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ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus 2025, Download PDF, Check Exam Pattern

authorImageShruti Kumari12 Jun, 2025
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ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus 2025

ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF Syllabus 2025: This year's ICAR AICE JRF/SRF 2025 Exam will be held on July 3, 2025, in 89 cities throughout India. Agricultural Universities (AU) provide doctoral degree programmes in 80 different subjects. Aside from the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF test pattern and marking system, the applicant should also be familiar with the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF syllabus for the course selected. 

The ICAR AICE JRF/SRF 2025 program covers a wide range of agricultural and related fields. The ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus can assist candidates in understanding overall subject-specific topics, allowing them to concentrate on areas of agricultural study. 

ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) Syllabus 2025 Overview

Candidates preparing for ICAR JRF 2025 should be aware of the exam structure and syllabus details. Check the table below for an overview of the ICAR JRF 2025 syllabus:

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus 2025 Overview
Aspect Details
Name of exam ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD)
Full form of exam name Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Competitive Examinations Junior Research Fellowship, Senior Research Fellowship (Doctor of Philosophy)
Official Body NTA
Full form of the organization National Testing Agency
Scope National
Exam Type Agriculture Entrance Exam
Courses for which the ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) syllabus is to be studied Doctoral degree programmes in AUs in different disciplines of Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Veterinary, Animal Sciences, and Agril. Engineering, Community Science (erstwhile Home Science), Fisheries, Dairy Science, and other allied sciences
Official website  icar.nta.nic.in

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus PDF

The ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus is based on the postgraduate syllabus in agricultural and related sciences. It covers broad knowledge, core topic areas, and specialised disciplines relevant to the candidate's Master's program. The entire syllabus for each topic is accessible on the official ICAR website. The syllabus also helps create expectations for the types of questions that will be asked in each of the exam sections. Click on this link for the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus PDF.

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Exam Pattern

The AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) Test will consist of a single paper of two hours. The ICAR AICE JRF/SRF test will take two hours and will provide a total score of 120. The test will have a maximum of 480 marks. The specific components of the test are as follows: 

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Exam Pattern
Basic Description
Mode of Examination LAN-Based CBT (Computer-Based Test) (Annexure-VII) 
Duration 2 Hours 
Number of Questions 120 (20 + 50 + 50) 
  • 20 – Part A (General knowledge/reasoning ability) 
  • 50 – Part B Core Group containing the specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D. 
  • 50 –Part C Specialized Subject opted by the candidate for Ph.D.
Type of Questions Multiple Choice with 4 options
Maximum Marks 480 (80+200+200)
Scoring
  • 4 marks for each correct response 
  • -1 mark for each incorrect response (negative scoring)
  • 0 for non-attempt
Medium of Paper English only

ICAR JRF/SRF Syllabus Section Wise

The most crucial preparation for the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF is to understand the course content and specialty selected. The syllabus will serve as the basis for all questions on the national-level entrance test. Students must comprehend the syllabus and pattern stated, study diligently, and pass with flying colours. The exam would be divided into three sections:

Section A

The first 20 multiple-choice questions will be the same for all 72 specialized subjects. The questions test candidates' environmental knowledge and its impact on society. The questions include topics such as Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fisheries, and Allied Sciences, as well as current events and personal experiences.

Section B

50 multiple-choice questions from the Core Group will cover the particular subject the applicant selected to pursue a Ph.D.

Section C

50 multiple-choice questions will be selected from one of the specific master's degree subjects that the applicant decided to study for their doctorate. 

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Specialized Subjects Syllabus

The ICAR AICE JRF/SRF examination includes a separate syllabus for each field of specialization. The syllabus covers everything from genetics and plant breeding to animal sciences, with special emphasis on plant pathology, entomology, biochemistry, and other fields. The Syllabus overview for specialized subjects is as follows:

