ICAR PG Agronomy Exam Pattern & Question Distribution
The ICAR AIEEA PG entrance examination for the Agronomy subject group (Sub-code 03) is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in computer-based test mode.
The paper comprises 120 multiple-choice questions for 480 marks. Each correct answer awards +4 marks, while an incorrect response deducts -1 mark (-25% negative marking penalty).
| Agronomy Sub-Domain | Question Weightage | Recurring High-Yield Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Crop Production (Kharif & Rabi) | 30% - 35% | SRI paddy, seed rates, hybrid maize spacing, pulse nodulation, mustard critical stages |
| Weed Science & Herbicide Chemistry | 20% - 25% | Critical period of weed competition (CPWC), parasitic weeds (Striga, Orobanche), herbicide classification |
| Water Management & Irrigation | 15% - 20% | IW/CPE ratios, moisture tension bars, tensiometer working limits, drip and sprinkler discharge |
| Dryland Agriculture & Meteorology | 10% - 15% | PET calculations, drought adaptations, water harvesting structures, agro-climatic zones of India |
| Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management | 10% - 15% | Fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), slow-release urea, biofertilizers (Rhizobium cross-inoculation groups) |
High-Yield Solved PYQs with Scientific Reasoning
Review these high-frequency concept questions from recent ICAR AIEEA PG Agronomy papers:
Key Exam Takeaways:
- Q1: What is the critical period of weed competition in upland direct-seeded rice? Correct: 15 to 45 days after sowing (DAS). Weeding during this window prevents up to 70% yield loss.
- Q2: At what soil moisture tension does a tensiometer operate effectively in sandy-loam soils? Correct: 0 to 0.8 bars (0 to 80 kPa). Beyond 0.85 bars, air enters the ceramic cup, breaking the water column.
- Q3: Which herbicide is recommended for controlling Phalaris minor in wheat with resistance to Isoproturon? Correct: Sulfosulfuron (25 g a.i./ha) or Clodinafop-propargyl (60 g a.i./ha) applied at 30-35 DAS.
- Q4: What is the seed rate for hybrid rice transplanting per hectare? Correct: 15 kg/ha (compared to 40-50 kg/ha for conventional transplanted rice).
Negative Marking Management in Agronomy CBT
In a 120-minute examination with 120 questions, candidates have exactly 60 seconds per question.
Avoid random guessing: 4 incorrect responses (-4 marks) completely eliminate the score of 1 correct question (+4 marks). Practice timed chapter-wise sets on the AgriStart App or attempt the Free Demo CBT.
Agronomy Facts by R. S. Meena MCQ Test Series
Strictly based on the standard reference book "AGRONOMY FACTS" by R. S. Meena, covering agrometeorology, crop production, and soil fertility.
Attempt Free 104-Question Agriculture CBT Demo Exam
Experience real NTA/ASRB exam conditions: 90-minute live countdown timer, 104-question status palette, and instant answer keys with verified scientific explanations.