The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi, has issued the notification for the Centralized Combined Examination 2026 for direct recruitment to Technical Assistant (T-3) posts in Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes and Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) posts in ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
Under this recruitment, ASRB will fill a total of 1,393 vacancies, comprising 1,254 Technical Assistant (T-3) posts and 139 Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) posts. The recruitment covers several functional groups, including Agriculture, Animal Science, Fisheries, Home Science, Workshop Staff, Library and Information, and Information Technology.
The online application process will start on 18 November 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications and pay the prescribed fee up to 17 December 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Candidates interested in this recruitment should check the detailed notification for functional-group-wise vacancies, educational qualifications, age limit, application fee, examination scheme and other eligibility conditions before applying.
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) |
| Department | Department of Agricultural Research and Education |
| Organisation | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Examination Name | Centralized Combined Examination 2026 |
| Notification Number | F. No. 2(2)/2025-Exam |
| Notification Date | 11 November 2026 |
| Post 1 | Technical Assistant (T-3) |
| Post 2 | Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,393 |
| T-3 Vacancies | 1,254 |
| T-4 Vacancies | 139 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 18 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 December 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | February 2027 (Tentative) |
| Mains Examination | To be announced |
| Selection Process | Preliminary CBT and Mains CBT |
| Interview | Not applicable |
| Official Website | https://asrb.gov.in/ |
ASRB ICAR Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
Candidates should note the following dates for the Centralized Combined Examination 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 11 November 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 18 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 17 December 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 17 December 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 18–20 December 2026 |
| Preliminary CBT | February 2027 (Tentative) |
| Mains CBT | To be announced |
The examination dates are subject to change. ASRB will announce the exact examination schedule through its official website.
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Vacancy Details 2026 – 1,393 Posts
A total of 1,393 vacancies have been announced under the Centralized Combined Examination 2026.
| Post Name | Organisation / Posting | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Assistant (T-3) | ICAR Institutes | 1,254 |
| Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) | ICAR KVKs | 139 |
| Total | 1,393 |
Category-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Technical Assistant T-3 | Senior Technical Assistant T-4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 notification also provides horizontal reservation for eligible PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates. These vacancies are included within the overall vacancy figures and should not be added separately. The number of vacancies is tentative and may be revised by ASRB.
Functional Group-wise Vacancies – Technical Assistant (T-3)
| Functional Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Agriculture – Field/Farm Technician and Laboratory Technician | 699 |
| Animal Science – Field/Farm Technician and Laboratory Technician | 115 |
| Fisheries – Field/Farm Technician and Laboratory Technician | 90 |
| Social Science (Home Science / Community Science) | 5 |
| 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 |
| Total T-3 | 1,254 |
Functional Group-wise Vacancies – Senior Technical Assistant (T-4)
| Functional Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Agriculture – Field/Farm Technician and Laboratory Technician | 73 |
| Animal Science – Field/Farm Technician and Laboratory Technician | 9 |
| Social Science (Home Science / Community Science) | 2 |
| Fisheries – Laboratory Technician | 7 |
| Information Technology | 48 |
| Total T-4 | 139 |
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age limit, educational qualification and other conditions for the functional group or subgroup they choose.
1. Nationality
Candidates must fulfil the nationality conditions prescribed in the official notification. These include Indian citizens and the other eligible nationality categories specified under the applicable Government of India rules.
2. Age Limit
The prescribed age limit is 21 to 30 years as on 17 December 2026, the closing date for submission of online applications, subject to applicable age relaxation.
| Particulars | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 30 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | 17 December 2026 |
3. Age Relaxation
Upper-age relaxation is available to eligible candidates as per the recruitment rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years, subject to applicable rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per prescribed rules |
| Eligible ICAR In-service Technical Employees | As per ICAR rules |
Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess valid supporting certificates and satisfy the conditions specified in the notification.
Educational Qualification – ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Recruitment
The educational qualification differs according to the functional group and subgroup. Candidates must possess the prescribed qualification for their selected group by the closing date of application, i.e. 17 December 2026.
