The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially invited online applications for the ICAR All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA) to Postgraduate (PG) degree programs, along with the AICE for Doctoral Degree Programs and JRF/SRF (Ph.D) awards for the academic session 2025–26. Aspiring candidates aiming for higher studies in agricultural education can apply for these competitive examinations via the official NTA ICAR website at exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR. The application window is open from 6th May 2025 to 5th June 2025.
This is a golden opportunity for students seeking admission into reputed PG and Ph.D programs in agricultural sciences across India. Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly read the complete notification available on the official website before filling out the application form to ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria and understand the examination process clearly.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 06 May 2025
- Application Last Date: 05 June 2025
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 05 June 2025
- Correction Window: 07 June to 09 June 2025
- Examination Date: 03 July 2025
Application Fee
| Category | PG Course | Ph.D Course |
|---|---|---|
| General | 1300 | 2000 |
| OBC/ UPS/ EWS | 1255 | 1955 |
| SC/ ST/ PwBD | 675 | 1025 |
- Pay fee through online mode.
Eligibility Criteria
AIEEA (PG)
Candidates holding a 3-year Bachelor’s degree are generally not eligible for admission through ICAR AIEEA (PG) 2025 in Agricultural Universities (AUs) under the ICAR-AU system. However, exceptions apply for select programs offered by three ICAR Deemed-to-be Universities IARI, IVRI, and NDRI. For these institutions, the specific eligibility criteria set by each respective university will apply, including the acceptance of candidates with a 3-year degree for certain courses.
AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.)
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in any relevant subject or discipline to be eligible for the AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) examination.
Age Limit
Candidates must be Indian nationals and at least 20 years old as of 31st August 2025. Please note that there is no relaxation allowed in the minimum age requirement.
Exam Scheme
Scheme of Examination
- The test of AIEEA (PG)-2025 has a single paper of 2 hours duration. Details of the test are given below:
| Mode of Examination | CBT (Computer Based Test) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| No. of Questions | 120 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Scoring | 4 marks for each correct response-1 mark for each incorrect response (negative scoring)0 for non-attempt |
| Medium of Paper | English Only |
Syllabus
The question papers for the examination will be based on the official syllabus prescribed by ICAR. Candidates can access and download the complete syllabus from the official ICAR website at https://icar.org.in/node/21053.
FAQs
What are the important dates for ICAR AIEEA PG & Ph.D 2025?
The application starts on 6th May 2025 and closes on 5th June 2025. The exam will be held on 3rd July 2025.
What is the eligibility for ICAR AIEEA PG 2025?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree, but some universities accept 3-year degrees for specific courses. Check individual university criteria.
Who can apply for the AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) exam?
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a relevant subject to be eligible for the Ph.D. entrance exam.
What is the exam pattern for ICAR AIEEA PG 2025?
The exam is a 2-hour computer-based test with 120 multiple-choice questions, each correct answer awarding 4 marks and 1 mark deducted for wrong answers.
Where can I find the official syllabus for ICAR exams?
The syllabus is available on the ICAR official website at https://icar.org.in/node/21053.
Conclusion
The ICAR AIEEA PG and Ph.D. exams present a valuable opportunity for students aspiring to advance their education in agricultural sciences. Interested candidates should carefully review the official notification, eligibility criteria, and exam details before applying. Staying informed about the key dates and syllabus will help ensure a smooth application process and better exam preparation for success in 2025.
