ICAR JRF/SRF PhD 2026: Apply Online for Doctoral Admission
📅 Posted: 08/05/2026 📝 Updated: 19/05/2026
Total VacancyN/A
SalaryJRF: ₹37,000/Month (Year 1-2) | SRF: ₹42,000/Month (Year 3) + Contingent Grant ₹10,000/Year (Merit-based award, not guaranteed for all)
LocationAll India
Last Date07/06/2026
Short Information: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Testing Agency (NTA) have released the notification for AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 — the All India Entrance Examination for admission to Doctoral (Ph.D.) Degree Programmes in Agriculture and Allied Sciences and for the award of ICAR-JRF/SRF fellowships for the academic session 2026-27. This exam is conducted in 72 specialized subjects at 122 cities across India. The financial benefit is substantial: selected JRF awardees receive ₹37,000 per month for the first and second year, which increases to ₹42,000 per month in the third year (SRF), along with a contingent grant of ₹10,000 per year — making it one of the highest doctoral fellowships in Indian agricultural sciences. The exam is open to candidates who have passed a Master's degree with minimum 60% marks (or OGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale) for General/OBC/EWS categories, and 50% (or 5.50 OGPA) for SC/ST/PwBD categories. The online application window is open from 08 May 2026 to 07 June 2026, and the examination is scheduled for 04 July 2026.
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ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026 2026Important Dates
| Notification Released | 08/05/2026 |
| Application Begin | 08/05/2026 (Up to 05:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 07/06/2026 (Up to 05:00 PM) |
| Pay Exam Fee Last Date | 07/06/2026 (Up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | 09/06/2026 to 10/06/2026 |
| Admit Card Download | To be announced on NTA website |
| Date of Examination | 04/07/2026 (Saturday) |
| Display of Provisional Answer Key | To be announced on NTA website |
| Declaration of Result | To be announced on NTA website |
| Online Counselling Schedule | To be announced by ICAR on icar.org.in after result |
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026 2026Application Fee
| General / Unreserved | ₹2,000 |
| OBC (NCL) / UPS / EWS | ₹1,955 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹1,075 |
Payment: Online (Credit Card / Debit Card / Net Banking / UPI) — Processing charges + GST extra as applicable
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD 2026: Apply Online for Doctoral AdmissionVacancy Details & Age Limit
Age Limit: Minimum 20 Years (as on 31/08/2026). No upper age limit specified.
(No relaxation in minimum age limit — 20 years mandatory for all categories., SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD: Standard reservation in seats and JRF/SRF fellowships as per Government of India norms., PwBD: 5% horizontal reservation across all categories.)
| Programme | Duration | Subjects | Fellowship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) | 3 Years (fellowship duration) | 72 specialized subjects across Agriculture & Allied Sciences | JRF: ₹37,000/Month (Yr 1-2), SRF: ₹42,000/Month (Yr 3) — merit-based |
| Note: Tentative seats available for 2026-27 are given in Annexure-XXII of the Information Bulletin. Final seats displayed on icar.org.in at time of counseling. During 2025-26, ICAR AIQ seats for Ph.D. programmes were 2,278. | |||
Recruitment Table: Core Groups and Specialized Subjects — AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D. 2026
| Core Group | Specialized Subjects (Sample) |
|---|---|
| 01 Crop Sciences-I | Genetics & Plant Breeding, Seed Science & Technology, Plant Genetic Resources |
| 02 Crop Sciences-II | Plant Pathology, Nematology, Entomology, Sericulture |
| 03 Crop Sciences-III | Biochemistry, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Microbiology |
| 04 Horticulture | Vegetable Science, Fruit Science, Floriculture & Landscaping, Post Harvest Management |
| 05 Veterinary & Animal Sciences-I | Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Livestock Production, Poultry Science |
| 06 Veterinary & Animal Sciences-II | Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Microbiology, Pathology |
| 07 Veterinary & Animal Sciences-III | Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Surgery, Obstetrics, Pharmacology |
| 17 Agricultural Economics | Agricultural Economics, Agri-Business Management |
| 19 Agricultural Statistics | Agricultural Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Application |
| Note:Section B of the exam covers 50 questions from the Core Group. Section C covers 50 questions from the specialized Subject chosen. Full subject list (80 subjects for Ph.D.) is in Chapter 3 of the Information Bulletin. | |
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate must be an Indian national.
- Minimum age: 20 years as on 31 August 2026. No relaxation in minimum age.
- Must have passed a Master's Degree programme with minimum OGPA/marks as per Table 2: General/OBC(NCL)/UPS/EWS — 6.5 OGPA (10-point scale) or 60% marks; SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender — 5.50 OGPA or 50% marks.
