | NDRI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Veterinary Biochemistry /Animal Biochemistry | For IVRI/SAUs/CAUs, etc. Veterinary Sciences with specialization in Vety. Biochemistry. For NDRI only M.V.Sc./M.Sc./M.Tech. in Bio-Chemistry or Animal Biochemistry/ Veterinary Biochemistry/Dairy Chemistry/ Biomedical Sciences/ Molecular Biology & Biotechnology/ Chemistry | NDRI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Animal Biotechnology | For IVRI/SAUs/CAUs, etc. Veterinary Sciences with specialization in Animal Biotechnology. For NDRI only MVSc./M.Sc./M. Tech in Biotechnology or Animal/ Veterinary Biotechnology or Animal/Veterinary Biochemistry or Animal /Veterinary Physiology or Animal Genetics and Breeding or Molecular Biology/Genetic Engineering/Bioinformatics/ Genetics | NDRI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Dairy Chemistry | For SAUs/CAUs, etc. Dairy Chemistry/Veterinary/Animal Sciences with specialization in Dairy Chemistry For NDRI only Dairy Chemistry/ Veterinary/Animal Sciences with specialization in Livestock Products Technology/ Chemistry | NDRI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Food Technology | Food Science/Food Technology/ Food Science and Technology/Post Harvest Technology | - |
Dairy Microbiology | For SAUs/CAUs, etc. Dairy Microbiology/ Veterinary/Animal Sciences with specialization in Dairy Microbiology For NDRI only Dairy Microbiology/ Veterinary/Animal Sciences with specialization in Dairying/Microbiology/Biotechnology/ Medical Microbiology/Industrial Microbiology/Food Safety and Quality Assurance | NDRI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Food Safety and Quality Assurance | Food Safety & Quality Assurance/ Food Safety & Quality Management/ Dairy Microbiology / Dairy Chemistry/Food Science & Technology/Food Technology | NDRI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Dairy Technology | For SAUs/CAUs, etc. Dairy Technology /Dairy Science/Dairy Engineering/Livestock Products Technology/Food Technology with specialization in Dairy Technology For NDRI only Dairy Technology/Dairy Engineering/Livestock Products Technology/Food Technology with specialization in Dairy Technology. Candidates must have 4 years B. Tech. degree | - |
Dairy Engineering | For SAUs/CAUs, etc. M. Tech. (Dairy Engineering/ Dairy Technology). For NDRI only M. Tech./M.E. (Dairy Engineering/ Dairy Technology / Agriculture Process & Food Engineering/ Chemical Engineering/ Dairy& Food Engineering/ Electrical Engineering/ Mechanical Engineering/Electronics and Communication Engg./ Post-Harvest Process & Food Engineering/ Food Technology.) Candidates must have 4 years B. Tech./B.E. degree. | - |
Farm Machinery and Power Engineering | Agricultural Engineering/Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Farm Machinery and Power/Renewable energy | - |
Soil and Water Conservation Engineering / Soil and Water Engineering | Agricultural Engineering with specialization in Soil and Water/Soil and Water Conservation/Civil Engineering /Irrigation and Drainage Engg./Water Resources /Water Science and Technology | - |
Agricultural Processing and Food Engineering | Agricultural Engineering with specialization in Agricultural Processing Engineering/Processing & Food Engg./ Food Process Engineering/ Dairy Engineering/Post Harvest Technology/Renewable Energy Engg | - |
Renewable Energy Engineering | Agricultural Engineering with specialization in Renewable Energy/ Farm Machinery and Power Engg./Processing & Food Engg | - |
Irrigation Water Management Engineering / Irrigation & Drainage Engineering | Agricultural Engineering with specialization in Soil and Water/ Soil and Water Conservation/Irrigation and Drainage/Hydrology/Water Resources/Water Science and Technology | - |
Family Resource Managemen | Home Science with specialization in Family Resource Management | - |
Textiles and Apparel Designing | Home Science with specialization in Clothing and Textiles/ Textiles and Apparel Designing | - |
Human Development and Family Studies/Human Development | Home Science with specialization in Child Development/Human Development and Family Studies | - |
Food Science and Nutrition/Human Nutrition | Home Science with specialization in Food Science and Nutrition | - |
Home Science Extension and Community Management | Home Science with specialization in Home Science Extension/Home Science Extension and Community Management | - |
Fisheries Resource Management | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Fisheries Resources (and) Management/ Fishery Biology | - |
Fish Processing Technology/Fish PostHarvest Technology | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Fish Processing Technology/ Harvest & PostHarvest Technology | - |
Fisheries Engineering & Technology | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Fisheries Engineering/ Fisheries Engineering (and) Technology/ Fishing Technology and Fisheries Engineering/ Harvest & PostHarvest Technology | - |
Aquatic Environment Management | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Aquatic Environment Management | - |
Aquaculture | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Aquaculture/ Inland Aquaculture/ Mariculture | - |
Fish Health Management/Aquatic Animal Health Management | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Aquatic Animal Health/ Aquatic Animal Health Management/ Fish Pathology and Health Management/ Fisheries Microbiology/ Fish Pathology and Microbiology | - |
Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Fish Nutrition Feed Tech/ Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology/ Fish Nutrition and Biochemistry | - |
Fish Genetics and Breeding | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Fish Genetics & Breeding | - |
Fish Biotechnology | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Fish Biotechnology/ Fisheries Biotechnology. | - |
Fish Physiology and Biochemistry | M. F. Sc. with specialization in Fish Physiology and Biochemistry/ Fish Nutrition and Biochemistry | - |
Forestry / Agroforestry | Forestry/Agroforestry/ Agronomy/Horticulture with specialization in Agroforestry | - |
Agricultural Meteorology | Agricultural Meteorology/ Agricultural Physics with specialization in Agricultural Meteorology | - |
Environmental Sciences | Environmental Science/ Agroforestry /Agriculture/Forestry with specialization in Environmental Science. | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Agricultural Physics | Agricultural Physics / Physics / Bio-physics / Agricultural Meteorology / Soil Science / Environmental Science / Remote Sensing / Geo-informatics. | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Agronomy | Agriculture with specialization in Agronomy/Soil Water Management/ Forage Production/ Water Science and Technology | - |
Soil Sciences/Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry | Agriculture/Horticulture with specialization in Soil Sciences/Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry/ Agricultural Physics with specialization in Soil Physics and Soil and Water Conservation/Water Science and Technology | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 syste |
Agricultural Chemicals | Agricultural Chemicals/Chemistry | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system |
Water Science & Technology | Agriculture with specialization in Water science and Technology/ Agronomy/Soil Science /Agricultural Engineering with specialization in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering / Soil and Water Engineering / Irrigation and Drainage Engineering /Water Resources Engineering/ Water Resources Management | - |
Agricultural Economics | Agricultural Economics/Dairy/Animal Husbandry Economics/ Veterinary Economics/Fisheries Economics | - |
Agri. Business Management | Agribusiness Management/ Agricultural Marketing &Co- operation/ Agricultural Economics/ Business Management with specialization in Agriculture | - |
Agricultural Extension/ Extension Education / Communication* | Agricultural Extension/ Extension Education/Communication/Veterinary Extension/Dairy Extension/Fisheries Extension | - |
Agricultural Statistics | Agricultural Statistics/Statistics/Biostatistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Bioinformatics | Bioinformatics/Molecular Biology/Biotechnology/Computer Science/Computer Application/Agriinformatics/Agricultural Statistics/Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Biostatistics with Bioinformatics as a subject | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Computer Applications & IT | Computer Science/Computer Application/Information Technology/ Postgraduate degree in any specialization of Computer Science | IARI-B.Sc. (10+2+3 system) |
Note :
1. The candidate must fulfil the eligibility conditions as indicated in the above-mentioned table. They are generally eligible for pursuing a Doctoral degree in the subject in which they have passed their postgraduation.
