ICAR NET 2026
Conducted by: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Last Date to Apply: 10 June 2026Application Closed
Official SourceKey Dates & Info
Last Date to Apply
10 June 2026
Closed
Salary
Fellowship ₹31,000/month + HRA
Age limit
No age limit for JRF (28 years for Lecturership)
Application Fee
General/OBC: ₹1,500, SC/ST/PwD/Female: ₹750
About This Exam
ICAR National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and eligibility for Assistant Professor in agricultural universities and ICAR institutes. Conducted for over 60 agriculture and allied science disciplines.
Conducting Body
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Total Vacancies
JRF fellowships + Lectureship eligibility
Available Posts
Important Dates
Notification Date
08 May 2026
Application Closed
10 June 2026
Exam Date (Jul 4, 2026)
04 July 2026
Result Expected
15 August 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Master's in Agriculture/allied sciences with 55%+ (50% SC/ST)
Age limit
No age limit for JRF (28 years for Lecturership)
JRF: OBC +3, SC/ST +5, PwD +10 years. No age limit for Lectureship eligibility.
Educational Qualification
Master's in Agriculture/Allied Sciences with 55% marks
Number of Attempts
No limit (within age for JRF)
Application Fee
General/OBC: ₹1,500, SC/ST/PwD/Female: ₹750
Detailed Syllabus
Exam Pattern
Selection Process
Online Examination (Paper I + Paper II) → Merit-based qualification for JRF/Lectureship
Previous Year Question Papers
2025
Paper I: Agriculture & General Knowledge
Topics: Agronomy, Soil Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics, General Science
Paper II: Subject-Specific (Agronomy)
Topics: Crop Production, Cropping Systems, Weed Management, Soil Fertility, Irrigation, Dryland Agriculture, Organic Farming, Precision Agriculture
2024
Paper I: Agriculture & General Knowledge
Topics: Agronomy, Soil Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics
Preparation Tip
Solving previous year papers is the most effective strategy. Analyze topic-wise trends, identify frequently asked areas, and practice under timed conditions for best results.
Salary & Career Growth
Salary / Pay Scale
Fellowship ₹31,000/month + HRA
Range: ₹31,000 - ₹1,82,400
JRF: ₹31,000 + HRA; Asst. Professor: Pay Level 10 (7th CPC)
Plus DA, HRA, and other government allowances as applicable.
Perks & Allowances
JRF: Fellowship + Contingency Grant + HRA. Asst. Professor: DA, HRA, Medical, LTC, Pension, Academic allowance
Job Role & Responsibilities
JRF: Research in agriculture sciences at ICAR/SAU labs. Asst. Professor: Teaching, research, and extension in agricultural universities.
Career Growth & Promotions
JRF → SRF → Scientist/Asst. Professor → Associate Professor → Professor → Director/VC.
Career Benefits
- ✓ Job security and pension benefits
- ✓ Regular pay commission revisions
- ✓ Government housing and medical benefits
- ✓ Career advancement through promotions
Application Process
Visit the official website and locate the online registration link for this exam
Register with a valid, active email ID and mobile number — this is used for all future communication, including admit card and result notifications
Fill in personal, educational, and category details accurately as per your certificates — mismatches can lead to rejection at document verification
Keep scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates ready in the specified format and file size before you start, to avoid losing progress midway
Review all entered details carefully — most government exam applications cannot be edited after final submission
Pay the application fee online through the accepted payment methods — category-based fee waivers may apply, so check the official notification
Submit the form and download or print the confirmation page, and note your registration number for future reference
Application Fee
General/OBC: ₹1,500, SC/ST/PwD/Female: ₹750
Quick Actions
🔔 Bookmark to get reminders before the application deadline and exam date