The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts various entrance examinations for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in agriculture and allied sciences. The ICAR exams are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
Overview

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organization that coordinates agricultural education and research in India. The ICAR is under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Union Minister of Agriculture is the president of the ICAR.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for ICAR Undergraduate Programs
- Indian Nationals
- Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics from a recognized Board/University.
- Obtained a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate for General, OBC (NCL), UPS, and EWS categories.
- Obtained a minimum of 40% marks in aggregate for SC, ST, Third Gender, and PwBD categories.
- Must have studied and passed the subjects of the combination opted (e.g. PCM, PCB, PCA, etc.) for the entrance examination, during Class 12.
Eligibility Criteria for ICAR Postgraduate Programs
- Indian Nationals
- Passed Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field from a recognized University.
- Obtained a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate for General, OBC (NCL), UPS, and EWS categories.
- Obtained a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate for SC, ST, Third Gender, and PwBD categories.
Eligibility Criteria for ICAR Doctoral Programs
- Indian Nationals
- Passed Master’s degree in the relevant field from a recognized University.
- Obtained a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate for General, OBC (NCL), UPS, and EWS categories.
- Obtained a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate for SC, ST, Third Gender, and PwBD categories.
Relaxation in Age Limit
- SC/ST/Third Gender/PwBD candidates are eligible for a relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit.
- The upper age limit for all candidates is 30 years for Ph.D. programs.
Equivalence of Degrees
The equivalence of degrees will be determined by the allotted university as per the UGC Public Notice No. F.9-3/2016(CPP-II) released on July 19, 2016.
Exam Pattern
Exam | Mode of Examination | Duration of Examination | Number of Questions | Type of Questions | Marking Scheme |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICAR AIEEA (UG) | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 2 hours 30 minutes | 150 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question |
ICAR AIEEA (PG) | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 2 hours | 130 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question |
ICAR AIEEA (PhD) | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 2 hours | 120 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question |
Syllabus
Subject | ICAR AIEEA (UG) | ICAR AIEEA (PG) | ICAR AIEEA (PhD) |
---|---|---|---|
Physics | Units and Dimensions, Motion in One Dimension, Motion in Two Dimensions, Laws of Motion, Work, Power and Energy, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Simple Harmonic Motion, Waves, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Ray Optics, Wave Optics, Modern Physics, Electricity and Magnetism | Subject-specific syllabus | Subject-specific syllabus |
Chemistry | Atomic Structure, Periodic Classification, Chemical Bonding, Gaseous State, Liquid State, Solid State, Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Biomolecules, Chemistry of Organic Compounds | Subject-specific syllabus | Subject-specific syllabus |
Biology | Diversity of Living World, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Ecology and Environment, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology | Subject-specific syllabus | Subject-specific syllabus |
Mathematics | Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry, Statistics and Probability | Subject-specific syllabus | Subject-specific syllabus |
Agriculture | Agriculture and Food Security, Crops, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Science, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics and Statistics, Environmental Science | Agriculture General Aptitude (AGA) | Subject-specific syllabus |
General English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Writing Skills | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Blood Relations, Ranking and Ordering, Direction Sense, Venn Diagrams, Critical Reasoning | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Research Methodology | Not applicable | Not applicable | Research Methodology |
FEES
Category | ICAR AIEEA (UG) | ICAR AIEEA (PG) | ICAR AIEEA (PhD) |
---|---|---|---|
General/Unreserved (UR) | INR 800 | INR 1175 | INR 2200 |
Other Backward Classes (OBC)-NCL/UPS/EWS | INR 770 | INR 1150 | INR 2100 |
Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disability (PwD)/Third Gender | INR 375 | INR 550 | INR 1050 |
Important Dates
Event | Date |
---|---|
Notification | March 2023 |
Application Form | March 2023 |
Last Date to Apply | April 2023 |
Admit Card | May 2023 |
Exam Date | June 2023 |
Result | July 2023 |
Application Process
Steps to Apply for ICAR Exams
- Visit the official website of NTA.
- Click on the link for the relevant exam.
- Read the instructions carefully and click on the “New Registration” tab.
- Enter the required details and click on the “Register” button.
- Login using your registered credentials and fill in the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application form.
Documents Required
- Scanned copy of photograph
- Scanned copy of signature
- Scanned copy of caste certificate (if applicable)
- Scanned copy of PwD certificate (if applicable)
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Start your preparation early and make a study plan. This will help you to cover the entire syllabus in a timely manner.
- Cover the entire syllabus thoroughly. Do not leave out any topics, even if they seem difficult.
- Practice solving MCQs. This will help you to get familiar with the exam format and to improve your time management skills.
- Take mock tests. This will help you to assess your preparation level and to identify your weak areas.
- Revise regularly. This will help you to retain the information that you have learned.
- Stay positive and motivated. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.
Conclusion
The ICAR exams are a gateway to a career in agriculture and allied sciences. By following the tips mentioned above, you can increase your chances of success in the exams.
FAQ?
A. The eligibility criteria for ICAR AIEEA (UG) are as follows:
- Indian Nationals
- Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics from a recognized Board/University.
- Obtained a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate for General, OBC (NCL), UPS, and EWS categories.
- Obtained a minimum of 40% marks in aggregate for SC, ST, Third Gender, and PwBD categories.
- Must have studied and passed the subjects of the combination opted (e.g. PCM, PCB, PCA, etc.) for the entrance examination, during Class 12.
- The exam pattern for ICAR AIEEA (UG) is as follows:
- Mode of Examination: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration of Examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Number of Questions: 150
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer carries 4 marks.
- 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
- No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
- Subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Agriculture
- General English
- Logical Reasoning
A. The syllabus for ICAR AIEEA (UG) includes the following subjects:
- Physics: Units and Dimensions, Motion in One Dimension, Motion in Two Dimensions, Laws of Motion, Work, Power and Energy, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Simple Harmonic Motion, Waves, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Ray Optics, Wave Optics, Modern Physics, Electricity and Magnetism.
- Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Periodic Classification, Chemical Bonding, Gaseous State, Liquid State, Solid State, Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Biomolecules, Chemistry of Organic Compounds.
- Biology: Diversity of Living World, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Ecology and Environment, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology.
- Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry, Statistics and Probability.
- Agriculture: Agriculture and Food Security, Crops, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Science, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics and Statistics, Environmental Science.
- General English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Writing Skills.
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Blood Relations, Ranking and Ordering, Direction Sense, Venn Diagrams, Critical Reasoning.
A. The application fee for ICAR AIEEA (UG) is as follows:
Category | Application Fee |
---|---|
General/Unreserved (UR) | INR 800 |
Other Backward Classes (OBC)-NCL/UPS/EWS | INR 770 |
Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disability (PwD)/Third Gender | INR 375 |