ASRB Recruitment 2025: Apply for 582 NET, ARS, SMS, and STO Posts by May 21
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has announced a significant recruitment drive for 2025, offering a golden opportunity for aspiring candidates in the agricultural sciences sector. The board is inviting applications for the National Eligibility Test (NET), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), and Senior Technical Officer (STO) positions. With a total of 582 vacancies, this recruitment is one of the most anticipated government job opportunities of the year. The application window opened on April 22, 2025, and will close on May 21, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the ASRB Recruitment 2025, including eligibility, exam details, application process, and key dates.
Overview of ASRB Recruitment 2025
The ASRB, under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), conducts examinations to recruit talented individuals for prestigious roles in agricultural research and education. The 2025 recruitment drive aims to fill 582 posts across four categories:
- Agricultural Research Service (ARS): 458 vacancies
- Subject Matter Specialist (SMS, T-6): 41 vacancies
- Senior Technical Officer (STO, T-6): 83 vacancies
- National Eligibility Test (NET): A qualifying exam for Lecturer/Assistant Professor positions in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and other agricultural institutions.
This recruitment is a gateway for candidates to secure stable, long-term careers in government-backed agricultural research and teaching roles, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and the chance to contribute to India’s agricultural advancements.
Key Dates for ASRB Recruitment 2025
Mark your calendars with these critical dates to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines:
- Notification Release Date: February 24, 2025
- Online Application Start Date: April 22, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: May 21, 2025
- Preliminary Exam (NET/ARS/SMS/STO): September 2–4, 2025
- Mains Exam (ARS/SMS/STO): December 7, 2025
- Result Declaration: To be announced (candidates are advised to check the official ASRB website for updates)
These dates are sourced from the official ASRB notification and related updates, ensuring accuracy for prospective applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ASRB Recruitment 2025, candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements, which vary by position. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Educational Qualification
- NET: Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant discipline for which they are applying. The NET is a qualifying exam for those aiming to become Lecturers or Assistant Professors in agricultural universities.
- ARS: A Master’s degree or equivalent in the concerned subject is required. Some positions may prefer candidates with a Ph.D. for higher-level research roles.
- SMS/STO: A Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field is mandatory. Candidates with a Ph.D. may have an advantage in the selection process.
The disciplines covered include a wide range of agricultural sciences, with candidates able to choose from 60 subjects for the NET exam.
Age Limit (as of August 1, 2025, for ARS; May 21, 2025, for SMS/STO)
NET: Minimum age of 21 years with no upper age limit.
- ARS: Between 21 and 32 years.
- SMS/STO: Between 21 and 35 years.
Age Relaxation: ASRB provides age relaxation for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) as per government norms. Candidates should refer to the official notification for specific details.
Number of Attempts
- NET: There is no cap on the number of attempts, allowing candidates to reapply until they qualify.
- ARS/SMS/STO: No specific limit is mentioned, but candidates must meet the age criteria for each attempt.
Application Process: How to Apply
The application process for ASRB Recruitment 2025 is entirely online and must be completed through the official ASRB website, www.asrb.org.in. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://www.asrb.org.in/ and locate the recruitment section for NET/ARS/SMS/STO 2025.
- Register: Complete the registration process by providing basic details such as name, email, and phone number.
- Fill the Application Form: Select the position(s) you are applying for (NET, ARS, SMS, STO, or a combination). Indicate your preference order for ARS/SMS/STO, as this cannot be changed later.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of your Master’s degree certificate, photograph, signature, and other required documents as per the specified format.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee varies by category:
- General/OBC: To be confirmed (check the official notification).
- SC/ST/PwD: Typically lower or exempted (refer to the notification for exact details).
- Payment can be made online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit and Save: After verifying all details, submit the form and save a copy of the application for future reference.
Note: Candidates are cautioned to carefully read the instructions for uploading photos and signatures, as incorrect submissions can lead to rejection. Always take a printout or save a soft copy of the application form for your records.
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The ASRB Recruitment 2025 involves distinct exam patterns and selection stages for NET and ARS/SMS/STO positions.
ASRB NET Exam Pattern
- Type: Qualifying exam for Lecturer/Assistant Professor roles.
- Format: Single paper with 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Total Marks: 150 (1 mark per question).
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Negativealena: Based on the candidate’s chosen subject from 60 disciplines.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: Varies by category (to be specified in the notification).
