ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Exam Date 2026: National Testing Agency (NTA)'s All India Competitive Examination (AICE)-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 examination is set for July 04, 2026 (Saturday). This exam is for admission into Doctoral Degree Programs and for awarding the Junior Research Fellowship/Senior Research Fellowship (JRF/SRF PhD) for the academic session 2026-2027. It allows candidates to pursue doctoral degrees in Agricultural Universities (AUs) across various disciplines. The announcement of these dates is crucial for aspirants planning their academic year.
The ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Exam Date 2026 is scheduled for July 4, 2026 (Saturday), as officially announced by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This examination determines eligibility for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) and SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) positions for PhD admissions in agricultural and allied sciences across ICAR institutes. The official notice is attached below-

Below is an overview of the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 examination schedule, providing a quick look at the key details confirmed by the National Testing Agency. This summary helps candidates stay informed about the conducting body, important dates, and official resources.
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Exam Date 2026 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Session/Term | ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.)-2026 |
| Registration Start Date | 08 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Without Late Fee | 07 June 2026 |
| Official Exam Scheme / Schedule | https://exams.nta.nic.in/icar/, www.nta.ac.in |
The ICAR AICE JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 exam will be a single paper conducted in a computer-based test format. This section details the schedule, including the date, timings, duration, and other important aspects of the examination. Understanding this schedule is vital for effective preparation and planning on the exam day.
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Exam 2026 Schedule / Timings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper / Session | Date | Timings | Duration |
| Single Paper | 04 July 2026 (Saturday) | As indicated on the Admit Card | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 examination. It contains essential details like exam centre, date, and reporting time. Candidates must download it from the official NTA website once released, as no physical admit cards will be sent by post.
Admit Card Release Date: To be announced later on the NTA website.
How to Download: Via the NTA website (https://exams.nta.nic.in/icar/; www.nta.ac.in).
Details Needed: Candidates will need their Roll Number and Password to log in and download.
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF 2026 Exam Pattern is given below-
The examination will comprise 120 multiple-choice questions. Part A will have 20 questions on general knowledge/reasoning, Part B will have 50 questions from the core group, and Part C will have 50 questions from the specialized subject.
The maximum possible score is 480 marks (80 for Part A, 200 for Part B, and 200 for Part C).
Scoring: Each correct answer earns 4 marks. An incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions.
To ensure a smooth examination experience for the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026, candidates must follow a set of important instructions and guidelines on the exam day. These rules cover reporting times, required documents, prohibited items, and general conduct within the examination centre.
Arrive at the examination centre as per the time specified on your Admit Card. The registration desk will close 30 minutes before the exam begins.
Carry a printed copy of your Admit Card (A4 size), a filled Self Declaration, and one passport-size photograph (matching the one used in the online application form) to be pasted on the attendance sheet.
Bring an original, valid, and non-expired photo ID (e.g., PAN Card, Aadhaar Card). Ensure the name on the ID matches the name on the Admit Card.
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, and any textual material are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
A simple transparent Ball Point Pen, a personal transparent water bottle, and sugar tablets/fruits (for diabetic candidates) are permitted.
Regularly visit the NTA website and check your registered email for any further updates or announcements.