ICAR JRF/SRF 2023: Notification, Exam Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus

Vandana Thakur
Vandana Thakur

Updated on - Nov 28, 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam notification will be released soon on the official website. The ICAR JRF/SRF is conducted by NTA  in July every year. ICAR scores are accepted in all top universities across India. ICAR JRF/SRF is an exam conducted by ICAR for Junior and Senior Research Fellowship. ICAR JRF/SRF is conducted for candidates who are fascinated with research in the field of agriculture.

Table of Contents

About ICAR Exam

ICAR stands for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The ICAR has its headquarters in Delhi. A fixed percentage of seats are reserved in ICAR-affiliated agricultural universities through ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam only and ICAR provides a scholarship to the students as per the courses. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences in the entire country.

  • Universities Under ICAR: ICAR-AU system consists of a total of 75 Agricultural Universities (AUs) comprising:
    • 64 State Agricultural, Veterinary, Horticulture, and Fisheries Universities
    • 3 Central Agricultural Universities (CAU Imphal; DR. RPCAU Pusa and RLBCAU, Jhansi)
    • 5 Deemed Universities (DUs)
    • 4 Central Universities (BHU, AMU, Viswa Bharati, and Nagaland University) award various kinds of degrees in different disciplines of agricultural, veterinary, and allied sciences.

What is ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF 2023 Exam?

ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam is conducted for admission in Doctoral programs for junior and senior research fellowships. 25% of seats are reserved through ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 in agricultural universities under the ICAR-AU system. The student who gets admission through ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 will be awarded a fellowship in agricultural research based on their level i.e. junior or senior. ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 will be conducted as an online exam (CBT- Computer Based Test) and the counselling process will also be conducted in online mode. The following are the details of the scholarship provided to students who secure the scholarship. 

  • Postgraduates other than in Veterinary Science will get a scholarship of INR 15,000 per month (fixed) for the 1st and 2nd year and INR 17,500 per month for the 3rd year.
  • Postgraduates in Veterinary Science will get a scholarship of INR 17,500 per month for the 1st and 2nd years and INR 18,750 per month for the 3rd year.
  • A Contingent grant of INR 10,000 per year for the procurement of essential chemicals, books, and travel connected with research work will be uniformly paid to all the awardees.

Given below are the highlights of the exam.

ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Exam Highlights
Exam Name ICAR JRF/SRF (PGS) 2023/ ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PGS) 2023
Full Form All India Competitive Examination-Junior Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow
Conducting body of AICE-JRF/SRF (PGS) 2023 ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
AICE-JRF/SRF (PGS) 2023 Course Doctorate (PhD.)
Programs Agricultural, Veterinary, and Allied Sciences
AICE-JRF/SRF (PGS) 2023 Exam Level National level
Mode of Examination Online (Computer-based Test)
Exam Medium English
Exam Duration 2 hours
Marking scheme Correct answer: (+1) marks, Negative marking-wrong answer: (-0.25) marks
Maximum marks 120 marks
ICAR Helpline +91- 7835097766/67/68/69
Official Website icar.org.in

ICAR JRF/SRF Exam Dates 2023

The ICAR JRF/SRF exam dates 2023 will be announced on the official website by the conducting authority. Visit this section for regular updates. The tentative dates related to the ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam are tabulated below.

ICAR JRF/ SRF 2023 Exam Schedule
Events Dates
Availability of Application Form Aug 2023 (Tentative)
Last date to submit the Application Form Aug 2023 (Tentative)
Admit Card Sep 2023 (Tentative)
Exam Date Sep 2023 (Tentative)
Results Oct 2023 (Tentative)
Counselling Nov 2023 (Tentative)

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Exam Date 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF Eligibility Criteria 2023 Criteria

ICAR JRF/SRF eligibility criteria must be fulfilled by the candidates, before submitting their online application form. Given below are the eligibility criteria for students to be able to write the ICAR JRF/ SRF 2023 exam. Candidates must note that the eligibility criteria differs based on which fellowship the aspirant is taking up. The eligibility criteria for the junior research fellowship is quite different from the one expected for the senior research fellowship. Some of the general eigibility for both of them have been discussed in the section below. 

Educational Qualifications

Apart from applicants being Indian Nationals, they must have passed their Master's Degree program with a minimum overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) from any recognized university in India in order to be considered for the AICE SRF/JRF (PGS). Candidates with a Bachelor's degree of 3 years, if already enrolled for a Master's degree may seek admission in PhD in respective ICAR-DU according to prescribed eligibility criteria.

