Overview
What is ICAR AIEEA PG 2026?
ICAR AIEEA PG stands for All India Entrance Examination for Admission — Post Graduate. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts it on behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. The exam is for admission to Master’s degree (M.Sc.) programmes in agriculture and allied sciences for the 2026–27 academic session.
The exam also helps award the ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship to eligible out-service candidates. ICAR AIEEA PG covers 20 major subject groups, including Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Veterinary Science, Fisheries, Dairy Technology, Food Science, Community Science, and Agri-Business Management.
More than 11,000 PG seats at 75+ institutions are offered through this exam. ICAR fills 100% of PG seats at its four ICAR-Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, and CIFE) and about 30% of PG seats at 64 State Agricultural Universities through the merit list from this exam.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National-level |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Date | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Number of Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 480 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Academic Session | 2026–27 |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
NTA released the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card on July 1, 2026. The exam is scheduled for July 4, 2026, which is two days after the admit card release.
You can download the admit card from the official website at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. Log in with your application number, date of birth, and security pin to access it.
Take a colour printout of the admit card. Soft copies on your phone are not accepted at the exam gate. Check your exam centre address and reporting time printed on the hall ticket.
Exam Day Guidelines for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam is on July 4, 2026 (Saturday) in CBT mode. The PG (M.Sc.) exam runs in the morning shift, and the PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) exam is in the afternoon shift.
Each paper has 120 MCQs for 480 marks in 120 minutes. Reporting time and gate-closing time are printed on your admit card.
- Reach the exam centre before the gate-closing time.
- Carry a colour printout of the admit card.
- Carry a valid photo ID proof as specified by NTA.
- Soft copies of the admit card are not allowed inside the exam hall.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Centers
The exam is conducted at multiple centres across India. The exact exam centre address is printed on the admit card.
Check your exam centre location in advance. Plan your travel to reach the centre on time on the exam day.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Release | July 1, 2026 |
| Exam Date | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Result Expected | August 2026 |
| Counselling Expected | September 2026 |
In 2025, NTA declared the scorecard on August 12, 2025 — about 40 days after the July 3, 2025 exam. A similar timeline places the 2026 result around mid-August.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is based on the candidate's undergraduate degree and the subject group chosen. Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree in agriculture or allied sciences from a recognised university.
The specific eligibility requirements vary by subject group. Candidates should check the detailed eligibility criteria for their chosen subject group before applying.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Application Process and Fee
The application process for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 was completed online through the NTA website. Candidates had to register, fill in their details, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
The application fee varies by category. Candidates from different categories pay different amounts as specified by NTA.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Pattern
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam is a Computer-Based Test. Each paper has 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 480 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks per question |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Syllabus and Subject Groups
ICAR AIEEA PG covers 20 major subject groups. These include Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Veterinary Science, Fisheries, Dairy Technology, Food Science, Community Science, and Agri-Business Management.
The syllabus for each subject group is based on the undergraduate curriculum of that discipline. Candidates should prepare according to the syllabus of their chosen subject group.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Result and Rank Card
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result is expected in August 2026. NTA declares the scorecard first, followed by the ICAR Rank Card.
In 2025, NTA declared the scorecard on August 12, 2025 — about 40 days after the July 3, 2025 exam. The ICAR Rank Card follows separately, as it did in September 2025.
The ICAR Rank Card is needed for counselling. It is released separately from the scorecard.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Cutoff
The cutoff for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 will be determined after the exam based on candidate performance. Cutoffs vary by subject group, category, and university.
Cutoff marks are the minimum marks required to qualify for counselling and admission. Candidates who score above the cutoff are eligible for seat allotment.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Marks vs Rank
The marks obtained in ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 determine the candidate's rank. A higher score generally leads to a better rank.
The exact relationship between marks and rank depends on the overall performance of candidates in the exam. The rank card is used for counselling and seat allotment.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Counselling Process
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in September 2026. The counselling process is conducted at icarcounseling.com.
Counselling is for allotment of 11,000+ M.Sc. seats across 75+ agricultural universities. Candidates must register for counselling and fill in their choices of universities and courses.
Seat allotment is based on the candidate's rank, choices filled, and availability of seats. ICAR also awards the PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS) to eligible out-service candidates who secure admission through this process.
ICAR AIEEA PG Scholarship (National Talent Scholarship)
ICAR awards the PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS) to eligible out
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Overview
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is the All India Entrance Examination for Admission — Post Graduate. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this exam on behalf of ICAR.
The exam is for admission to the 2026–27 academic session. It is a national-level test for post-graduate programmes.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 |
| Full Form | All India Entrance Examination for Admission — Post Graduate |
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of ICAR |
| Level | National — Post Graduate |
| Academic Session | 2026–27 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 480 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 (correct), −1 (wrong), 0 (unattempted) |
| Medium | English only |
| Exam Date | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Admit Card Status | Released — July 1, 2026 |
| Number of Subject Groups | 20 major subject groups |
| Total PG Seats | 11,000+ across 75+ universities |
| Official Website | exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
NTA released the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card on July 1, 2026 at the official portal. The exam is on July 4, so download and print your hall ticket immediately.
No candidate can enter the exam centre without a valid printed admit card. The admit card will NOT be sent by post or email.
You must download it online from the official NTA portal. Carry a colour printout — digital copies on your mobile phone are NOT accepted at the exam gate.
How to Download ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
- Go to exams.nta.nic.in/icar/
- Click on the "Download Admit Card — ICAR AIEEA (PG) 2026" link
- Enter your Application Number
- Enter your Date of Birth
- Enter the Security Pin shown on screen
- Your admit card will open. Check all details carefully
- Download and print at least two colour copies on A4-size paper
Details Printed on the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
Verify all the following details as soon as you download your hall ticket:
- Candidate name, roll number, and application number
- Date of birth and category
- Major subject group name and code
- Exam date (July 4, 2026), shift, reporting time, and gate-closing time
- Allotted exam centre name and full address
- Candidate photograph and signature
- Exam-day instructions from NTA
If you find any error in your name, exam centre, or photograph on the admit card, contact NTA at nta@gov.in immediately — the exam is on July 4, 2026.
