ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key has officially been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on its dedicated examination portal at exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR. Candidates who appeared for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) All India Entrance Examination for Admission to Master Degree Programs (AIEEA-PG 2026) and All India Competitive Examination for Admission to Doctoral Degree Programs and Award of JRF/SRF (AICE-JRF/SRF PhD 2026) can now access and download the master subject-wise final answer key PDF files. The final answer keys have been compiled after thoroughly reviewing all challenges and objections submitted by candidates against the provisional answer keys (which were open for challenge from August 16 to August 18, 2026). With the publication of the final key, NTA has finalized the official question evaluation master, paving the way for the computation of raw scores, percentile normalized scores, and the declaration of the official ICAR PG and PhD rank cards. Candidates evaluating higher education opportunities across institutions can utilize our All India College Predictor Hub for rank insights, schedule a one-on-one session via Book a Free Admission Counselling Session, or explore verified academic institutions through our Explore Colleges Directory and Medical Admissions Category portal.
The release of the ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key marks the conclusion of the objection resolution window conducted by NTA subject experts. Under the established examination protocol, no further grievances or challenge requests will be entertained regarding the final answer keys. The marks evaluated on the basis of these final keys serve as the sole criterion for determining candidate merit ranks across Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes, Deemed Universities (such as IARI New Delhi, IVRI Bareilly, NDRI Karnal, and CIFE Mumbai), and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) nationwide for the 2026-2027 academic session.
ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key Key Highlights and Overview
Candidates participating in ICAR postgraduate and doctoral admissions must stay informed about the key examination metrics, conducting authority timelines, and score declaration frameworks. Below is the official summary of the ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 examination and answer key publication:
| Examination Parameter | ICAR AIEEA (PG) 2026 Details | ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 Details |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Date of Examination | July 04, 2026 | July 04, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | August 16, 2026 | August 16, 2026 |
| Objection Submission Window | August 16 to August 18, 2026 | August 16 to August 18, 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release Date | August 26, 2026 | August 26, 2026 |
| Total Question Paper Major Groups | 20 Major Subject Groups | 72 Sub-Subject Disciplines |
| Total Number of Questions | 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Maximum Marks | 480 Marks | 480 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for Correct, -1 for Incorrect | +4 for Correct, -1 for Incorrect |
| Official NTA Portal | exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ | exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ |
| ICAR Official Website | icar.org.in / icar.nta.nic.in | icar.org.in / icar.nta.nic.in |
Step-by-Step Guide to Download ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key PDF
Candidates who registered for and appeared in the national-level entrance test can download the official master final answer key PDF files directly from the NTA web portal without needing candidate login credentials, as the final answer keys are published as open PDF master documents for all subject codes. Follow the verified procedure below to download your subject key:
- Navigate to the Official NTA ICAR Portal: Open your web browser and go to exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR or nta.ac.in.
- Locate the Latest News / Public Notice Section: On the homepage banner, scroll to the “Public Notices” or “Candidate Activity” panel.
- Select the Exam Stream Link: Click on the active link titled “Final Answer Keys of ICAR AIEEA (PG) 2026” or “Final Answer Keys of ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026”.
- Open the Master PDF File: Clicking the link opens a multi-page PDF document containing question IDs, correct option IDs, and dropped question details organized by subject code.
- Search Your Subject Code / Major Group: Use the search command (Ctrl + F on Windows or Cmd + F on Mac) to enter your specific Subject Paper Code (e.g., 01 for Plant Biotechnology, 02 for Plant Sciences, 03 for Agronomy, etc.).
- Cross-Check Question ID with Correct Option ID: Match each Question ID from your saved response sheet against the verified Correct Option ID published in the final key.
- Save and Print: Download the PDF to your local device and print a copy for score calculation and future reference during ICAR seat allocation counselling.
