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

  1. Visit ASRB Website: Go to asrb.org.in
  2. New Registration: Click on "Apply Online" and register with basic details
  3. Fill Application Form:
    • Personal Details
    • Educational Qualifications
    • Exam Center Preference
  4. Upload Documents:
    • Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm)
    • Signature (black ink on white paper)
    • Qualification Certificates
  5. Payment of Fees: Pay through online mode (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking)
  6. Final Submission: Verify all details before submission
  7. 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:

  1. General Agriculture: Basic agriculture principles
  2. Discipline Specific: Advanced subject knowledge
  3. 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:

  1. Study ICAR syllabus thoroughly
  2. Solve previous years' question papers
  3. Read agricultural journals and reports
  4. Take mock tests for time management
  5. Focus on current agricultural developments