Admit Card Timeline: 2025 vs 2026
| Year | Admit Card Released | Exam Date | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | July 1, 2026 | July 4, 2026 | 3 days |
| 2025 | ~June 25, 2025 | July 3, 2025 | ~8 days |
Exam Day Guidelines for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam is on July 4, 2026. Follow all the rules and instructions below to avoid issues at the exam centre on Saturday.
Documents to Carry on July 4, 2026
You must bring all three items below. Missing any of them can mean you are not allowed to enter:
- Printed Admit Card: A clear colour printout of the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 hall ticket (downloaded from exams.nta.nic.in/icar/)
- Original Government-Issued Photo ID (any one): Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter Identity Card, or Driving Licence
- Passport-size photograph (same as the one uploaded in your application form)
Items NOT Allowed Inside the Exam Hall
The following items are strictly prohibited. Do not bring them to the exam centre:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, or any Bluetooth-enabled device
- Calculator, scientific instrument, or any electronic gadget
- Books, written notes, or printed study material of any kind
- Stationery — pens, pencils, and rulers are provided at the centre; do not bring your own
- Wallet with excess cash; keep personal belongings to a minimum
- Any metallic item that could trigger security scanners at the entry gate
Reporting Time and Gate Closing Rules
Your admit card shows both the reporting time and the gate-closing time. You must arrive before the gate-closing time — late arrivals are not allowed to enter, regardless of the reason.
Plan to reach the exam centre at least 30 to 45 minutes before the reporting time to complete security frisking and biometric formalities without rushing.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Day Instructions
Check the reporting time and gate-closing time on your admit card before leaving home. In metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, allow extra travel time for Saturday morning traffic. Confirm your travel route today (July 2) or tomorrow (July 3) if you have not already visited the centre.
Inside the Exam Hall — What to Expect
- Rough sheets are provided by the centre. You cannot use your own paper.
- The exam runs entirely on a computer terminal. No pen is needed for the main paper.
- You can move between questions and mark answers for review during the 120-minute window.
- Do not talk to other candidates inside the hall at any point during the exam.
- The system auto-submits your paper when the timer ends. Submit manually before time runs out to confirm your responses.
- CCTV and invigilators are present throughout. Any violation may lead to disqualification.
PwBD candidates who applied for a scribe must carry the scribe-related documents as specified in the NTA information bulletin. Contact the exam centre helpdesk before July 4 if you need any clarification.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Centers
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is conducted at Computer-Based Test centres across approximately 122 cities in 32 states and Union Territories of India. The Advance City Intimation Slip, which confirmed the allotted city for each candidate, was released on June 25, 2026. The complete exam centre details, including building name and address, are printed on the admit card released on July 1, 2026.
You must go to the exact exam centre printed on your admit card. You cannot request a change of centre at this stage.
How to Locate Your Exam Centre Before July 4
- Open your downloaded admit card and note the full exam centre address.
- Search for the address on Google Maps to understand the exact building location.
- If possible, do a travel trial on July 2 or July 3 to estimate how long the journey takes.
- On Saturday, July 4, leave home early. Morning traffic can be unpredictable even on weekends in large cities.
Exam Centres Are Spread Across All Regions of India
NTA covers all regions so most candidates can reach their exam city within a reasonable travel distance:
- North India: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Dehradun, Meerut, Hisar, Solan, Palampur
- South India: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Vijayawada, Tirupati
- East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Siliguri
- West India: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Indore
- Northeast India: Imphal, Agartala, Shillong, Gangtok, Itanagar, Aizawl, Kohima
- Union Territories / Hilly Areas: Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Shimla, Port Blair
On-Site Arrangements at Exam Centres
- All centres are equipped with computers, webcams, and CCTV surveillance.
- Biometric attendance, such as fingerprint or photo capture, may be taken at the entry point.
- Some centres have lockers or a baggage counter at the gate for prohibited items.
- Do not bring unnecessary valuables. Centre staff may ask you to leave restricted items outside.
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam runs in two shifts on July 4: the PG (M.Sc.) exam is in the morning shift and the PhD AICE-JRF/SRF exam is in the afternoon shift. Your admit card specifies your shift clearly. Candidates appearing for both must attend both shifts on the same day.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Important Dates
Upcoming events are listed first below, including the exam this Saturday, the result in August, and counselling starting in September. Completed events appear after them for reference.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Dates
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam is scheduled for July 4, 2026 (Saturday) in the morning shift. The AICE-JRF/SRF PhD exam will be held on the same day in the afternoon shift.
Dates marked "Expected" are based on the 2025 exam timeline and are subject to official confirmation. Always verify the latest schedule at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ before acting.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form Opens | May 8, 2026 | Over |
| Application Form Last Date (Extended) | June 10, 2026 | Over |
| Application Correction Window | June 9–10, 2026 | Over |
| Advance City Intimation Slip | June 25, 2026 | Out |
| Admit Card Release | July 1, 2026 | Out |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Exam (PG — Morning Shift) | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) | Upcoming |
| AICE-JRF/SRF PhD Exam (Afternoon Shift) | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) | Upcoming |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | July 2026 (Expected — within 7–10 days of exam) | Upcoming |
| Answer Key Objection Window | July 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| NTA Scorecard / Result Declaration | August 2026 (Expected ~mid-August) | Upcoming |
| ICAR Rank Card Release | August–September 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Counselling Registration Opens | September 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Seat Allotment Rounds | September–November 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 are set by ICAR. You must meet all the conditions below — any mismatch found during document verification at counselling can lead to disqualification even after a seat is allotted.
Nationality
You must be a citizen of India. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and foreign nationals are not eligible for ICAR AIEEA PG.
Age Limit
You must be at least 19 years old as of August 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit. Working professionals can also apply, provided they meet the educational qualification.
Educational Qualification
You must hold a Bachelor’s degree of 4, 5, or 6 years’ duration in a relevant agriculture or allied sciences discipline from a recognised university. The minimum marks required vary by category:
| Category | Minimum % in Bachelor’s Degree | Equivalent OGPA |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS | 60% | 7.50 out of 10 (or 3.75 out of 5) |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 50% | 6.60 out of 10 (or 3.30 out of 5) |
Subject Group Eligibility
ICAR AIEEA PG has 20 subject groups, and each requires a matching undergraduate degree. You appeared for only one subject group, and it must correspond to your undergraduate discipline. For example, a B.Sc. (Agriculture) candidate can apply under Agronomy or Plant Sciences but not under Veterinary Science or Fisheries. The official information bulletin lists the specific UG degrees accepted under each group.