2. For certain subjects/courses, the universities may have different/additional eligibility condition/criteria than those listed above. It is the responsibility of the candidate to check his/her eligibility with the concerned university at the time of counselling.
3. For admission to PhD degree programmes through the entrance examination, only the candidates having passed graduation with 4/5 (B.V.Sc.& A.H.)/6(10+6, BSc. Ag.) years degree programme and postgraduation from any public-funded/Govt. institution will be eligible.
4. In addition to this, 2 years’ PG degree with thesis work is the essential requirements for admission to doctoral degree programmes in the AUs.
5. The candidates having passed with 3 years’ UG degree programme are not eligible for PhD admission through AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD), except in few courses specified above at IARI and NDRI only.
6. The candidates who have passed with 5 years’ integrated M.Sc. degree programme are not eligible to seek admission to PhD degree programmes through this examination.
IMPORTANT DATES
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, for doctoral programs in agriculture and allied sciences, is tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2026, with registration likely starting in May 2026. As Details are given below. Keep checking the official NTA ICAR portal exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ for the official announcement.
Event | Dates |
Release of Application Form | May 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | June 2026 |
Correction in particulars of Application Form on website | June 2026 |
Downloading of Admit Cards from NTA website | Fourth Week of June 2026 |
Date of Examination | July 3, 2026 (tentative) |
Declaration of Result | August 2026 |
ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.) 2021 EXAMINATION : IMPORTANT FACTS
1. ICAR AICE examination is held Once a Year.
2. Online Form Validity Period - Approx One Month.
3. Candidates are advised to be clear about the exam schedule.
4. Candidates are advised to download and print the Admit Card timely.
5. Candidates should reach the Examination center well before time in order to prepare themselves for the examination.
6. Candidates must be fully aware of all the barred items that are not permitted in the examination.
IMPORTANT DATES
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, for doctoral programs in agriculture and allied sciences, is tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2026, with registration likely starting in May 2026. As Details are given below. Keep checking the official NTA ICAR portal exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ for the official announcement.
Event | Dates |
Release of Application Form | May 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | June 2026 |
Correction in particulars of Application Form on website | June 2026 |
Downloading of Admit Cards from NTA website | Fourth Week of June 2026 |
Date of Examination | July 3, 2026 (tentative) |
Declaration of Result | August 2026 |
ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF(Ph.D.) 2021 EXAMINATION : IMPORTANT FACTS
1. ICAR AICE examination is held Once a Year.
2. Online Form Validity Period - Approx One Month.
3. Candidates are advised to be clear about the exam schedule.
4. Candidates are advised to download and print the Admit Card timely.
5. Candidates should reach the Examination center well before time in order to prepare themselves for the examination.
6. Candidates must be fully aware of all the barred items that are not permitted in the examination.
STUDY TIPS
Preparing for the ICAR PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) 2026 exam requires a focused, subject-specific approach, emphasizing Master’s level core topics, detailed revision of fundamentals, and consistent practice of previous year questions (PYQs). Candidates should start early, create a daily schedule targeting specific units, and utilize mock tests to enhance speed, accuracy, and understanding of the 120-question, computer-based exam format.
One Month Study Plan :
A one-month study plan for the ICAR PhD 2026 exam (AICE-JRF/SRF) requires intensive, topic-wise revision focusing on core subjects, Previous Year Question (PYQ) analysis, and daily mock tests. Prioritize high-yield topics, refine weak areas, and practice time management to navigate markings.
Weekly Breakdown (4 Weeks to Exam)
Week 1: Syllabus Mapping & High-Yield Topics
1 - Action: Analyze the syllabus and categorize topics into strong/weak areas.
2 - Focus: Cover core topics in your specific discipline (e.g., Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Soil Science) using standard textbooks and notes.
3 - Revision: Start daily review of key definitions and principles.
Week 2: Intensive Study & PYQ Analysis
1 - Action: Tackle weaker sections identified in Week 1.
2 - Focus: Review PYQs from 2020 onwards to understand pattern changes and question types.
3 - Practice: Solve topic-wise quizzes and subject-specific questions.
Week 3: Mock Tests & Speed Improvement
1 - Action: Take full-length online mock tests regularly (similar to NTA mocks).
2 - Focus: Practice managing time (e.g., 2 hours for the exam) and reducing negative marks.
3 - Analysis: Analyze every mock test to identify errors and improve weak areas.
Week 4: Final Revision & Consolidation
1 - Action: Focus only on revising notes and formula sheets.
2 - Focus: Avoid new topics. Re-read important tables, recent agricultural advancements, and research findings.
3 - Strategy: Maintain mental stamina and focus on quick, efficient revision.
Key Tips for Success
Use Recommended Books: Rely on standard textbooks and resources, particularly for Agricultural Sciences.
Online Resources: Use online platforms for quick, comprehensive topic coverage.
Handle Negatives: Practice ignoring or skipping uncertain questions to avoid negative marking.
Stay Updated: Check for any changes in the 2026 exam pattern/syllabus.
Three Month Study Plan
A three-month study plan for the ICAR PhD 2026 exam (AICE-JRF/SRF) requires intensive revision and practice. Focus on mastering core subjects through repeated revisions (4-5 times), practicing previous year question papers, and discussing topics with peers. The plan should include Month 1 for comprehensive review, Month 2 for mock tests and weak areas, and Month 3 for final revision.
Three-Month Study Plan Breakdown
Month 1: Subject Mastery & Core Revision
1 - Focus: Review all major subjects, starting with specialized topics andGeneral Agriculture.
2 - Action: Go through Master's degree notes, specialized textbooks, and key ICAR syllabus topics such as Genetics, Plant Breeding, or Plant Protection {Link: Vidyavision.com}.
3- Goal: Complete the first thorough reading of the entire syllabus.