- No rounding-off of OGPA or percentage is permitted — a candidate with 49.99% will NOT be considered as 50% eligible.
- Candidates with a 3-year UG degree are NOT eligible for Ph.D. admission through this exam (except at IARI and NDRI for specific courses).
- Candidates with a 5-year integrated M.Sc. degree are NOT eligible to seek Ph.D. admission through this examination.
- For Ph.D. admission, UG must be 4-year degree (10+2+4 B.Sc. Ag. Hons. / B.Tech. / BFSc) or 10+2+5/5.5 years (B.V.Sc. & AH) AND Post-graduation with thesis work of 2 years from a public funded/Govt. institution.
- Candidates already pursuing a Doctoral Degree Programme can apply only if they have NOT completed 2 years as on the date of examination. Duration of fellowship in such cases will not exceed 3 years including period already availed.
- Equivalence of degrees will be decided by the admitting university only as per UGC Public Notice dated 19th July, 2016.
- In-service candidates must produce a Sponsorship Certificate from their employer at the time of counseling.
- Fellowship will NOT be available for admission in universities other than the AUs (SAUs, ICAR-DUs, CAU, CUs with Agriculture faculty) as specified by ICAR.
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026Pay Scale / Salary Structure
| Post Name | Salary Level |
|---|---|
| ICAR-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) — Year 1 & 2 | ₹37,000/- per month + Contingent Grant ₹10,000/- per year |
| ICAR-SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) — Year 3 | ₹42,000/- per month + Contingent Grant ₹10,000/- per year |
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026Selection Process Steps
- Online CBT Examination (120 MCQs in 3 sections, 2 hours, 480 marks) conducted by NTA
- Merit list declaration on NTA website
- Online Counseling by ICAR on icar.org.in — JRF/SRF awarded to top-merit candidates per subject
- Candidates qualified for counseling but not receiving JRF/SRF may still seek Ph.D. admission without fellowship based on seat availability
- Document Verification at the admitting Agricultural University at the time of admission
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026Detailed Exam Pattern
Recruitment Details: Exam Overview
- Mode: LAN-based CBT (Computer Based Test) — conducted at designated centers.
- Duration: 120 Minutes (2 Hours).
- Total Questions: 120 (20 + 50 + 50) — Three Sections.
- Maximum Marks: 480 (80 + 200 + 200).
- Negative Marking: -1 mark for each incorrect response. 0 for non-attempt.
- Scoring: +4 marks for correct answer, -1 for wrong.
- Medium: English only.
- Section A: 20 MCQs — General Knowledge / Reasoning Ability (common to all 72 subjects). 80 marks.
- Section B: 50 MCQs — Core Group containing the specialized Subject opted for Ph.D. 200 marks.
- Section C: 50 MCQs — Specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D. 200 marks.
Recruitment Table: AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D. 2026 — Exam Paper Structure
| Section | Questions | Marks | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | 20 | 80 | General Knowledge & Reasoning Ability in Agriculture domain (common to all subjects) |
| Section B (Core Group) | 50 | 200 | Core Group containing the specialized Subject opted by candidate (refer Table-1 in bulletin) |
| Section C (Specialized) | 50 | 200 | Specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D. from Table-3 in bulletin |
| Total | 120 | 480 |
Recruitment Table: ICAR-JRF/SRF Fellowship Amount Details
| Fellowship Stage | Monthly Amount | Duration | Contingent Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) | ₹37,000/- | Year 1 & Year 2 | ₹10,000/- per year |
| SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) | ₹42,000/- | Year 3 | ₹10,000/- per year |
| Total Fellowship Duration | Normally 3 Years | 3 Years | ₹30,000/- total over 3 years |
| Note:Fellowship is merit-based. Candidates pursuing Ph.D. without JRF/SRF get no fellowship but are eligible for admission. No other scholarship/fellowship permitted simultaneously. | |||
Recruitment Table: Minimum OGPA/Marks Required (Table 2) to Appear in AICE JRF/SRF
| Category | 10-Point Scale OGPA | Marks (%) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) / UPS / EWS | 6.5 | 60% |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | 5.50 | 50% |
| Note:No rounding-off of OGPA or percentage is permitted at any stage. | ||
Recruitment Table: Reservation Policy for ICAR AIQ Ph.D. Seats
| Category | Seat Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% (interchangeable with ST if seats not filled) |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% (interchangeable with SC if seats not filled) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | As per latest Govt. of India directives at time of counseling |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% as per Gazette Notification dated 12/01/2019 |
| PwBD | 5% horizontal reservation across all categories (min. 40% disability) |
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026Subject-wise Syllabus Topics
The question paper for ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 is based on the ICAR-prescribed syllabus for the respective specialized subject. Full syllabus available at https://icar.org.in/node/21053. Section A tests general agricultural knowledge; Section B and C test core and specialized subject knowledge at post-graduation level.