Final-Year Candidates
Final-year Bachelor’s students could appear for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026. If you qualify and are allotted a seat in counselling, your admission will be provisional. You must complete your degree with the required minimum marks and submit the degree certificate before joining the university. Failing to meet the marks criterion can cancel your provisional admission.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Application Process and Fee
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 application window is now closed. Registration was open from May 8, 2026 to June 10, 2026 (extended from the original June 7 deadline). The correction window (June 9–10, 2026) has also ended. Candidates who completed all application steps are now eligible to appear for the July 4 exam.
Application Fee (For Reference)
| Category | Application Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Rs. 1,300 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS | Rs. 1,255 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | Rs. 675 |
Additional GST and bank processing charges applied. All fees paid are non-refundable.
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 application and correction windows are both closed. If you have applied and registered successfully, focus on downloading your admit card and preparing for the July 4 exam.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Pattern
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Pattern
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in English. The exam has 120 multiple-choice questions worth 480 marks, to be completed in 120 minutes.
Each candidate appears for a subject-specific paper. All 120 questions are from the chosen major subject group. There is no general section common to all candidates.
Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (4 options, 1 correct answer) |
| Total Marks | 480 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking (Wrong Answer) | −1 |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 (no penalty) |
| Medium | English only |
| Paper Structure | Subject-specific — all 120 questions from one chosen major subject group |
| Number of Subject Groups | 20 (candidates appear for one group only) |
How Marks Are Calculated
Each correct answer earns +4 marks. Each wrong answer costs –1 mark. Skipping a question costs nothing.
If you attempt 100 questions and get 80 right and 20 wrong, your score is (80 × 4) − (20 × 1) = 300 out of 480. Guessing randomly on questions you do not know hurts your score more than it helps — always skip questions where you have no idea.
Do not confuse ICAR AIEEA PG with ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF, which is the PhD-level exam conducted on the same day in the afternoon shift. Both are separate exams with different eligibility and admission purposes.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Syllabus and Subject Groups
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 syllabus is based entirely on the undergraduate course content of your chosen subject group. All 120 questions in your paper come from the syllabus published in the official ICAR information bulletin for 2026–27.
Download it for your specific group and use it as a checklist — every question will come from within this syllabus.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026: All 20 Major Subject Groups
| Group No. | Major Subject Group | Key Sub-Subjects / Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Plant Biotechnology | Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Tissue Culture |
| 02 | Plant Sciences | Genetics & Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Seed Technology |
| 03 | Physical Sciences | Soil Science, Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Physics |
| 04 | Entomology & Nematology | Agricultural Entomology, Nematology, Pest Management |
| 05 | Agronomy | Crop Production, Weed Science, Cropping Systems, Dryland Agriculture |
| 06 | Horticulture | Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture, Post-Harvest Management |
| 07 | Forestry & Agroforestry | Tree Improvement, Forest Management, Silviculture, Watershed Management |
| 08 | Social Sciences | Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development |
| 09 | Statistical Sciences | Agricultural Statistics, Biometrics, Operations Research |
| 10 | Agricultural Engineering & Technology | Farm Machinery, Irrigation Engineering, Post-Harvest Technology |
| 11 | Water Science & Technology | Soil and Water Conservation, Watershed Management, Irrigation Systems |
| 12 | Community Science | Human Development, Nutrition, Textile & Apparel Design |
| 13 | Animal Biotechnology | Animal Cell Biology, Genetic Engineering in Animals, Reproductive Biotechnology |
| 14 | Veterinary Science | Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Veterinary Microbiology |
| 15 | Animal Sciences | Animal Nutrition, Genetics & Breeding, Livestock Production Management |
| 16 | Fisheries Science | Aquaculture, Fish Biology, Fisheries Management, Limnology |
| 17 | Dairy Science | Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Chemistry, Animal Products Technology |
| 18 | Dairy Technology | Milk Processing, Dairy Engineering, Quality Control |
| 19 | Food Science & Technology | Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food Processing Engineering |
| 20 | Agri-Business Management | Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship |
The ICAR AIEEA PG syllabus is rooted in standard ICAR-approved UG textbooks. Do not refer to advanced research literature — the exam tests undergraduate-level understanding, not research-level knowledge.
Download the official syllabus PDF for your subject group from the NTA portal.
Source: ICAR AIEEA PG 2026-27 Information Bulletin (PDF)
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Result and Rank Card
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Result Date
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result will be declared after the exam on July 4, 2026, and after the answer key objection process closes. Based on the 2025 timeline, the 2026 result is expected around mid-August 2026.
In 2025, the NTA scorecard was released on August 12, 2025, which was 40 days after the July 3 exam. The same gap suggests a similar release window for 2026.
NTA Scorecard vs ICAR Rank Card
Two separate documents are released for counselling at different times. You need both for the admission process.
- NTA Scorecard (Result): Released by NTA on exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. It shows your total marks, percentile score, and qualifying status. Download it using your application number.
- ICAR Rank Card: Released separately by ICAR on the counselling portal. It shows your All India Merit Rank and category rank, used during seat allotment. In 2025, this came on September 13, 2025 — about one month after the NTA scorecard.
What the NTA Scorecard Contains
- Total marks obtained out of 480
- Subject-wise performance breakdown
- Overall NTA percentile score
- Qualifying or non-qualifying status for counselling
Year-wise Result Timeline
| Year | Exam Date | NTA Scorecard | ICAR Rank Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | July 4, 2026 | August 2026 (Expected ~mid-August) | August–September 2026 (Expected) |
| 2025 | July 3, 2025 | August 12, 2025 | September 13, 2025 |
Before the final result, NTA releases a provisional answer key with the question paper. You can raise objections if you believe an answer is incorrect. ICAR reviews all valid objections before releasing the final answer key and official result.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Cutoff
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 cutoff will be declared after the result in August 2026. There are two types of cutoffs: the qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff.
The qualifying cutoff is the minimum percentile to be eligible for counselling, set by ICAR. The admission cutoff is the closing rank at each participating university per subject, emerging from counselling rounds.