Month 2: Mock Tests & Weak Area Improvement
1 - Focus: Solve previous year question papers and mock tests
...STUDY TIPS
Preparing for the ICAR PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) 2026 exam requires a focused, subject-specific approach, emphasizing Master’s level core topics, detailed revision of fundamentals, and consistent practice of previous year questions (PYQs). Candidates should start early, create a daily schedule targeting specific units, and utilize mock tests to enhance speed, accuracy, and understanding of the 120-question, computer-based exam format.
One Month Study Plan :
A one-month study plan for the ICAR PhD 2026 exam (AICE-JRF/SRF) requires intensive, topic-wise revision focusing on core subjects, Previous Year Question (PYQ) analysis, and daily mock tests. Prioritize high-yield topics, refine weak areas, and practice time management to navigate markings.
Weekly Breakdown (4 Weeks to Exam)
Week 1: Syllabus Mapping & High-Yield Topics
1 - Action: Analyze the syllabus and categorize topics into strong/weak areas.
2 - Focus: Cover core topics in your specific discipline (e.g., Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Soil Science) using standard textbooks and notes.
3 - Revision: Start daily review of key definitions and principles.
Week 2: Intensive Study & PYQ Analysis
1 - Action: Tackle weaker sections identified in Week 1.
2 - Focus: Review PYQs from 2020 onwards to understand pattern changes and question types.
3 - Practice: Solve topic-wise quizzes and subject-specific questions.
Week 3: Mock Tests & Speed Improvement
1 - Action: Take full-length online mock tests regularly (similar to NTA mocks).
2 - Focus: Practice managing time (e.g., 2 hours for the exam) and reducing negative marks.
3 - Analysis: Analyze every mock test to identify errors and improve weak areas.
Week 4: Final Revision & Consolidation
1 - Action: Focus only on revising notes and formula sheets.
2 - Focus: Avoid new topics. Re-read important tables, recent agricultural advancements, and research findings.
3 - Strategy: Maintain mental stamina and focus on quick, efficient revision.
Key Tips for Success
Use Recommended Books: Rely on standard textbooks and resources, particularly for Agricultural Sciences.
Online Resources: Use online platforms for quick, comprehensive topic coverage.
Handle Negatives: Practice ignoring or skipping uncertain questions to avoid negative marking.
Stay Updated: Check for any changes in the 2026 exam pattern/syllabus.
Three Month Study Plan
A three-month study plan for the ICAR PhD 2026 exam (AICE-JRF/SRF) requires intensive revision and practice. Focus on mastering core subjects through repeated revisions (4-5 times), practicing previous year question papers, and discussing topics with peers. The plan should include Month 1 for comprehensive review, Month 2 for mock tests and weak areas, and Month 3 for final revision.
Three-Month Study Plan Breakdown
Month 1: Subject Mastery & Core Revision
1 - Focus: Review all major subjects, starting with specialized topics andGeneral Agriculture.
2 - Action: Go through Master's degree notes, specialized textbooks, and key ICAR syllabus topics such as Genetics, Plant Breeding, or Plant Protection {Link: Vidyavision.com}.
3- Goal: Complete the first thorough reading of the entire syllabus.
Month 2: Mock Tests & Weak Area Improvement
1 - Focus: Solve previous year question papers and mock tests
2 - Action: Analyze mock test performance to identify weak areas. Re-study those specific topics in detail.
3 - Strategy: Practice quick, time-bound questions to increase speed.
Month 3: Final Rapid Revision & Strategy
1- Focus: Multiple, rapid revisions of high-yield topics.
2 - Action: Focus exclusively on short notes, bullet points, and high-importance concepts.
3 - Final Steps: Discuss remaining doubts with peers, and focus on mentally preparing for the exam.
Key Tips for Success
Revision Frequency: Aim to revise key concepts at least 4 to 5 times before the exam.
General Agriculture: Do not neglect the General Agriculture component; discuss it with peers specializing in other areas.
Time Management: As the exam approaches (tentatively June 2026), ensure daily practice.
Six Month Study Plan
A six-month, highly structured study plan for the ICAR Ph.D. 2026 exam involves intensive, subject-specific preparation, beginning with a thorough syllabus review in month one, deep study with PYQs in months two and three, followed by intensive daily mock tests and revision in the final three months to secure a high rank.
6-Month ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) Study Plan
Month 1: Syllabus Familiarization & Material Gathering
1 - Action: Analyze the specific ICAR syllabus for your subject, focusing on the 80 marks for Part A (General Agriculture) and 400 marks for Parts B & C (Core/Specialized Subject).
2 - Method: Gather standard textbooks, old question papers, and prepare a schedule. Skim through books to highlight important topics.
Month 2-3: Core Content Study & Detailed Notes
1 - Action: Conduct in-depth study of specialized subjects.
2 - Method: Create concise notes, mind maps, and flashcards for quick revision. Use a parallel study approach: study multiple subjects daily to enhance speed and adaptation.
Month 4: PYQ Analysis & Question Bank
1 - Action: Analyze previous 5–10 years’ papers to identify trends and high-yield topics.
2 - Method: Star-mark repeated questions and focus on weak areas. Start practicing 1 mock test per day to build exam stamina.
Month 5: Intensive Mock Tests & Revision
1 - Action: Focus on time management and accuracy, noting that incorrect answers carry a negative mark of
2 - Method: Take daily, full-length online mock tests. Review all notes and revisit weak topics.
Month 6: Final Revision & Strategy Refinement
1 - Action: Stop learning new topics; focus only on revising existing notes.
2 - Method: Take the official NTA mock tests to familiarize yourself with the interface. Refine the strategy to maximize scores in the 480-mark exam.
Key Success Tips
Weightage: Prioritize the 400-mark technical section (Parts B & C) while not ignoring General Agriculture (Part A).
Negative Marking: Practice accuracy to avoid losing points.
Consistency: Daily study is essential for covering the vast PhD syllabus.
TIPS & TRICKS
There are a number of tips and tricks that will help the test takers to crack the examination in an easy way.
Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern : The first step that the test seekers can do is to know the details about the subjects and sections that they need to prepare for scoring good marks in this entrance exam. To start doing this in the right way, they must first start taking out information related to the ICAR AIEEA syllabus. Candidates should also know the exam pattern. It helps candidates to understand the style and structure of the examination paper that they are about to face. Knowing the syllabus and exam pattern of ICAR AIEEA helps candidates to prepare in a systematic way.
Make a Proper Study Plan : With an approaching exam date, it is very important that candidates make an effective study plan and stick to it. Making a timetable and allotting equal time to all the subjects and its sections is a wise step that the candidates must do. This study plan will help them cover the maximum portion in less time and will also give them the confidence to complete all the sections wisely.
Make Short and Relevant Notes : Short notes always help. Make small and relevant notes while you study for the ICAR AIEEA . Try to sum up important topics and sections in one or two liners and divide them into points so that understanding and memorizing the topics becomes simple and quick. Short notes also help in keeping the revision work handy.
