Agriculture Exams in India 2026 – Complete List

Agriculture is one of India's most strategically important sectors, employing over 50% of the workforce and contributing significantly to the national GDP. Recognising this, the Government of India and its institutions offer a wide range of career opportunities specifically for agriculture graduates — spanning banking, research, government administration, and teaching.

Agriculture exams in India broadly fall into four categories: Undergraduate Entrance Exams (for admission to BSc Agriculture programmes), Postgraduate Entrance Exams (for MSc/PhD admissions), Government Job Exams (for state and central government agriculture positions), and Research/Teaching Eligibility Tests (ASRB NET, ICAR NET). This guide covers all major agriculture exams across all four categories with 2026 dates, eligibility, and direct page links.

Multiple important agriculture exam notifications are either already out or expected in 2026. The IBPS AFO exam cycle is one of the most anticipated, with over 300 vacancies expected across participating public sector banks. ICAR AIEEA notifications for UG and PG admissions are typically released between March and May each year. ASRB NET and ICAR ARS notifications follow their own schedule on the ASRB portal.

State-level agriculture exams (ADO, Agriculture Officer) are announced through respective State Public Service Commission portals throughout the year. Candidates should monitor multiple official sources and set up alerts for timely notification updates.

These exams are conducted for admission to BSc Agriculture, BSc Horticulture, BSc Forestry, BSc Fisheries, and related 4-year undergraduate degree programmes at agricultural universities across India.

ICAR AIEEA UG 2026

ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission) UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It provides admission to BSc Agriculture and allied science programmes at Central Agricultural Universities, Deemed Universities, and State Agricultural Universities under ICAR. The exam covers Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology and Agriculture subjects at Class 12 level.

→ Full ICAR AIEEA UG 2026 Guide

CUET UG Agriculture 2026

CUET (Common University Entrance Test) UG covers Agriculture as a domain subject, allowing candidates to apply for BSc Agriculture programmes at Central Universities across India. The exam is conducted by NTA and tests Agriculture as a subject along with Language and General Test components.

→ Full CUET UG Agriculture 2026 Guide

State Agriculture Entrance Exams 2026

Multiple state-level agriculture entrance exams provide admission to state agricultural universities for BSc Agriculture and related programmes. Key state CETs include:

These exams are conducted for admission to MSc Agriculture, MSc Horticulture, MSc Agronomy, MSc Plant Pathology, and other postgraduate agriculture programmes at agricultural universities across India.

ICAR AIEEA PG 2026

ICAR AIEEA PG is the national-level entrance exam for admission to MSc Agriculture and allied science programmes at central agricultural universities, deemed universities, and state agricultural universities. Conducted by NTA, it tests subject-specific agriculture knowledge at the BSc graduation level. Candidates with a BSc Agriculture or related degree from an ICAR-recognised institution are eligible to apply.

→ Full ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Guide

CUET PG Agriculture 2026

CUET PG (Postgraduate) Agriculture is conducted by NTA for admissions to MSc Agriculture programmes at Central Universities. The exam tests domain knowledge in Agriculture along with English/Language sections. Multiple Central Universities accept CUET PG scores for their MSc Agriculture programmes.

→ Full CUET PG Agriculture 2026 Guide

State PG Agriculture Entrance Exams

These exams provide eligibility for PhD admissions, JRF/SRF fellowships, and scientist/lecturer recruitment at ICAR institutes and agricultural universities.

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF 2026

ICAR AICE (All India Competitive Examination) for JRF and SRF is conducted for award of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowships (SRF) to agriculture candidates wishing to pursue PhD research at ICAR institutes. Conducted by NTA, it is among the most prestigious fellowships for agriculture students.

→ Full ICAR AICE JRF 2026 Guide

ASRB NET 2026 (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board)

ASRB NET is conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board for determining eligibility for Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions in Agricultural Universities and for direct recruitment to Scientist posts in ICAR institutes. It is the agriculture sector's equivalent of UGC NET. Candidates with MSc Agriculture or related postgraduate degrees are eligible.

→ Full ASRB NET 2026 Guide

ICAR ARS 2026 (Agricultural Research Service)

ICAR ARS is conducted for direct recruitment to Scientist positions in ICAR institutes across India. It is one of the most coveted careers in Indian agriculture research. Candidates with MSc Agriculture or PhD in relevant subjects can apply. The exam tests subject-specific knowledge at an advanced level along with aptitude and research methodology.

→ Full ICAR ARS 2026 Guide

ICAR NET 2026

ICAR NET determines eligibility for Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions at state agricultural universities. It is conducted separately from ASRB NET and covers a wider range of agriculture subjects including Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics, Soil Science, and more.

→ Full ICAR NET 2026 Guide

DBT BET 2026 (Biotechnology Eligibility Test)

Department of Biotechnology's Biotech Eligibility Test (DBT BET) provides JRF fellowships for agricultural biotechnology candidates pursuing PhD research in biotechnology-related agriculture fields.

