ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is a national-level Computer-Based Test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for admission to Master’s degree (M.Sc.) programmes in agriculture and allied sciences at more than 75 universities across India, covering the 2026–27 academic session. The admit card for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 was released on July 1, 2026, and the exam is two days away on July 4, 2026. If you are appearing, download your hall ticket immediately, check your exam centre address, and go through the exam-day instructions below before heading to the test centre on Saturday.
- Admit Card: NTA released the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card on July 1, 2026 at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. Log in with your application number, date of birth, and security pin to download it. Take a colour printout — soft copies on your phone are not accepted at the exam gate.
- Exam Date: ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is on July 4, 2026 (Saturday) in CBT mode. The PG (M.Sc.) exam runs in the morning shift and the PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) exam is in the afternoon shift. Each paper has 120 MCQs for 480 marks in 120 minutes. Reporting time and gate-closing time are printed on your admit card.
- Result: The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result is expected in August 2026. In 2025, NTA declared the scorecard on August 12, 2025 — about 40 days after the July 3, 2025 exam. A similar timeline places the 2026 result around mid-August. The ICAR Rank Card (needed for counselling) follows separately, as it did in September 2025.
- Counselling: ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in September 2026 at icarcounseling.com for allotment of 11,000+ M.Sc. seats across 75+ agricultural universities. ICAR also awards the PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS) to eligible out-service candidates who secure admission through this process.
What is ICAR AIEEA PG 2026?
ICAR AIEEA PG stands for All India Entrance Examination for Admission — Post Graduate. NTA conducts it every year on behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, for admission to M.Sc. programmes in agriculture and allied sciences for the 2026–27 academic session. The exam also facilitates the award of ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarships to eligible out-service candidates.
ICAR AIEEA PG covers 20 major subject groups — spanning Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Veterinary Science, Fisheries, Dairy Technology, Food Science, Community Science, Agri-Business Management, and more. More than 11,000 PG seats at 75+ institutions are offered through this exam. ICAR fills 100% of PG seats at its four ICAR-Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, and CIFE) and about 30% of PG seats at 64 State Agricultural Universities through the merit list from this exam.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 |
| Full Form | All India Entrance Examination for Admission — Post Graduate |
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of ICAR |
| Level | National — Post Graduate |
| Academic Session | 2026–27 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 480 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 (correct), −1 (wrong), 0 (unattempted) |
| Medium | English only |
| Exam Date | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Admit Card Status | Released — July 1, 2026 |
| Number of Subject Groups | 20 major subject groups |
| Total PG Seats | 11,000+ across 75+ universities |
| Official Website | exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ |
Source: NTA ICAR Official Portal
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card — Download Hall Ticket Now
NTA released the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card on July 1, 2026 at the official portal. With the exam on July 4, you need to download and print your hall ticket today. No candidate is allowed to enter the exam centre without a valid printed admit card.
The admit card will NOT be sent by post or email. You must download it online from the official NTA portal. Carry a colour printout — digital copies on your mobile phone are NOT accepted at the exam gate.
How to Download ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
- Go to exams.nta.nic.in/icar/
- Click on the "Download Admit Card — ICAR AIEEA (PG) 2026" link
- Enter your Application Number
- Enter your Date of Birth
- Enter the Security Pin shown on screen
- Your admit card will open. Check all details carefully
- Download and print at least two colour copies on A4-size paper
Details Printed on the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Admit Card
Verify all the following details as soon as you download your hall ticket:
- Candidate name, roll number, and application number
- Date of birth and category
- Major subject group name and code
- Exam date (July 4, 2026), shift, reporting time, and gate-closing time
- Allotted exam centre name and full address
- Candidate photograph and signature
- Exam-day instructions from NTA
If you find any error in your name, exam centre, or photograph on the admit card, contact NTA at nta@gov.in immediately — the exam is on July 4, 2026.
Admit Card Timeline: 2025 vs 2026
| Year | Admit Card Released | Exam Date | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | July 1, 2026 | July 4, 2026 | 3 days |
| 2025 | ~June 25, 2025 | July 3, 2025 | ~8 days |
Exam Day Guidelines for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam is on July 4, 2026. Here are all the rules and instructions you must follow so there are no issues at the exam centre on Saturday.