The NET is a standalone exam, and qualifying candidates become eligible to apply for teaching positions in agricultural universities.
ARS/SMS/STO Exam Pattern
The selection process for ARS, SMS, and STO consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Exam:
- Format: 150 MCQs for 150 marks.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer.
- Purpose: Qualifying exam to shortlist candidates for the Mains.
- Mains Exam:
- Format: Descriptive exam for 300 marks.
- Duration: To be specified.
- Purpose: Tests in-depth theoretical knowledge in the chosen discipline.
- Interview:
- Marks: 45.
- Purpose: Assesses candidates’ communication skills, research aptitude, and subject knowledge.
Final selection for ARS/SMS/STO is based on the combined marks from the Mains and Interview.
Syllabus and Preparation Tips
The syllabus for ASRB NET, ARS, SMS, and STO exams is based on the Master’s degree curriculum of the relevant discipline. Candidates can download the detailed syllabus from the official ASRB website. Key preparation tips include:
- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on core topics within your discipline, such as agronomy, plant pathology, soil science, or horticulture, depending on your specialization.
- Practice MCQs: For the Preliminary exam, solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Deep Dive for Mains: Prepare detailed notes for the descriptive exam, emphasizing conceptual clarity and practical applications.
- Stay Updated: Follow agricultural research journals and ICAR publications to stay informed about recent advancements.
- Time Management: Allocate specific hours daily for each section of the syllabus to cover all topics before the exam.
Why Apply for ASRB Recruitment 2025?
A government job with ASRB offers numerous benefits, making it a highly sought-after opportunity:
- Job Security: Long-term stability in a prestigious government organization.
- Competitive Salary: Attractive pay scales with allowances and periodic increments.
- Social Impact: Contribute to India’s agricultural growth through research and education.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for promotions and professional development in agricultural sciences.
As highlighted by platforms like government jobs like these are a dream for many Indian citizens due to their respect, status, and purpose-driven nature
Comprehensive Table: ASRB Recruitment 2025 Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), under ICAR |
| Notification Release Date | February 24, 2025 |
| Notification Source | Official ASRB Website: www.asrb.org.in |
| Notification Key Points | Announces 582 vacancies for NET, ARS (458 posts), SMS (41 posts), STO (83 posts); includes eligibility, exam schedule, application process, and syllabus |
| Positions Offered | National Eligibility Test (NET), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS, T-6), Senior Technical Officer (STO, T-6) |
| Total Vacancies | 582 (ARS: 458, SMS: 41, STO: 83) |
| Application Start Date | April 22, 2025 |
| Application End Date | May 21, 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online via www.asrb.org.in |
| Application Fee | NET Only: UR: ₹1000/-, EWS/OBC: ₹500/-, SC/ST/Female: ₹250/- ARS/SMS/STO Only: UR: ₹1000/-, EWS/OBC: ₹800/-, SC/ST/Female: ₹0/- NET + ARS/SMS/STO: General: ₹2000/-, OBC/EWS: ₹1300/-, SC/ST/Female: ₹250/- |
| Payment Methods | Debit/credit card, net banking, UPI |
| Eligibility (Education) | NET: Master’s degree in relevant discipline ARS: Master’s degree, Ph.D. preferred SMS/STO: Master’s degree, Ph.D. advantageous |
| Disciplines Covered | 60 disciplines (e.g., agronomy, plant pathology, soil science, horticulture) |
| Age Limit | NET: Minimum 21 years, no upper limit ARS: 21–32 years (as of August 1, 2025) SMS/STO: 21–35 years (as of May 21, 2025) |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST/OBC/PwD: As per government norms (check notification for specifics) |
| Number of Attempts | NET: Unlimited ARS/SMS/STO: No limit, subject to age eligibility |
| Preliminary Exam Date | September 2–4, 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | To be announced (monitor www.asrb.org.in for updates) |
| NET Exam Pattern | 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2 hours, 1/3 negative marking, discipline-specific |
| ARS/SMS/STO Selection Process | Preliminary Exam: 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2 hours, 1/3 negative marking Mains Exam: Descriptive, 300 marks Interview: 45 marks |
| Syllabus | www.asrb.org.in |
| Official Website | www.asrb.org.in |
| Contact Information | Refer to ASRB website for helpline details (provided in notification) |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | www.asrb.org.in |
| Apply Online | www.asrb.org.in |
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