→ Full DBT BET 2026 Guide

Banking and financial sector exams offer some of the highest-paying government job opportunities for agriculture graduates. These roles combine agriculture expertise with banking functions, making them uniquely rewarding career paths.

IBPS AFO 2026 (Agriculture Field Officer)

IBPS AFO (Agriculture Field Officer) is among the most popular and sought-after government exams for BSc Agriculture graduates. Conducted by IBPS as part of the Specialist Officer (SO) exam, it recruits Agriculture Field Officers for public sector banks including Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank, and others.

Agriculture Field Officers assess farm loan applications, verify agricultural land and crop details, advise farmers on government schemes, and support the agricultural credit function of banks. The role involves extensive field visits and direct engagement with the farming community.

→ Full IBPS AFO 2026 Guide

NABARD Grade A 2026 (Agriculture Officer)

NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) recruits Agriculture Officers at Grade A level. The Agriculture stream at NABARD involves work in rural development finance, farm credit assessment, agricultural policy implementation, and field supervision. NABARD is a prestigious employer offering excellent compensation, rural banking exposure, and strong career growth.

→ Full NABARD Grade A 2026 Guide

NABARD Development Assistant 2026

NABARD Development Assistant recruitment is open to graduates including agriculture graduates. Development Assistants support NABARD officers in field activities, data compilation, and rural development programme implementation.

→ Full NABARD Development Assistant Guide

These exams recruit agriculture graduates for central government posts in food storage, seeds, fertilisers, and agricultural development organisations.

FCI Manager (Agriculture) 2026

Food Corporation of India (FCI) recruits Managers (Agriculture) in Grade II for its technical wing. FCI Managers oversee food grain procurement, storage quality, pest management, and handling of agricultural produce at FCI depots across India. BSc Agriculture graduates with at least 60% marks are eligible.

→ Full FCI Manager Agriculture 2026 Guide

FCI Assistant Technical (Agriculture) 2026

FCI also recruits Assistant Grade III Technical (Agriculture) posts for depot-level technical roles including crop and commodity quality monitoring, inspection, and food safety compliance. BSc Agriculture graduates are eligible.

→ Full FCI Assistant Technical Guide

IFFCO AGT 2026 (Agriculture Graduate Trainee)

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) recruits Agriculture Graduate Trainees (AGT) for its marketing and technical functions. AGTs work in farmer outreach, fertiliser product training, and agricultural extension activities. BSc/MSc Agriculture graduates from recognised institutions are eligible.

→ Full IFFCO AGT 2026 Guide

National Seeds Corporation (NSC) 2026

National Seeds Corporation (NSC) recruits agriculture graduates for Technical Assistant and Junior Technical Officer roles in seed production, quality testing, and seed processing. NSC operates across India and offers strong career growth in the seed industry.

→ Full NSC Recruitment 2026 Guide

KVK Recruitment 2026 (Krishi Vigyan Kendra)

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), operated under ICAR, recruit Subject Matter Specialists and Programme Coordinators for agricultural extension and technology transfer. MSc Agriculture in relevant specialisations is typically required for specialist roles.

→ Full KVK Recruitment 2026 Guide

State Public Service Commissions (PSCs) recruit Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs), Agriculture Extension Officers, and Agriculture Officers for state government departments. These are among the most stable and prestigious government jobs available to BSc Agriculture graduates.

ADO Exam 2026 (Agriculture Development Officer)

ADO (Agriculture Development Officer) is a Group B gazetted post in state government agriculture departments. ADOs work at the block or tehsil level, implementing government agricultural schemes, providing technical advice to farmers, and supervising agricultural development activities. ADO exams are conducted by state PSCs including RPSC, MPPSC, UPPSC, OPSC, WBPSC, BPSC, and others.

→ Full ADO Exam 2026 Guide

State Agriculture Officer / State Agri Dept Jobs

Beyond ADO-level posts, state governments also recruit Agriculture Officers, Horticulture Officers, Soil Conservation Officers, and Agriculture Extension Officers through their PSCs. These roles involve policy implementation, agricultural scheme monitoring, and technical guidance to farming communities.

→ Full State Agriculture Officer 2026 Guide

Agriculture Exam 2026 Age Limit

Age limits vary significantly across different agriculture exams. UG entrance exams typically have no upper age limit. Job exams like IBPS AFO set an upper age of 30 years, NABARD Grade A up to 32 years, and ADO exams vary from 21–40 years depending on the state and category. Standard government age relaxations apply (OBC +3, SC/ST +5, PwBD +10).

Agriculture Exam 2026 Educational Qualifications

Eligibility Marks

Most agriculture job exams require a minimum of 60% marks in the qualifying degree for General category candidates. SC/ST candidates typically get 5% relaxation. Agriculture entrance exams (ICAR AIEEA UG) require 50% in Class 12 for General/OBC and 45% for SC/ST. Research exams (ASRB NET) require 55% in MSc for General and 50% for SC/ST.