Documents to Carry on July 4, 2026
You must bring all three items below. Missing any of them can mean you are not allowed to enter:
- Printed Admit Card: A clear colour printout of the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 hall ticket (downloaded from exams.nta.nic.in/icar/)
- Original Government-Issued Photo ID (any one): Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter Identity Card, or Driving Licence
- Passport-size photograph (same as the one uploaded in your application form)
Items NOT Allowed Inside the Exam Hall
The following items are strictly prohibited. Do not bring them to the exam centre:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, or any Bluetooth-enabled device
- Calculator, scientific instrument, or any electronic gadget
- Books, written notes, or printed study material of any kind
- Stationery — pens, pencils, and rulers are provided at the centre; do not bring your own
- Wallet with excess cash; keep personal belongings to a minimum
- Any metallic item that could trigger security scanners at the entry gate
Reporting Time and Gate Closing Rules
Your admit card shows both the reporting time and the gate-closing time. You must arrive before the gate-closing time — late arrivals are not allowed to enter, regardless of the reason. Plan to reach the exam centre at least 30 to 45 minutes before the reporting time to complete security frisking and biometric formalities without rushing.
- Check the reporting time and gate-closing time on your admit card before leaving home
- In metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore), allow extra time for morning traffic on Saturday
- Confirm your travel route today (July 2) or tomorrow (July 3) if you have not already visited the centre
Inside the Exam Hall — What to Expect
- Rough sheets are provided by the centre. You cannot use your own paper
- The exam runs entirely on a computer terminal — no pen is needed for the main paper
- You can move between questions and mark answers for review during the 120-minute window
- Do not talk to other candidates inside the hall at any point during the exam
- The system auto-submits your paper when the timer ends; submit manually before time runs out to confirm your responses
- CCTV and invigilators are present throughout; any violation may lead to disqualification
PwBD candidates who applied for a scribe must carry the scribe-related documents as specified in the NTA information bulletin. Contact the exam centre helpdesk before July 4 if you need any clarification.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Centers
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is conducted at Computer-Based Test centres across approximately 122 cities in 32 states and Union Territories of India. The Advance City Intimation Slip — which confirmed the allotted city for each candidate — was released on June 25, 2026. The complete exam centre details (building name and address) are printed on the admit card released on July 1, 2026.
You must go to the exact exam centre printed on your admit card. You cannot request a change of centre at this stage.
How to Locate Your Exam Centre Before July 4
- Open your downloaded admit card and note the full exam centre address
- Search for the address on Google Maps to understand the exact building location
- If possible, do a travel trial on July 2 or July 3 to estimate how long the journey takes
- On Saturday, July 4, leave home early — morning traffic can be unpredictable even on weekends in large cities
Exam Centres Are Spread Across All Regions of India
NTA covers all regions so most candidates can reach their exam city within a reasonable travel distance:
- North India: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Dehradun, Meerut, Hisar, Solan, Palampur
- South India: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Vijayawada, Tirupati
- East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Siliguri
- West India: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Indore
- Northeast India: Imphal, Agartala, Shillong, Gangtok, Itanagar, Aizawl, Kohima
- Union Territories / Hilly Areas: Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Shimla, Port Blair
On-Site Arrangements at Exam Centres
- All centres are equipped with computers, webcams, and CCTV surveillance
- Biometric attendance — fingerprint or photo capture — may be taken at the entry point
- Some centres have lockers or a baggage counter at the gate for prohibited items
- Do not bring unnecessary valuables; centre staff may ask you to leave restricted items outside
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam runs in two shifts on July 4: the PG (M.Sc.) exam is in the morning shift and the PhD AICE-JRF/SRF exam is in the afternoon shift. Your admit card specifies your shift clearly. Candidates appearing for both must attend both shifts on the same day.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Important Dates
Upcoming events are listed first below — including the exam this Saturday, the result in August, and counselling starting in September. Completed events appear after them for reference.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR AIEEA PG Exam (PG — Morning Shift) | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) | Upcoming |
| AICE-JRF/SRF PhD Exam (Afternoon Shift) | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) | Upcoming |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | July 2026 (Expected — within 7–10 days of exam) | Upcoming |
| Answer Key Objection Window | July 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| NTA Scorecard / Result Declaration | August 2026 (Expected ~mid-August) | Upcoming |
| ICAR Rank Card Release | August–September 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Counselling Registration Opens | September 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Seat Allotment Rounds | September–November 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Application Form Opens | May 8, 2026 | (Over) |
| Application Form Last Date (Extended) | June 10, 2026 | (Over) |
| Application Correction Window | June 9–10, 2026 | (Over) |
| Advance City Intimation Slip | June 25, 2026 | (Out) |
| Admit Card Release | July 1, 2026 | (Out) |
Dates marked "Expected" are based on the 2025 exam timeline and are subject to official confirmation. Always verify the latest schedule at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ before acting.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 are set by ICAR. You must meet all the conditions below — any mismatch found during document verification at counselling can lead to disqualification even after a seat is allotted.
