ASRB Recruitment 2026: An Important Opportunity for Graduates
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has announced the Centralized Combined Examination 2026 for direct recruitment to Technical Assistant (T-3) positions in ICAR Institutes and Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) positions in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under ICAR.
This recruitment notification is significant for candidates holding relevant graduation qualifications in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Fisheries, Engineering, Computer Science, Library Science and other specified disciplines. A total of 1,393 tentative vacancies have been announced across different functional groups and subgroups.
The recruitment process consists of a Preliminary Computer Based Test followed by a Mains Computer Based Test. Candidates should carefully examine their educational discipline, age eligibility, functional group and post preference before applying.
1. ASRB Recruitment 2026 – At a Glance
| Recruiting Organization | Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) |
| Department | Department of Agricultural Research and Education |
| Recruitment Examination | Centralized Combined Examination 2026 |
| Post Names | Technical Assistant (T-3) and Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) |
| Recruiting Institutions | ICAR Institutes and ICAR KVKs |
| Total Vacancies | 1,393 (Tentative) |
| T-3 Vacancies | 1,254 |
| T-4 Vacancies | 139 |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Relevant Graduation Degree / Engineering Degree / Three-year Diploma, as applicable |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years, subject to applicable relaxation |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Selection Process | Preliminary CBT and Mains CBT |
| Interview | No interview |
| Application Website | www.asrb.gov.in |
2. Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 11 November 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 18 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 17 December 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 17 December 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 18–20 December 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | February 2027 (Tentative) |
| Mains Examination | To be announced |
The dates are subject to change. ASRB will announce the exact Preliminary examination dates and further examination updates through its official website.
3. Table of Contents
- Organization and Examination Overview
- Vacancy Distribution
- Functional Groups and Posts
- Educational Qualifications
- Age Limit and Relaxation
- Application Fees
- Salary and Pay Levels
- Job Profile
- Selection Process
- Examination Pattern
- Syllabus and Centres
- Documents Required
- How to Apply
- Important Official Links
- Preparation Strategy
- ZERO PERIOD's Suggestion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Disclaimer
4. Organization and Examination Overview
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board conducts recruitment examinations for various technical and scientific positions associated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The 2026 Centralized Combined Examination is intended to fill technical vacancies in ICAR Institutes and ICAR-supported Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
There are two categories of positions:
- Technical Assistant (T-3): Recruitment for ICAR Institutes under Category-II of the Technical Services.
- Senior Technical Assistant (T-4): Recruitment for ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Both positions are covered under one centralized examination. However, the applicant must select only one Functional Group/Subgroup, even if eligible for multiple groups.
5. Total Vacancies and Category-wise Distribution
According to Annexure VII, the Board has announced 1,393 tentative vacancies. The broad reservation distribution is as follows:
| Category | T-3 | T-4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 558 | 84 | 642 |
| OBC | 281 | 25 | 306 |
| SC | 164 | 14 | 178 |
| ST | 91 | 6 | 97 |
| EWS | 160 | 10 | 170 |
| Total | 1,254 | 139 | 1,393 |
The vacancy table also indicates 30 PwBD vacancies in T-3, distributed across disability categories, and 74 Ex-Servicemen vacancies in T-3. The corresponding T-4 columns show no separate PwBD or Ex-Servicemen vacancies.
6. Functional Groups and Post-wise Details
The recruitment is organized into functional groups based on the discipline and nature of technical work. The following table gives the total vacancies for each group, combining the relevant sub-disciplines where applicable.
| Functional Group / Subgroup | T-3 | T-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Field Farm and Laboratory Technician – Agriculture | 699 | 73 |
| Field Farm and Laboratory Technician – Animal Science | 115 | 9 |
| Field Farm and Laboratory Technician – Fisheries | 90 | Not separately available as a combined group |
| Field Farm Technician – Social Science (Home/Community Science) | 2 | 1 |
| Laboratory Technician – Social Science (Home/Community Science) | 3 | 1 |
| Workshop Staff – Civil Engineering | 51 | — |
| Workshop Staff – Agricultural Engineering | 42 | — |
| Workshop Staff – Electrical Engineering | 35 | — |
| Workshop Staff – Electronics and Instrumentation | 25 | — |
| Library / Information / Documentation | 59 | — |
| Information Technology | 133 | 48 |
The T-4 vacancy table separately lists Field Farm Technician and Laboratory Technician positions. The combined totals for Agriculture are 73, Animal Science 9 and Social Science 2, while Fisheries Laboratory Technician has 7 vacancies. Information Technology accounts for 48 vacancies.