  • Candidates who have passed out from private universities which are not accredited by ICAR are not eligible for the examinations whereas, students who have studied from private universities accredited by ICAR are eligible to take up the ICAR JRF/ SRF 2023 exam.
  • The candidate must have completed their postgraduate degree in all respects and should have all the degree-completion requirements at the time of Counseling/admission in the university failing which they will not be considered for admission and the award of the fellowship.

Age

Applicants must be at least 20 years of age as on July 01, of the year of admission. There is no relaxation allowed in the case of a minimum age limit for any category. Also, there is no prescribed upper age limit as it varies with the fellowship that is being taken up and the candidate's category.

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Eligibility Criteria 2023  

ICAR JRF/SRF Application Form 2023

The ICAR JRF/SRF application form 2023 will be available on the official website. Before applying for the exam the candidates have to go through the ICAR JRF/SRF Eligibility Criteria 2023 Criteria. The ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 application fee for the General category is INR 1800 and for reserved categories (SC, ST and PWD), it is INR 900.

ICAR JRF/ SRF 2023 Application Fee
Category Fees
General, Unreserved, OBC INR 1800
SC/ST/PwD INR 900

How to Register for ICAR JRF/SRF 2023?

The candidates can follow the steps given below to Register for ICAR JRF/SRF

  • Step 1: Go to the official website
  • Step 2: Click on the New Registration link
  • Step 3: And now click on proceed to Registration
  • Step 4: Enter relevant details to complete the registration process.

How to Apply for ICAR JRF/SRF 2023?

After registration, to apply for ICAR JRF/SRF Exam, candidates can follow the Application procedure given below:

  • Step 1: Go to the official website
  • Step 2: Use the credentials to log in which was given during Registration
  • Step 3: Fill in all the details asked
  • Step 4: Upload scanned images of the Photograph, Signature, and Thumb impression
  • Step 5: Application fee payment

Documents required to apply for ICAR JRF/SRF 2023

The candidates who are applying for ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 will require the following documents. Before starting the application process, applicants are advised to keep these documents handy.

  • Marksheets of Class 10 and 12
  • Degree mark sheet for PG students
  • Scanned image file of Photograph, Signature, and Thumb impression
  • A valid debit/credit/net banking for Application fee payment

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Application Form 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF Admit Card 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF admit card 2023 will be available on the official website. The ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam will be conducted soon and the candidates are advised to download the admit card as and when it is released on the official website. The candidates will not be allowed to take up the exam without the admit card. Along with the admit card, the candidates will also have to carry a government ID proof for verification purposes.

How to Download ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Admit Card?

The candidates can follow the steps given below to download the ICAR JRF/SRF admit card from the official website of the Conducting Authority:

  • Step 1: Go to the official website of ICAR JRF/SRF.
  • Step 2: Click on the admit card link.
  • Step 3: Enter the Registration number and Password to log in.
  • Step 4: Download and take a printout of the admit card after cross-checking the details on the admit card.

NOTE: The Candidates will have to attest a passport-size photo and sign in the space provided.

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Admit Card 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF Exam Centres 2023

The ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam will be conducted in 86 cities across India. The candidates will be given a chance to choose the Exam centre while filling up the application form. The candidates can choose any 4 cities from the options given. Once the exam centre is allotted it will not be changed. Make sure to list it according to preference. The test centre and the address will be given on the ICAR JRF/SRF admit card.

Documents Required on ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Exam Day

The candidates will have to carry the following documents to the ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Exam Hall:

  • Admit Card
  • Government ID Proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License)
  • Passport size photo

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Exam Center 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF Exam Pattern 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF exam pattern 2023 is essential for candidates to know while preparing. The exam pattern will give the candidates an idea of the distribution of marks and other details. The exam pattern for ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam has been tabulated below.

ICAR JRF/SRF Exam Pattern 2023
Mode of Exam Online (CBT)
Medium English
Duration 2 (120 min)
Exam Timing 9.30 AM to 12 PM
Question Format MCQ
Total Number of Questions 120
Total Marks 120
Negative Marking -0.25 marks for every wrong answer

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF 2023 Marking Scheme

Candidates can go through the below details for ICAR JRF/SRF Marking Scheme :

ICAR AICE - JRF/SRF Marks Distribution
Subjects Type of Questions Marks
Section A Questions will be based on general knowledge of the domain of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Allied Science, etc. 20 Marks
Section B Questions are based on the core subjects of the course opted for. 50 Marks
Section C Questions will be asked about the specialized subject opted for by the candidate 50 Marks
Total   120

Read More: ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF Exam Pattern 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF Syllabus 2023

Candidates are advised to go through the syllabus of the course that they have opted for before they start their preparation for the ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam. Listed below are core topics from the syllabus in ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Exam. 

