Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has invited great opportunities for new applicants to become Scientists in 2025 in different fields of agriculture. Organized by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), this recruitment will help make India’s agricultural research and innovation stronger. The chosen applicants will be a part of crucial research projects under ICAR institutes. It is a high-profile career route with good salary, training, and long-term development in agricultural science.
Eligibility Criteria
| Educational Qualification | Minimum Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, or in relevant basic/research subject such as Biotechnology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Bioinformatics, etc. |
| Age Limit | ARS Scientist: 21–32 years SMS/STO positions: 21–35 years |
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Attempts | No limit on number of attempts for NET/ARS/SMS/STO |
Selection Process
The selection process for the ASRB is a three-tiered process:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
Individual-based test.
This is qualifying only for the purpose of identifying candidates for the Main Exam.
Stage 2 – Main examination (ARS/SMS/STO)
More descriptive papers on the subject of relevance. The marks incurred here will form part of the final merit.
Stage 3 – Interview / Personality Test
60 Marks, added on to the Main marks for the production of the final merit.
The newly appointed candidates must go through a Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS) before they are welcomed in respective ICAR institutes.
Important Dates
| Official Notification Release Date | 05 August 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 05 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 02 September 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Pay Application Fee | 02 September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release (Tentative) | Last Week of October 2025 |
| Written Exam Date (Tentative) | November 2025 |
| Result Declaration (Tentative) | December 2025 |
Vacancies Overview
These positions are for diverse fields of Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Biotechnology, Soil Science, Horticulture, Veterinary Science etc.
ARS (458 positions) is the primary cadre for research scientists.
SMS (41 positions) is subject specialists requiring advanced subject knowledge.
STO (83 positions) is technical officer roles in different ICAR institutes.
Candidate’s Next Steps
Sign up and sit for ASRB ICAR NET (Prelims) in September 2025.
Qualify and download Main exam admit card (December 2025).
If selected, get into FOCARS training; join an ICAR institute (Scientist B cadre).
Maintain a registry for promotions through CAS, contemplate commencing a PhD study if you aren’t already.
Salary & Career Path
| Post | Level | Basic Pay | Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist | Level 10 | Rs.56,100 | Rs.85,000 – Rs.95,000 |
| Senior Scientist | Level 13A | Rs.1,31,400 | Rs.1,90,000 – Rs.2,10,000 |
| Principal Scientist | Level 14 | Rs.1,44,200 | Rs.2,10,000 – Rs.2,35,000 |
Indian Council of Agricultural Research 2025 : Important Links
| Official ASRB Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Online Application Portal | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Master’s degree in Agricultural or basic science stream relevant to the discipline.
ARS scientists must not exceed 32 years; for SMS/STO roles, the upper limit is 35.
Three: Preliminary (NET), Main exam, and Interview/Personality Test.
Selected candidates receive induction training (FOCARS) at NAARM, Hyderabad.
ypically around ₹1.8 lakh/month (basic + allowances), based on Level 10 pay on joining.
