ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 is India’s most prestigious agriculture research fellowship, offering Rs.31,000/month to doctoral scholars at top institutions like IARI, IVRI, NDRI, and 76 State Agricultural Universities. The exam was conducted by NTA on 4 July 2026 for 72 subjects across 89 cities. This guide covers eligibility, fellowship amount, exam pattern, how to apply, and the complete counselling process for 2026-27.
ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 was conducted by NTA on 4 July 2026. It awards Rs.31,000/month (JRF) and Rs.35,000/month (SRF) fellowship to 300 selected candidates out of 2,330 PhD seats across 72 subjects. Minimum eligibility: Master’s degree with 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Exam Name: AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026
- Conducted By: NTA on behalf of ICAR
- Exam Date: 4 July 2026 (Saturday) — CBT Mode
- Application Period: 8 May 2026 – 10 June 2026
- JRF Fellowship (Years 1–2): Rs.31,000/month + HRA
- SRF Fellowship (Year 3): Rs.35,000/month + HRA
- Total Fellowship Seats: 300 (out of 2,330 PhD seats)
- Subjects Covered: 72 subjects | 89 exam cities
- Application Fee (General): Rs.2,000
- Official Portal: exams.nta.nic.in/icar
What Is ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 and Why It Matters
ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 (officially: AICE-JRF/SRF PhD) is India’s national-level competitive examination for PhD admission in agriculture and allied sciences, and the sole route to earn an ICAR-funded monthly fellowship during your doctoral programme. It serves two purposes simultaneously: it fills 100% of PhD seats at ICAR Deemed Universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE) and 30% of PhD seats at other Agricultural Universities under the ICAR-AU system.
Candidates who secure a fellowship rank gain Rs.31,000/month for the first two years as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Rs.35,000/month for the third year as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF), plus House Rent Allowance. Those who qualify the exam but fall outside the fellowship ranks can still secure PhD admission at participating universities without the monthly stipend.
ICAR JRF SRF Fellowship Amount 2026 — Monthly Stipend Details
The ICAR fellowship is awarded for a total of three years — two years as JRF and one year as SRF — along with HRA as applicable at the university location. Only 300 fellowship seats are available across all disciplines for 2026-27, making this a highly competitive award.
| Fellowship Stage | Duration | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Years 1 and 2 | Rs.31,000 + HRA |
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | Year 3 | Rs.35,000 + HRA |
Fellowship is awarded strictly by merit rank in AICE-JRF/SRF 2026 and subject/seat availability. Candidates admitted to PhD without a fellowship rank do not receive the monthly stipend but may be eligible for university-level assistantships separately.
Eligibility Criteria for ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026
All eligibility details below are as per the official AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 notification issued by NTA on behalf of ICAR on 8 May 2026.
- Nationality: Indian citizens only
- Educational Qualification: Master’s degree in the relevant agriculture or allied sciences discipline from a UGC-recognised/ICAR-accredited university
- Minimum Marks — General/OBC/EWS: 60% aggregate marks or OGPA of 6.60/10.00
- Minimum Marks — SC/ST/PwD: 50% aggregate marks or OGPA of 5.60/10.00
- Minimum Age: 20 years as of 31 August 2026
- Upper Age Limit: No upper age limit prescribed by ICAR (individual SAUs may apply limits)
- Final-Year Candidates: Students appearing in final-year Master’s exams may apply provisionally
| Category | Minimum Marks / OGPA | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC | 60% or OGPA 6.60/10 | Rs.2,000 / Rs.1,955 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 50% or OGPA 5.60/10 | Rs.1,075 |
ICAR AICE JRF SRF Exam Pattern 2026 — Questions, Marks & Duration
The AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT) of 2 hours covering 120 objective-type questions from the candidate’s chosen subject. The exam covers 72 subjects and is held at 89 cities across India.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking (Wrong Answer) | –1 |
| Total Subjects | 72 |
| Exam Cities | 89 |
How to Apply for ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 — Step-by-Step Process
Applications for ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 were submitted online through the official NTA ICAR portal. The process below is the official step-by-step sequence as per the AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 information bulletin.
- Visit the official portal — Go to exams.nta.nic.in/icar and click the registration link for AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026.
- Register and create login — Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to generate your application login credentials.
- Fill the application form — Provide your educational qualifications, subject choice, category, and personal details accurately as per your documents.
- Upload documents — Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and PwBD candidates must upload their Unique Disability ID (UDID) card.
- Pay the application fee — Pay Rs.2,000 (General/EWS) or Rs.1,955 (OBC) or Rs.1,075 (SC/ST/PwD) through the available online payment modes.
- Submit and download confirmation — Submit the completed form and download/save your application confirmation page for future reference.
- Download admit card — Retrieve your hall ticket from the NTA ICAR portal before the exam date.
- Appear for CBT exam — Report to your allotted exam centre on 4 July 2026 with your admit card and a valid photo ID.
ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 8 May 2026 |
| Application Opens | 8 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Extended) | 10 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 4 July 2026 (Saturday) |
| Exam Mode | CBT — Computer Based Test |
| Counselling Rank Release | 29 September 2026 |
Important Links — ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026
What is the monthly fellowship amount for ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 and how long is it paid to selected candidates?
What is the eligibility for ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 in terms of marks, age, and educational qualification required?
How many fellowship seats are available in ICAR JRF SRF PhD 2026 and what is the total number of PhD seats offered?
What is the application fee for ICAR AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 and how can candidates pay it through the NTA portal online?
What is the exam pattern for ICAR AICE JRF SRF PhD 2026 — total questions, duration, and negative marking details?
Last Updated: October 2026. This page is reviewed and updated when official data changes. Bookmark examera.in for the latest ICAR fellowship updates.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Verify all dates, fees, fellowship amounts, and eligibility criteria on the official ICAR and NTA portals before taking any action.