Functional Group-wise Qualification
| Functional Group | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Agro-forestry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Home Science, Community Science, Natural Farming or other notified disciplines |
| Animal Science | B.V.Sc. & A.H. |
| Fisheries | B.F.Sc. |
| Social Science (Home Science / Community Science) | Bachelor’s degree in Home Science or Community Science |
| Workshop Staff – Civil Engineering | B.E./B.Tech. or prescribed three-year Diploma in Civil Engineering |
| Workshop Staff – Agricultural Engineering | B.E./B.Tech. or prescribed three-year Diploma in Agricultural Engineering or other notified disciplines |
| Workshop Staff – Electrical Engineering | B.E./B.Tech. or prescribed three-year Diploma in Electrical Engineering |
| Workshop Staff – Electronics and Instrumentation | B.E./B.Tech. or prescribed three-year Diploma in Electronics, Instrumentation or other notified disciplines |
| Library / Information / Documentation | Bachelor’s degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science |
| Information Technology | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science or Information Technology, or B.E./B.Tech. in the prescribed IT, Computer Science or related disciplines |
Important: The table is a summary of the functional-group qualification requirements. The detailed notification contains the exact degree titles, accepted disciplines and subgroup conditions. Candidates must check Annexure VIII of the official notification before selecting a functional group.
Can Candidates Apply for Both T-3 and T-4 Posts?
Candidates may apply for Technical Assistant (T-3), Senior Technical Assistant (T-4), or both, subject to their eligibility.
However, candidates must follow these conditions:
- A candidate can select only one functional group/subgroup.
- Candidates applying for both T-3 and T-4 must indicate their post preference in the application form.
- The order of preference submitted in the application is final.
- Candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualification for the selected functional group.
- The eligibility of candidates will be verified by ICAR as per the recruitment rules.
Candidates should compare the qualifications and functional-group-wise vacancies before finalising their choice.
Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate’s category and whether the application is submitted for T-3, T-4 or both.
| Category | T-3 Only | T-4 Only | Both T-3 & T-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR | ₹300 | ₹300 | ₹600 |
| EWS / OBC | ₹150 | ₹150 | ₹300 |
| SC / ST | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Women | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Transgender | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil | Nil | Nil |
The fee is payable online through the prescribed Bharatkosh payment facility. Candidates should upload the payment receipt as instructed in the application form. Applicable transaction charges may be payable by the candidate.
Salary and Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive salary according to the applicable ICAR Technical Services pay structure under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| 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 |
In addition to basic pay, selected employees may be eligible for allowances and other benefits as admissible under ICAR and Government of India rules.
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of two computer-based examinations:
- Combined Preliminary CBT (Qualifying Examination).
- Combined Mains CBT (Merit-based Examination).
There is no interview for this recruitment. Candidates shortlisted from the Preliminary examination will appear in the Mains examination. Final selection will be based on the prescribed Mains examination merit and other applicable conditions.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Computer-Based Test
The Preliminary examination is a common qualifying examination. It tests candidates in the following subjects:
- General Knowledge
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Agriculture
The Preliminary examination is used to shortlist candidates for the Mains examination. Shortlisting will be carried out functional-group-wise in the prescribed ratio.
Stage 2 – Mains Computer-Based Test
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary examination will be called for the Mains CBT.
The Mains examination will assess the candidate’s subject-specific knowledge according to the functional group selected during application.
The Mains examination carries 300 marks, and the merit-based selection will be determined according to the applicable examination rules.
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Exam Pattern 2026
Preliminary Examination Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Type of Questions | Objective / MCQ |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 1 Hour |
| General Knowledge | 25 Marks |
| General English | 25 Marks |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 Marks |
| General Agriculture | 25 Marks |
| Negative Marking | 1/4 mark for each incorrect answer |
| Nature | Qualifying |
The Preliminary examination will be conducted in English and Hindi, except the General English section, which will be in English.
Mains Examination Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Type of Questions | Objective / MCQ |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Subject | Functional Group-specific |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer |
The Mains examination will be based on the syllabus prescribed for the selected functional group. Candidates should refer to the ICAR scheme and syllabus document for the detailed subject-wise topics.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| EWS / OBC | 25% |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 20% |
The prescribed qualifying marks apply as specified in the examination scheme. Meeting the minimum qualifying marks does not by itself guarantee shortlisting or selection.
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Syllabus 2026
The Preliminary examination covers four common subjects:
- General Knowledge
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Agriculture
The Mains examination is functional-group-specific. Candidates should prepare according to the syllabus for their selected group, such as Agriculture, Animal Science, Fisheries, Home Science, Workshop Engineering, Library Science or Information Technology.
ICAR has separately issued the scheme and syllabus for the T-3 and T-4 posts through its Office Memorandum dated 28 September 2026. Candidates can refer to the official ICAR syllabus document linked below.
How to Apply Online for ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the ASRB official website from 18 November 2026.
