The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has announced a 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 2025. This recruitment drive offers 540 vacancies across various disciplines, presenting a golden opportunity for candidates aiming for agricultural research and technical roles. This job alert is crucial for aspirants preparing for competitive exams and seeking government jobs. Below are the key details of the vacancies, eligibility, and application process.
Overview of ASRB 2025 Examination
About the Combined Examination
The ASRB 2025 examination is a unified recruitment process for four programs:
- NET-2025: A qualifying exam for Lecturer/Assistant Professor roles in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and other Agricultural Universities (AUs).
- ARS-2025: Recruitment for Agricultural Research Service positions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- SMS (T-6): Recruitment for Subject Matter Specialist roles in ICAR at Pay Level-10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500).
- STO (T-6): Recruitment for Senior Technical Officer roles in ICAR at Pay Level-10.
The examination comprises a Computer Based Test (CBT) for preliminary screening, a Mains (Descriptive) exam, and a Personal Interview for ARS, SMS, and STO positions.
Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies
| Program | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| ARS | 458 |
| SMS (T-6) | 41 |
| STO (T-6) | 83 |
| Total | 582 |
Vacancies span disciplines like Agricultural Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, and more. Refer to the official notification for detailed vacancy distributions.
Important Dates
Examination Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 22nd April 2025 (1:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Application | 21st May 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Combined CBT (NET & Preliminary for ARS/SMS/STO) | 2nd - 4th September 2025 |
| Mains (Descriptive) Exam for ARS/SMS/STO | 7th December 2025 |
Note: Dates may change. Candidates should monitor the ASRB website for updates.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant discipline (per Annexure-VI) completed by 30th September 2025 from a recognized Indian or foreign university. Examples include:
- Agricultural Biotechnology: Master’s in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields.
- Agronomy: Master’s in Agronomy or related fields.
- Veterinary Medicine: Master’s in Veterinary Medicine or related fields.
Age Limits
- NET: Minimum 21 years as on 1st January 2025, no upper age limit.
- SMS (T-6) & STO (T-6): 21 to 35 years as on 21st May 2025, with relaxations:
- SC/ST: Up to 5 years.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Up to 3 years.
- PwBD: Up to 10 years (cumulative with SC/ST/OBC if applicable).
- ICAR Employees: No age limit.
- RAs/SRFs: Relaxation based on service duration (up to 16 years 3 months).
- ARS: Refer to the notification for specific age limits.
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the ASRB website (https://www.asrb.org.in) from 22nd April 2025 to 21st May 2025. No other submission modes are accepted. Steps include:
- Choose the examination option (NET, ARS, SMS, STO, or combination).
- Pay the fee through Bharatkosh (https://bharatkosh.gov.in).
- Upload a passport-size photograph, signature, and thumb impression in the specified format.
- Submit the form and keep a copy for reference.
Application Fee
| Category | NET Only (₹) | ARS/SMS/STO or Combination (₹) | NET + ARS/SMS/STO (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 1000 | 1000 | 2000 |
| EWS/OBC | 500 | 800 | 1300 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender | 250 | NIL | 250 |
Transaction charges for Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI payments are borne by the candidate.
Examination Process
NET-2025
The NET involves a single CBT of 150 marks (150 objective questions, 2 hours) with minimum qualifying marks:
- UR: 75.0 (50%)
- EWS/OBC: 67.5 (45%)
- SC/ST/PwBD: 60.0 (40%)
A 1/3 mark deduction applies for each wrong answer.
ARS, SMS (T-6), and STO (T-6)
These programs include:
- Preliminary CBT: 150 marks, qualifying, with minimum marks (UR: 45%, EWS/OBC: 40%, SC/ST/PwBD: 35%).
- Mains (Descriptive): 300 marks, with short-answer questions.
- Personal Interview: 45 marks.
The syllabus is available on the ASRB website.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The ASRB 2025 recruitment is a prestigious opportunity for candidates targeting careers in agricultural research, teaching, and technical roles. It aligns with current affairs and general awareness for competitive exams like UPSC, NET, and ICAR exams. Keeping updated with such government job opportunities boosts preparation for aspirants aiming for research and academic careers.
Apply Online Official Notification Official WebsiteFor more updates, visit GKboard.in.