Nationality

Candidates must be Indian nationals for all government agriculture exams listed here. NRI and OCI candidates may apply for ICAR AIEEA admissions under special quotas at Central Agricultural Universities, subject to ICAR guidelines.

Agriculture exam syllabi vary significantly by exam type. Below is a consolidated syllabus overview for the most popular agriculture exams:

IBPS AFO Syllabus 2026

ICAR AIEEA UG Syllabus 2026

• Stream 1 (PCB): Physics, Chemistry, Biology – Class 11 & 12 level NCERT curriculum
• Stream 2 (PCM): Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics – Class 11 & 12 level NCERT curriculum
• Stream 3 (Agriculture): Agriculture – Class 11 & 12 Agriculture subjects from State Board / CBSE

ASRB NET / ICAR ARS Syllabus 2026

Subject-specific syllabus covering advanced topics in the chosen agricultural discipline (Agronomy, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, etc.) at the MSc/PhD level, plus Research Methodology, Agricultural Statistics, and General Agriculture.

• Choose Your Target Exam First: With so many agriculture exams available, prioritise 2–3 target exams based on your career goals, qualification, and timeline. Preparation strategies differ significantly between IBPS AFO (banking focus) and ASRB NET (research focus).
• IBPS AFO – Professional Knowledge Is Key: The Professional Knowledge section in IBPS AFO carries the highest marks. Build a subject-by-subject revision plan covering all 12 core agriculture subjects. Use standard graduation-level textbooks for each.
• ICAR AIEEA UG – NCERT + State Board: For UG entrances, NCERT textbooks in Biology/Agriculture at Class 11–12 level are the primary study material. State board agriculture textbooks also provide crucial additional content not in NCERT.
• For Research Exams (ASRB NET/ICAR ARS): These require deep subject expertise. Your chosen specialisation textbooks (MSc level) plus previous ASRB question banks are the most effective preparation resources.
• Current Affairs in Agriculture: Government schemes (PM-KISAN, PMFBY, eNAM, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana), recent agricultural policies, and ICAR research developments frequently appear in job exams. Follow agricultural newspapers and monthly digests.
• Mock Tests Are Non-Negotiable: For IBPS AFO, practising on timed mock test platforms is critical given the negative marking and speed requirements. Aim for at least 3–4 full mock tests per week in the final 2 months.
• State Agriculture Exam Preparation: For ADO and state agriculture officer exams, study the state's specific agricultural statistics, regional crop patterns, state government schemes, and local issues in addition to core agriculture subjects.

Solving previous year papers is essential for every agriculture exam. For IBPS AFO, past papers reveal that Agronomy (20–25%), Horticulture (10–15%), and Plant Pathology (10–12%) consistently dominate the Professional Knowledge section. For ICAR AIEEA UG, Biology accounts for the highest marks in the PCB stream.

Admit cards for agriculture exams are released on the respective official portals, typically 10–15 days before the examination date. Candidates must download and print their admit card and carry it to the examination centre along with a valid government-issued photo ID. Admit cards are not sent by post — all downloads are online only.

Key admit card download portals: IBPS (ibps.in), ICAR/NTA (icar.nta.ac.in), ASRB (asrb.org.in), and respective state PSC portals for ADO and state agriculture officer exams.

Answer keys for major agriculture exams are released on official portals after the examination, typically within 2–7 days. Candidates can challenge incorrect answers within the objection window by submitting representations online with supporting evidence. Final answer keys are released after challenge review and are used for computing official results.

IBPS does not release official subject-specific answer keys for the Professional Knowledge section. ICAR/NTA and ASRB release full provisional and final answer keys with objection challenge windows.

Cut-offs for agriculture exams vary widely based on the number of vacancies, total applicants, and exam difficulty. Some indicative cut-off ranges from recent years:

Results for all major agriculture exams are declared online on their respective official portals. IBPS releases results in PDF format with roll numbers of qualified candidates. NTA/ICAR releases scorecards with subject-wise marks. ASRB results include merit rank and qualifying status. For state ADO exams, results are published on state PSC portals.

Candidates are advised to save their result PDFs and scorecards immediately after declaration, as they are required for subsequent stages (document verification, interview, counselling) and future job applications.

Counselling processes vary significantly across different agriculture exams:

• ICAR AIEEA UG/PG: Online centralised counselling conducted by ICAR. Candidates fill institute and programme preferences, and seats are allocated based on merit rank and category reservation.
• IBPS AFO: No traditional counselling. Successful candidates are interviewed and then allocated to participating banks based on preference, bank-wise vacancies, and merit rank.
• NABARD Grade A: Interview + final merit list. Selected candidates are posted to NABARD Regional Offices across India based on merit and preferences.
• ADO / State Agriculture Officer: Document verification at the State PSC / DPC (District Posting Committee) level, followed by district-wise posting based on merit rank and home district preference policies.
• ASRB NET / ICAR ARS: NET qualifiers receive lectureship eligibility. ARS qualifiers are allocated to ICAR institute positions based on rank and available vacancies in each subject area.