Practice Sample Papers and Previous Years’ Papers : xperts recommend solving sample papers and previous years’ papers of ICAR AIEEA on a regular basis. It is considered to be a healthy mind activity as it trains the mind to solve similar patterned questions and divide the available time equally so that a maximum number of questions can be attended.
Time Management : Time management is one of the most important aspects of a good preparation schedule. It is very essential to manage time in order to cover the entire syllabus, study each important sections, revising at least twice before the examination and achieving a secured rank in ICAR AIEEA . Candidates can prepare a time-table and divide the time equally among each subject. Managing time in preparing for the examination as well as while giving the exam is all that candidates needs.
ICAR ( Ph.D ) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
FAQ RELATED TO ICAR (Ph.D) GENERAL QUERY
QUERY | RESPONSE |
Is the ICAR AIEEA exam easier than NEET? | 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. |
Is the ICAR AIEEA exam easier than JEE Main? | Questions in ICAR AIEEA and JEE Main exam are from similar subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics). The only difference is that the ICAR AIEEA exam also comprises questions on Agriculture related topics. Over and above that, the difficulty level of the questions asked in the ICAR AIEEA exam is of moderate level |
Who conducts the ICAR AIEEA exam? | ICAR AIEEA exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of ICAR. |
How can I apply for ICAR AIEEA Ph.D ? | 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 Ph.D exam. |
FAQ RELATED TO ICAR (Ph.D) EXAM PATTERN
QUERY | RESPONSE |
Is ICAR AIEEA conducted in pen and paper test? | No. The ICAR AIEEA is conducted in online mode i.e. Computer Based Test (CBT). |
Where can I find the ICAR AIEEA prospectus? | The ICAR AIEEA prospectus will be available on the official website of ICAR-NTA. |
What if I applied for PCB but wanted PCM? | The course applied for in the application form is the course you have to appear for. Students are provided with the option to edit the application forms which is open for a limited period. |
Can I give the ICAR AIEEA from home? | No. Students are required to be at the exam centre to attempt the ICAR AIEEA on the given date and time. |
Is the ICAR AIEEA pattern the same for PG courses? | 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. |
Can I show my admit card on the phone at the exam centre? | No. The candidate is required to carry a hard copy of the admit card to the exam centre along with an authorised government. document. |
Am I allowed to carry a calculator to the exam centre? | No, candidates cannot carry their calculators to the exam centre. It will be a mode of unfair means of bringing the calculator. |
Where can I do my calculations if the exam is in online mode? | Students will be provided blank papers by the supervisor in charge along with a pen/pencil. |
If I miss the entrance exam due to traffic or emergency, | No. Students who miss the entrance exam will not be given another chance under any circumstances. |
If I leave a question unattempted, will there be negative marking? | No. If a student leaves the question unattempted, no marks will be awarded or deducted. |
FAQ RELATED TO ICAR (Ph.D) EXAM ADMIT CARD
QUERY | RESPONSE |
Will NTA send admit cards through the post? | No, the admit card will be available online mode only. |
What if I do not carry admit card to the exam centre? | In case a candidate forgets to carry admit card, he/she can get a duplicate admit card issued at the exam centre. But it is advised that candidates keep multiple copies of his/her admit card along with photo identity cards on their bag a day before the exam to avoid this hassle. |
How do I download admit card of ICAR AIEEA ? | Candidates have to download the e-admit card from the official website of ICAR AIEEA . They have to log in with their application number and password or date of birth and click on the link indicating the ICAR AIEEA admit card and take multiple printouts. |
What details are mentioned on the ICAR AIEEA admit card? | The ICAR AIEEA Admit Card consists of personal and exam related information such as candidates' name, date of birth, ICAR AIEEA Roll Number, photograph and signature, exam venue and address, exam date and timing and exam day guidelines. |
What is the importance of the admit card? | Admit card issued by NTA will come to use until the end of the admission process. Therefore, one must keep it safe and carry it on the day of the ICAR AIEEA exam. |
OVERVIEW
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 (or AIEEA-Ph.D.) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to doctoral degrees in agriculture and allied sciences, tentatively in July 2026.
Particulars | Events |
Exam Full Name | Indian Council of Agricultural Research, PhD (Through AIEEA- PhD) |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Admission Purpose | Admission to PhD courses under ICAR All India Quota |
Exam Level | National |
Application Mode | Online |
Exam Date | July 2026 (Tentative) |
Official Website |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following primary requirements set by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
1. Educational Qualifications
Master's Degree: You must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant subject from an ICAR-accredited college/university.
Minimum Marks (OGPA):
1 - General/OBC-NCL/UPS/EWS: Minimum 6.5/10.0 OGPA or 60% aggregate marks.
2 - SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: Minimum 5.5/10.0 OGPA or 50% aggregate marks.
Bachelor's Degree Duration: Generally, a 4 or 5-year Bachelor's degree is required. Candidates with a 3-year degree are typically ineligible except for specific programmes at IARI (New Delhi) or NDRI (Karnal).
2. Age Limit
Minimum Age: At least 20 years as of the cut-off date (typically August 31, 2026, or July 1, 2026).
Upper Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the entrance examination itself.
3. Institutional Accreditation
Compulsory Accreditation: Candidates must have graduated from a programme and college accredited by ICAR. Students from non-accredited private or public institutions are generally not eligible unless they belong to the first batch of a newly established government institution.
4. Special Categories
In-Service Candidates: Those working in ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), or government departments are eligible if they provide a Sponsorship Certificate from their employer.
Final Year Students: If you are in your final semester of a Master's programme, you can apply but must produce your Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC) at the time of counselling.
For verification of current accredited status, you can check the latest list on the ICAR official portal.
Would you like to see the specific subject-wise eligibility requirements for a particular discipline, such as Agronomy or Genetics?
EXAM PATTERN
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
Exam Structure & Marking Scheme
The exam consists of a single paper containing 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2 hours (120 minutes).
Particular | Details |
Total Marks | 480 |
Number of Question | 120 Q |
Correct Answer |
OVERVIEW
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 (or AIEEA-Ph.D.) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to doctoral degrees in agriculture and allied sciences, tentatively in July 2026.
Particulars | Events |
Exam Full Name | Indian Council of Agricultural Research, PhD (Through AIEEA- PhD) |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Admission Purpose | Admission to PhD courses under ICAR All India Quota |
Exam Level | National |
Application Mode | Online |
Exam Date | July 2026 (Tentative) |
Official Website |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following primary requirements set by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
1. Educational Qualifications
Master's Degree: You must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant subject from an ICAR-accredited college/university.
Minimum Marks (OGPA):
1 - General/OBC-NCL/UPS/EWS: Minimum 6.5/10.0 OGPA or 60% aggregate marks.
2 - SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: Minimum 5.5/10.0 OGPA or 50% aggregate marks.
Bachelor's Degree Duration: Generally, a 4 or 5-year Bachelor's degree is required. Candidates with a 3-year degree are typically ineligible except for specific programmes at IARI (New Delhi) or NDRI (Karnal).