Subject Wise Key PDF Direct Links for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026
The ICAR AIEEA (PG) examination comprises 20 major subject groups spanning agricultural sciences, horticulture, forestry, veterinary sciences, agricultural engineering, community science, and allied disciplines. Below is the structured breakdown of major subject groups covered in the official final answer key release:
| Subject Code | Major Subject Group | Covered Sub-Disciplines / Specializations | Evaluation Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Plant Biotechnology | Plant Biochemistry, Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology | Final Key Published |
| 02 | Plant Sciences | Genetics and Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Technology, Plant Pathology, Nematology | Final Key Published |
| 03 | Physical Science | Agricultural Chemicals, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry | Final Key Published |
| 04 | Entomology and Nematology | Agricultural Entomology, Sericulture, Apiculture | Final Key Published |
| 05 | Agronomy | Agronomy, Tea Husbandry and Technology | Final Key Published |
| 06 | Social Sciences | Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension Education | Final Key Published |
| 07 | Statistical Sciences | Agricultural Statistics, Computer Applications, Bioinformatics | Final Key Published |
| 08 | Horticulture | Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture and Landscaping, Plantation Crops | Final Key Published |
| 09 | Forestry, Agroforestry and Biodiversity | Forest Products and Utilization, Silviculture, Tree Improvement, Forest Resource Management | Final Key Published |
| 10 | Agricultural Engineering and Technology | Farm Machinery and Power, Soil and Water Conservation, Process Engineering, Renewable Energy | Final Key Published |
| 11 | Water Science and Technology | Water Science and Technology, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | Final Key Published |
| 12 | Community Science | Food and Nutrition, Human Development and Family Studies, Resource Management | Final Key Published |
| 13 | Animal Sciences I | Animal Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Livestock Production Management | Final Key Published |
| 14 | Animal Sciences II | Animal Physiology, Animal Reproduction, Livestock Products Technology | Final Key Published |
| 15 | Veterinary Science | Veterinary Anatomy, Veterinary Pharmacology, Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Pathology | Final Key Published |
| 16 | Fisheries Science | Aquaculture, Fisheries Resource Management, Fish Processing Technology | Final Key Published |
| 17 | Dairy Science | Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Technology | Final Key Published |
| 18 | Dairy Engineering and Technology | Dairy Engineering, Food Safety and Quality Assurance | Final Key Published |
| 19 | Food Science Technology | Food Science and Technology, Food Process Engineering | Final Key Published |
| 20 | Agri-Business Management | Agri-Business Management, Agricultural Marketing and Cooperation | Final Key Published |
Subject Wise Key PDF Direct Links for ICAR AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026
The ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) entrance test caters to doctoral research admissions across 72 sub-subject disciplines in agricultural universities and ICAR research institutes. The final answer key for PhD courses incorporates verified corrections across major research streams as detailed below:
| Major Doctoral Stream | Specialized PhD Disciplines Included | JRF / SRF Fellowship Quota | Final Answer Key Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crop Sciences I (Biotechnology & Genetics) | Molecular Biology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Breeding, Seed Science | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Crop Sciences II (Plant Protection) | Plant Pathology, Agricultural Entomology, Nematology, Microbiology | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Natural Resource Management (NRM) | Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Meteorology, Environmental Sciences | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Horticultural Sciences | Pomology, Olericulture, Floriculture, Spices & Aromatic Plants, Post-Harvest | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Agricultural Engineering | Farm Power, Soil Water Engineering, Agricultural Process Engineering | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Animal Sciences I & II | Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Livestock Management, Animal Biotechnology | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Veterinary Clinical & Para-Clinical | Veterinary Surgery, Medicine, Pharmacology, Public Health, Pathology | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences | Aquaculture, Fish Processing, Aquatic Environment Management | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
| Social Sciences & Agri-Business | Agricultural Economics, Extension Education, Agri-Business Management | ICAR JRF/SRF Fellowship Applicable | Final Master Key Published |
How Score Calculation Works Using ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key
Calculating your exact raw score from the final answer key requires matching your marked responses against the official NTA master key while factoring in the uniform marking scheme and dropped question guidelines:
1. Marking Scheme Breakdown
- Correct Answer: +4 marks are awarded for every question where your selected option ID matches the final key.