Applicants should refer to the original Annexure VII rather than relying only on the combined summary above when selecting their functional group.
7. Educational Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
The notification requires candidates to possess the relevant graduation qualification in the concerned discipline. The degree must have been completed on or before the last date of application submission. The degree should be from a recognized Indian university or institution, or an equivalent foreign qualification recognized by the Government of India.
| Functional Group | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Field Farm Technician and Laboratory Technician – Agriculture | Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Agro-forestry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Home Science, Community Science or Natural Farming. |
| Social Science – Home Science / Community Science | Bachelor's Degree in Home Science / Community Science. |
| Animal Science | B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry). |
| Fisheries Science | B.F.Sc. (Bachelor of Fisheries Science). |
| Workshop Staff – Civil Engineering | B.Tech. / B.E. or three-year Diploma in Civil Engineering. |
| Workshop Staff – Agricultural Engineering | B.Tech. / B.E. or three-year Diploma in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Technology or Fibre Processing Engineering. |
| Workshop Staff – Electrical Engineering | B.Tech. / B.E. or three-year Diploma in Electrical Engineering. |
| Workshop Staff – Electronics and Instrumentation | B.Tech. / B.E. or three-year Diploma in Electronics Engineering / Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. |
| Library / Information / Documentation | Bachelor's Degree in Library Science / Library and Information Science. |
| Information Technology | Bachelor's Degree in Computer Application, Computer Science or IT, or B.Tech. / B.E. in IT, CS or ECE. |
Nationality
The examination rules specify eligibility for Indian citizens, citizens of Nepal or Bhutan, certain Tibetan refugees who arrived before 1 January 1962, and specified persons of Indian origin who migrated from designated countries with the intention of permanently settling in India. Categories other than Indian citizens require the applicable Government of India eligibility certificate.
8. Age Limit and Age Relaxation
The candidate must have attained 21 years of age and must not be more than 30 years as on the closing date of the online application.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | Up to 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Up to 3 years |
| PwBD | Up to 10 years |
| SC/ST/OBC candidates with PwBD status | Cumulative relaxation as per applicable provisions |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service rendered, as per applicable rules |
| In-service ICAR technical employees | Upper age limit of 40 years for UR, with applicable additional relaxation |
| Eligible ICAR RAs/SRFs | Relaxation for actual engagement period, subject to a maximum of 16 years and 3 months, under stated conditions |
The notification clarifies that the in-service technical employee relaxation applies to ICAR employees, not employees of State Agricultural Universities, State Governments or public undertakings. Eligible contractual RAs/SRFs must satisfy the specified continuity conditions.
9. Application Fees and Payment Method
| Category | T-3 Only | T-4 Only | Both T-3 and T-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR | ₹300 | ₹300 | ₹600 |
| EWS / OBC | ₹150 | ₹150 | ₹300 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women / Transgender / Ex-Servicemen | Nil | Nil | Nil |
The fee is payable through the Bharatkosh portal using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI. Applicable transaction charges must be borne by the applicant.
The fee is non-refundable. Payment alone does not complete the application. The payment receipt must be uploaded in the online application form and the final application must be successfully submitted.
10. Salary, Pay Level and Benefits
Both posts are placed under the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Assistant (T-3) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) | Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
The figures above represent the pay-matrix scales, not guaranteed monthly take-home salaries. Actual remuneration will depend on the applicable allowances, deductions and service rules.
11. Job Profile and Nature of Work
The notification identifies the positions and their functional groups but does not provide a detailed duty chart or institute-wise job description.
Broadly, the functional classification indicates technical work associated with agricultural field operations, laboratory support, animal science, fisheries, engineering workshops, library and information services, and information technology.
Specific responsibilities, work locations and reporting arrangements will depend on the allotted ICAR Institute or KVK and the relevant service rules. Applicants should not assume that every post within a functional group has identical day-to-day duties.
12. Selection Process
The selection process has two examination stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective-type CBT. It is qualifying in nature.
- Mains Examination: Objective-type CBT carrying 300 marks. Final merit is based on Mains performance and normalized scores, subject to eligibility and vacancy availability.