2. Age Limit
Minimum Age: At least 20 years as of the cut-off date (typically August 31, 2026, or July 1, 2026).
Upper Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the entrance examination itself.
3. Institutional Accreditation
Compulsory Accreditation: Candidates must have graduated from a programme and college accredited by ICAR. Students from non-accredited private or public institutions are generally not eligible unless they belong to the first batch of a newly established government institution.
4. Special Categories
In-Service Candidates: Those working in ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), or government departments are eligible if they provide a Sponsorship Certificate from their employer.
Final Year Students: If you are in your final semester of a Master's programme, you can apply but must produce your Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC) at the time of counselling.
For verification of current accredited status, you can check the latest list on the ICAR official portal.
Would you like to see the specific subject-wise eligibility requirements for a particular discipline, such as Agronomy or Genetics?
EXAM PATTERN
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
Exam Structure & Marking Scheme
The exam consists of a single paper containing 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2 hours (120 minutes).
Particular | Details |
Total Marks | 480 |
Number of Question | 120 Q |
Correct Answer | +4 Marks |
Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark ( Negative Marking ) |
Unattempted | 0 Mark |
Medium of Exam | English Only |
EXAM SYLLABUS
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 syllabus covers advanced, subject-specific topics (approx. 80% weightage) and general agriculture (approx. 20%). It spans major agricultural disciplines including Plant Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, and Animal Sciences, designed to test deep, specialized knowledge required for doctoral research, typically following a Master's degree curriculum.
Major Subject Syllabi (Based on Typical ICAR AICE-Ph.D. Trends)
Genetics and Plant Breeding: Mendelian inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, cytoplasmic inheritance, plant breeding techniques, heterosis, resistance breeding, germplasm conservation, IPR, and seed technology.
Horticulture/Floriculture: Production technology for cut/loose flowers, landscaping, protected cultivation, value addition, nursery management, and breeding of horticultural crops.
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: Tissue culture, genetic engineering, molecular markers (MAS, MABB), gene transfer methods, biosafety, and genomics.
Entomology and Nematology: Insect taxonomy, physiology, ecology, IPM, toxicology, and biological control.
Soil Science/Agronomy: Soil fertility, soil chemistry, nutrient management, crop production, and water management.
Agricultural Statistics: Probability distributions, sampling methods, design of experiments (RBD, Split-plot), and statistical software (SAS, SPSS).
The test would consist of three Sections:-
Subtest / Section A – First 20 MCQs will be common to all the 72 specialized Subjects. The questions assess the level of candidate’s awareness about the environment and its application to the society. The questions are based on general knowledge in the domain of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Allied Sciences, etc. including current events and matters of everyday observation and experience.
Subtest/Section B – 50 MCQs will be from the Core Group (refer Table 1) containing the specialized Subject opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
Subtest/Section C - 50 MCQs will be from one of the specialized Subjects (Table 3) in Masters Degree opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
For a complete & detailed syllabus, please see our syllabus button.
Or
You can also check the syllabus on the ICAR website.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the ICAR PhD 2026 exam (AICE-JRF/SRF) involves a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by online counselling for seat allotment based on merit. Candidates must qualify the entrance exam, register for counselling, fill in university preferences, and undergo document verification to secure admission.
Key Stages of the ICAR PhD 2026 Selection Process:
Entrance Examination (CBT): A 2-hour-30-minute, 150-question objective-type exam (MCQs) covering subject-specific topics (4 marks for correct, -1 for incorrect).
Merit List Generation: A merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the CBT.
Online Counselling Registration: Candidates with a non-zero score must register on the official ICAR website, pay a fee, and fill in their preferences for subjects and universities.
Seat Allotment: Based on the merit list, reservation policy, and choices filled, ICAR will release multiple seat allotment lists.
Document Verification & Admission: Candidates must undergo online/physical document verification, pay the seat acceptance fee, and report to the allotted university for final admission.
Eligibility & Requirements:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in the relevant field of Agriculture/Allied Sciences with a minimum of 60% marks (or equivalent OGPA) for General/OBC/EWS categories, and 50% for SC/ST/PwD.
The selection includes provisions for 300 ICAR JRF/SRF scholarships based on merit.
ICAR Ph.D EXAM 2026: LATEST UPDATES
The ICAR AIEEA 2026 notification for Ph.D. admissions is expected to be released by the NTA in May 2026, with exams likely scheduled for July 2026. The application form will be available online, with a correction window, and a computer-based test (CBT) format. Application Date is Likely in April–May 2026. The Result is most likely to be declared in August 2026 similar to last year’s result timeline.
OVERVIEW
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 (or AIEEA-Ph.D.) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to doctoral degrees in agriculture and allied sciences, tentatively in July 2026.
Particulars | Events |
Exam Full Name | Indian Council of Agricultural Research, PhD (Through AIEEA- PhD) |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Admission Purpose | Admission to PhD courses under ICAR All India Quota |
Exam Level | National |
Application Mode | Online |
Exam Date | July 2026 (Tentative) |
Official Website |
IMPORTANT DATES
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, for doctoral programs in agriculture and allied sciences, is tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2026, with registration likely starting in May 2026. As Details are given below. Keep checking the official NTA ICAR portal exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ for the official announcement.
Event | Dates |
Release of Application Form | May 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | June 2026 |
Correction in particulars of Application Form on website | June 2026 |
Downloading of Admit Cards from NTA website | Fourth Week of June 2026 |
Date of Examination | July 3, 2026 (tentative) |
Declaration of Result | August 2026 |
PROGRAM OFFERED
The ICAR AICE-PhD 2026 exam, conducted by the NTA, offers admission to various doctoral (PhD) programs in Agriculture and Allied Sciences, providing Junior/Senior Research Fellowships (JRF/SRF). Key disciplines include Plant Pathology, Entomology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Seed Science, Veterinary Sciences, and Dairy Technology.
Key PhD Program Specializations Offered:
The exam covers a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to:
1 - Plant Sciences: Genetics and Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Nematology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Physiology, Seed Science and Technology, Plant Genetic Resources.
2 - Horticulture: Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Post-Harvest Management, Floriculture, Plantation/Medicinal/Aromatic Crops.
3 - Veterinary & Animal Sciences: Veterinary Biochemistry, Veterinary Biotechnology, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Parasitology, Livestock Production.
4 - Agriculture Engineering/Technology: Food Processing Technology, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Dairy Technology, Dairy Chemistry/Microbiology.
5 - Other Areas: Forestry, Agroforestry, Sericulture, Community Science, Fisheries.
Important Details:
...ICAR Ph.D EXAM 2026: LATEST UPDATES
The ICAR AIEEA 2026 notification for Ph.D. admissions is expected to be released by the NTA in May 2026, with exams likely scheduled for July 2026. The application form will be available online, with a correction window, and a computer-based test (CBT) format. Application Date is Likely in April–May 2026. The Result is most likely to be declared in August 2026 similar to last year’s result timeline.