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response.
- Unattempted Question: 0 marks (no positive or negative marking for unattempted questions).
- Total Maximum Marks: 120 Questions x 4 Marks = 480 Marks.
2. Raw Score Calculation Formula
Total Raw Score = (Number of Correct Answers x 4) – (Number of Incorrect Answers x 1)
3. Policy on Dropped / Cancelled Questions
If any question is dropped or declared invalid by NTA subject experts during the objection review process:
- All Candidate Benefit: Full +4 marks are awarded to ALL candidates who appeared in that specific subject paper, regardless of whether the candidate attempted the dropped question or not.
- Multiple Correct Options: If more than one option ID is declared correct in the final answer key, +4 marks are awarded to all candidates who marked any one of the correct option IDs.
Expected Cutoff Ranks and Normalization Process for ICAR Admissions
Admission to Master’s (M.Sc / M.Tech / M.V.Sc) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs across ICAR Deemed Universities and State Agricultural Universities depends on overall All India Rank (AIR), category-wise merit list, and specialization preferences. Because ICAR examinations are conducted across different subject groups, NTA employs a standardized normalization process to compile rank cards:
| ICAR Participating Institute / Category | Expected Qualifying Cutoff Percentile | Expected Opening Cutoff Marks (Out of 480) | Seat Quota Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARI New Delhi (Pusa Institute) | 99.2+ Percentile | 395 – 430 Marks | ICAR All India Quota (AIQ) |
| IVRI Bareilly (Veterinary Sciences) | 98.5+ Percentile | 380 – 415 Marks | ICAR AIQ / Deemed University |
| NDRI Karnal (Dairy Sciences) | 98.0+ Percentile | 370 – 405 Marks | ICAR AIQ / Deemed University |
| CIFE Mumbai (Fisheries Science) | 97.5+ Percentile | 360 – 390 Marks | ICAR AIQ / Deemed University |
| Top SAUs (GBPUAT Pantnagar, PAU Ludhiana, CCSHAU Hisar) | 95.0+ Percentile | 330 – 375 Marks | 30% ICAR AIQ Seat Matrix |
| State Agricultural Universities (General SAU Quota) | 85.0+ Percentile | 280 – 330 Marks | 30% ICAR AIQ Seat Matrix |
| Reserved Categories (OBC-NCL / EWS) | 80.0+ Percentile | 260 – 310 Marks | ICAR Central Reservation |
| Reserved Categories (SC / ST / PwD) | 65.0+ Percentile | 200 – 250 Marks | ICAR Central Reservation |
ICAR PG and PhD Counselling 2026 Schedule and Document Verification Process
Following the final answer key publication and rank card declaration on NTA portals, the Education Division of ICAR conducts the online centralized admission counselling at icaradmission.in. Below is the outline of the upcoming ICAR PG and PhD seat allotment process:
1. Registration and Choice Filling on ICAR Portal
Qualified candidates must register on the ICAR admission counselling portal by paying a non-refundable counselling registration fee. Candidates can fill choices of university and discipline based on their eligibility and major subject group rank.
2. Multiple Seat Allotment Rounds
ICAR conducts 4 rounds of online counselling followed by a final Mop-Up / Stray Vacancy Round. Seat allocation is based strictly on ICAR All India Rank (AIR), candidate reservation category, choice preference order, and seat availability in participating agricultural universities.
3. Online Document Upload and Verification
Allotted candidates must upload original documents on the counselling portal for online verification by the allotted university verification committee. The mandatory documents include:
- NTA ICAR Admit Card 2026: Original hall ticket.
- NTA ICAR Rank Card 2026: Scorecard displaying Overall AIR and Category Rank.
- Class 10th Certificate and Marksheet: Proof of date of birth.
- Class 12th Certificate and Marksheet: Proof of qualifying secondary education.