Qualifying Cutoff — Minimum to Be Eligible for Counselling
| Category | 2025 Qualifying Cutoff | Expected 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS | 50th Percentile | ~50th Percentile |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 40th Percentile | ~40th Percentile |
Crossing this threshold makes you eligible for counselling. It does not guarantee a seat — your actual admission depends on your rank relative to all qualified candidates and available seats at your preferred universities.
University-Wise Admission Cutoff: 2025 Trends
Admission cutoffs are much tighter at ICAR-Deemed Universities compared to State Agricultural Universities. Based on 2025 trends:
| University | Approximate Closing Rank (2025 Trend) |
|---|---|
| IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), New Delhi | Top 100–200 (varies by subject group) |
| IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute), Bareilly | Top 200 (Veterinary Science group) |
| NDRI (National Dairy Research Institute), Karnal | Top 200 (Dairy Science and Dairy Technology groups) |
| BHU — Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Varanasi | Around Rank 150 |
| PAU (Punjab Agricultural University), Ludhiana | Around Rank 390 |
| GBPUA&T, Pantnagar | Around Rank 400–600 (varies by subject) |
| State Agricultural Universities (general) | Rank 500 and beyond for most disciplines |
These are indicative figures from 2025 data. Official 2026 cutoffs will be released after counselling completes. Actual figures depend on exam difficulty, number of qualified candidates, and seat availability.
A top-200 rank generally gives access to ICAR's most competitive institutions. A top-500 rank opens strong SAU options across most subject groups.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Marks vs Rank
ICAR AIEEA PG rank is determined using the NTA percentile score, not raw marks alone. If the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, raw marks are normalised across shifts before the percentile is calculated.
Since the 2026 result is not yet out, the table below shows an estimated marks-to-rank mapping for the General category based on 2025 exam trends.
Expected ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Marks vs Rank (General Category — Indicative)
The exact mapping will vary once the 2026 exam is conducted and results are published. Use the 2025 trends only as a reference for planning your counselling preferences.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Marks vs Rank vs Percentile
The table below shows the expected relationship between marks, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR) for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026. These are estimated figures based on 2025 trends.
| Marks (out of 480) | Expected Percentile | Expected AIR (Approx.) | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420–480 | 99.5+ percentile | Top 50 | Top ICAR Deemed University (IARI, NDRI) accessible |
| 380–419 | 98–99.5 percentile | 51–200 | Strong ICAR Deemed University chance |
| 340–379 | 95–98 percentile | 201–600 | Good SAU options; BHU and PAU accessible |
| 300–339 | 88–95 percentile | 601–2,000 | Most SAUs accessible |
| 260–299 | 75–88 percentile | 2,001–6,000 | Moderate rank; many SAU seats available |
| 220–259 | 50–75 percentile | 6,001–15,000 | Near qualifying threshold; limited options |
| Below 220 | Below 50th percentile | Not qualifying (General) | Below ICAR qualifying cutoff for General/OBC |
Final marks vs rank data will be available after the August 2026 result declaration.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
When two candidates have the same percentile score, ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 resolves the tie in this order:
- Fewer wrong answers (less negative marking applied)
- Higher age (older candidate ranked higher)
- Higher percentage in the Bachelor’s degree
- Higher percentage in Class 12 if the tie still persists
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Counselling Process
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in September 2026 at icarcounseling.com. It is a fully online process.
Only candidates who qualify the exam and cross the category-wise percentile threshold are eligible. You need both the NTA scorecard and the ICAR rank card to participate in counselling.
Step-by-Step Counselling Process
- Step 1 — Register on the Counselling Portal: Register at icarcounseling.com using your ICAR rank card details and pay the registration fee
- Step 2 — Choice Filling and Locking: Fill in your preferred universities and programmes in order of priority. Lock your choices before the deadline. The more choices you fill, the better your chances of getting a seat
- Step 3 — Seat Allotment: ICAR releases round-wise seat allotment based on merit rank, category, filled choices, and available seats
- Step 4 — Accept the Allotted Seat: Log in and accept your allotted seat within the given window. Not accepting forfeits the allotment
- Step 5 — Document Upload and Verification: Submit scanned copies of academic certificates, category certificates, photograph, and identity proof online
- Step 6 — Report to University: After online verification, report to the allotted university within the joining deadline with original documents
Expected Counselling Rounds
| Round | Expected Timeline (2026) |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 2026 |
| Round 2 | October 2026 |
| Round 3 | October–November 2026 |
| Mop-up Round (if applicable) | November–December 2026 |
In-Service vs Out-Service Candidates
ICAR AIEEA PG counselling covers two streams. Out-service candidates are regular students or fresh graduates — the large majority of applicants.
In-service candidates are government employees in agriculture-related departments sponsored by their organization for higher education. Seats are allocated separately for both streams.
The ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship applies only to out-service candidates who meet the criteria. The final counselling schedule, fee, and seat matrix will be announced by ICAR after the result. Verify all details at icarcounseling.com closer to September 2026.
ICAR AIEEA PG Scholarship — National Talent Scholarship (NTS)
One of the biggest benefits of qualifying ICAR AIEEA PG is the ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS). This financial support significantly reduces the cost burden for out-service candidates who secure M.Sc. admission through ICAR counselling at participating universities.
What Is the ICAR-PG NTS?
The NTS is a monthly stipend paid to eligible out-service candidates from the date they join their Master’s programme. The scholarship covers the full duration of the M.Sc. — typically 2 years.
Along with the monthly stipend, a contingency grant is provided for books, chemicals, and research expenses.
- The scholarship is available at ICAR-Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) and selected ICAR-designated universities
- Only out-service candidates who secure seats through ICAR AIEEA PG counselling and maintain the required academic performance are eligible
- The scholarship is discontinued if academic performance falls below the required standard
- In-service candidates (sponsored by government departments) are not eligible for the NTS
Why the Scholarship Matters
The NTS reduces the financial burden of a Master’s programme for eligible students. It covers the full course duration and includes a contingency grant for academic expenses.
ICAR AIEEA PG Scholarship 2026
The ICAR-PG scholarship covers a large part of the living costs at agricultural universities. Students often relocate far from home for their Master's, and expenses at institutions like IARI (New Delhi) or NDRI (Karnal) can be significant. This stipend makes it financially viable to study at these institutions without full family support.