Genetics and Plant Breeding
Unit 1: General Genetics and Plant Breeding Unit 2: Economics, Botany, and Plant Breeding Methods
Unit 3: Genome Organisation and Cytogenetics of Crop Plants Unit 4: Quantitative and Biometrical Genetics
Unit 5: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnological Tools in Plant Breeding Unit 6: Plant Breeding for Stress Resistance and Nutritional Quality
Unit 7: Plant Genetic Resources and their Regulatory System; Varietal Release and Seed Production Unit 8: Statistical Methods and Field Plot Techniques
Seed Science & Technology
Unit 1: Seed Biology Unit 2: Seed Production
Unit 3: Seed Processing Unit 4: Seed Quality Control
Unit 5: Seed Storage Unit 6: Seed Health
Unit 7: Seed Industry Development and Marketing Unit 8: Protection of Plant Varieties
Economic Botany & Plant Genetic Resources
Unit 1: Biodiversity and Plant Genetic Resources Unit 2: Exploration and Germplasm Collecting
Unit 3: Germplasm Exchange and Plant Quarantine Unit 4: Principles and Methods of Germplasm Conservation
Unit 5: Principles and Practices of Germplasm Regeneration and Evaluation Unit 6: Biotechnology in Plant Genetic Resource Management
Unit 7: Economic Botany Unit 8: Information Management in Plant Genetic Resources
Unit 9: Plant Taxonomy Unit 10: Plant Biosecurity
Unit 11: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology for PGR Management  
Plant Pathology
Unit 1: History and Principles of Plant Pathology Unit 2: Laboratory and Analytical Technique
Unit 3: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology Unit 4: Mycology
Unit 5: Plant Bacteriology Unit 6: Plant Virology
Unit 7: Plant Disease Epidemiology Unit 8: Phanerogamic Parasites and Non-parasitic Diseases
Unit 9: Fungal Diseases of Crop Plants Unit 10: Bacterial and Viral Diseases of Crop Plant
Unit 11: Management of Plant diseases  
Nematology
Unit 1: History and Economic Importance Unit 2: Nematode Taxonomy and Morphology
Unit 3: Nematological Techniques Unit 4: Nematode Ecology
Unit 5: Plant Nematode Relationship Unit 6: Nematode Physiology and Cytology
Unit 7: Nematode pests of crops Unit 8: Nematode Management
Unit 9: Interactions of Nematodes with Soil Organisms Unit 10: Statistics
Agricultural Entomology
Unit 1: Systematics Unit 2: Morphology
Unit 3: Embryology, Internal Anatomy, and Physiology Unit 4: Ecology
Unit 5: Biological Control Unit 6: Chemical Control and Toxicology
Unit 7: Host Plant Resistance Unit 8: Novel Approaches in Pest Control
Unit 9: Integrated Pest Management Unit 10: Pesticide Application Equipment
Unit 11: Pests of Field Crops and their Management Unit 12: Pests of Horticultural Crops and their Management
Unit 13: Pests of Stored Products and their Management Unit 14: Insect and mite vectors of Plant Diseases
Unit 15: Honey Bees and Bee-keeping Unit 16: Silkworms and Sericulture
Unit 17: Lac Insect Unit 18: Helpful and Useful Insects
Unit 19: Statistics and Computer Application  
Sericulture
Unit 1: Mulberry Crop Production Unit 2: Mulberry and Silkworm Breeding
Unit 3: Silkworm Biology Unit 4: Silkworm Protection
Unit 5: Silkworm Nutrition Unit 6: Non-Mulberry Sericulture
Unit 7: Silk Reeling Technology Unit 8: Silkworm Seed Cocoon and Egg Production
Plant Biochemistry
Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Biomolecules Unit 2: Intermediary Metabolism
Unit 3: Enzymes, Vitamins and Hormones Unit 4: Molecular Biology
Unit 5: Techniques in Biochemistry Unit 6: Biochemistry of Food-grains, Fruits, and Vegetables
Unit 7: Photosynthesis Unit 8: Plant Metabolic Processes
Unit 9: Plant Molecular Biology Unit 10: Plant Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering
Plant Physiology
Unit 1: Cell Organelles and Water Relations Unit 2: Metabolic Processes and Growth Regulation
Unit 3: Crop Productivity and Modelling Unit 4: Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants
Unit 5: Plant Growth Regulators and Plant Development Unit 6: Mineral Nutrition
Unit 7: Climate and Climate Change Unit 8: Seed Physiology
Unit 9: Physiology of Flowering and Reproduction Unit 10: Physiology of Horticultural and Plantation Crop Species
Unit 11: Post-Harvest Physiology Unit 12: Morphogenesis, Tissue Culture, and Plant Transformation
Unit 13: Phenomics  
Agricultural Biotechnology
Unit 1: Cell Structure and Function Unit 2: Biomolecules and Metabolism
Unit 3: Enzymology Unit 4: Molecular Genetics
Unit 5: Gene Expression Unit 6: Molecular Biology Techniques
Unit 7: Gene Cloning Unit 8: Molecular Biology
Unit 9: Plant Molecular Biology Unit 10: Tissue Culture
Unit 11: Plant Genetic Engineering Unit 12: Molecular Markers and Genomics

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Preparation Tips

To effectively study for the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF exam, students need first understand the exam format, syllabus, and marking system. A well-structured plan of study that focuses on both strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Here are some of the important tips related to ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Preparation. 

  • Know the Exam Pattern: Students must comprehend the ICAR IRF/SRF Exam Pattern 2025 and Marking Scheme in order to accurately determine cutoff scores and perform better. Understand the three sections: General Knowledge, Core Subject, and Specialised Subject of ICAR AICE JRF/SRF. 
  • Make a Simple Study Plan: The key to acing your test is time management. Better time management will allow you to finish the test questions of ICAR JRF/SRF on time and completely. Ensure that applicants fulfil their daily goals and allocate time evenly across all areas.
  • Use Quality Study Materials: Candidates should prepare for the ICAR test using available books and suggested resources, such as NCERTs and previous year exams.
  • Practice Mock Tests Regularly and Revise Smartly: Students must work on their speed, accuracy, and get used to the ICAR AICE JRF/SRF exam pattern. Use previous years' online mock tests and exam questions to improve your strategies for ICAR JRF/SRF. Make short notes and revise important topics repeatedly.
  • Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Focus on agriculture-related news and general science-related topics for ICAR AICE JRF/SRF.
  • Stay Healthy, Positive and Consistent: Take breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep to stay focused. Confidence, good preparation, and regular study are some of the best ways to crack an exam.

 

ICAR AICE JRF/SRF Syllabus 2025 FAQs

How many questions will be asked in the ICAR Exam 2025?

The ICAR Exam 2025 consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must understand that the total number of questions in the JRF and SRF tests is the same.

What is the ICAR Exam duration?

The whole duration of the ICAR Exam is 150 minutes. There is no sectional time restriction for completing the question paper

What are the total marks for ICAR JRF 2025?

The overall score for ICAR JRF 2025 is 600. You will receive a maximum of 200 marks for each section of the exam.

Are there any minimum marks to qualify ICAR JRF exam?

Yes, there are minimum qualifying scores for the ICAR JRF examination. The general category requires a minimum qualifying mark of 40%, while reserve category applicants need a minimum of 35%.
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