Nationality
You must be a citizen of India. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and foreign nationals are not eligible for ICAR AIEEA PG.
Age Limit
You must be at least 19 years old as of August 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit. Working professionals can also apply, provided they meet the educational qualification.
Educational Qualification
You must hold a Bachelor’s degree of 4, 5, or 6 years’ duration in a relevant agriculture or allied sciences discipline from a recognised university. The minimum marks required vary by category:
| Category | Minimum % in Bachelor’s Degree | Equivalent OGPA |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS | 60% | 7.50 out of 10 (or 3.75 out of 5) |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 50% | 6.60 out of 10 (or 3.30 out of 5) |
Subject Group Eligibility
ICAR AIEEA PG has 20 subject groups, and each requires a matching undergraduate degree. You appeared for only one subject group, and it must correspond to your undergraduate discipline. For example, a B.Sc. (Agriculture) candidate can apply under Agronomy or Plant Sciences but not under Veterinary Science or Fisheries. The official information bulletin lists the specific UG degrees accepted under each group.
Final-Year Candidates
Final-year Bachelor’s students could appear for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026. If you qualify and are allotted a seat in counselling, your admission will be provisional. You must complete your degree with the required minimum marks and submit the degree certificate before joining the university. Failing to meet the marks criterion can cancel your provisional admission.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Application Process and Fee
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 application window is now closed. Registration was open from May 8, 2026 to June 10, 2026 (extended from the original June 7 deadline). The correction window (June 9–10, 2026) has also ended. Candidates who completed all application steps are now eligible to appear for the July 4 exam.
Application Fee (For Reference)
| Category | Application Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Rs. 1,300 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS | Rs. 1,255 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | Rs. 675 |
Additional GST and bank processing charges applied. All fees paid are non-refundable.
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 application and correction windows are both closed. If you have applied and registered successfully, focus on downloading your admit card and preparing for the July 4 exam.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Pattern
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) in English. There are 120 MCQs for 480 marks to be completed in 120 minutes. Every candidate appears for a subject-specific paper — all 120 questions are from your chosen major subject group. There is no general section common across all candidates.
Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (4 options, 1 correct answer) |
| Total Marks | 480 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking (Wrong Answer) | −1 |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 (no penalty) |
| Medium | English only |
| Paper Structure | Subject-specific — all 120 questions from one chosen major subject group |
| Number of Subject Groups | 20 (candidates appear for one group only) |
How Marks Are Calculated
Each correct answer earns +4 marks. Each wrong answer costs –1 mark. Skipping a question costs nothing. If you attempt 100 questions and get 80 right and 20 wrong, your score is (80 × 4) − (20 × 1) = 300 out of 480. Guessing randomly on questions you do not know hurts your score more than it helps — always skip questions where you have no idea.