The scholarship is one of the strongest incentives to aim for a top rank in ICAR AIEEA PG rather than settling for a state-level PG admission. Check the official ICAR Information Bulletin for the exact scholarship amount for 2026-27. Stipend values are revised periodically by ICAR.
Top Colleges Accepting ICAR AIEEA PG Score 2026
Your ICAR AIEEA PG rank is accepted at more than 75 agricultural universities across India. This includes four ICAR-Deemed Universities, three Central Agricultural Universities, Central Universities with agriculture faculties, and 64 State Agricultural Universities.
Here are the most competitive institutions:
| University | Location | Type | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARI — Post Graduate School | New Delhi | ICAR Deemed University | 40+ disciplines; Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Genetics, Soil Science |
| IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute) | Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP | ICAR Deemed University | Veterinary Science, Animal Biotechnology |
| NDRI (National Dairy Research Institute) | Karnal, Haryana | ICAR Deemed University | Dairy Science, Dairy Technology, Animal Nutrition |
| CIFE (Central Institute of Fisheries Education) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | ICAR Deemed University | Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, Limnology |
| BHU — Institute of Agricultural Sciences | Varanasi, UP | Central University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Pathology |
| RLBCAU (Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University) | Jhansi, UP | Central Agricultural University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry |
| GBPUA&T (G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology) | Pantnagar, Uttarakhand | State Agricultural University | Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineering |
| PAU (Punjab Agricultural University) | Ludhiana, Punjab | State Agricultural University | Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Extension |
| TNAU (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University) | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | State Agricultural University | Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology, Food Science |
| ANGRAU (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University) | Lam, Andhra Pradesh | State Agricultural University | Agronomy, Entomology, Agricultural Extension |
| UAS Bengaluru / UAS Dharwad | Karnataka | State Agricultural University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry |
| SKUAST-K | Srinagar, J&K | State Agricultural University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Science |
The four ICAR-Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) fill 100% of their PG seats through ICAR AIEEA PG. These are the most competitive destinations.
IARI's Post Graduate School in New Delhi offers programmes in more than 40 disciplines with strong research infrastructure. It is consistently the top choice for agricultural PG aspirants. State Agricultural Universities like GBPUAT Pantnagar and PAU Ludhiana offer excellent faculty and research facilities, often with broader seat availability across disciplines.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Preparation Tips
The exam is on July 4, 2026. Here are last-minute tips for exam day, along with general strategy for future aspirants planning for 2027.
Last-Minute Tips for July 4, 2026
- Revise key concepts only: Go through important definitions, formulas, and frequently tested topics in your subject group. Do not start reading new chapters at this stage — it increases anxiety without meaningful score improvement.
- Avoid new topics: Stick to material you have already covered. Familiarity is your biggest asset in a timed CBT.
- Sleep 7 to 8 hours tonight and tomorrow night: A well-rested mind processes information faster and avoids silly mistakes. This matters more than one extra hour of study at this point.
- Eat well on exam morning: Have a light and familiar meal before leaving home. Avoid heavy, oily, or unfamiliar food that could make you uncomfortable during the 120-minute exam.
- Keep all documents ready right now: Place your printed admit card and original photo ID in a folder today — do not leave it for exam morning when you might be rushed.
- Plan your travel tonight: Confirm how you will reach the exam centre and what time you need to leave home to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the reporting time.
- Strategy during the exam: At one minute per question, do a first pass on confident questions, mark the rest for review, and revisit in the remaining time. Never spend more than 90 seconds on a single question.
General Strategy for Future ICAR AIEEA PG Aspirants (2027)
If you plan to appear for ICAR AIEEA PG in 2027, these strategies will give you a strong foundation:
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Overview
ICAR AIEEA PG stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research — All India Entrance Examination for Admission — Post Graduate. NTA conducts it every year on behalf of ICAR for admission to M.Sc. programmes in agriculture and allied sciences at 75+ universities across India.
The exam also facilitates the award of ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarships to eligible out-service candidates.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Date
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is on July 4, 2026 (Saturday). The PG (M.Sc.) exam is in the morning shift and the PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) exam is in the afternoon shift on the same day.
The exam is a CBT lasting 120 minutes with 120 MCQs for 480 marks. It will be held across approximately 122 cities in India.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
Yes, NTA released the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card on July 1, 2026. Download it at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ using your application number, date of birth, and security pin.
Print it in colour and carry it to the exam centre on July 4, 2026. A digital copy on your phone is not accepted at the gate.
Documents to Carry to Exam Centre
You must carry three items on July 4, 2026:
- A printed hard copy of the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card
- A valid government-issued original photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
- A passport-size photograph
Entry is denied without the admit card and photo ID.
Eligibility Criteria
You must be an Indian citizen, at least 19 years old as of August 31, 2026, and hold a Bachelor’s degree (4/5/6 years) in agriculture or allied sciences. There is no upper age limit.
Minimum marks required:
| Category | Minimum Marks | Minimum OGPA (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|
| General, OBC-NCL, EWS, UPS | 60% | 7.50 |
| SC, ST, PwBD | 50% | 6.60 |
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 has 120 MCQs for 480 marks in 120 minutes. Each correct answer gives +4 marks. Each wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
Unattempted questions carry 0 marks — no penalty for skipping. The paper is in English only and covers only your chosen major subject group. There is no common general section.
Number of Seats
More than 11,000 PG seats are available through ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 across 75+ universities. ICAR fills 100% of PG seats at its four Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) and about 30% of seats at 64 State Agricultural Universities through this merit list.
Seats at Central Agricultural Universities and select Central Universities are also included.
Subject Groups
There are 20 major subject groups in ICAR AIEEA PG 2026:
- Agronomy
- Plant Sciences
- Plant Biotechnology
- Physical Sciences
- Horticulture
- Entomology
- Forestry
- Social Sciences
- Statistical Sciences
- Agricultural Engineering
- Water Science
- Community Science
- Animal Biotechnology
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Sciences
- Fisheries Science
- Dairy Science
- Dairy Technology
- Food Science
- Agri-Business Management
Each candidate applies for only one group.
Result Declaration
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result is expected in August 2026. Based on the 2025 timeline — NTA scorecard on August 12, 2025 (40 days after the July 3 exam) — a similar gap places the 2026 result around mid-August.
