ASRB NET, ARS, SMS, STO Exam 2025 - 582 Posts
Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) invites applications for National Eligibility Test (NET), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) and Senior Technical Officer (STO).
Important Dates
- Application Begin: 22/04/2025
- Last Date: 21/05/2025
- Prelim Exam: 02-04 Sep 2025
- Mains Exam: 07/12/2025
Application Fee
- NET Only:
- General: ₹1000/-
- OBC/EWS: ₹500/-
- SC/ST/Female: ₹250/-
- ARS/SMS/STO:
- General: ₹1000/-
- OBC/EWS: ₹800/-
- SC/ST/Female: ₹0/-
Age Limit
- NET: Min 21 Years (01/01/2025)
- ARS: Max 32 Years (01/08/2025)
- SMS/STO: Max 35 Years (21/05/2025)
- Age relaxation as per rules
ASRB Recruitment 2025 Vacancy Details
Total Posts: 582
Post-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Post Name | Total Posts | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) | 41 | Master's Degree in Concerned Subject |
| Senior Technical Officer (STO) | 83 | Relevant Postgraduate Degree |
| National Eligibility Test (NET) | NA | Master's Degree in Agriculture with 55% marks |
| Agricultural Research Service (ARS) | 458 | Master's Degree in Relevant Subject |
Discipline-wise ARS Vacancies
| Discipline | Vacancies | Specialization Required |
|---|---|---|
| Agronomy | 42 | Agronomy/Soil Science |
| Plant Breeding | 38 | Genetics & Plant Breeding |
| Agricultural Engineering | 35 | Agricultural Engineering |
| Animal Science | 45 | Veterinary/Animal Science |
ASRB Exam Pattern 2025
Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Agriculture | 150 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Discipline Specific | 150 | 2 Hours |
Main Examination (Descriptive Type)
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Discipline Specific I | 240 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | Discipline Specific II | 240 | 3 Hours |
How to Apply for ASRB NET/ARS/SMS/STO 2025
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit ASRB Website: Go to asrb.org.in
- New Registration: Click on "Apply Online" and register with basic details
- Fill Application Form:
- Personal Details
- Educational Qualifications
- Exam Center Preference
- Upload Documents:
- Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm)
- Signature (black ink on white paper)
- Qualification Certificates
- Payment of Fees: Pay through online mode (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking)
- Final Submission: Verify all details before submission
- Print Application: Take printout for future reference
Important Notes:
- Single application can be submitted for multiple exams with combined fee
- Correction window will be open for limited period
- Keep multiple copies of submitted application form
- Admit card will be available 15 days before exam
Salary Structure
ARS Pay Scale
- Pay Level: Level 10
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500
- Gross Salary: ₹82,000 - ₹85,000/month
SMS/STO Pay Scale
- Pay Level: Level 11
- Basic Pay: ₹67,700 - ₹2,08,700
- Gross Salary: ₹95,000 - ₹1,00,000/month
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between ASRB NET and ARS?
Key differences:
- NET: Eligibility test for Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Agricultural Universities
- ARS: Competitive exam for scientist positions in ICAR institutes
- NET is qualifying while ARS leads to direct recruitment
2. Can I apply for both NET and ARS together?
Yes, candidates can apply for both exams simultaneously:
- Single application form for multiple exams
- Combined fee payment option available
- Need to fulfill eligibility criteria for both
3. What is the syllabus for ASRB exams?
Syllabus includes:
- General Agriculture: Basic agriculture principles
- Discipline Specific: Advanced subject knowledge
- Current Affairs: Recent developments in agriculture
4. Is there any interview for ARS selection?
Yes, ARS selection process includes:
- Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Main Exam (Descriptive)
- Interview/Viva-Voce (100 marks)
5. What are the career growth opportunities?
Promotional hierarchy:
- ARS: Scientist B → Senior Scientist → Principal Scientist
- SMS/STO: SMS/STO → Senior SMS/STO → Head of Department
- Opportunities for foreign training and research collaborations
6. How many attempts are allowed?
Attempt limits:
- NET: No limit
- ARS: 4 attempts for General, 7 for OBC, No limit for SC/ST
- SMS/STO: As per age limit
7. What documents are required during application?
Essential documents:
- Scanned photograph and signature
- Master's degree mark sheets
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Age proof (10th certificate)
- Experience certificates (for SMS/STO)
8. Is there any negative marking?
Yes, the marking scheme is:
- Prelims: 1/3 mark deduction for wrong answers
- Mains: No negative marking
- Unattempted questions carry no penalty
9. What is the validity of NET certificate?
NET qualification validity:
- Lifetime validity for JRF/Lectureship
- Must fulfill other eligibility criteria at time of appointment
- No need to reappear for NET once qualified
10. How to prepare for ASRB exams?
Preparation strategy:
- Study ICAR syllabus thoroughly
- Solve previous years' question papers
- Read agricultural journals and reports
- Take mock tests for time management
- Focus on current agricultural developments