ASRB Exam 2025: NET, ARS, SMS & STO – Apply Now

Please read the Official Notification carefully before submitting your application.

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ASRB Recruitement 2025


The Combined National Eligibility Test (NET), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), and Senior Technical Officer (STO) Examination – 2025, conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), serves as a prestigious gateway to careers in agricultural research, academia, and technical roles in India. As a highly sought-after examination, it evaluates eligibility for lecturer positions, entry-level scientist roles, and senior technical opportunities. Aspiring candidates can seize this opportunity to enhance their career prospects in Indian agricultural excellence. Stay tuned for details on important dates, application processes, and syllabus insights.


Advt. No.: F.No. 1(1)/2025-Exam


List of Posts

Here is the list of posts available under the ASRB Combined Examination 2025:

  • Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
  • Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6)
  • Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6)

Post Wise Vacancy Details

1. Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
  • Total Vacancies: 458
  • Disciplines: Includes Agricultural Entomology, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Soil Science, and more.
2. Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6)
  • Total Vacancies: 41
  • Disciplines: Includes Agricultural Extension, Soil Science, Agronomy, Livestock Production Management, and others.
3. Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6)
  • Total Vacancies: 83
  • Disciplines: Includes Agricultural Biotechnology, Plant Biochemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Fisheries Resource Management, and more.

Post Wise Salary

Here are the post-wise salary details for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025:

1. Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
  • Pay Level: Level-10
  • Salary Range: ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400 (as per 7th CPC)
2. Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6)
  • Pay Level: Level-10
  • Salary Range: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (as per 7th CPC)
3. Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6)
  • Pay Level: Level-10
  • Salary Range: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (as per 7th CPC)

Post Wise Eligibility Criteria

Here are the post-wise eligibility criteria for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025:

1. Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
  • Educational Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant discipline (as listed in Annexure-VI of the notification) completed on or before 30th September 2025.
  • Age Limit:
    • Minimum: 21 years.
    • Maximum: 32 years (age relaxations apply for reserved categories, ICAR employees, and candidates with Ph.D. degrees).

2. Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6)
  • Educational Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant discipline (as listed in Annexure-VI of the notification) completed on or before 30th September 2025.
  • Age Limit:
    • Minimum: 21 years.
    • Maximum: 35 years (age relaxations apply for reserved categories, ICAR employees, and RAs/SRFs engaged in ICAR projects).

3. Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6)
  • Educational Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant discipline (as listed in Annexure-VI of the notification) completed on or before 30th September 2025.
  • Age Limit:
    • Minimum: 21 years.
    • Maximum: 35 years (age relaxations apply for reserved categories, ICAR employees, and RAs/SRFs engaged in ICAR projects).

4. National Eligibility Test (NET)
  • Educational Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant discipline (as listed in Annexure-VI of the notification) completed on or before 30th September 2025.
  • Age Limit:
    • Minimum: 21 years.
    • No upper age limit.

Application Fee

Here are the application fee details for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025:

CategoryNET Only (₹)ARS/SMS/STO (₹)NET + ARS/SMS/STO (₹)
Unreserved (UR)100010002000
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)/ Other Backward Class (OBC)5008001300
Scheduled Caste (SC)/ Scheduled Tribe (ST)/ Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)/ Women/ Transgender250NIL250

Important Notes:

  • Transaction charges for Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI payments are borne by the candidate.
  • Payment must be made through the Bharatkosh portal (bharatkosh.gov.in).
  • Ensure successful submission of the application form after fee payment, as incomplete submissions will not be considered.

How to Apply

To apply for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Application Process:

  1. Visit the Official Website: Go to ASRB’s official website and locate the application form link for the Combined Examination 2025.
  2. Read the Notification: Carefully review the notification and eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all requirements.
  3. Fill Out the Application Form:
    • Provide personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
    • Select your preferred examination center from the list provided in the notification.
    • Indicate your choice of examination (NET, ARS, SMS, STO, or combinations).
  4. Upload Documents:
    • Recent passport-sized photograph (maximum size: 200 KB, .jpg format).
    • Scanned signature (maximum size: 100 KB, .jpg format).
    • Scanned copy of your left thumb impression (maximum size: 100 KB, .jpg format).
    • Valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Passport).
  5. Pay the Application Fee:
    • Use the Bharatkosh portal for fee payment.
    • Select the appropriate fee category based on your examination choice and category.
  6. Submit the Application:
    • Double-check all entered details for accuracy.
    • Submit the form and save a copy for future reference.
  7. Download Confirmation:
    • After successful submission, download the confirmation receipt for your records.

Important Notes:

  • Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and meet the specified format.
  • No changes can be made to the application form after submission.
  • Keep your email and phone number active for updates from ASRB.