1. Genetics and Plant Breeding

  • Unit 1: Economics Botany and Plant Breeding Methods
  • Unit 2: Genome Organization and Cytogenetics of Crop Plants
  • Unit 3: General Genetics and Plant Breeding
  • Unit 4: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnological Tools in Plant Breeding
  • Unit 5: Plant Breeding for Stress Resistance and Nutritional Quality
  • Unit 6: Plant Genetic Resources and their Regulatory System; Varietal Release and Seed Production
  • Unit 7: Quantitative and Biometrical Genetics
  • Unit 8: Statistical Methods and Field Plot Techniques

2. Seed Science & Technology

  • Unit 1: Seed Biology
  • Unit 2: Seed Health
  • Unit 3: Seed Industry Development and Marketing
  • Unit 4: Seed Processing
  • Unit 5: Seed Production
  • Unit 6: Seed Quality Control
  • Unit 7: Seed Storage
  • Unit 8: Protection of Plant Varieties

3. Economic Botany & Plant Genetic Resources

  • Unit 1: Biodiversity and Plant Genetic Resources
  • Unit 2: Biotechnology in Plant Genetic Resource Management
  • Unit 3: Economic Botany 
  • Unit 4: Exploration and Germplasm Collecting 
  • Unit 5: Exchange and Plant Quarantine 
  • Unit 6: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology for PGR Management
  • Unit 7: Information Management in Plant Genetic Resources
  • Unit 8: Plant Taxonomy
  • Unit 9: Plant Biosecurity
  • Unit 10: Principles and Practices of Germplasm Regeneration and Evaluation
  • Unit 11: Principles and Methods of Germplasm Conservation 

4. Plant Pathology

  • Unit 1: Bacterial and Viral Diseases of Crop Plant
  • Unit 2: Fungal Diseases of Crop Plants
  • Unit 3: History and Principles of Plant Pathology
  • Unit 4: Laboratory and Analytical Technique
  • Unit 5: Mycology
  • Unit 6: Management of Plant diseases
  • Unit 7: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology
  • Unit 8: Phanerogamic Parasites and Non-parasitic Diseases
  • Unit 9: Plant Bacteriology
  • Unit 10: Plant Disease Epidemiology
  • Unit 11: Plant Virology

5. Nematology

  • Unit 1: History and Economic Importance
  • Unit 2: Interactions of Nematodes with Soil Organisms
  • Unit 3: Nematode Taxonomy and Morphology
  • Unit 4: Nematological Techniques
  • Unit 5: Nematode Ecology
  • Unit 6: Nematode Physiology and Cytology
  • Unit 7: Nematode pests of crops
  • Unit 8: Nematode Management
  • Unit 9: Plant Nematode Relationship
  • Unit 10: Statistics

6. Agricultural Entomology

  • Unit 1: Biological Control
  • Unit 2: Chemical Control and Toxicology
  • Unit 3: Embryology, Internal Anatomy and Physiology
  • Unit 4: Ecology
  • Unit 5: Host Plant Resistance
  • Unit 6: Honey Bees and Bee-keeping
  • Unit 7: Helpful and Useful Insects
  • Unit 8: Integrated Pest Management
  • Unit 9: Insect and mite vectors of Plant Diseases
  • Unit 10: Lac Insect
  • Unit 11: Morphology
  • Unit 12: Novel Approaches in Pest Control
  • Unit 13: Pests of Horticultural Crops and their Management
  • Unit 14: Pests of Stored Products and their Management
  • Unit 15: Pests of Field Crops and their Management
  • Unit 16: Pesticide Application Equipment
  • Unit 17: Silkworms and Sericulture
  • Unit 18: Systematics
  • Unit 19: Statistics and Computer Application

7. Sericulture

  • Unit 1: Mulberry and Silkworm Breeding
  • Unit 2: Mulberry Crop Production
  • Unit 3: Non-Mulberry Sericulture
  • Unit 4: Silkworm Biology
  • Unit 5: Silkworm Nutrition
  • Unit 6: Silkworm Protection
  • Unit 7: Silk Reeling Technology
  • Unit 8: Silkworm Seed Cocoon and Egg Production

8. Plant Biochemistry

  • Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Biomolecules
  • Unit 2: Biochemistry of Food-grains, Fruits and Vegetables
  • Unit 3: Enzymes, Vitamins and Hormones
  • Unit 4: Intermediary Metabolism
  • Unit 5: Molecular Biology
  • Unit 6: Photosynthesis
  • Unit 7: Plant Metabolic Processes
  • Unit 8: Plant Molecular Biology
  • Unit 9: Plant Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering
  • Unit 10: Techniques in Biochemistry