Do not confuse ICAR AIEEA PG with ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF, which is the PhD-level exam conducted on the same day in the afternoon shift. Both are separate exams with different eligibility and admission purposes.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Syllabus and Subject Groups
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 syllabus is based entirely on the undergraduate course content of your chosen subject group. All 120 questions in your paper come from the syllabus published in the official ICAR information bulletin for 2026–27. Download it for your specific group and use it as a checklist — every question will come from within this syllabus.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026: All 20 Major Subject Groups
| Group No. | Major Subject Group | Key Sub-Subjects / Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Plant Biotechnology | Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Tissue Culture |
| 02 | Plant Sciences | Genetics & Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Seed Technology |
| 03 | Physical Sciences | Soil Science, Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Physics |
| 04 | Entomology & Nematology | Agricultural Entomology, Nematology, Pest Management |
| 05 | Agronomy | Crop Production, Weed Science, Cropping Systems, Dryland Agriculture |
| 06 | Horticulture | Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture, Post-Harvest Management |
| 07 | Forestry & Agroforestry | Tree Improvement, Forest Management, Silviculture, Watershed Management |
| 08 | Social Sciences | Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development |
| 09 | Statistical Sciences | Agricultural Statistics, Biometrics, Operations Research |
| 10 | Agricultural Engineering & Technology | Farm Machinery, Irrigation Engineering, Post-Harvest Technology |
| 11 | Water Science & Technology | Soil and Water Conservation, Watershed Management, Irrigation Systems |
| 12 | Community Science | Human Development, Nutrition, Textile & Apparel Design |
| 13 | Animal Biotechnology | Animal Cell Biology, Genetic Engineering in Animals, Reproductive Biotechnology |
| 14 | Veterinary Science | Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Veterinary Microbiology |
| 15 | Animal Sciences | Animal Nutrition, Genetics & Breeding, Livestock Production Management |
| 16 | Fisheries Science | Aquaculture, Fish Biology, Fisheries Management, Limnology |
| 17 | Dairy Science | Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Chemistry, Animal Products Technology |
| 18 | Dairy Technology | Milk Processing, Dairy Engineering, Quality Control |
| 19 | Food Science & Technology | Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food Processing Engineering |
| 20 | Agri-Business Management | Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship |
The ICAR AIEEA PG syllabus is rooted in standard ICAR-approved UG textbooks. Do not refer to advanced research literature — the exam tests undergraduate-level understanding, not research-level knowledge. Download the official syllabus PDF for your subject group from the NTA portal.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Result and Rank Card
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result will be declared after the exam on July 4, 2026 and the answer key objection process closes. Based on the 2025 timeline — NTA scorecard on August 12, 2025 (40 days after the July 3 exam) — the 2026 result is expected around mid-August 2026.
NTA Scorecard vs ICAR Rank Card: Two Separate Documents
There are two distinct documents you need for counselling, released at different times:
- NTA Scorecard (Result): Released by NTA on exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. It shows your total marks, percentile score, and qualifying status. Download it using your application number.
- ICAR Rank Card: Released separately by ICAR on the counselling portal. It shows your All India Merit Rank and category rank, used during seat allotment. In 2025, this came on September 13, 2025 — about one month after the NTA scorecard.
What the NTA Scorecard Contains
- Total marks obtained out of 480
- Subject-wise performance breakdown
- Overall NTA percentile score
- Qualifying or non-qualifying status for counselling
Year-wise Result Timeline
| Year | Exam Date | NTA Scorecard | ICAR Rank Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | July 4, 2026 | August 2026 (Expected ~mid-August) | August–September 2026 (Expected) |
| 2025 | July 3, 2025 | August 12, 2025 | September 13, 2025 |
Before the final result, NTA releases a provisional answer key with the question paper. You can raise objections if you believe an answer is incorrect. ICAR reviews all valid objections before releasing the final answer key and official result.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Cutoff
The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 cutoff will be declared after the result in August 2026. There are two types of cutoffs: the qualifying cutoff (minimum percentile to be eligible for counselling, set by ICAR) and the admission cutoff (closing rank at each participating university per subject, emerging from counselling rounds).
Qualifying Cutoff — Minimum to Be Eligible for Counselling
| Category | 2025 Qualifying Cutoff | Expected 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS / UPS | 50th Percentile | ~50th Percentile |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 40th Percentile | ~40th Percentile |
Crossing this threshold makes you eligible for counselling. It does not guarantee a seat — your actual admission depends on your rank relative to all qualified candidates and available seats at your preferred universities.
