ICAR AIEEA (PG) & AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) Exam 2026: Dates, Pattern, Centers

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a public notice for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA PG) for Master’s degree admissions and the All India Competitive Examination for Junior Research Fellowship/Senior Research Fellowship (AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D.) for Doctoral degree programmes. These crucial entrance examinations, scheduled for the academic session 2026-27, will be conducted by NTA on behalf of ICAR. Aspiring candidates for Postgraduate and Doctoral programmes in Agricultural and Allied Sciences should take note of the important dates and examination details provided in this notification.

Exam Overview

Important Dates

Exam Schedule & Pattern

Exam Schedule

The examination will be conducted on 04 July 2026 (Saturday). Specific timings for shifts (if any) will be announced along with the Admit Card. Candidates are advised to check their Admit Card for precise reporting times and examination slot.

Exam Pattern

Exam Medium & Duration

The examination will be conducted entirely in English medium. Candidates will have a total of 02 hours (120 minutes) to complete the examination.

Exam Centers

The examination for ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.)-2026 will be conducted in approximately 122 cities across the country. A detailed list of these cities is provided in Annexure-I of the official notification. Candidates will be able to select their preferred exam cities during the application process, subject to availability.

Application Process

Candidates must apply online through the official NTA ICAR website. Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Visit the official NTA ICAR website: https://exams.nta.nic.in/icar/.
2. Carefully read the respective Information Bulletins for AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) to understand eligibility criteria and other instructions.
3. Initiate your application form, preferably through Aadhaar-based authentication. Ensure your Aadhaar details (including photograph and demographic details) are updated as per UIDAI guidelines.
4. Fill in all required particulars accurately. Any discrepancy may lead to cancellation of candidature.
5. Upload a recent photograph and also capture a live photograph during the submission of the application form. Ensure proper lighting, light-coloured background, and clear visibility of the face (without mask).
6. For PwD/PwBD candidates, upload details of your UDID Card or a valid Disability Certificate. These will be verified later.
7. Pay the examination fee online through prescribed modes (Credit/Debit Card/Net Banking/UPI).
8. Submit the application form and keep a copy of the Confirmation Page for future reference.
9. Only one application per candidate is permitted. Multiple applications will lead to rejection.

Admit Card & City Intimation Slip

The Information of Advance City Intimation Slip and the Admit Card release dates will be intimated later on the official NTA and ICAR websites. Candidates are advised to regularly visit these websites for the latest updates. The Admit Card will display the live photograph captured during the application process, along with other essential details.

Documents Required for Application

During the online application process, candidates will need the following:

• Aadhaar Card: For Aadhaar-based authentication (recommended). Ensure details are updated.
• Recent Photograph: A scanned copy to upload.
• Live Photograph: To be captured during application submission using a webcam or mobile device.
• UDID Card / Valid Disability Certificate: Mandatory for PwD/PwBD candidates.
• Payment Instrument: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI for online fee payment.

Examination Fee

Application fee details are not specified in this notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the detailed Information Bulletin on the official website for fee structure and payment modes. The examination fee is to be paid online only through the prescribed modes.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Candidates must carefully read the Information Bulletins for eligibility criteria before applying.
• Ensure all information furnished in the application form is correct and complete.
• Keep a copy of the Confirmation Page after successful application submission for future reference.
• Only one application per candidate is allowed. Submission of multiple applications will result in rejection.
• Regularly visit the official NTA and ICAR websites for the latest updates.

Last-Minute Preparation Tips

As the exam approaches, effective last-minute preparation can significantly boost your performance:

Focus on Revision

• Quick Review: Go through your notes, formulas, and key concepts. Avoid starting new topics.
• Practice Mock Tests: Take at least one full-length mock test daily to simulate exam conditions and identify areas needing quick brush-up.
• Analyze Mistakes: Don’t just take mocks; analyze your errors to understand where you’re losing marks.

Maintain Health and Mindset

• Proper Sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep each night. A fresh mind performs better.
• Healthy Diet: Eat light and healthy food. Avoid junk food that can cause lethargy.
• Stay Calm: Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress. Trust your preparation.

Strategize for the Exam

• Time Management: Plan how much time to allocate to each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Prioritize Questions: In the actual exam, attempt known questions first to build confidence and secure marks.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Being prepared for the exam environment can reduce anxiety:

• CBT Environment: The exam will be computer-based. Familiarize yourself with navigating through questions and marking answers on a computer screen if you haven’t already.
• Objective MCQs: Expect multiple-choice questions. Read each question and all options carefully before selecting an answer.
• English Medium Only: All questions will be in English. Ensure your comprehension skills in English are strong.
• Security Checks: Expect thorough security checks, including frisking and biometric verification, before entering the exam hall.
• Rough Work: Rough sheets will typically be provided for calculations. Do not carry any personal paper.
• No Personal Belongings: Most centers do not allow personal items like bags, electronic devices, or study material inside the exam hall. Plan accordingly.

Important Links & Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the eligibility criteria for ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026?

A: The detailed eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and age limits, are not mentioned in this public notice. Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the comprehensive Information Bulletins for AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) available on the official NTA ICAR website.

Q2: Is there negative marking in the ICAR Entrance Exams?

A: This public notice does not explicitly mention details about negative marking. Candidates must check the official Information Bulletin for the detailed marking scheme, including any provisions for negative marking.

Q3: Can I apply for both AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.)?

A: The notification states that only one application per candidate shall be permitted, and multiple applications may lead to rejection. This implies you should choose one examination to apply for. Please refer to the detailed Information Bulletin for specific rules regarding applying for multiple programs if any.

Q4: What documents are required on the day of the exam?

A: While not fully detailed in this notification, typically for NTA exams, candidates must carry their Admit Card, a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID), and a passport-size photograph (same as uploaded in the application form). PwD/PwBD candidates must also carry their Disability Certificate.

Q5: How will I know my exam center city?

A: NTA will release an ‘Advance City Intimation Slip’ on its website prior to the Admit Card. This slip will inform you about the city where your examination center will be located, allowing you to make necessary travel arrangements in advance. The exact venue will be on the Admit Card.

Q6: What if I face issues during the online application process?

A: Candidates can contact the NTA Help Desk at +91-11-40759000 or +91-11-6922770, or send an email to icar@nta.ac.in for any queries or clarifications regarding the application process.

Q7: Can I change my exam city preference after submitting the application?

A: The notification allows for a correction window (09 June to 10 June 2026) for particulars in the application form. It is advisable to check if changing the exam city preference is permitted during this window by referring to the Information Bulletin or the official website.

Q8: What is Aadhaar-based authentication? Is it mandatory?

A: Aadhaar-based authentication helps verify your identity using your Aadhaar details. While the notification advises candidates to initiate their application through this method, it doesn’t explicitly state if it’s mandatory. However, it’s highly recommended to ensure your Aadhaar details are updated as NTA reserves the right to verify candidate identity at any stage.