Follow the steps below:
- Visit the official ASRB website at https://asrb.gov.in/.
- Open the Centralized Combined Examination 2026 recruitment notification.
- Click on the online application link once it is activated.
- Complete the registration process using the required personal details.
- Log in using the generated registration credentials.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational and communication details.
- Select the eligible post (T-3, T-4 or both).
- Choose only one functional group/subgroup and provide the required post preferences.
- Upload the required documents and photograph/signature as per the portal instructions.
- Pay the applicable application fee through the prescribed payment gateway.
- Upload the payment receipt, wherever required.
- Review all details carefully and submit the application.
- Download and print the final application form for future reference.
Note: The online application link is scheduled to open on 18 November 2026. Candidates should not rely on unofficial application links.
Application Form Correction Window
ASRB has provided a correction window for candidates who need to make permitted changes to their submitted application forms.
| Particulars | Dates |
|---|---|
| Correction Window Opens | 18 December 2026 |
| Correction Window Closes | 20 December 2026 |
Candidates should carefully check the correction instructions and applicable fee, if any, before making changes.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Read the official notification carefully before applying.
- Ensure that the prescribed educational qualification is completed by 17 December 2026.
- Select only one functional group/subgroup.
- Candidates applying for both T-3 and T-4 should enter their post preferences carefully.
- Upload the payment receipt as instructed.
- Pay the application fee before the deadline.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application form and payment receipt.
- Select the examination centre carefully, as requests for changes may not be accepted later.
- Check the ASRB website regularly for examination dates, admit cards and further instructions.
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are available in ASRB ICAR T-3 and T-4 Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,393 vacancies have been announced, including 1,254 Technical Assistant (T-3) posts and 139 Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) posts.
Q2. What is the application start date for ASRB ICAR Recruitment 2026?
The online application process starts on 18 November 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for ICAR T-3 and T-4 Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application and pay the fee is 17 December 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q4. What is the age limit for ASRB ICAR T-3 and T-4 posts?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 17 December 2026, subject to applicable age relaxation.
Q5. What is the educational qualification for ICAR Technical Assistant T-3 and T-4 posts?
The qualification depends on the selected functional group. Relevant degrees include Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Fisheries Science, Home Science, Engineering, Library Science, Computer Science and Information Technology.
Q6. Can a candidate apply for both T-3 and T-4 posts?
Yes. Candidates may apply for both posts if they fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions. They must provide their post preferences in the application form.
Q7. What is the application fee for ASRB ICAR Recruitment 2026?
The fee for UR candidates is ₹300 for one post or ₹600 for both. EWS/OBC candidates pay ₹150 for one post or ₹300 for both. SC, ST, PwBD, women, transgender and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from the fee as specified in the notification.
Q8. What is the salary of an ICAR Technical Assistant (T-3)?
Technical Assistant (T-3) is in Pay Level 5, with a pay scale of ₹29,200–₹92,300.
Q9. What is the salary of an ICAR Senior Technical Assistant (T-4)?
Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) is in Pay Level 6, with a pay scale of ₹35,400–₹1,12,400.
Q10. What is the selection process for ASRB ICAR T-3 and T-4 Recruitment 2026?
Selection will be based on a qualifying Preliminary CBT followed by a Mains CBT. There is no interview.
Q11. When will the ASRB ICAR Preliminary Examination 2026 be conducted?
The Preliminary Computer-Based Test is tentatively scheduled for February 2027. The exact date will be announced by ASRB.
Q12. Is there negative marking in the ASRB ICAR examination?
Yes. The Preliminary examination has a penalty of one-fourth mark for each incorrect answer, while the Mains examination has a penalty of one-third mark for each incorrect answer.
Q13. Where can candidates download the ASRB ICAR T-3 and T-4 notification?
Candidates can download the detailed notification from the official ASRB website. The direct PDF link is provided in the Important Links section below.
ASRB ICAR T-3 & T-4 Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Apply Online | Visit ASRB Website |
| Detailed Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Examination Scheme & Syllabus | Download Syllabus |
| ASRB Official Website | Click Here |
| ICAR Official Website | Click Here |
| Bharatkosh – Fee Payment Portal | Click Here |
| Latest Government Jobs | Click Here |
| Latest Results | Click Here |
| Latest Admit Cards | Click Here |
| Education and University Updates | Click Here |
Note: The online application link is expected to become active on 18 November 2026. The ASRB website link above is provided for accessing the recruitment portal; it is not a confirmed direct application-form URL.