OVERVIEW
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 (or AIEEA-Ph.D.) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to doctoral degrees in agriculture and allied sciences, tentatively in July 2026.
Particulars | Events |
Exam Full Name | Indian Council of Agricultural Research, PhD (Through AIEEA- PhD) |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Admission Purpose | Admission to PhD courses under ICAR All India Quota |
Exam Level | National |
Application Mode | Online |
Exam Date | July 2026 (Tentative) |
Official Website |
IMPORTANT DATES
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, for doctoral programs in agriculture and allied sciences, is tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2026, with registration likely starting in May 2026. As Details are given below. Keep checking the official NTA ICAR portal exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ for the official announcement.
Event | Dates |
Release of Application Form | May 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | June 2026 |
Correction in particulars of Application Form on website | June 2026 |
Downloading of Admit Cards from NTA website | Fourth Week of June 2026 |
Date of Examination | July 3, 2026 (tentative) |
Declaration of Result | August 2026 |
PROGRAM OFFERED
The ICAR AICE-PhD 2026 exam, conducted by the NTA, offers admission to various doctoral (PhD) programs in Agriculture and Allied Sciences, providing Junior/Senior Research Fellowships (JRF/SRF). Key disciplines include Plant Pathology, Entomology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Seed Science, Veterinary Sciences, and Dairy Technology.
Key PhD Program Specializations Offered:
The exam covers a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to:
1 - Plant Sciences: Genetics and Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Nematology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Physiology, Seed Science and Technology, Plant Genetic Resources.
2 - Horticulture: Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Post-Harvest Management, Floriculture, Plantation/Medicinal/Aromatic Crops.
3 - Veterinary & Animal Sciences: Veterinary Biochemistry, Veterinary Biotechnology, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Parasitology, Livestock Production.
4 - Agriculture Engineering/Technology: Food Processing Technology, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Dairy Technology, Dairy Chemistry/Microbiology.
5 - Other Areas: Forestry, Agroforestry, Sericulture, Community Science, Fisheries.
Important Details:
Eligibility: A Master's degree in the respective agriculture or allied sciences field.
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Purpose: Admission to SAUs/CAUs and ICAR-DUs.
Candidates can apply to these diverse research areas to pursue doctoral studies in top agricultural universities.
TOP COLLEGES & SEATS
Here’s a list of some of the top colleges and universities in India where you can pursue a PhD through the ICAR (ICAR-AICEE/PG/PhD) counselling process for 2026 admission, especially for Agriculture & Allied Sciences research.
These institutions are ICAR-accredited and highly regarded for research, facilities, and academic quality:
Top ICAR-Recognised Institutes for PhD (All India)
1 - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
Premier national institute under ICAR with strong PhD research programs in most agricultural disciplines.
2 - National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal (Haryana)
Known for advanced dairy science, food technology, and allied research.
3 - Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
Excellent overall research environment; globally recognised and strong in crop science, genetics, and agronomy.
4 - Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar
Large research programs in crop improvement, soil science, entomology, etc.
5 - Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
Well-established research in plant biotechnology, horticulture, crop sciences and more.
6 - University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore / Dharwad
Strong research across disciplines with well-equipped labs and field studies.
7 - Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), Anand
Renowned for research in plant breeding, animal sciences, and agri-systems.
8 - Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri
Key research focus especially in breeding, plant pathology and horticulture.
9 - Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola
Good research opportunities in agriculture sciences and allied sectors.
10 - Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur
Strong PhD placements in agronomy, genetics, and extension education.
For the 2026 academic session, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will conduct the AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) entrance exam to fill approximately 25% of seats in accredited Doctoral degree programmes across the ICAR-AU (Agricultural University) system.
Seat Availability Overview
Total Ph.D. Seats: While exact 2026 figures are finalized during the counselling phase, the system typically offers seats across 74 Agricultural Universities.
100% Seat Allocation: All seats in ICAR Deemed Universities (DUs) like IARI (New Delhi), IVRI (Izatnagar), NDRI (Karnal), and CIFE (Mumbai), as well as Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs) like RLBCAU (Jhansi) and Dr. RPCAU (Pusa), are filled through this entrance exam.
25% All India Quota: For State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), 25% of the total Ph.D. seats are reserved for candidates qualifying through the ICAR national-level exam.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following primary requirements set by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
1. Educational Qualifications
Master's Degree: You must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant subject from an ICAR-accredited college/university.
Minimum Marks (OGPA):
1 - General/OBC-NCL/UPS/EWS: Minimum 6.5/10.0 OGPA or 60% aggregate marks.
2 - SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: Minimum 5.5/10.0 OGPA or 50% aggregate marks.
Bachelor's Degree Duration: Generally, a 4 or 5-year Bachelor's degree is required. Candidates with a 3-year degree are typically ineligible except for specific programmes at IARI (New Delhi) or NDRI (Karnal).
2. Age Limit
Minimum Age: At least 20 years as of the cut-off date (typically August 31, 2026, or July 1, 2026).
Upper Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the entrance examination itself.
3. Institutional Accreditation
Compulsory Accreditation: Candidates must have graduated from a programme and college accredited by ICAR. Students from non-accredited private or public institutions are generally not eligible unless they belong to the first batch of a newly established government institution.
4. Special Categories
In-Service Candidates: Those working in ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), or government departments are eligible if they provide a Sponsorship Certificate from their employer.
Final Year Students: If you are in your final semester of a Master's programme, you can apply but must produce your Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC) at the time of counselling.
For verification of current accredited status, you can check the latest list on the ICAR official portal.
Would you like to see the specific subject-wise eligibility requirements for a particular discipline, such as Agronomy or Genetics?
EXAM PATTERN
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
Exam Structure & Marking Scheme
The exam consists of a single paper containing 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2 hours (120 minutes).
Particular | Details |
Total Marks | 480 |
Number of Question | 120 Q |
Correct Answer | +4 Marks |
Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark ( Negative Marking ) |
Unattempted | 0 Mark |
Medium of Exam | English Only |
EXAM SYLLABUS
The ICAR AICE-Ph.D. 2026 syllabus covers advanced, subject-specific topics (approx. 80% weightage) and general agriculture (approx. 20%). It spans major agricultural disciplines including Plant Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, and Animal Sciences, designed to test deep, specialized knowledge required for doctoral research, typically following a Master's degree curriculum.
Major Subject Syllabi (Based on Typical ICAR AICE-Ph.D. Trends)
Genetics and Plant Breeding: Mendelian inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, cytoplasmic inheritance, plant breeding techniques, heterosis, resistance breeding, germplasm conservation, IPR, and seed technology.
Horticulture/Floriculture: Production technology for cut/loose flowers, landscaping, protected cultivation, value addition, nursery management, and breeding of horticultural crops.
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: Tissue culture, genetic engineering, molecular markers (MAS, MABB), gene transfer methods, biosafety, and genomics.
Entomology and Nematology: Insect taxonomy, physiology, ecology, IPM, toxicology, and biological control.