📚 Section A — General Knowledge / Reasoning Ability
- General knowledge in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries, Allied Sciences
- Current events in agricultural policy, research, and rural development
- Matters of everyday observation and experience in agricultural domain
- Basic reasoning ability (common to all 72 subjects)
📚 Section B — Core Group (50 MCQs — subject-specific core)
- Core Group subjects as per Table-1 in Information Bulletin
- Based on fundamental concepts of the core group the candidate's specialization belongs to
- Example: Crop Sciences-I core group covers genetics, plant breeding, seed technology fundamentals
- Example: Horticulture core covers vegetable science, fruit science, post-harvest principles
📚 Section C — Specialized Subject (50 MCQs — deep specialization)
- Advanced topics of the specialized subject chosen from Table-3 in Information Bulletin
- Post-graduation level depth — research methodology, advanced concepts, recent developments
- Example for Plant Pathology: disease etiology, epidemiology, resistance mechanisms, biocontrol
- Example for Veterinary Medicine: clinical diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, public health implications
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit the official NTA-ICAR portal at https://exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ and register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Step 2: Log in with system-generated Application Number, fill personal details, choose the Ph.D. specialized subject from Table-3 of the Information Bulletin, and select examination city preferences.
- Step 3: Upload scanned photograph (JPG, 10-200 KB, face 80% of frame, white background), signature (JPG, 10-30 KB), and PwBD/UDID certificate if applicable (PDF, 50-300 KB).
- Step 4: Pay the examination fee using Credit Card / Debit Card / Net Banking / UPI. Save the fee payment receipt.
- Step 5: Download and print the Confirmation Page after successful fee payment.
- Step 6: Use the Correction Window (09 June to 10 June 2026) if any corrections are required — this is the ONLY opportunity for corrections.
- Step 7: Download Admit Card when announced on NTA website and appear for exam on 04 July 2026 at the allocated center and shift.
Recruitment Note: About ICAR and the JRF/SRF Fellowship Programme
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), established in 1929, is the apex body for agricultural research and education in India under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. With 113 institutes, 71 All India Coordinated Research Projects, and 74 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR runs the world's largest national agricultural research system. The ICAR-JRF/SRF fellowship programme is designed to attract the brightest minds to doctoral research in Agriculture and Allied Sciences. The fellowship provides financial security so that meritorious candidates can focus entirely on research without financial constraints — a critical need given that Ph.D. programmes in agricultural sciences typically involve extensive fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and multi-year data collection. ICAR has entrusted NTA with conducting this examination since 2019, ensuring a standardized, transparent, and technology-driven selection process.
Recruitment Note: Difference Between ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 and ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D. 2026
Both exams are conducted by NTA on the same date (04 July 2026) for ICAR, but they are completely separate examinations for different programmes. AIEEA PG 2026 is for admission to Master's degree programmes (M.Sc./M.Tech.) with the PG Scholarship of ₹12,640/month for meritorious candidates. AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 is for admission to Doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes with JRF fellowship of ₹37,000/month (years 1-2) and SRF of ₹42,000/month (year 3). The Ph.D. exam has three sections (A+B+C, 480 marks) while the PG exam is a single subject paper (120 questions, 480 marks). Fee for Ph.D. exam is higher — ₹2,000 for General vs ₹1,300 for PG. Candidates can apply for both exams separately if eligible.
Recruitment Note: Important Terms for JRF/SRF Awardees
ICAR-JRF/SRF holders must note the following binding conditions: The fellowship award is valid only if admission is taken in the academic session for which the exam was conducted — it cannot be carried forward to the next year. No other scholarship or fellowship can be simultaneously availed during the ICAR fellowship tenure. If the candidate leaves the Ph.D. programme after being awarded the fellowship, the entire fellowship amount received must be refunded with interest — no exceptions. The fellowship will take effect from the date the fellow joins the course or the start of the academic session, whichever is later. If a candidate already holds ICAR-JRF/SRF and seeks fresh admission, all previously received fellowship amounts must be refunded with interest before the new fellowship is awarded. Duration of JRF/SRF is normally 3 years — it will not be extended under any circumstances.
Recruitment Note: Admitting Universities and Institutes (Indicative List)
The ICAR JRF/SRF fellowship is available only for admission in recognized Agricultural Universities (AUs) under the ICAR-AU system. This includes State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) like ANGRAU, PAU Ludhiana, HAU Hisar, UAS Bangalore, and others; ICAR Deemed Universities (DUs) including IARI New Delhi, IVRI Bareilly, NDRI Karnal, and CIFE Mumbai; Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal; and Central Universities with agriculture faculties like BHU, AMU, and Nagaland University. The fellowship is NOT available for admission in other universities or private institutions. A tentative and indicative list of universities is provided in Annexure-XI of the Information Bulletin. Final admission seats and university-wise availability are displayed on icar.org.in at the time of online counseling.