9. Plant Physiology

  • Unit 1: Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants
  • Unit 2: Cell Organelles and Water Relations
  • Unit 3: Crop Productivity and Modelling
  • Unit 4: Climate and Climate Change
  • Unit 5: Mineral Nutrition
  • Unit 6: Metabolic Processes and Growth Regulation
  • Unit 7: Morphogenesis, Tissue Culture, and Plant Transformation
  • Unit 8: Plant Growth Regulators and Plant Development
  • Unit 9: Physiology of Flowering and Reproduction
  • Unit 10: Physiology of Horticultural and Plantation Crop Species
  • Unit 11: Post-Harvest Physiology
  • Unit 12: Phenomics
  • Unit 13: Seed Physiology

10. Agricultural Biotechnology

  • Unit 1: Biomolecules and Metabolism
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
  • Unit 3: Enzymology
  • Unit 4: Gene Cloning
  • Unit 5: Gene Expression
  • Unit 6: Molecular Biology Techniques
  • Unit 7: Molecular Genetics
  • Unit 8: Molecular Biology
  • Unit 9: Molecular Markers and Genomics
  • Unit 10: Plant Molecular Biology
  • Unit 11: Plant Genetic Engineering
  • Unit 12: Tissue Culture

Read More: ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF Syllabus 2023 

ICAR JRF/SRF Answer Key 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF answer key 2023 will be released by the conducting authority a few days after the successful conduction of the ICAR 2023 exam. Candidates can cross-check their answers with the official website to get an idea about the possible score. Candidates also have the option of raising an objection in the answer key if they think the answer provided by the authority is wrong. 

Candidates can follow the steps given below in order to view the ICAR 2023 answer keys

  • Step 1: Visit the official website.
  • Step 2: In the notification section, click on the 'Answer key' link.
  • Step 3: Login using the credentials provided at the time of registration.
  • Step 4: View and download the answer key pdf.
  • Step 5: Take a printout of the answer key and cross-check it with your answers.

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Answer key 2023 

ICAR JRF/SRF Results 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF results 2023 will be announced by the conducting authority on the official website. Please note that the results can only be accessed online. To access their results, candidates will have to log in to the official website to check ICAR results. Seats will be allotted based on Merit. It is advised that candidates take a printout of the Result for future reference.

How to Download ICAR JRF/SRF Results?

The candidates can follow the steps given below to download ICAR JRF/SRF results 2023s from the official website:

  • Step 1: Go to the official website
  • Step 2: Click on the JRF/SRF Result link
  • Step 3: Enter Login ID and Password
  • Step 4: Click on the Login Button
  • Step 5: Download and take a printout of the Result

Selection of the desired programs for ICAR JRF/SRF is dependent on merit. Candidates will have to register for the counselling process on the official website by clicking on the appropriate link. Candidates will be intimated in advance about the venue and time when they are called for the counselling rounds of ICAR JRF/SRF 2023.

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Result 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Cutoff

The ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 cutoff is the minimum marks a candidate has to score in the exam to get admission into the course they have applied for.

The cutoff list will be released along with the ICAR Result on the official website.

The ICAR cutoff will be determined by considering various factors which are mentioned below:

  • The total number of candidates who appeared for the Exam
  • The level of difficulty of the Exam
  • The number of seats available
  • Previous year Cutoff trends

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF cutoff 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF Selection Process 2023

ICAR JRF/SRF selection process 2023 will be conduted for candidates who scored the minimum cut off marks. These candidates will be called for the counselling process. Only eligible candidates will be given admission to the course they have applied for. Check the next section on ICAR JRF/SRF Counselling 2023 to know more.

ICAR JRF/SRF Counselling 2023

The ICAR JRF/SRF counselling 2023 schedule will be released by the NTA on the official website soon after publishing the results. The candidates will have to register online for the ICAR JRF/SRF counselling round. The candidate who qualifies for the ICAR JRF/SRF results 2023 can apply for counselling. The candidates are allotted seats based on the merit list. Given below is a list of original copies of documents that a candidate must carry on the day of counselling.

ICAR JRF/SRF Counselling 2023 Process

Candidates can follow the below process for ICAR JRF/SRF counselling 2023 process:

  • Step 1: Registration: The candidates will have to register themselves on the official website if they wish to participate in the counselling process. They can do so by paying the registration fee, INR 800, online. 
  • Step 2: Choice Filling: After the registration process is completed, a candidate will have to log on to the website and select the choice of specialization as well as the university that they are interested in based on the marks they have secured.
  • Step 3: Seat Allotment: Based on the preferred specialization, course, merit, and availability of seats, candidates will be notified via email on seat allotment.
  • Step 4: Verification of Document: After the provisional admission letter has been downloaded, candidates will have to report to the university and submit the relevant documents. After the document has been verified, the candidate will receive their final admission letter.