Soil Science/Agronomy: Soil fertility, soil chemistry, nutrient management, crop production, and water management.
Agricultural Statistics: Probability distributions, sampling methods, design of experiments (RBD, Split-plot), and statistical software (SAS, SPSS).
The test would consist of three Sections:-
Subtest / Section A – First 20 MCQs will be common to all the 72 specialized Subjects. The questions assess the level of candidate’s awareness about the environment and its application to the society. The questions are based on general knowledge in the domain of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Allied Sciences, etc. including current events and matters of everyday observation and experience.
Subtest/Section B – 50 MCQs will be from the Core Group (refer Table 1) containing the specialized Subject opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
Subtest/Section C - 50 MCQs will be from one of the specialized Subjects (Table 3) in Masters Degree opted by the candidate for pursuing Ph.D.
For a complete & detailed syllabus, please see our syllabus button.
Or
You can also check the syllabus on the ICAR website.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the ICAR PhD 2026 exam (AICE-JRF/SRF) involves a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by online counselling for seat allotment based on merit. Candidates must qualify the entrance exam, register for counselling, fill in university preferences, and undergo document verification to secure admission.
Key Stages of the ICAR PhD 2026 Selection Process:
Entrance Examination (CBT): A 2-hour-30-minute, 150-question objective-type exam (MCQs) covering subject-specific topics (4 marks for correct, -1 for incorrect).
Merit List Generation: A merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the CBT.
Online Counselling Registration: Candidates with a non-zero score must register on the official ICAR website, pay a fee, and fill in their preferences for subjects and universities.
Seat Allotment: Based on the merit list, reservation policy, and choices filled, ICAR will release multiple seat allotment lists.
Document Verification & Admission: Candidates must undergo online/physical document verification, pay the seat acceptance fee, and report to the allotted university for final admission.
Eligibility & Requirements:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in the relevant field of Agriculture/Allied Sciences with a minimum of 60% marks (or equivalent OGPA) for General/OBC/EWS categories, and 50% for SC/ST/PwD.
The selection includes provisions for 300 ICAR JRF/SRF scholarships based on merit.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the ICAR PhD 2026 exam (AICE-JRF/SRF), register online at exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR during the expected application window (often May/June).
1. Candidates can apply for AIEEA (PHD) “Online” on the website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/
2. The Application Form other than online mode will not be accepted.
3. Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate.
4. Candidates must follow the instructions strictly as given in the Information Bulletin on the NTA website. Candidates not complying with the instructions shall be summarily disqualified.
5. Candidates must ensure that the e-mail address and Mobile Number provided in the Online Application Form are their own as all information/ communication will be sent by NTA through email on the e-mail address or SMS on the given Mobile Number only.
Instructions for filling Online Application Form:
Download the Information Bulletin and Replica of the Application Form. Read these carefully to ensure your eligibility.
Follow the 3 steps given below to Apply Online:
Step-1: Apply for Online Registration using a unique Email Id and Mobile No.
Step-2: Fill in the Online Application Form and note down the system-generated Application No. Upload scanned images of the Candidate’s Photograph (file size: 10 kb - 200 kb), Candidate’s Signature (file size: 4 kb – 30 kb), and Thumb impression (file size: 3 kb -30 kb) in JPG/JPEG format.
Step-3: Pay the fee using SBI/Canara/HDFC Payment Gateway through Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI and keep proof of fee paid. In case the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment of the fee then the transaction is canceled, and the amount will be refunded to the candidate’s account. However, the candidate has to make another transaction, in case the Confirmation Page is not generated.
Candidates are advised to keep visiting the NTA website and check their e-mails/SMS regularly for the latest updates.
Application Fees
Application Fee Payable by the Candidates of Various Categories:
1. General/Unreserved – Rs. 1900/- ( Previous Year )
2. OBC-NCL*/ UPS**/EWS*** - Rs. 1800/- ( Previous Year )
3. SC/ ST/ PwBD / Third Gender - Rs. 975/- ( Previous Year )
Applicable Service/Processing charges& GST are to be paid by the candidate.
Method of Fee Payment
1. Through Debit/Credit card – Candidates need to check the validity of the Debit/Credit Card while logging on to the website for submitting the Application Form. Candidate should enter the information asked for and make the required payment through a Debit/Credit Card.
2. Through Net Banking - Check the balance in the account and keep all credentials ready while logging on to the website for submitting the Application Form. Candidate should log in with his/her credentials of net banking and make payments through Net Banking.
3. Through UPI.
EXAM CENTRES
The ICAR Ph.D. 2026 (AICE JRF/SRF) exam centres will be located in major cities across all Indian states and Union Territories, with the final venue assigned by the NTA during the application process. Candidates must select four preferred cities in order of preference during registration, with the exam conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format.
Sr.No | STATE | CITY | CITY CODE |
1 | ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR | PORT BLAIR | AN01 |
2 | ANDHRA PRADESH | TIRUPATHI | AP16 |
3 | VIJAYAWADA | AP17 | |
4 | VISAKHAPATNAM | AP18 | |
5 | ARUNACHAL PRADESH | ITANAGAR/ | AL01 |
6 | GUWAHATI | AM02 | |
7 | JORHAT | AM03 | |
8 | SILCHAR (ASSAM) | AM04 | |
9 | BIHAR | ARRAH | BR09 |
10 | BHAGALPUR | BR02 | |
11 | MUZAFFARPUR | BR06 | |
12 | PATNA | BR07 | |
13 | CHANDIGARH | CHANDIGARH/ MOHALI | CH01 |
14 | BILASPUR(CHHATTISGARH) | CG02 | |
15 | RAIPUR | CG03 | |
16 | DELHI | DELHI/NEW DELHI | DL01 |
17 | GOA | PANAJI/MADGAON | GO01 |
18 | GUJARAT | ANAND | GJ02 |
19 | MEHSANA | GJ08 | |
20 | RAJKOT | GJ10 | |
21 | SURAT | GJ11 | |
22 | HARYANA | HISSAR | HR05 |
23 | KARNAL | HR06 | |
24 | HIMACHALPRADESH | KANGRA/PALAMPUR | HP04 |
25 | SOLAN | HP07 | |
26 | JAMMU AND KASHMIR | JAMMU | JK02 |
27 | SRINAGAR (J & K) | JK04 | |
28 | JHARKHAND | JAMSHEDPUR | JH03 |
29 | RANCHI | JH04 | |
30 | KARNATAKA | BENGALURU | KK04 |
31 | DHARWAD/HUBBAL LI(HUBLI) | KK10 | |
32 | GULBARGA | KK08 | |
33 | SHIVAMOGA(SHIMOGA) | KK15 | |
34 | KERALA | ALAPPUZHA/CHENGANNUR | KL01 |
35 | IDUKKI | KL05 | |
36 | KANNUR | KL07 | |
37 | KOZHIKODE | KL12 | |
38 | PALAKKAD | KL15 | |
39 | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM | KL17 | |
40 | THRISSUR | KL18 | |
41 | LADAKH | LEH | LL01 |
42 | MADHYA PRADESH | BHOPAL | MP03 |
43 | GWALIOR | MP06 | |
44 | INDORE | MP07 | |
45 | JABALPUR | MP08 | |