University-Wise Admission Cutoff: 2025 Trends
Admission cutoffs are much tighter at ICAR-Deemed Universities compared to State Agricultural Universities. Based on 2025 trends:
| University | Approximate Closing Rank (2025 Trend) |
|---|---|
| IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), New Delhi | Top 100–200 (varies by subject group) |
| IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute), Bareilly | Top 200 (Veterinary Science group) |
| NDRI (National Dairy Research Institute), Karnal | Top 200 (Dairy Science and Dairy Technology groups) |
| BHU — Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Varanasi | Around Rank 150 |
| PAU (Punjab Agricultural University), Ludhiana | Around Rank 390 |
| GBPUA&T, Pantnagar | Around Rank 400–600 (varies by subject) |
| State Agricultural Universities (general) | Rank 500 and beyond for most disciplines |
These are indicative figures from 2025 data. Official 2026 cutoffs will be released after counselling completes. Actual figures depend on exam difficulty, number of qualified candidates, and seat availability.
A top-200 rank generally gives access to ICAR’s most competitive institutions. A top-500 rank opens strong SAU options across most subject groups.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Marks vs Rank
ICAR AIEEA PG rank is determined using the NTA percentile score, not raw marks alone. If the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, raw marks are normalised across shifts before the percentile is calculated. Since the 2026 result is not yet out, the table below shows an estimated marks-to-rank mapping for the General category based on 2025 exam trends.
Expected ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Marks vs Rank (General Category — Indicative)
| Marks (out of 480) | Expected Percentile | Expected AIR (Approx.) | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420–480 | 99.5+ percentile | Top 50 | Top ICAR Deemed University (IARI, NDRI) accessible |
| 380–419 | 98–99.5 percentile | 51–200 | Strong ICAR Deemed University chance |
| 340–379 | 95–98 percentile | 201–600 | Good SAU options; BHU and PAU accessible |
| 300–339 | 88–95 percentile | 601–2,000 | Most SAUs accessible |
| 260–299 | 75–88 percentile | 2,001–6,000 | Moderate rank; many SAU seats available |
| 220–259 | 50–75 percentile | 6,001–15,000 | Near qualifying threshold; limited options |
| Below 220 | Below 50th percentile | Not qualifying (General) | Below ICAR qualifying cutoff for General/OBC |
These are estimated figures based on 2025 trends. Final marks vs rank data will be available after the August 2026 result declaration.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
When two candidates have the same percentile score, ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 resolves the tie in this order:
- Fewer wrong answers (less negative marking applied)
- Higher age (older candidate ranked higher)
- Higher percentage in the Bachelor’s degree
- Higher percentage in Class 12 if the tie still persists
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Counselling Process
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in September 2026 at icarcounseling.com. It is a fully online process. Only candidates who qualify the exam and cross the category-wise percentile threshold are eligible. You need both the NTA scorecard and the ICAR rank card to participate in counselling.
Step-by-Step Counselling Process
- Step 1 — Register on the Counselling Portal: Register at icarcounseling.com using your ICAR rank card details and pay the registration fee
- Step 2 — Choice Filling and Locking: Fill in your preferred universities and programmes in order of priority. Lock your choices before the deadline. The more choices you fill, the better your chances of getting a seat
- Step 3 — Seat Allotment: ICAR releases round-wise seat allotment based on merit rank, category, filled choices, and available seats
- Step 4 — Accept the Allotted Seat: Log in and accept your allotted seat within the given window. Not accepting forfeits the allotment
- Step 5 — Document Upload and Verification: Submit scanned copies of academic certificates, category certificates, photograph, and identity proof online
- Step 6 — Report to University: After online verification, report to the allotted university within the joining deadline with original documents
Expected Counselling Rounds
| Round | Expected Timeline (2026) |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 2026 |
| Round 2 | October 2026 |
| Round 3 | October–November 2026 |
| Mop-up Round (if applicable) | November–December 2026 |
In-Service vs Out-Service Candidates
ICAR AIEEA PG counselling covers two streams. Out-service candidates are regular students or fresh graduates — the large majority of applicants. In-service candidates are government employees in agriculture-related departments sponsored by their organization for higher education. Seats are allocated separately for both streams. The ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship applies only to out-service candidates who meet the criteria.
The final counselling schedule, fee, and seat matrix will be announced by ICAR after the result. Verify all details at icarcounseling.com closer to September 2026.
ICAR AIEEA PG Scholarship — National Talent Scholarship (NTS)
One of the biggest benefits of qualifying ICAR AIEEA PG is the ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS). This financial support significantly reduces the cost burden for out-service candidates who secure M.Sc. admission through ICAR counselling at participating universities.
What Is the ICAR-PG NTS?