Documents Required for ICAR JRF/SRF Counselling 2023

The documents the candidates are required to carry with them for the ICAR JRF/SRF counselling 2023 session is as follows.

Documents required for ICAR JRF/SRF Counselling 2023
ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Admit Card ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Scorecard
Marksheets of Class 10 and 12 Undergraduate Degree Certificate for PG students
Transfer Certificate Category Certificate
Migration Certificate Passport size photos

Read More: ICAR JRF/SRF Counselling 2023 

How to Prepare for ICAR JRF/SRF 2023?

The candidates who are aspiring to write ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 can follow the important tips given below:

  • Know the ICAR JRF/SRF syllabus 2023 thoroughly.
  • Understand the exam pattern and the topics included.
  • Make a timetable and map out a preparation plan at their convenience. 
  • Invest in quality reference material and practice books. 
  • Practice until you are perfect using the previous year's papers and mock tests that are available online.
  • Prepare notes every time you study and refer to them when you are revising.
  • For better results make sure you revise before the exam.
  • For your exam day strategy, try to keep calm and focused, and go according to a plan that is the most time-efficient for you.

Courses Offered through ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 

ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 exam has the following courses under its umbrella. The candidates can choose any of the following courses:

ICAR JRF/SRF 2023 Courses
Type Courses
PhD (Doctoral Programme) Crop Sciences-I, II, III
Horticulture
Veterinary and Animal Sciences-I, II, III
Dairy Science, Dairy Technology and Food Technology
Agricultural Engineering and Technology
Community Science (Home Science)
Fishery Sciences
Natural Resource Management-I, II
Agricultural Economics and Agri-Business Management
Agricultural Extension
Agricultural Statistics

ICAR Contact Details

The candidates can contact the conducting authority if they have any queries related to the ICAR JRF/SRF Exam:

ICAR Contact Details
Address Krishi Bhavan, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Phone/FAX +91 1123382629/ 91-11-23384773
E-Mail dg.icar@nic.in
Website www.icar.org.in

FAQs

When will ICAR AIEEA exam 2023 be conducted?

ICAR AIEEA 2023 PG and PhD exam is scheduled to be held on Jul 9, 2023.

What is the date for ICAR AIEEA application form 2023?

ICAR AIEEA application form 2023 for PG programs is available on the official website. ICAR AIEEA 2023 application form correction window will be open from Jun 25 - Jun 27, 2023.

If I make an error while filling out the application form, can I send in a second application form?

One applicant can send in only one ICAR application form. Multiple forms will either get rejected or cancelled. Take extreme care while filling out personal information in the application form.

I finished my 10+2 in the year 2017 and I am 21 years of age. Am I eligible to take the ICAR JRF/SRF (PGS) exam?

Your eligibility to apply for ICAR 2021 depends on if you obtained your Master\'s degree. Age-wise, the lower age limit is 20 years and there is no upper age limit.

I am from the OBC(NCL) category and I would like to apply for ICAR. I would like to know if there is any reservation for OBC(NCL) or for UPS Category.

There are no reservations for the scholarships for any candidates.

What are the age limits for ICAR JRF/SRF?

The candidate should be at least 20 years of age as of July 01, year of admission. There is no upper age limit.

Can I receive my ICAR 2023 admit card by post?

No, the admit card will not be sent to the candidates via post. You will have to download it from the official website – www.icar.org.in. Please carry a printout to the exam centre along with Government ID Proof, a photo attached to the admit card and duly signed.

What is the amount of scholarship received for JRF/SRF students?

Postgraduates other than in Veterinary Science will get a scholarship of INR 15000 p.m. (fixed) for 1st & 2nd year and INR 17500 p.m. (fixed) for the 3rd year. Postgraduates in Veterinary Science will get a scholarship of INR 17500 p.m. (fixed) for 1st & 2nd year and INR 18750 p.m. (fixed) for the 3rd year. A Contingent grant of INR 10,000 per year for procurement of essential chemicals, books, and travel connected with research work will be uniformly paid to all the awardees of ICAR JRF/SRF program.

What is the application fee for ICAR JRF/SRF Exam?

The ICAR JRF/SRF 2020 Application Form fee for General category is INR 500 and for reserved categories (SC, ST & PWD), it is INR 250.

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