NTA releases the scorecard on exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. The separate ICAR Rank Card needed for counselling is released later — in 2025 it came on September 13, 2025.
Preparation Tips
Download the official subject-group-specific syllabus PDF from the NTA ICAR portal and use it as a topic checklist throughout your preparation. Standard ICAR-approved UG textbooks are your primary resource — the exam tests undergraduate-level knowledge, not research-level depth.
Solve at least 5 years of previous year ICAR AIEEA PG papers under timed conditions. Many topics repeat across years in paraphrased form.
Because of the –1 negative marking, accuracy matters more than attempting all 120 questions. Four wrong answers cancel out one right answer.
In high-weightage groups:
- Agronomy questions lean heavily on crop production, cropping systems, and weed science
- Plant Sciences favours genetics, breeding methods, and plant pathology
- Horticulture tests fruit crop management and post-harvest technology most frequently
Practice full-length mock CBTs under strict 120-minute conditions to build speed and reduce exam-day anxiety.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Cutoff
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 cutoff has not been declared yet. It will be released with the August 2026 result.
Based on 2025 trends, the qualifying cutoff is expected to remain around the 50th percentile for General/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates. For SC/ST/PwBD candidates, it is expected to remain around the 40th percentile.
Admission cutoffs vary by institution type:
- ICAR Deemed Universities: require a top-200 rank.
- State Agricultural Universities (SAUs): admissions typically begin from Rank 400–500 and beyond, depending on the subject group.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Counselling Schedule
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in September 2026. The process will be conducted online at icarcounseling.com.
The counselling process includes 2–3 rounds of seat allotment followed by a mop-up round. Only candidates who qualify the exam and have the ICAR rank card are eligible to register.
The schedule will be announced by ICAR after the August 2026 result.
ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship
The ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS) is a monthly stipend paid to eligible out-service candidates. These are candidates who secure M.Sc. admission through ICAR counselling.
The scholarship covers the full 2-year duration of the Master's programme. It includes a contingency grant for books and research expenses.
Only out-service candidates are eligible. This means students or fresh graduates, not government-sponsored in-service candidates.
The scholarship amount for 2026–27 is specified in the official ICAR Information Bulletin.
Important Dates and Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Result declaration | August 2026 |
| Counselling start | September 2026 (expected) |
| Counselling rounds | 2–3 rounds plus mop-up round |
| Qualifying cutoff (General/OBC-NCL/EWS) | 50th percentile (expected) |
| Qualifying cutoff (SC/ST/PwBD) | 40th percentile (expected) |
| ICAR Deemed University admission | Top-200 rank |
| SAU admission | Rank 400–500 and beyond |
Disclaimer: The information above is compiled from the official NTA ICAR portal, the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026-27 Information Bulletin, and publicly available sources as of July 2, 2026. Dates and figures marked as "Expected" are based on previous year patterns and are subject to official confirmation by NTA and ICAR. Always verify the latest schedule at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ before taking any action.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Overview
ICAR AIEEA PG stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission Post Graduate. NTA conducts it every year on behalf of ICAR for admission to M.Sc. programmes in agriculture and allied sciences at 75+ universities across India.
The exam also facilitates the award of ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarships to eligible out-service candidates.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Date
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is on July 4, 2026 (Saturday). The PG (M.Sc.) exam is in the morning shift and the PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) exam is in the afternoon shift on the same day.
The exam is a CBT lasting 120 minutes with 120 MCQs for 480 marks. It will be held across approximately 122 cities in India.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
Yes, NTA released the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card on July 1, 2026. Download it at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ using your application number, date of birth, and security pin.
Print it in colour and carry it to the exam centre on July 4, 2026. A digital copy on your phone is not accepted at the gate.
Exam Day Guidelines
You must carry three items on July 4, 2026: a printed hard copy of the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card, a valid government-issued original photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence), and a passport-size photograph.
Entry is denied without the admit card and photo ID.
Exam Centres
The exam will be held across approximately 122 cities in India. The exact exam centre is mentioned on the admit card.
Reach the centre at least 90 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
Eligibility Criteria
You must be an Indian citizen, at least 19 years old as of August 31, 2026, and hold a Bachelor's degree (4/5/6 years) in agriculture or allied sciences.
- General, OBC-NCL, EWS, and UPS candidates need at least 60% marks (7.50 OGPA out of 10).
- SC, ST, and PwBD candidates need at least 50% marks (6.60 OGPA out of 10).
- There is no upper age limit.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 has 120 MCQs for 480 marks in 120 minutes. Each correct answer gives +4 marks.
Each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks — no penalty for skipping.
The paper is in English only and covers only your chosen major subject group. There is no common general section.
Seats Available
More than 11,000 PG seats are available through ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 across 75+ universities. ICAR fills 100% of PG seats at its four Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) and about 30% of seats at 64 State Agricultural Universities through this merit list.
Seats at Central Agricultural Universities and select Central Universities are also included.
Subject Groups
There are 20 major subject groups in ICAR AIEEA PG 2026. Each candidate applies for only one group.
- Agronomy
- Plant Sciences
- Plant Biotechnology
- Physical Sciences
- Horticulture
- Entomology
- Forestry
- Social Sciences
- Statistical Sciences
- Agricultural Engineering
- Water Science
- Community Science
- Animal Biotechnology
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Sciences
- Fisheries Science
- Dairy Science
- Dairy Technology
- Food Science
- Agri-Business Management
Result and Scorecard
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result is expected in August 2026. Based on the 2025 timeline — NTA scorecard on August 12, 2025 (40 days after the July 3 exam) — a similar gap places the 2026 result around mid-August.
NTA releases the scorecard on exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. The separate ICAR Rank Card needed for counselling is released later — in 2025 it came on September 13, 2025.
Cutoff
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 cutoff has not been declared yet — it will be released with the August 2026 result. Based on 2025 trends, the qualifying cutoff is expected to remain around the 50th percentile for General/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates and 40th percentile for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
Admission cutoffs at ICAR Deemed Universities require a top-200 rank; SAU admissions typically begin from Rank 400-500 and beyond, depending on the subject group.
Counselling
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in September 2026 at icarcounseling.com. It is a fully online process with 2-3 rounds of seat allotment followed by a mop-up round.
