Prelims Syllabus of ICAR IARI Exam 2024
Agriculture
1. Agronomy:
- Crop Production: Principles of crop production, crop rotation, intercropping, mixed cropping, multiple cropping, organic farming, precision farming, sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, climate-smart agriculture, and resource conservation technologies.
- Soil Science: Soil formation, soil classification, soil fertility, soil analysis, soil conservation, soil management, nutrient cycling, fertilizer use, and organic matter management.
- Weed Management: Principles of weed management, weed identification, weed control methods (cultural, mechanical, chemical, biological), herbicide application techniques, and integrated weed management.
- Irrigation and Water Management: Irrigation methods, water requirements of crops, irrigation scheduling, water conservation techniques, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and water quality management.
- Crop Physiology: Photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, growth and development, plant hormones, stress physiology, and crop yield components.
- Crop Genetics and Breeding: Principles of inheritance, plant breeding methods, hybrid breeding, variety development, genetic engineering, and biotechnology in crop improvement.
- Seed Technology: Seed production, seed certification, seed testing, seed storage, and seed quality control.
2. Horticulture:
- Fruit Production: Propagation, cultivation, and management of important fruit crops (mango, banana, citrus, apple, grape, etc.).
- Vegetable Production: Propagation, cultivation, and management of important vegetable crops (tomato, potato, onion, cabbage, etc.).
- Floriculture: Propagation, cultivation, and management of ornamental plants, flower arrangement, and post-harvest management.
- Landscape Gardening: Principles of landscape design, planning, and execution, garden maintenance, and landscape architecture.
- Post-Harvest Technology: Principles of post-harvest handling, storage, processing, and marketing of horticultural produce.
3. Plant Pathology:
- Disease Concepts: Nature of plant diseases, disease cycle, disease triangle, and disease epidemiology.
- Fungal Diseases: Identification, symptoms, and control of major fungal diseases of crops.
- Bacterial Diseases: Identification, symptoms, and control of major bacterial diseases of crops.
- Viral Diseases: Identification, symptoms, and control of major viral diseases of crops.
- Plant Disease Management: Principles of disease management, cultural practices, biological control, chemical control, and integrated disease management.
4. Entomology:
- Insect Morphology and Physiology: Insect anatomy, physiology, and life cycle.
- Insect Ecology: Insect populations, insect-plant interactions, and insect pests of crops.
- Insect Control: Principles of insect control, cultural practices, biological control, chemical control, and integrated pest management.
- Beneficial Insects: Identification and role of beneficial insects in pest control.
- Insect Taxonomy: Classification and identification of important insect pests.
5. Agricultural Extension:
- Extension Education: Principles of extension education, communication methods, and extension program planning.
- Rural Sociology: Rural social structure, rural development, and community development.
- Extension Management: Extension organization, administration, and evaluation.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication techniques, writing skills, and presentation skills.
Animal Husbandry
1. Animal Breeding and Genetics:
- Animal Breeding: Principles of animal breeding, selection, mating systems, and genetic improvement.
- Animal Genetics: Principles of inheritance, population genetics, quantitative genetics, and molecular genetics.
- Biotechnology in Animal Breeding: Artificial insemination, embryo transfer, cloning, and genetic engineering.
2. Animal Nutrition:
- Nutrient Requirements: Nutrient requirements of different livestock species, feed composition, and feed analysis.
- Feed Formulation: Principles of feed formulation, feed additives, and feed processing.
- Ruminant Nutrition: Digestion and metabolism in ruminants, rumen microbiology, and feed evaluation.
- Non-Ruminant Nutrition: Digestion and metabolism in non-ruminants, poultry nutrition, and swine nutrition.
3. Animal Physiology:
- Physiological Processes: Digestion, respiration, circulation, reproduction, and lactation.
- Hormonal Regulation: Role of hormones in animal growth, reproduction, and lactation.
- Environmental Physiology: Adaptation of animals to different environments, heat stress, and cold stress.
4. Animal Health:
- Animal Diseases: Etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and control of major animal diseases.
- Animal Parasites: Identification, life cycle, and control of internal and external parasites.
- Animal Immunology: Principles of immunity, vaccination, and disease resistance.
- Animal Welfare: Principles of animal welfare, ethical considerations, and animal handling practices.
5. Dairy Technology:
- Milk Production: Milk composition, milk secretion, and factors affecting milk yield.
- Milk Processing: Milk processing techniques, pasteurization, sterilization, and cheese making.