The NTS is a monthly stipend paid to eligible out-service candidates from the date they join their Master’s programme. The scholarship covers the full duration of the M.Sc. — typically 2 years. Along with the monthly stipend, a contingency grant is provided for books, chemicals, and research expenses.
- The scholarship is available at ICAR-Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) and selected ICAR-designated universities
- Only out-service candidates who secure seats through ICAR AIEEA PG counselling and maintain the required academic performance are eligible
- The scholarship is discontinued if academic performance falls below the required standard
- In-service candidates (sponsored by government departments) are not eligible for the NTS
Why the Scholarship Matters
Agriculture students often relocate far from home for their Master’s, and living costs at premier universities like IARI (New Delhi) or NDRI (Karnal) can be significant. The ICAR-PG scholarship covers a large part of this expense, making it financially viable to study at these institutions without full family support. This stipend is one of the strongest incentives to aim for a top rank in ICAR AIEEA PG rather than settling for a state-level PG admission.
Check the official ICAR Information Bulletin for the exact scholarship amount for 2026–27 — stipend values are revised periodically by ICAR.
Top Colleges Accepting ICAR AIEEA PG Score 2026
Your ICAR AIEEA PG rank is accepted at more than 75 agricultural universities across India, including four ICAR-Deemed Universities, three Central Agricultural Universities, Central Universities with agriculture faculties, and 64 State Agricultural Universities. Here are the most competitive and respected institutions:
| University | Location | Type | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARI — Post Graduate School | New Delhi | ICAR Deemed University | 40+ disciplines; Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Genetics, Soil Science |
| IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute) | Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP | ICAR Deemed University | Veterinary Science, Animal Biotechnology |
| NDRI (National Dairy Research Institute) | Karnal, Haryana | ICAR Deemed University | Dairy Science, Dairy Technology, Animal Nutrition |
| CIFE (Central Institute of Fisheries Education) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | ICAR Deemed University | Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, Limnology |
| BHU — Institute of Agricultural Sciences | Varanasi, UP | Central University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Pathology |
| RLBCAU (Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University) | Jhansi, UP | Central Agricultural University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry |
| GBPUA&T (G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology) | Pantnagar, Uttarakhand | State Agricultural University | Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineering |
| PAU (Punjab Agricultural University) | Ludhiana, Punjab | State Agricultural University | Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Extension |
| TNAU (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University) | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | State Agricultural University | Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology, Food Science |
| ANGRAU (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University) | Lam, Andhra Pradesh | State Agricultural University | Agronomy, Entomology, Agricultural Extension |
| UAS Bengaluru / UAS Dharwad | Karnataka | State Agricultural University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry |
| SKUAST-K | Srinagar, J&K | State Agricultural University | Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Science |
The four ICAR-Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) fill 100% of their PG seats through ICAR AIEEA PG and are the most competitive destinations. IARI’s Post Graduate School in New Delhi — with programmes in more than 40 disciplines and strong research infrastructure — is consistently the top choice for agricultural PG aspirants. State Agricultural Universities like GBPUAT Pantnagar and PAU Ludhiana offer excellent faculty and research facilities, often with broader seat availability across disciplines.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Preparation Tips
With the exam on July 4, 2026 — just two days away — here are the last-minute tips that will help you perform at your best. General strategy for future aspirants is also included below for those planning for 2027.