Only candidates who qualify in the exam and hold a valid ICAR Rank Card can participate in counselling.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Release | July 1, 2026 |
| Exam Date | July 4, 2026 |
| Result (Expected) | August 2026 |
| Counselling (Expected) | September 2026 |
Application Fee
The application fee for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 was paid during the application process. The fee structure is as follows:
- General/OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹1,500
- SC/ST/PwBD: ₹750
Payment was accepted online through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
How to Apply
The application process for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is closed. It was conducted online at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/.
Candidates who have applied should download their admit card and prepare for the exam on July 4, 2026.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Overview
The ICAR AIEEA PG (All India Entrance Examination for Admission to Post Graduate programmes) is the entrance test for admission to Master's degree programmes at agricultural universities across India. The exam is conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Qualifying candidates are eligible for admission to M.Sc. and other post-graduate programmes offered at ICAR-accredited institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or a related field to apply for the ICAR AIEEA PG exam. The specific eligibility requirements, including minimum marks and age limits, are detailed in the official ICAR Information Bulletin.
Only candidates who qualify the exam and possess the ICAR rank card are eligible to register for the counselling process.
Exam Pattern
The ICAR AIEEA PG exam is a computer-based test (CBT) with multiple-choice questions. The exam pattern includes the following sections:
- Subject-specific knowledge
- Basic concepts in agriculture
- General awareness and aptitude
The total marks and duration of the exam are specified in the official notification.
Application Fee
The application fee for the ICAR AIEEA PG exam varies by category. Candidates must pay the fee online during the application process.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | As per official notification |
| OBC/EWS | As per official notification |
| SC/ST/PwD | As per official notification |
Important Dates
The official schedule for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 will be announced by ICAR on its official website. The schedule includes the release of the notification, application window, admit card issuance, exam date, and result declaration.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of official notification | To be announced |
| Start of online application | To be announced |
| Last date to apply | To be announced |
| Admit card release | To be announced |
| Exam date | To be announced |
| Result declaration | August 2026 |
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official ICAR website. The application process involves registration, filling in personal and academic details, uploading documents, and paying the application fee.
After submission, candidates should download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Counselling and Admission
Candidates who qualify the exam and have the ICAR rank card are eligible to register for counselling. The counselling schedule will be announced by ICAR after the August 2026 result.
Seat allocation is based on the candidate's rank, category, and preference of institution.
ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship
The ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS) is a monthly stipend paid to eligible out-service candidates who secure M.Sc. admission through ICAR counselling. It covers the full 2-year duration of the Master's programme and includes a contingency grant for books and research expenses.
Only out-service candidates (students/fresh graduates, not government-sponsored in-service candidates) are eligible. The scholarship amount for 2026-27 is specified in the official ICAR Information Bulletin.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a citizen of India. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and foreign nationals are not eligible.
- You must be at least 19 years old as of August 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit.
- You must hold a Bachelor’s degree of 4, 5, or 6 years’ duration in a relevant agriculture or allied sciences discipline from a recognised university.
- Minimum marks in the Bachelor’s degree vary by category: General / OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS need 60% (or 7.50 out of 10, or 3.75 out of 5); SC / ST / PwBD need 50% (or 6.60 out of 10, or 3.30 out of 5).
- There are 20 subject groups, and each requires a matching undergraduate degree. You can appear for only one subject group, and it must correspond to your undergraduate discipline.
Application Process
- Visit the official ICAR AIEEA PG website at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/.
- Click on the link for "ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Application Form" and register yourself by providing your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- After registration, you will receive a login ID and password on your registered email and mobile number.
- Log in using the credentials and fill in the application form with your personal details, educational qualifications, and category information.
- Select your subject group carefully. You can appear for only one subject group, and it must match your undergraduate degree discipline.
- Upload the required documents, including your photograph, signature, and any other certificates as specified in the official information bulletin.
- Pay the application fee online. The fee varies by category: General/Unreserved candidates pay Rs. 1,300, OBC-NCL/EWS/UPS candidates pay Rs. 1,255, and SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender candidates pay Rs. 675. Additional GST and bank processing charges apply.
- Review all the information you have entered before submitting the form. Any mismatch found during document verification at counselling can lead to disqualification.
- Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.
- If you need to make corrections, use the application correction window. For 2026, this window was open from June 9 to June 10.
- After the correction window closes, download your advance city intimation slip and admit card when they are released. For 2026, the city intimation slip was out on June 25 and the admit card was released on July 1.
Exam Pattern
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) held in English only. The exam has 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for a total of 480 marks, and you get 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete it.
Every candidate appears for a subject-specific paper. All 120 questions come from your chosen major subject group. There is no general section common across all candidates. There are 20 major subject groups, and you appear for one group only.
- Exam mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Total questions: 120 MCQs (4 options, 1 correct answer)
- Total marks: 480
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Wrong answer: −1 mark
- Unattempted question: 0 marks (no penalty)
- Medium: English only
Your score is calculated by adding 4 marks for each correct answer and deducting 1 mark for each wrong answer. Skipping a question costs nothing. For example, if you attempt 100 questions and get 80 right and 20 wrong, your score is (80 × 4) − (20 × 1) = 300 out of 480. Guessing randomly on questions you do not know hurts your score more than it helps.
Syllabus
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 syllabus is based entirely on the undergraduate course content of your chosen subject group. All 120 questions in your paper come from the syllabus published in the official ICAR information bulletin for 2026-27.
- Download the official syllabus PDF for your specific subject group from the NTA portal and use it as a checklist.
- Every question will come from within this syllabus.
- The syllabus is rooted in standard ICAR-approved UG textbooks. Do not refer to advanced research literature.
- The exam tests undergraduate-level understanding, not research-level knowledge.
There are 20 major subject groups. Key sub-subjects for each group include:
- Plant Biotechnology: Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Tissue Culture
- Plant Sciences: Genetics & Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Seed Technology
- Physical Sciences: Soil Science, Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Physics
- Entomology & Nematology: Agricultural Entomology, Nematology, Pest Management
- Agronomy: Crop Production, Weed Science, Cropping Systems, Dryland Agriculture
- Horticulture: Fruit Science, and related programmes
- Agri-Business Management: Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship
Cut-offs
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 cutoff has not been declared yet. It will be released with the August 2026 result. There are two types of cutoffs: the qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff.