Important Dates

Here are the important dates for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025:

  • Start Date for Online Application Submission: April 22, 2025 (1:00 PM IST)
  • Last Date for Online Application Submission: May 21, 2025 (11:59 PM IST)
  • Combined Computer-Based Test (CBT): September 2–4, 2025
  • Combined Mains (Descriptive) Examination: December 7, 2025

These dates are subject to change, so it’s advisable to keep an eye on updates from the ASRB official website. Let me know if you’d like further assistance!


Here are the important links for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025:

  • Download Notification : You can access the detailed notification here.
  • Apply Now: Submit your application through the official portal here.
  • Official Website: Visit the ASRB official website for updates and information here.

Mode of Selection

The mode of selection for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025 involves the following stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (CBT)

  • This is a qualifying test conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
  • It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions from the respective discipline, with a total of 150 marks.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Negative marking: 1/3 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
  • Minimum qualifying marks vary by category:
    • UR: 45% (67.5 marks)
    • EWS/OBC: 40% (60 marks)
    • SC/ST/PwBD: 35% (52.5 marks)

2. Mains Examination (Descriptive)

  • This is a detailed written test with 300 marks.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Question pattern:
    • 25 questions of 5 marks each (50-word answers).
    • 10 questions of 10 marks each (100-word answers).
    • 5 questions of 15 marks each (150-word answers).
  • Candidates must indicate their medium of examination (English or Hindi) in the application form.

3. Personal Interview

  • Conducted by a panel of experts to assess the candidate’s suitability for the role.
  • Focuses on general and specialized knowledge, intellectual curiosity, leadership qualities, and scientific aptitude.
  • Maximum marks: 45.

Final Selection

  • The final merit list is prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the Mains Examination and Personal Interview.
  • Tie-breaker rules apply if candidates score equal aggregate marks:
    1. Higher marks in the Mains Examination.
    2. If still tied, higher marks in the Preliminary Examination.

Syllabus

The syllabus for the ASRB Combined Examination 2025 is discipline-specific and tailored for NET, ARS, SMS, and STO posts. Here’s a general overview:

1. National Eligibility Test (NET)
  • Core subject knowledge based on the Master’s degree curriculum.
  • General awareness of agriculture, environment, and allied sciences.
  • Research methodology and scientific reasoning.
2. Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
  • Advanced topics in genetics, agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, and more.
  • Research techniques and data analysis.
  • Practical applications in agricultural research.
3. Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6)
  • Specialized knowledge in agricultural extension, livestock management, fisheries, and biotechnology.
  • Application of scientific principles to solve agricultural challenges.
  • Communication and dissemination of agricultural knowledge.
4. Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6)
  • Advanced topics in plant biochemistry, veterinary medicine, and fisheries resource management.
  • Analytical approaches to technical challenges in agriculture.
  • Leadership and project management skills.

For a detailed syllabus, you can find it here


Helpdesk

For assistance regarding the ASRB Combined Examination 2025, you can reach out to the helpdesk:

  • Email: netarssmssto2025@asrb.org.in
  • Phone: 011-25846166 / 011-25848172 (Ext. 314)
    • Available: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding Gazetted Holidays)

Feel free to contact them for any queries or issues related to the application process, examination details, or other concerns. Let me know if you need further help!


FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the ASRB Combined Examination 2025:

General FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the ASRB Combined Examination?
    • The examination is conducted to recruit candidates for NET, ARS, SMS (T-6), and STO (T-6) positions in agricultural research and education.
  2. What are the eligibility criteria for the examination?
    • Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline and meet the age requirements specific to each post.
  3. What is the mode of examination?
    • The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for Preliminary and Descriptive formats for Mains.
  4. Can I apply for multiple posts?
    • Yes, candidates can apply for NET, ARS, SMS, and STO posts in combination, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
  5. What is the application fee?
    • The fee varies by category and post combination. For example:
      • NET Only: ₹1000 (UR), ₹500 (EWS/OBC), ₹250 (SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender).
      • ARS/SMS/STO: ₹1000 (UR), ₹800 (EWS/OBC), NIL (SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender).

Application FAQs

  1. How do I apply for the examination?
  2. Can I edit my application after submission?
    • No, once the application is submitted, no changes can be made.
  3. What documents are required during the application process?
    • Scanned copies of your photograph, signature, thumb impression, and valid photo ID are required.

Examination FAQs

  1. What is the syllabus for the examination?
  2. Is there negative marking in the examination?
    • Yes, 1/3 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in the Preliminary Examination.
  3. What is the qualifying percentage for NET?
    • Minimum qualifying marks:
      • UR: 50%
      • EWS/OBC: 45%
      • SC/ST/PwBD: 40%

Results and Certificates FAQs

  1. How will NET certificates be issued?
    • NET certificates will be issued digitally through the DigiLocker app.
  2. When will the results be declared?
    • Results are typically declared after the completion of each stage of the examination.

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