Shortlisting for Mains will be based on Preliminary examination performance in the ratio of 1:15 of the vacancies, functional-group-wise. Candidates must also secure the prescribed minimum qualifying marks.
13. Examination Pattern
Preliminary Examination
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 |
| General English | 25 | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| General Agriculture | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Question type: Multiple-choice objective questions.
- Mode: Computer Based Test.
- Medium: Hindi and English (bilingual).
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Preliminary Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| EWS / OBC | 25% |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 20% |
Mains Examination
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Papers | One |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs |
| Subject Area | Domain-specific knowledge based on functional group |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark for each wrong answer |
Mains Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| EWS / OBC | 25% |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 20% |
Merely securing the minimum qualifying marks does not guarantee selection. The actual cutoff may be higher depending on merit and available vacancies. Normalization will be applied wherever examinations are conducted in multiple sessions.
14. Syllabus and Examination Centres
ASRB has indicated separate syllabi for the Preliminary and Mains examinations. The Preliminary syllabus covers General Knowledge, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and General Agriculture. Mains tests subject-specific knowledge according to the selected functional group.
The notification provides separate syllabus links in Hindi and English. Candidates should download the relevant version and study the prescribed topics rather than depending exclusively on generic recruitment preparation material.
Examination Centres
Preliminary examination centres include Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg/Bhilai Nagar in Chhattisgarh. Other centres include Delhi NCR, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Nagpur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Patna and several other cities.
For the Mains examination, Raipur is also listed as a centre. The Board reserves the right to change examination dates and centres. Candidates should choose carefully because requests for changing the centre later will not be entertained.
15. Documents Required for Application
Keep the following information and documents ready before beginning the online application:
- Matriculation / Secondary certificate and marksheet.
- Bachelor's degree or provisional degree certificate and marksheets/transcript.
- Recent passport-size photograph against a white background.
- Scanned signature in black or blue ink.
- Applicable SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen certificates.
- Valid photo identity document such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport or Driving Licence.
- Active email address and mobile number.
- Correspondence and permanent address details.
- Online payment receipt from Bharatkosh.
- Required No Objection Certificate / undertaking for applicable in-service candidates.
The photograph must be in JPG format, up to 200 KB, with the face covering at least two-thirds of the image. The signature must be in JPG format and up to 100 KB. Separate scanned certificates should be prepared as specified in the instructions, generally up to 100 KB each.
16. How to Apply Online for ASRB Recruitment 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official ASRB website. No offline application mode is permitted.
- Visit the official website: Open www.asrb.gov.in and locate the Centralized Combined Examination 2026 application link.
- Complete registration: Enter basic details such as name, parents' names, date of birth and active email address in the OTR/registration section.
- Choose the examination option: Select T-3 only, T-4 only, or both, according to eligibility.
- Select one functional group: A candidate can apply for only one Functional Group/Subgroup.
- Enter post preferences: If applying for both T-3 and T-4, indicate the descending order of preference carefully. This preference cannot subsequently be changed.
- Fill personal and educational details: Enter the information exactly as supported by official certificates.
- Choose examination centres: Select the Preliminary and Mains centres after reviewing the respective annexures.
- Upload documents: Upload the photograph, signature, photo ID and required certificates in the prescribed format.
- Pay the fee: Complete the payment through Bharatkosh, following the notification's payment instructions.
- Upload the receipt and submit: Upload the payment receipt, complete all remaining sections and confirm final submission.
- Save the application: Download or print the submitted application for future reference.
17. Important Official Links
- ASRB Official Website: Visit ASRB Website
- Online Application: Available through the examination link on the ASRB official website from 18 November 2026.
- Bharatkosh Payment Portal: Open Bharatkosh
- English Syllabus PDF: Download English Syllabus
- Hindi Syllabus PDF: Download Hindi Syllabus
- Examination Help Email: t3t42026@asrb.gov.in
- Helpdesk Telephone: 011-25846166 / 25848172 (Extension 314)
Helpdesk timings stated in the notification: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding gazetted holidays.
18. Preparation Strategy for ASRB T-3 and T-4 Examination
Since the recruitment examination has two distinct stages, applicants should prepare for both General Aptitude and their chosen technical discipline.
For the Preliminary Examination
- Prepare General Knowledge through regular revision of important national, agricultural and scientific developments.
- Improve English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and basic usage.
- Practise quantitative aptitude questions involving arithmetic, percentages, ratios, averages and other standard topics.