Last-Minute Tips for July 4, 2026 (Exam Day After Tomorrow)
- Revise key concepts only: Go through important definitions, formulas, and frequently tested topics in your subject group. Do not start reading new chapters at this stage — it increases anxiety without meaningful score improvement
- Avoid new topics: Stick to material you have already covered. Familiarity is your biggest asset in a timed CBT
- Sleep 7 to 8 hours tonight and tomorrow night: A well-rested mind processes information faster and avoids silly mistakes. This matters more than one extra hour of study at this point
- Eat well on exam morning: Have a light and familiar meal before leaving home. Avoid heavy, oily, or unfamiliar food that could make you uncomfortable during the 120-minute exam
- Keep all documents ready right now: Place your printed admit card and original photo ID in a folder today — do not leave it for exam morning when you might be rushed
- Plan your travel tonight: Confirm how you will reach the exam centre and what time you need to leave home to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the reporting time
- Strategy during the exam: At one minute per question, do a first pass on confident questions, mark the rest for review, and revisit in the remaining time. Never spend more than 90 seconds on a single question
General Strategy for Future ICAR AIEEA PG Aspirants (2027)
If you plan to appear for ICAR AIEEA PG in 2027, these strategies will give you a strong foundation:
- Download the official subject-group-specific syllabus PDF from the NTA ICAR portal and use it as a topic checklist throughout your preparation
- Standard ICAR-approved UG textbooks are your primary resource — the exam tests undergraduate-level knowledge, not research-level depth
- Solve at least 5 years of previous year ICAR AIEEA PG papers under timed conditions. Many topics repeat across years in paraphrased form
- Because of the –1 negative marking, accuracy matters more than attempting all 120 questions. Four wrong answers cancel out one right answer
- In high-weightage groups: Agronomy questions lean heavily on crop production, cropping systems, and weed science; Plant Sciences favours genetics, breeding methods, and plant pathology; Horticulture tests fruit crop management and post-harvest technology most frequently
- Practice full-length mock CBTs under strict 120-minute conditions to build speed and reduce exam-day anxiety
FAQs on ICAR AIEEA PG 2026
Ques. What is the full form of ICAR AIEEA PG?
Ans. ICAR AIEEA PG stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research — All India Entrance Examination for Admission — Post Graduate. NTA conducts it every year on behalf of ICAR for admission to M.Sc. programmes in agriculture and allied sciences at 75+ universities across India. The exam also facilitates the award of ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarships to eligible out-service candidates.
Ques. When is ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam date?
Ans. ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 is on July 4, 2026 (Saturday). The PG (M.Sc.) exam is in the morning shift and the PhD (AICE-JRF/SRF) exam is in the afternoon shift on the same day. The exam is a CBT lasting 120 minutes with 120 MCQs for 480 marks. It will be held across approximately 122 cities in India.
Ques. Has the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card been released?
Ans. Yes, NTA released the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card on July 1, 2026. Download it at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ using your application number, date of birth, and security pin. Print it in colour and carry it to the exam centre on July 4, 2026. A digital copy on your phone is not accepted at the gate.
Ques. What documents should I carry to the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 exam centre?
Ans. You must carry three items on July 4, 2026: a printed hard copy of the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 admit card, a valid government-issued original photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence), and a passport-size photograph. Entry is denied without the admit card and photo ID.
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026?
Ans. You must be an Indian citizen, at least 19 years old as of August 31, 2026, and hold a Bachelor’s degree (4/5/6 years) in agriculture or allied sciences. General, OBC-NCL, EWS, and UPS candidates need at least 60% marks (7.50 OGPA out of 10). SC, ST, and PwBD candidates need at least 50% marks (6.60 OGPA out of 10). There is no upper age limit.
Ques. What is the exam pattern and marking scheme for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026?
Ans. ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 has 120 MCQs for 480 marks in 120 minutes. Each correct answer gives +4 marks. Each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks — no penalty for skipping. The paper is in English only and covers only your chosen major subject group. There is no common general section.
Ques. How many seats are available through ICAR AIEEA PG 2026?
Ans. More than 11,000 PG seats are available through ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 across 75+ universities. ICAR fills 100% of PG seats at its four Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) and about 30% of seats at 64 State Agricultural Universities through this merit list. Seats at Central Agricultural Universities and select Central Universities are also included.
Ques. How many subject groups are there in ICAR AIEEA PG 2026?
Ans. There are 20 major subject groups in ICAR AIEEA PG 2026, covering Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Plant Biotechnology, Physical Sciences, Horticulture, Entomology, Forestry, Social Sciences, Statistical Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Water Science, Community Science, Animal Biotechnology, Veterinary Science, Animal Sciences, Fisheries Science, Dairy Science, Dairy Technology, Food Science, and Agri-Business Management. Each candidate applies for only one group.
Ques. When will ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 result is expected in August 2026. Based on the 2025 timeline — NTA scorecard on August 12, 2025 (40 days after the July 3 exam) — a similar gap places the 2026 result around mid-August. NTA releases the scorecard on exams.nta.nic.in/icar/. The separate ICAR Rank Card needed for counselling is released later — in 2025 it came on September 13, 2025.
