ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 OBC-NCL Expected Cutoff Based on Answer Key Analysis

ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 OBC-NCL students can expect a qualifying cutoff of 240 marks out of 480, based on answer key analysis and the 50th percentile threshold applied uniformly to this category.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission (ICAR AIEEA) PG 2026 was conducted on July 4, 2026 in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across designated centres. NTA is expected to release the provisional answer key by July 19, 2026 on the official portal. Using the answer key, OBC-NCL students can calculate their expected raw score and compare it with category-wise cutoff trends from the 2024 and 2025 cycles. The exam carries 480 total marks across 120 multiple-choice questions, with each correct answer awarding 4 marks and each wrong answer attracting a deduction of 1 mark.

• ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 was conducted on July 4, 2026 in CBT mode across designated centres.
• Total marks: 480 (120 questions; +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted).
• OBC-NCL qualifying cutoff: 240 marks (50th percentile), identical to the General and EWS threshold.
• Provisional answer key expected by July 19, 2026; objections can be raised at Rs 200 per question on the NTA portal.
• Expected OBC-NCL admission scores range from 240 to 320 marks based on 2024-25 trends, varying by institute and specialisation.

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ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 OBC-NCL Expected Cutoff Overview

Based on answer key analysis and 2024-25 cutoff data, the expected cutoff for OBC-NCL students in ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is detailed below. OBC-NCL students must score a minimum of 240 marks to clear the qualifying threshold, with competitive admission scores at top ICAR institutes expected between 270 and 320 marks based on 2025 trends.

All expected admission score ranges are based on 2024-25 cutoff trends. Actual figures will be published by NTA after the final answer key is released and results are declared.

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ICAR AIEEA PG Category-Wise Qualifying Cutoff (2024-2026)

The qualifying cutoff structure for ICAR AIEEA PG has remained consistent across recent years. OBC-NCL students must meet the same 50th percentile requirement as General and EWS categories, translating to a minimum of 240 marks out of 480. The table below shows year-wise qualifying cutoff norms based on official data.

While the qualifying minimum remains stable, actual admission cutoffs at individual institutes for OBC-NCL seats have trended upward over the past two years due to a growing applicant pool and largely unchanged total seat availability across most programmes.

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How Answer Key Analysis Estimates OBC-NCL Cutoff

The provisional answer key is the most reliable tool available before results are declared. OBC-NCL students can use the following steps to estimate their score and admission chances.

1. Download the provisional answer key from exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ once released (expected July 19, 2026).
2. Calculate your raw score: Add 4 marks for each correct answer and deduct 1 mark for each wrong response. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks. Maximum possible score is 480.
3. Compare with the OBC-NCL expected range: A score above 240 marks clears the qualifying cutoff. Scores in the 270 to 320 range are expected to be competitive for ICAR deemed universities based on 2025 trends.
4. Factor in exam difficulty: If the July 4, 2026 paper was harder than the 2025 edition, admission cutoffs may drop by 10 to 15 marks across all categories.
5. Track the objection process: NTA reviews all challenges submitted against the provisional key. Where answers are revised in the final key, your adjusted score may differ from the initial calculation.

OBC-NCL students scoring between 260 and 280 marks can expect to secure seats at mid-tier ICAR deemed universities based on 2024-25 counselling data. Those above 300 marks stand competitive at premier institutes such as IARI New Delhi and NDRI Karnal for high-demand specialisations.

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ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Expected OBC-NCL Cutoff by Institute Type

OBC-NCL admission cutoffs differ significantly across ICAR deemed universities and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Premier institutes with high demand record higher closing scores for reserved category seats. The figures below are expected ranges based on 2024-25 closing score trends.

Specialisations such as Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Biotechnology and Soil Science at premier ICAR institutes attract the highest competition and record higher OBC-NCL closing scores compared to newer or less popular disciplines at the same university.

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Factors Affecting ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 OBC-NCL Cutoff

Several factors influence where the OBC-NCL admission cutoff lands for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026. Understanding these helps you read your expected score in context.

• Exam difficulty: A harder July 4, 2026 paper lowers the effective score distribution, typically pulling the admission cutoff down by 10 to 20 marks relative to easier editions.
• Total OBC-NCL applicants: A larger pool of OBC-NCL test-takers competing for the same reserved seats pushes the effective closing score higher at each institute.
• OBC-NCL seat availability: Reserved OBC-NCL seats at premier ICAR institutes are limited. When seats remain unchanged and applicants increase, the category cutoff rises.
• Popularity of the specialisation: Genetics, Agronomy and Agricultural Biotechnology attract significantly more applicants than niche disciplines, raising OBC-NCL cutoffs for those programmes above the general category average for the same institute.
• Answer key objections: Accepted challenges revise scores for some students, shifting the overall score distribution and potentially nudging the final OBC-NCL cutoff by a few marks.
• Session normalisation: If ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 was conducted across multiple shifts, NTA applies normalisation, which can alter effective individual marks and consequently the category-wise cutoff threshold.