ICAR AIEEA PG 2026-27 Examination Blueprint & Key Dates
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission to Postgraduate Programs (ICAR AIEEA PG) is administered annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It regulates admissions to Master degree programs across State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), ICAR Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE), and Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs), awarding prestigious ICAR-PG Scholarships (JRF).
The annual examination cycle typically initiates registration in May, with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) scheduled in June/July across nationwide testing centers.
Key Exam Takeaways:
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT) / Online single-shift examination
- Total Duration: 120 Minutes (2 Hours)
- Total Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Maximum Marks: 480 Marks
- Medium of Examination: English only
- Marking Scheme: +4 marks for every correct answer; -1 mark deduction for every incorrect answer; 0 for unattempted
Major Subject Groups for ICAR PG Entrance
Candidates must select their Major Subject Group based on eligibility criteria corresponding to their undergraduate B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture or allied degree. The major groups and high-frequency topics include:
| Major Subject Group | Key Specializations | High-Yield Focus Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Biotechnology | Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Physiology | Recombinant DNA technology, tissue culture, photosynthesis & respiration, enzymatic pathways |
| Plant Sciences | Genetics & Plant Breeding, Seed Science, Pathology, Nematology, Microbiology | Mendelian inheritance, linkage mapping, hybrid seed production, fungal taxonomy, virulence mechanisms |
| Physical Science | Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Physics | Soil colloids, ion exchange, nutrient availability, soil survey and soil taxonomy, fertilizer technology |
| Entomology & Nematology | Agricultural Entomology, Nematology, Apiculture, Sericulture | Insect anatomy, pesticide toxicology, IPM, economic pests of field & horticultural crops, nematode management |
| Agronomy | Agronomy, Weed Science, Water Management, Agrometeorology | Weed biology and herbicide chemical families, irrigation scheduling, crop geometry, sustainable cropping systems |
| Horticulture | Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture, Post-Harvest Management | Crop physiology, nursery propagation, fruit breeding, vegetable varieties, polyhouse production, cold chain logistics |
| Social Sciences | Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension Education | Agricultural marketing, farm budgeting, price policy, extension teaching methods, communication models |
Time Management Strategy Inside the NTA CBT Interface
With 120 questions to be solved in 120 minutes, aspirants have exactly 60 seconds per question. Because negative marking is steep (-1 mark out of 4), random guessing drastically degrades ranks.
Adopt the 3-Cycle Attempt Strategy: Cycle 1 (First 50 minutes): Answer all direct, 100% certain factual questions. Cycle 2 (Next 45 minutes): Solve analytical and assertion-reason questions where you can eliminate at least two options. Cycle 3 (Final 25 minutes): Review flagged questions and audit your answers against negative marking traps.
Practice on the AgriStart CBT Simulator to familiarize yourself with the question palette, countdown timer, and negative marking engine before exam day.
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