Introduction: ASRB Combined Examination 2025
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has announced the Combined Examination for National Eligibility Test (NET), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6), and Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6) for the year 2025. This presents a significant opportunity for candidates seeking prestigious scientific and technical positions within the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Online applications commence on April 22, 2025, and the deadline for submission is May 21, 2025. A total of 582 vacancies are available across ARS, SMS, and STO roles.
Organization Details: About ASRB & ICAR
- Hiring Body: Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), under the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
- Posts Available:
- National Eligibility Test (NET) – Eligibility for Lecturer/Assistant Professor
- Agricultural Research Service (ARS) – Scientist
- Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6)
- Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6)
- Total Vacancies (ARS + SMS + STO): 582
- Location: Selected candidates will be appointed to various ICAR Institutes across India.
ASRB Vacancy Breakdown 2025
The vacancies are distributed across various disciplines for ARS, SMS (T-6), and STO (T-6) positions. NET is a qualifying exam and does not have specific vacancies.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Vacancies
| Category | Vacancies |
| SC | 68 |
| ST | 34 |
| OBC | 123 |
| EWS | 46 |
| UR | 187 |
| Total | 458 |
| PwBD | (Horizontal Reservation across categories) |
(Refer to Annexure-IX in the official notification for discipline-wise ARS vacancy details)
Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6) Vacancies
| Category | Vacancies |
| SC | 7 |
| ST | 4 |
| OBC | 7 |
| EWS | 3 |
| UR | 20 |
| Total | 41 |
| PwBD | 1 |
(Refer to Annexure-XII in the official notification for discipline-wise SMS vacancy details)
Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6) Vacancies
| Category | Vacancies |
| SC | 5 |
| ST | 3 |
| OBC | 14 |
| EWS | 12 |
| UR | 49 |
| Total | 83 |
| PwBD | 0 |
(Refer to Annexure-XIII in the official notification for discipline-wise STO vacancy details)
ASRB Eligibility Criteria 2025
Candidates must fulfill the specific eligibility criteria regarding nationality, age, and educational qualifications for each post.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (conditions apply), or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India. A certificate of eligibility might be required for categories other than Indian citizens.
Educational Qualification (Common)
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in the concerned Discipline as specified in Annexure-VI of the notification.
- The Master’s degree must be completed on or before September 30, 2025.
- Qualifications from foreign universities require an equivalence certificate.
(Refer to Annexure-VI in the official notification for detailed Discipline-wise qualifications)
Age Limit
- NET: Minimum 21 years as of 01.01.2025. No upper age limit.
- ARS: Minimum 21 years and maximum 32 years as of 01.08.2025.
- SMS (T-6) & STO (T-6): Minimum 21 years and maximum 35 years as of the closing date of online application (May 21, 2025).
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years.
- OBC (NCL): 3 years.
- PwBD: 10 years (cumulative relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC PwBD candidates).
- Ph.D. Holders (for ARS): Additional 3 years relaxation.
- ICAR Employees: No age limit for SMS/STO; up to 45 years for ARS.
- Agricultural University Employees (for ARS): Up to 35 years.
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government of India rules.
Important Dates for ASRB Recruitment 2025
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Start Date | April 22, 2025 (01:00 PM) |
| Online Application Last Date (incl. fee) | May 21, 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Combined CBT (NET & Prelims for ARS/SMS/STO) | September 2nd – 4th, 2025 |
| Combined Mains Exam (ARS/SMS/STO) | December 7th, 2025 |
| Master’s Degree Qualification Cut-off Date | September 30, 2025 |
(Note: Dates are subject to change)
Salary & Benefits: ASRB Pay Scale
- ARS: Pay Level-10 (₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400) of the 7th CPC.
- SMS (T-6) & STO (T-6): Pay Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) of the 7th CPC.
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to various allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other benefits as per Government of India/ICAR rules.
Selection Process: ASRB Exams 2025
The selection process varies slightly depending on the post(s) applied for:
- NET:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) only (150 objective questions, 150 marks, 2 hours).
- This is a qualifying exam for eligibility as Lecturer/Assistant Professor. Minimum qualifying marks apply. 1/3rd negative marking.
- ARS, SMS (T-6) & STO (T-6):
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Common CBT): Objective type (150 questions, 150 marks, 2 hours). This is qualifying in nature; marks are not counted for final merit. Minimum qualifying marks apply. 1/3rd negative marking. Candidates shortlisted (approx. 1:15 ratio) proceed to the Mains exam.
- Stage 2: Mains Examination (Descriptive): Common paper for ARS/SMS/STO (300 marks, 3 hours). Candidates can answer in English or Hindi. Minimum qualifying marks apply. Candidates shortlisted (approx. 1:3 ratio) proceed to the Interview.
- Stage 3: Personal Interview: 45 Marks. Assesses suitability, general awareness, subject knowledge, and personality traits.
- Final Merit: Based on aggregate marks in Mains Exam (300) + Personal Interview (45).
How to Apply for ASRB Recruitment 2025
- Visit Official Website: Go to the ASRB website.
- Find Application Link: Locate the link for the “Combined Examination for NET, ARS, SMS (T-6) & STO (T-6) Examination – 2025”.
- Register: Complete the initial registration process (Part-I) by providing basic details like Name, Father’s Name, Email ID, Date of Birth etc..
- Fill Application Form: Log in and fill out the detailed application form carefully, selecting the desired examination(s) (NET/ARS/SMS/STO or combination) and providing preferences if applicable.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph (white background, max 200 KB, .jpg), signature (black/blue ink, max 100 KB, .jpg), Left Thumb Impression (blue ink, max 100 KB, .jpg), and required Photo ID proof.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the fee online via the Bharatkosh portal following the instructions in Annexure-I. Select the correct purpose and DDO code (216968).
- Upload Payment Receipt: Upload the generated Bharatkosh payment receipt in the application form.
- Submit Application: Review the application thoroughly before final submission. Once submitted after payment, no edits are possible.
- Print Application: Save and print a copy of the submitted application form for future reference.
Application Fees
The application fee depends on the category and the combination of exams chosen:
| Category | NET Only (₹) | ARS/SMS/STO or any combination (₹) | NET + any combination of ARS/SMS/STO (₹) |
| Unreserved (UR) | 1000 | 1000 | 2000 |
| EWS / OBC (NCL) | 500 | 800 | 1300 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women / TG | 250 | NIL | 250 |
Official Notification & Apply Link
- Download Official Notification PDF: ASRB Recruitment 2025 Notification
- Direct Online Application Link: Apply Here
- Official ASRB Website: Visit Now
Stay updated with the latest Government Job Alerts! Join our channels:
- Whatsapp Channel: Government Jobs Alert
- Telegram Channel: Government Jobs Sarkari Naukri