Ques. What is the cutoff for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026?
Ans. The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 cutoff has not been declared yet — it will be released with the August 2026 result. Based on 2025 trends, the qualifying cutoff is expected to remain around the 50th percentile for General/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates and 40th percentile for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. Admission cutoffs at ICAR Deemed Universities require a top-200 rank; SAU admissions typically begin from Rank 400–500 and beyond, depending on the subject group.
Ques. When will ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling begin?
Ans. ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in September 2026 at icarcounseling.com. It is a fully online process with 2–3 rounds of seat allotment followed by a mop-up round. Only candidates who qualify the exam and have the ICAR rank card are eligible to register. The schedule will be announced by ICAR after the August 2026 result.
Ques. What is the ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship?
Ans. The ICAR-PG National Talent Scholarship (NTS) is a monthly stipend paid to eligible out-service candidates who secure M.Sc. admission through ICAR counselling. It covers the full 2-year duration of the Master’s programme and includes a contingency grant for books and research expenses. Only out-service candidates (students/fresh graduates, not government-sponsored in-service candidates) are eligible. The scholarship amount for 2026–27 is specified in the official ICAR Information Bulletin.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is compiled from the official NTA ICAR portal, the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026-27 Information Bulletin, and publicly available sources as of July 2, 2026. Dates and figures marked as "Expected" are based on previous year patterns and are subject to official confirmation by NTA and ICAR. Always verify the latest schedule at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/ before taking any action.
`★ Insight ─────────────────────────────────────` - The article prioritises **Admit Card → Exam Day Guidelines → Exam Centres** as H2 sections #2–#4, directly reflecting the trigger (exam 2 days away) without making those events the article’s subject - The dates table uses the **upcoming-first editorial rule**: Exam July 4 → Answer Key → Result Aug → Counselling Sept, then past events oldest-first below — so a scanning candidate immediately sees what’s next - The NTA Scorecard vs ICAR Rank Card distinction (two separate documents with a ~1-month gap, as confirmed by 2025 data) is a non-obvious fact preserved from research that genuinely helps candidates plan for counselling `─────────────────────────────────────────────────`
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You can visit the National Testing Agency (NTA) ICAR exam archive page on the official Exams NTA website, look for the ICAR AIEEA PG question paper section, choose the year and stream (Agricultural Engineering), and click the PDF download link to save it to your device for offline practice. These PDFs include past year question papers and answer keys published by the exam authority.
You can officially download ICAR AIEEA (PG) sample papers and previous year question papers from the National Testing Agency (NTA) / ICAR exam portal by visiting the ICAR AIEEA section on the official NTA exam site (exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/) and looking under Downloads, Previous Year Question Papers / Sample Papers for PDFs. These include past years’ solved papers and practice sets released for candidate preparation, which are the official source for sample papers.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will conduct the ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 in a computer-based format (CBT) across India in July 2026. The ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 will provide admission to postgraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences at over 75 universities, including State Agricultural Universities, ICAR-Deemed Universities, Central Agricultural Universities, and the renowned NDRI in Karnal.
With an ICAR PG AIR 1774 and EWS category rank 151 in Horticulture, you are eligible for counselling. Your chances of getting a seat depend on seat availability, college preferences, and cutoff trends. You may secure admission in lesser-demand colleges or remaining vacancies during later counselling rounds.
Ghaziabad is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It lies in the northern part of the country and is part of the National Capital Region (NCR). Ghaziabad shares its border with Delhi and is an important industrial, residential, and educational hub of Uttar Pradesh.
With a score of 95 out of 480 in ICAR AIEEA PG, admission to M.Tech programs will be unlikely, as cutoff scores are much higher. Eligibility depends on rank, category, and seat availability, and lower scores do not meet the merit requirements for most ICAR-affiliated postgraduate engineering programs.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2023 Result has been released on August 22, 2023. You can download your scorescard from the official website of ICAR AIEEA. The counseling dates for ICAR AIEEA PG 2023 are yet to be released. But it is expected that the counseling process will begin in September 2023.
If you have scored only 104 marks in ICAR AIEEA PG 2023, then you have not qualified for this examination. You will not be offered admission in M.Sc Agriculture programs on the basis of this entrance test.