Exam Pattern of ICAR IARI Exam 2024
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts the All India Entrance Examination for Admission to various postgraduate programmes in agriculture and allied sciences at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and other ICAR institutes. The exam is typically held in the month of June/July.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Candidates must have qualified the qualifying examination (e.g., B.Sc. (Ag.) or equivalent) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Candidates must have a valid score in the ICAR AIEEA (PG) exam.
Exam Pattern
The ICAR IARI exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of two papers:
Paper 1: General Agriculture
- Duration: 2 hours
- Number of Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Syllabus:
- Agriculture: History of Agriculture in India, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Engineering, Livestock Production, Dairy Technology, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, Agricultural Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology, etc.
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economics, etc.
Paper 2: Subject-Specific
- Duration: 2 hours
- Number of Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Syllabus:
- Subject-specific syllabus: The syllabus for Paper 2 varies depending on the specialization chosen by the candidate. For example, the syllabus for Agronomy will be different from the syllabus for Plant Breeding.
Table 1: Exam Pattern Summary
| Paper | Duration | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: General Agriculture | 2 hours | 120 | 120 | General Agriculture and General Knowledge |
| Paper 2: Subject-Specific | 2 hours | 120 | 120 | Subject-specific syllabus |
Marking Scheme
- Each question carries one mark.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Important Points to Note
- The exam is conducted in English only.
- Candidates are advised to bring their own pens and pencils.
- Candidates are not allowed to carry any electronic devices, including mobile phones, into the examination hall.
- The admit card must be presented at the examination hall.
Preparation Strategy
- Start early: Begin your preparation at least 6 months before the exam.
- Understand the syllabus: Thoroughly go through the syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- Refer to standard textbooks: Use standard textbooks and reference books for each subject.
- Practice mock tests: Take as many mock tests as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and work on them diligently.
- Stay updated with current affairs: Keep yourself updated with current affairs related to agriculture and general knowledge.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly to stay focused and energized.
Important Resources
- ICAR Website: The official website of ICAR provides detailed information about the exam, syllabus, and other important resources.
- Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers is a good way to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Online Study Materials: Several online resources, including websites and mobile apps, offer study materials for the ICAR IARI exam.
- Coaching Institutes: Many coaching institutes offer specialized courses for the ICAR IARI exam.
Admission Process
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the ICAR AIEEA (PG) exam.
- Counseling: Shortlisted candidates are called for counseling, where they can choose their preferred course and institute.
- Document Verification: Candidates need to submit their original documents for verification at the time of counseling.
- Admission: Final admission is granted based on the candidate’s rank in the merit list and the availability of seats.
Important Dates
- Application Form Release: The application form for the ICAR IARI exam is typically released in the month of February/March.
- Last Date to Apply: The last date to apply for the exam is usually in the month of April/May.
- Exam Date: The exam is typically held in the month of June/July.
- Result Declaration: The result of the exam is usually declared in the month of August/September.
Table 2: Important Dates for ICAR IARI Exam 2024 (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | February/March 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | April/May 2024 |
| Exam Date | June/July 2024 |
| Result Declaration | August/September 2024 |
Conclusion
The ICAR IARI exam is a challenging but rewarding exam. With proper preparation and dedication, candidates can achieve success in the exam and secure admission to their desired postgraduate programme in agriculture and allied sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the exam?
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- They must have qualified the qualifying examination (e.g., B.Sc. (Ag.) or equivalent) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- They must have a valid score in the ICAR AIEEA (PG) exam.
2. What is the exam pattern?
- The exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of two papers: General Agriculture and Subject-Specific.
- Each paper is 2 hours long and has 120 questions, each carrying one mark.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
3. What is the syllabus for the exam?
- Paper 1 (General Agriculture): Covers topics like History of Agriculture in India, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Engineering, Livestock Production, Dairy Technology, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, Agricultural Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology, etc., along with General Knowledge.
- Paper 2 (Subject-Specific): The syllabus varies depending on the specialization chosen by the candidate.
4. How can I prepare for the exam?
- Start early and understand the syllabus thoroughly.
- Refer to standard textbooks and practice mock tests regularly.
- Focus on your weak areas and stay updated with current affairs.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay focused and energized.
5. What are some important resources for preparation?
- The official ICAR website provides detailed information about the exam, syllabus, and other resources.
- Previous year papers are helpful for understanding the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Online study materials and coaching institutes offer specialized courses for the exam.
6. What is the admission process?
- Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the ICAR AIEEA (PG) exam.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for counseling, where they can choose their preferred course and institute.
- Final admission is granted based on the candidate’s rank in the merit list and the availability of seats.
7. What are the important dates for the exam?
- The application form is typically released in February/March, with the last date to apply in April/May.
- The exam is usually held in June/July, and the results are declared in August/September.
8. Is there any negative marking for incorrect answers?
- No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
9. What are the important points to note for the exam?
- The exam is conducted in English only.
- Candidates need to bring their own pens and pencils.
- Electronic devices are not allowed in the examination hall.
- The admit card must be presented at the examination hall.
10. What are some tips for the exam?
- Time management is crucial.
- Read the questions carefully and avoid making careless mistakes.
- Stay calm and focused during the exam.