- Dairy Products: Production and marketing of various dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, etc.).
- Dairy Microbiology: Microorganisms in milk, milk spoilage, and dairy hygiene.
6. Poultry Science:
- Poultry Breeding: Principles of poultry breeding, selection, and genetic improvement.
- Poultry Nutrition: Nutrient requirements of poultry, feed formulation, and feed processing.
- Poultry Management: Housing, lighting, ventilation, and disease control in poultry production.
- Poultry Products: Production and marketing of poultry products (eggs, meat, etc.).
7. Fisheries Science:
- Fish Biology: Fish anatomy, physiology, and life cycle.
- Fish Ecology: Fish populations, fish-habitat interactions, and fish management.
- Fish Culture: Principles of fish culture, pond management, and fish nutrition.
- Fish Processing: Fish processing techniques, preservation, and marketing.
Agricultural Economics
1. Agricultural Economics:
- Principles of Economics: Scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, demand and supply, market equilibrium, and consumer behavior.
- Agricultural Production Economics: Production functions, cost analysis, profit maximization, and farm management.
- Agricultural Marketing: Marketing channels, price determination, market structure, and marketing strategies.
- Agricultural Finance: Farm credit, agricultural insurance, and investment analysis.
- Agricultural Policy: Agricultural policies, subsidies, price supports, and trade policies.
2. Rural Development:
- Rural Poverty: Causes and consequences of rural poverty, poverty alleviation programs, and rural development strategies.
- Rural Infrastructure: Infrastructure development, transportation, communication, and energy in rural areas.
- Rural Employment: Employment generation, skill development, and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
- Rural Institutions: Role of cooperatives, NGOs, and government agencies in rural development.
3. Agricultural Statistics:
- Data Collection and Analysis: Methods of data collection, data analysis techniques, and statistical inference.
- Agricultural Indices: Price indices, production indices, and other agricultural indicators.
- Agricultural Forecasting: Forecasting methods, crop yield forecasting, and market forecasting.
Agricultural Engineering
1. Farm Machinery:
- Tractors: Tractor types, tractor operation, and tractor maintenance.
- Farm Implements: Types of farm implements, implement operation, and implement maintenance.
- Power Systems: Internal combustion engines, electric motors, and alternative power sources.
- Farm Mechanization: Mechanization of agricultural operations, farm power requirements, and energy efficiency.
2. Soil and Water Conservation:
- Soil Erosion: Causes and consequences of soil erosion, erosion control measures, and soil conservation practices.
- Water Management: Irrigation systems, water conservation techniques, and drainage systems.
- Land Development: Land leveling, terracing, and contour farming.
3. Agricultural Structures:
- Farm Buildings: Design and construction of farm buildings, livestock housing, and storage facilities.
- Irrigation Structures: Design and construction of irrigation canals, reservoirs, and pumps.
- Agricultural Processing Structures: Design and construction of food processing plants, grain storage facilities, and cold storage units.
4. Agricultural Processing:
- Food Processing: Principles of food processing, food preservation, and food safety.
- Grain Processing: Grain cleaning, drying, and storage.
- Dairy Processing: Milk processing, cheese making, and butter production.
5. Renewable Energy:
- Solar Energy: Solar energy technologies, solar water heating, and solar power generation.
- Wind Energy: Wind energy technologies, wind turbines, and wind power generation.
- Bioenergy: Biogas production, biomass energy, and biofuel production.
Tables
Table 1: ICAR IARI Prelims Syllabus – Agriculture
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Agronomy | Crop Production, Soil Science, Weed Management, Irrigation and Water Management, Crop Physiology, Crop Genetics and Breeding, Seed Technology |
| Horticulture | Fruit Production, Vegetable Production, Floriculture, Landscape Gardening, Post-Harvest Technology |
| Plant Pathology | Disease Concepts, Fungal Diseases, Bacterial Diseases, Viral Diseases, Plant Disease Management |
| Entomology | Insect Morphology and Physiology, Insect Ecology, Insect Control, Beneficial Insects, Insect Taxonomy |
| Agricultural Extension | Extension Education, Rural Sociology, Extension Management, Communication Skills |
Table 2: ICAR IARI Prelims Syllabus – Animal Husbandry
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Animal Breeding and Genetics | Animal Breeding, Animal Genetics, Biotechnology in Animal Breeding |
| Animal Nutrition | Nutrient Requirements, Feed Formulation, Ruminant Nutrition, Non-Ruminant Nutrition |
| Animal Physiology | Physiological Processes, Hormonal Regulation, Environmental Physiology |
| Animal Health | Animal Diseases, Animal Parasites, Animal Immunology, Animal Welfare |
| Dairy Technology | Milk Production, Milk Processing, Dairy Products, Dairy Microbiology |
| Poultry Science | Poultry Breeding, Poultry Nutrition, Poultry Management, Poultry Products |
| Fisheries Science | Fish Biology, Fish Ecology, Fish Culture, Fish Processing |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ICAR IARI Prelims Exam 2024:
General:
Q: What is the exam pattern for ICAR IARI Prelims?