- Bachelor’s Degree Transcript and Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC): For M.Sc / M.Tech applicants (BS-MS 4-year degree from ICAR-accredited college).
- Master’s Degree Certificate and Transcript: For Ph.D. / JRF / SRF applicants.
- ICAR Accreditation Certificate: Proof that the graduating college/university was ICAR accredited during candidate study tenure.
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS): Valid certificate issued by competent authority in prescribed Central Government format.
- Government Issued Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: Issued by an authorized medical officer.
Counselling Guidance and Higher Education Predictor Resources
Planning post-graduate and research admissions requires comprehensive knowledge of institutional cutoffs, accreditation statuses, and scholarship opportunities. Candidates and parents can utilize our verified admission tools and guidance hubs:
- Admission Guidance Directory: Search accredited institutions, admission criteria, and academic fee matrices through our Medical Admissions Category and higher education portals.
- All India Predictor Hub: Calculate rank probabilities across national and state-level entrance exams using our All India College Predictor Hub.
- One-on-One Counselling Mentorship: Connect directly with expert admission counselors by booking a session at Book a Free Admission Counselling Session.
- Explore Colleges Directory: Access verified campus profiles, ICAR accreditation tags, research facilities, and hostel amenities in our Explore Colleges Directory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key
Q1: What is the official web portal to download the ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key?
Answer: The official NTA portal to download the master final answer key PDF is exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR. Candidates can also check updates on nta.ac.in.
Q2: Can candidates raise objections or challenges against the ICAR 2026 Final Answer Key?
Answer: No. The final answer key is compiled after reviewing all provisional key challenges by NTA subject experts. No further challenges or grievances are accepted against the final key.
Q3: How are dropped questions evaluated in the ICAR final answer key?
Answer: If a question is dropped in the final answer key, full +4 marks are awarded to all candidates who appeared for that specific subject paper exam, irrespective of whether they attempted the dropped question.
Q4: What is the marking scheme for ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 exams?
Answer: The exam scheme awards +4 marks for every correct answer, deducts -1 mark for every incorrect answer, and awards 0 marks for unattempted questions (Total 120 questions, 480 marks).
Q5: When will the official ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF/SRF PhD 2026 scorecards be declared?
Answer: NTA declares the official scorecards and All India Rank (AIR) cards following the publication of the final answer keys on the candidate portal.
Q6: Is ICAR accreditation mandatory for the graduating college to be eligible for ICAR PG admissions?
Answer: Yes, as per ICAR guidelines, candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree from an ICAR-accredited college/program within an accredited university to be eligible for ICAR AIQ seat quota counselling.
Q7: What percentage of seats in State Agricultural Universities are filled through ICAR AIEEA (PG)?
Answer: 30% of master’s degree seats in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) across India are filled through the ICAR AIEEA (PG) national counselling quota.
Q8: What is the ICAR JRF / SRF fellowship amount for doctoral candidates?
Answer: Candidates securing top ranks in ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) are awarded ICAR JRF/SRF fellowships of approximately Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month along with HRA and annual contingency grants.
Q9: Where will ICAR 2026 online admission counselling be conducted?
Answer: Centralized online counselling for ICAR PG and PhD seats is conducted on the official ICAR admission portal at icaradmission.in.
Q10: Are non-accredited private college graduates eligible for ICAR AIQ counselling?
Answer: Graduates from non-ICAR accredited private colleges or unaccredited courses are generally ineligible for ICAR AIQ seats unless specifically exempted under special state relaxation notices.
Q11: How many total questions and marks are present in the ICAR AIEEA PG paper?
Answer: The ICAR AIEEA (PG) paper contains 120 multiple-choice questions carrying a maximum of 480 marks with a duration of 2 hours (120 minutes).
Q12: Where can candidates find rank predictors and counselling assistance for postgraduate admissions?
Answer: Candidates can access rank analysis and guidance resources on the All India College Predictor Hub and book a personal guidance session via Book a Free Admission Counselling Session.