Phd Programs

IARI

Indian Agricultural Research Institute

Conducted by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Phd Programs Entrance Exam

Eligibility Criteria

  • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, Basic Sciences, or allied disciplines from a recognized university with minimum qualifying marks as prescribed by ICAR.
  • Age Limit: Typically, candidates should be within 21 to 28 years of age. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per Government of India norms.
  • Nationality: The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

Exam Pattern

  • Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
  • Number of Questions: Usually around 120-150 questions depending on the course
  • Marking Scheme: 4 marks awarded for each correct answer, 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer (negative marking)
  • Subjects Covered:
    • Agricultural Sciences and related subjects
    • General Knowledge and Current Affairs
    • Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Basic Sciences)
    • Agricultural Engineering principles (if applicable)
  • Exam Frequency: Annually
  • Notification Release: Usually in February or March
  • Exam Month: Conducted in June every year

Syllabus

Agricultural Science Group:

  • Crop Production & Physiology
  • Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry
  • Plant Breeding & Genetics
  • Entomology & Plant Pathology
  • Agricultural Economics & Statistics
  • Agronomy & Horticulture
  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Basic Sciences Group (Biology, Chemistry, Physics):

  • General Biology - Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology
  • General Chemistry - Organic, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry
  • Physics - Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electricity & Magnetism
  • Mathematics - Algebra, Calculus, Statistics

Agricultural Engineering Group:

  • Soil and Water Conservation Engineering
  • Farm Machinery and Power
  • Irrigation Engineering
  • Agricultural Processing
  • Basic Engineering Principles

Additional Information

Application Process

  1. Visit the official website: https://iari.res.in
  2. Look for the ICAR AIEEA (Indian Agricultural Research Institute Entrance Examination) notification link.
  3. Register using your email ID and mobile number to create a login account.
  4. Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
  5. Upload required documents and scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
  6. Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit/debit card, or other available options.
  7. Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Courses Offered

  • Bachelor's and Master's Degree programs in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, and Allied Sciences.

Facts about the Entrance Exam

  • It is one of the most prestigious agricultural entrance exams in India.
  • The exam is highly competitive due to limited seats and high demand.
  • Scores are used for admission in UG and PG programs at IARI and other ICAR-affiliated universities.

Admit Card

  • Admit card is released online on the official website approximately 2-3 weeks before the exam.
  • Login using credentials to download the admit card.
  • Check all details on the admit card carefully including exam center, date, and reporting time.
  • Carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
  • Follow all instructions mentioned on the admit card strictly.

Results & Cut-Offs

  • Results are declared online on the official website after evaluation.
  • Qualified candidates can download their scorecards using login credentials.
  • Cut-off marks vary each year based on difficulty level and seat availability.
  • Separate cut-offs may be declared for different categories and subjects.

Preparation Tips

  • Understand the detailed syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
  • Refer to standard textbooks recommended by ICAR and previous years' question papers.
  • Focus on core subjects related to your chosen discipline.
  • Practice online mock tests and time management techniques.
  • Stay updated with current affairs related to agriculture and allied fields.

FAQs

  • Q: Is the exam conducted online or offline?
    A: The exam is conducted online as a computer-based test.
  • Q: Can students from all Indian states apply?
    A: Yes, candidates from all Indian states can apply.
  • Q: Is there negative marking?
    A: Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
  • Q: What is the validity of the admit card?
    A: Admit card is valid only for the scheduled exam date mentioned.
  • Q: Are there scholarships for meritorious candidates?
    A: Yes, ICAR and IARI offer various scholarships based on merit and category.