A: The exam is an objective type, computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. It is divided into two papers: Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
Q: What is the duration of the exam?
A: The exam duration is typically 2 hours for each paper.
Q: What is the syllabus for the ICAR IARI Prelims exam?
A: The syllabus covers a wide range of topics in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, including agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, animal breeding, animal nutrition, animal physiology, and more.
Q: How can I prepare for the ICAR IARI Prelims exam?
A: Start your preparation early, refer to standard textbooks and study materials, practice mock tests, and join online or offline coaching classes if needed.
Q: What are the important books for ICAR IARI Prelims preparation?
A: Refer to the recommended books for each subject mentioned in the syllabus.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the ICAR IARI Prelims exam?
A: The eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific course you are applying for. Check the official notification for details.
Q: What are the important topics to focus on for the exam?
A: Focus on the core concepts and principles of each subject, understand the latest trends and advancements, and practice solving previous years’ question papers.
Q: What are the best resources for exam preparation?
A: Utilize a combination of textbooks, study materials, online resources, mock tests, and coaching classes to prepare effectively.
Q: How can I improve my time management skills for the exam?
A: Practice solving mock tests within the stipulated time, analyze your performance, and identify areas where you need to improve your speed and accuracy.
Q: What are the tips for success in the ICAR IARI Prelims exam?
A: Stay focused, maintain a consistent study schedule, practice regularly, and stay updated with the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
Q: What are the career opportunities after clearing the ICAR IARI Prelims exam?
A: Clearing the Prelims exam qualifies you for the ICAR IARI Mains exam, which opens doors to various career opportunities in research, teaching, extension, and other agricultural sectors.
Agriculture:
Q: What are the different types of crop rotations?
A: Crop rotations can be classified into various types based on the crops included, the duration of the rotation, and the specific objectives.
Q: What are the advantages of organic farming?
A: Organic farming promotes sustainable agriculture, improves soil health, reduces environmental pollution, and enhances biodiversity.
Q: What are the different types of irrigation systems?
A: Common irrigation systems include surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation.
Q: What are the major fungal diseases affecting crops?
A: Some common fungal diseases include rust, blight, mildew, and smut.
Q: What are the different methods of insect control?
A: Insect control methods include cultural practices, biological control, chemical control, and integrated pest management.
Animal Husbandry:
Q: What are the different types of mating systems in animal breeding?
A: Common mating systems include random mating, inbreeding, linebreeding, and crossbreeding.
Q: What are the essential nutrients required for livestock?
A: Livestock require a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Q: What are the major diseases affecting livestock?
A: Livestock diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other factors.
Q: What are the different types of dairy products?
A: Dairy products include milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, ice cream, and many more.
Q: What are the factors affecting poultry production?
A: Poultry production is influenced by factors such as genetics, nutrition, management, and environmental conditions.
Agricultural Economics:
Q: What are the factors affecting demand and supply?
A: Demand and supply are influenced by factors such as price, income, consumer preferences, and production costs.
Q: What are the different types of agricultural marketing channels?
A: Agricultural marketing channels can be direct, indirect, or through cooperatives.
Q: What are the objectives of agricultural policy?
A: Agricultural policies aim to ensure food security, promote rural development, and support farmers’ incomes.
Agricultural Engineering:
Q: What are the different types of tractors used in agriculture?
A: Tractors can be classified based on their size, power, and application, such as wheeled tractors, crawler tractors, and specialized tractors.
Q: What are the different types of farm implements?
A: Farm implements include tillage implements, planting implements, harvesting implements, and other specialized implements.
Q: What are the different types of irrigation systems used in agriculture?
A: Irrigation systems can be surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation.
Q: What are the different types of renewable energy sources used in agriculture?
A: Renewable energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, and bioenergy.
Note: These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions. The actual questions may vary depending on the specific syllabus and exam pattern. It is important to refer to the official syllabus and study materials for a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in the exam.