- Revise General Agriculture systematically using the prescribed syllabus.
- Take timed mock tests to develop accuracy and speed.
For the Mains Examination
- Study the subject-specific syllabus for the selected functional group.
- Prepare conceptual notes and revise important technical terminology.
- Practise objective questions based on the relevant degree-level subject.
- Identify weak topics and revise them through short, regular sessions.
- Account for negative marking while practising mock examinations.
One important point is that Mains carries 300 marks and determines final merit. Therefore, preparation should not stop after qualifying the Preliminary examination.
19. ZERO PERIOD's Suggestion
ASRB Recruitment 2026 offers opportunities across agriculture, veterinary science, fisheries, engineering, library science and information technology. However, the number of vacancies alone should not determine your decision to apply.
Before applying, consider the following points:
- Match your degree carefully: A general graduation degree is not sufficient for every functional group. The prescribed discipline must match the qualification specified in Annexure VIII.
- Check your age: Calculate your age on 17 December 2026, the closing date, and verify any applicable relaxation.
- Choose your functional group wisely: You are permitted to apply for only one group/subgroup. Compare your qualification with the relevant vacancy distribution before making this choice.
- Think carefully about post preference: If applying for both T-3 and T-4, your preference order will be final. Do not select it casually.
- Prepare for both examination stages: Preliminary is qualifying, whereas Mains determines final merit. Give adequate attention to your domain subject.
- Verify category certificates: OBC applicants must meet Central List and Non-Creamy Layer requirements. EWS, SC, ST and PwBD applicants should have certificates in the prescribed formats.
- Keep documents ready: Check photograph, signature, degree certificates and photo ID before starting the application.
- Do not wait for the last date: Complete registration, payment and final submission well before 17 December 2026.
Our recommendation is to download the official syllabus first, identify the relevant functional group and prepare a realistic study timetable. Candidates should give special attention to the Mains subject paper because it carries the highest weight in final selection.
ZERО PERIOD's suggestion: Read the original notification and all relevant annexures before submitting the application. A correct application and a well-planned preparation strategy are the first important steps towards participating in this recruitment process.
20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies have been announced in ASRB Recruitment 2026?
A. There are 1,393 tentative vacancies: 1,254 Technical Assistant (T-3) and 139 Senior Technical Assistant (T-4).
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
A. The last date for online application and fee payment is 17 December 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
Q3. What is the minimum educational qualification?
A. A relevant graduation degree is required for most groups. Specified engineering groups also accept a three-year diploma in the relevant discipline.
Q4. What is the age limit?
A. The general age requirement is 21 to 30 years as on the closing date of application, subject to applicable relaxation.
Q5. Can candidates apply for both T-3 and T-4?
A. Yes. Candidates may select T-3 only, T-4 only or both, subject to eligibility. The prescribed combined fee applies when selecting both.
Q6. Can a candidate apply for multiple functional groups?
A. No. Only one Functional Group/Subgroup may be selected, irrespective of eligibility for multiple groups.
Q7. Is there an interview in ASRB Recruitment 2026?
A. No. The notification clearly states that there will be no interview. Selection is based on Mains examination performance.
Q8. What is the salary of Technical Assistant T-3?
A. T-3 is placed in Pay Level 5, with a pay scale of ₹29,200–₹92,300.
Q9. What is the salary of Senior Technical Assistant T-4?
A. T-4 is placed in Pay Level 6, with a pay scale of ₹35,400–₹1,12,400.
Q10. Is there negative marking?
A. Yes. Preliminary carries a deduction of 0.25 marks per wrong answer, while Mains carries a deduction of 1 mark per wrong answer.
Q11. When will the Preliminary examination be conducted?
A. The notification gives February 2027 as the tentative schedule. Exact examination dates will be announced by ASRB.
Q12. Is Raipur an examination centre?
A. Yes. Raipur is listed as a tentative centre for both Preliminary and Mains examinations.
Q13. Can the application fee be refunded?
A. No. The notification states that the fee once paid will not be refunded or adjusted against another examination.
21. Disclaimer
This article is published by ZERO PERIOD for informational and educational purposes. Although care has been taken to present the recruitment information accurately, candidates must read the complete official ASRB notification and its annexures before applying. In case of any discrepancy, omission or change, the official notification and subsequent instructions issued by ASRB/ICAR shall prevail. ZERO PERIOD is not affiliated with ASRB or ICAR.
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