Qualifying Cutoff (Minimum Percentile for Counselling)
- General / OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS: 50th percentile (expected to remain same in 2026)
- SC / ST / PwBD: 40th percentile (expected to remain same in 2026)
Crossing this threshold makes you eligible for counselling. It does not guarantee a seat. Your actual admission depends on your rank and available seats.
Admission Cutoff (2025 Trends)
- IARI, New Delhi: Top 100–200 (varies by subject group)
- IVRI, Bareilly: Top 200 (Veterinary Science group)
- NDRI, Karnal: Top 200 (Dairy Science and Dairy Technology groups)
- BHU, Varanasi: Around Rank 150
- PAU, Ludhiana: Around Rank 390
- GBPUA&T, Pantnagar: Around Rank 400–600
- State Agricultural Universities (general): Rank 500 and beyond for most disciplines
A top-200 rank generally gives access to ICAR's most competitive institutions. A top-500 rank opens strong SAU options. Official 2026 cutoffs will be released after counselling completes.
Results
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result is expected in August 2026, around mid-August. This is based on the 2025 timeline, when the NTA scorecard was released on August 12, 2025, about 40 days after the exam.
There are two separate documents you need for counselling, released at different times:
- NTA Scorecard (Result): Released by NTA on exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. It shows your total marks, percentile score, and qualifying status. Download it using your application number.
- ICAR Rank Card: Released separately by ICAR on the counselling portal. It shows your All India Merit Rank and category rank, used during seat allotment. In 2025, this came on September 13, 2025, about one month after the NTA scorecard.
Before the final result, NTA releases a provisional answer key with the question paper. You can raise objections if you believe an answer is incorrect. ICAR reviews all valid objections before releasing the final answer key and official result.
Question Paper 2026
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Question Paper will be available for download here. NTA conducted ICAR AIEEA PG exam on 4 July, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM. ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Question Paper consists of 120 questions for 480 marks. Candidates get 120 minutes to attempt the paper. According to ICAR AIEEA PG exam pattern, each correct answer carries 4 marks, and an incorrect answer has a negative marking of 1.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Question Paper with Solution PDF
| ICAR AIEEA PG Paper | Question Paper PDF | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA PG Agri Business Management Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Agricultural Engineering and Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Agronomy Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Animal Biotechnology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Animal Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Community Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Dairy Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Dairy Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Entomology and Nematology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Fisheries Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Food Science Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Forestry Agroforestry Silviculture Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Horticulture Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Physical Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Plant Biotechnology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Plant Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Social Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Statistical Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Veterinary Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Water Science and Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (4 options, 1 correct answer) |
| Total Marks | 480 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking (Wrong Answer) | −1 |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 (no penalty) |
| Medium | English only |
| Paper Structure | Subject-specific — all 120 questions from one chosen group |
| Number of Subject Groups | 20 (candidates appear for one group only) |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Paper Analysis
Question Paper 2025
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 exam was conducted on July 3rd, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at various exam centres across India. ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key for all subjects are available here.
The exam evaluates candidates on their subject knowledge, practical skills, and analytical understanding.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper with Solution PDF
| Question Paper | Question Paper PDF | Check Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Agri Business Management) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Agricultural Engineering and Technology) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Agronomy) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Animal Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Entomology and Nematology) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Fisheries Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Community Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper Analysis
The following video discussing about the overall difficulty level of the ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 that students have experienced, explaining the paper to be moderately difficult with a clear change towards analytical, and practical application-based questions, particularly when compared to last year. According to him, the difficulty level was not the same in all disciplines.
- Students of Agronomy identified difficulty in the form of multi-layered conceptual questions.
- Horticulture entrants experienced questions challenging in the areas of plant physiology and varietal identification, particularly under protected cultivation subjects.
- The Entomology and Plant Pathology section included detailed case-based questions on pest and disease management.
- Students from Animal Science backgrounds mentioned that the paper included complex statistical analysis scenarios and breeding methodology comparisons that were tricky and time-consuming.
Question Paper
ICAR AIEEA PG Question Paper with Solution PDF is available for download here. The question paper carries a weightage of 120 marks. Candidates are required to answer 120 questions in a duration of 120 minutes. Candidates can download and practice the previous year question paper for a better understanding of the exam.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Question Paper with Solution PDF
| ICAR AIEEA PG Paper | Question Paper PDF | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA PG Agri Business Management Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Agricultural Engineering and Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Agronomy Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Animal Biotechnology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Animal Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Community Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Dairy Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Dairy Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Entomology and Nematology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Fisheries Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Food Science Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Forestry Agroforestry Silviculture Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Horticulture Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Physical Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Plant Biotechnology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Plant Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Social Sciences Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Statistical Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Veterinary Science Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG Water Science and Technology Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper with Solution PDF
| Question Paper | Question Paper PDF | Check Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Agri Business Management) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Agricultural Engineering and Technology) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Agronomy) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Animal Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Entomology and Nematology) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Fisheries Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper (Community Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Question Paper Analysis
The following video discussing about the overall difficulty level of the ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 that students have experienced, explaining the paper to be moderately difficult with a clear change towards analytical, and practical application-based questions, particularly when compared to last year. According to him, the difficulty level was not the same in all disciplines.
- Students of Agronomy identified difficulty in the form of multi-layered conceptual questions.
- Horticulture entrants experienced questions challenging in the areas of plant physiology and varietal identification, particularly under protected cultivation subjects.
- The Entomology and Plant Pathology section included detailed case-based questions on pest and disease management.
- Students from Animal Science backgrounds mentioned that the paper included complex statistical analysis scenarios and breeding methodology comparisons that were tricky and time-consuming.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Question Paper with Solution PDF
| Question Paper | Question Paper PDF | Check Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Question Paper (Entomology) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Question Paper (Soil Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Question Paper (Horticulture) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Question Paper (Social Science) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
ICAR AIEEA PG Question Paper Pattern
The question paper pattern is provided by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). As per the latest exam pattern, the following points are noteworthy:
- Total Marks: 480
- Total Questions: 120
- Exam Duration: 150 minutes
- Marking Scheme: 4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer
- Sections and questions: The section-wise number of questions in ICAR AIEEA PG are tabulated below:
| Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Core Subject | 120 |