46 | SAGAR | MP12 | |
47 | SATNA | MP13 | |
48 | MAHARASHTRA | JALGAON | MR13 |
49 | KOLHAPUR | MR14 | |
50 | MUMBAI/ NAVI MUMBAI | MR16 | |
51 | NAGPUR | MR17 | |
52 | NANDED | MR18 | |
53 | PUNE | MR22 | |
54 | MANIPUR | IMPHAL | MN01 |
55 | MEGHALAYA | SHILLONG | MG01 |
56 | MIZORAM | AIZAWL | MZ01 |
57 | NAGALAND | KOHIMA | NL02 |
58 | ODISHA | BERHAMPUR-GANJAM | OR03 |
59 | BHUBANESWAR | OR04 | |
60 | SAMBALPUR | OR09 | |
61 | PUNJAB | BHATINDA | PB02 |
62 | LUDHIANA | PB05 | |
63 | RAJASTHAN | AJMER | RJ01 |
64 | BIKANER | RJ05 | |
65 | JAIPUR | RJ06 | |
66 | JODHPUR | RJ07 | |
67 | KOTA | RJ08 | |
68 | SIKAR | RJ09 | |
69 | UDAIPUR | RJ11 | |
70 | SIKKIM | GANGTOK | SM01 |
71 | TAMIL NADU | CHENNAI | TN01 |
72 | COIMBATORE | TN02 | |
73 | MADURAI | TN08 | |
74 | SALEM | TN11 | |
75 | TELANGANA | HYDERABAD/SECUNDERABAD/ RANGA REDDY | TL01 |
76 | KARIMNAGAR | TL02 | |
77 | WARANGAL | TL07 | |
78 | TRIPURA | AGARTALA | TA01 |
79 | UTTAR PRADESH | AGRA | UP01 |
80 | ALLAHABAD | UP03 | |
81 | BAREILLY | UP04 | |
82 | KANPUR | UP11 | |
83 | LUCKNOW | UP12 | |
84 | VARANASI | UP18 | |
85 | UTTARAKHAND | DEHRADUN | UK01 |
86 | HALDWANI | UK02 | |
87 | WEST BENGAL | ASANSOL | WB01 |
88 | KOLKATA | WB10 | |
89 | SILIGURI | WB11 |
ADMIT CARD
To get the ICAR PhD 2026 admit card, visit the official NTA website (exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR) around late June 2026, log in using your application number and date of birth/password, and download the document. It is essential to print multiple copies for the examination and counselling.
Steps to Download ICAR PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) 2026 Admit Card:
Visit Official Website: Go to exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR.
Locate Link: Click on the link "Download ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 Admit Card".
Log In: Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth or Password.
Download & Print: View the admit card, check details for accuracy, and print at least two copies.
Important Note: The admit card is mandatory for exam entry and future counselling sessions.
RESULT
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 results for admission to doctoral programs are tentatively expected to be declared in August/September 2026. The examination is tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2026, with results released online via the National Testing Agency (NTA) official website.
a. The result of the Examination will be placed on the NTA website
b. All announcements related to the conduct of Competitive examinations including the issue of examination notification, admit card information and examination results would be available on the NTA website
The overall Merit/Rank List will be prepared by ICAR separately for every major Subject. In the event of candidates getting equal marks in the Entrance Examination, relative/inter se Merit will be determined in the following order:
(i) The candidate scoring fewer negative marks will be rated higher in merit
(ii) The candidate higher in age would be rated higher in merit
(iii) The candidate with a higher score in Bachelor’s/UG examination would be rated higher in merit
COUNSELING PROCESS & CUTOFFS
Counselling for the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 exam will be conducted online by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) after the declaration of the exam results. The process is highly structured and typically involves four rounds of seat allotment followed by a mop-up round for any remaining vacant seats.
Based on previous trends, the ICAR PhD 2026 cut-offs (AICE-JRF/SRF) are expected to require a minimum qualifying score in the computer-based test (480 total marks). Candidates generally need to secure a 50% score for General/OBC/EWS and 40% for SC/ST/PC categories. Top courses like Food Nutrition/Agriculture typically require scores above 280-300+
Expected Cut-Off Trends for 2026
1 - General Category: 300+ marks (approx.).
2 - OBC Category: 290-295+ marks (approx.).
3 – Cut-off Factors: The final cut-offs depend on the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and seat availability, and are released by NTA along with results.
Required Eligibility Criteria (Qualifying Marks)
1 - General/OBC/EWS: Minimum 60% aggregate or 6.5/10.0 OGPA in Master's degree.
2 - SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 50% aggregate or 5.5/10.0 OGPA.
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website: Click here
For Official Notification: Click here
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...
| Posted On: 05 Oct, 2024 | |
| Read More | |
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...
| Posted On: 02 Aug, 2024 | |
| Read More | |
Students can download the admit card by visiting the official website and logging in with their application number and date of birth...
| Posted On: 26 Jun, 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...
| Posted On: 13 Apr, 2024 | |
| Read More | |
Candidates who appeared in these exams can now view their results on the official website...
| Posted On: 22 Aug, 2023 | |
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Students who appeared for the ICAR AIEEA PG and All India Competitive Examination (AICE) JRF or SRF PhD course exams can access the answer key and file objections on the official website...
| Posted On: 04 Aug, 2023 | |
| Read More | |
To freeze their seats at participating universities, all shortlisted students must visit the ICAR official website and complete the candidate login for seat allocation and document uploading process...
| Posted On: 11 Nov, 2023 | |
| Read More | |
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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 Ph.D exam.
ICAR AIEEA exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of ICAR. To get full information about ICAR Ph.D exam, you can go to the 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 Ph.D exam. To view all the information related to ICAR Ph.D Exam Application Form and process to fill the application form, go to the General Information tab above.
No, Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate.
Toll free Number and email details will be displayed on the website. 0120- 6895200; Email for queries: icar@nta.ac.in .
The name of test centre will be mentioned in admit card.
Candidates are required to be in the exam centre latest, half an hour before the commencement of the exam.
No,Blank Sheets for doing rough work/calculations will be provided to the candidates at the exam centre. All calculations/rough work are to be done only in the Blank Sheets provided at the Centre in the Examination Room/Hall. On completion of the test, candidates must drop these rough sheets along with Admit card and Undertaking in the designated box, as instructed by the invigilator on duty.
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 Ph.D 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 Ph.D Exam is available on the general information section above.
No. The candidate is required to carry a hard copy of the admit card to the ICAR exam centre along with an authorised government. document. You can see complete process to download ICAR Ph.D 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 Ph.D 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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