ICAR JRF/SRF PhD Admission 2026Important Official Links
| Apply Online Application Window: 08/05/2026 to 07/06/2026 (5:00 PM) | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Notification Advt No. ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.)-2026 Information Bulletin | Click Here ↗ |
| ICAR Syllabus | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |
Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.
Quick Overview
🚀 Recruitment Overview
Quick Summary of the Notification
| Organization |  ICAR |
|---|---|
| Post Name | PhD Admission + JRF/SRF Fellowship |
| Total Vacancy | N/A |
| Salary | JRF: ₹37,000/Month (Year 1-2) | SRF: ₹42,000/Month (Year 3) + Contingent Grant ₹10,000/Year (Merit-based award, not guaranteed for all) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 07/06/2026 |
| Official Website | Visit Website ↗ |
💡 Expert Tip
ICAR JRF/SRF is a highly competitive fellowship — it is NOT guaranteed even after qualifying the exam. The number of fellowships per subject is based on the average number of students who appeared in that subject in the preceding 3 years and is only revealed at counseling. One critical point: candidates with a 5-year integrated M.Sc. degree are NOT eligible for Ph.D. admission through this examination. Also, candidates already pursuing a Ph.D. can apply for fresh admission through this exam only if they have not completed 2 years as on the exam date. If awarded JRF/SRF and you subsequently leave the programme, the entire fellowship amount must be refunded with interest — no exceptions.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is the JRF/SRF fellowship amount for ICAR AICE Ph.D. 2026? ▼
Ans: ICAR-JRF awardees receive ₹37,000 per month for the 1st and 2nd year of the fellowship. In the 3rd year, it upgrades to SRF at ₹42,000 per month. Additionally, a contingent grant of ₹10,000 per year is provided for research-related expenses. The total fellowship duration is normally 3 years and will not be extended under any circumstances.
Q.2 What is the last date to apply for ICAR JRF/SRF PhD 2026? ▼
Ans: The last date for submitting the online application form is 07 June 2026 (up to 5:00 PM). Fee payment closes at 11:50 PM on 07 June 2026. A correction window is available from 09-10 June 2026. Apply only on the NTA-ICAR official portal at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. Separate application and fees are required for AIEEA PG 2026 if applying for both exams.
Q.3 Is there negative marking in ICAR JRF/SRF PhD 2026? ▼
Ans: Yes. There is -1 mark for each incorrect response. Each correct answer carries +4 marks. Non-attempts carry 0 marks. The paper has 120 questions worth 480 marks (Sections A+B+C) in 120 minutes. Given the negative marking, candidates should attempt only questions they are reasonably confident about.
Q.4 What is the age limit for ICAR JRF/SRF PhD 2026? ▼
Ans: Candidates must be at least 20 years of age as on 31 August 2026. There is no upper age limit. No relaxation in minimum age is permissible for any category. Candidates born after 31 August 2006 are not eligible.
Q.5 How to download the ICAR JRF/SRF PhD 2026 notification PDF? ▼
Ans: The official Information Bulletin for ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.)-2026 is available on the NTA-ICAR portal at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ and on www.nta.ac.in. You can also use the direct PDF link provided on this page above.
Q.6 What is the minimum marks required in Master's degree for ICAR JRF/SRF? ▼
Ans: For General, OBC (NCL), UPS, and EWS categories: minimum 60% marks or OGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale in the Master's degree. For SC, ST, PwBD, and Third Gender categories: minimum 50% marks or OGPA of 5.50. No rounding-off is permissible — 59.99% will NOT be treated as 60%.
Q.7 What is the exam pattern for ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D. 2026? ▼
Ans: The exam has 120 MCQs (4 options each) in 3 sections to be completed in 120 minutes: Section A — 20 questions (80 marks) on General Knowledge in agriculture domain; Section B — 50 questions (200 marks) from the Core Group of the subject; Section C — 50 questions (200 marks) from the specialized Ph.D. subject. Total: 480 marks. Marking: +4 correct, -1 wrong, 0 for non-attempt.
Q.8 Can candidates who are already pursuing PhD apply for ICAR JRF/SRF 2026? ▼
Ans: Yes, but with a strict condition: candidates already pursuing a Doctoral Degree Programme can apply only if they have NOT completed 2 years of Ph.D. as on the date of the examination (04 July 2026). If awarded the fellowship, its duration will not exceed 3 years in total, including the period of study already availed for the current Ph.D. programme.
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