The ICAR Technical Assistant Exam Pattern 2026 helps candidates understand the structure of the Preliminary and Mains exam, including the number of questions, maximum marks, exam duration and negative marking. The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) is conducting this recruitment to fill 1,393 vacancies for Technical Assistant (T3) and Senior Technical Assistant (T4) posts.
The selection process includes two Computer-Based Tests (CBTs), namely Prelims and Mains, followed by document verification. Candidates should understand the exam pattern, subject-wise weightage and qualifying marks to prepare effectively for the examination scheduled for February 2027 (tentative).
What is the ICAR Technical Assistant Exam Pattern 2026?
The ICAR Technical Assistant Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 2 Computer-Based Tests: Preliminary and Mains. Both examinations will have objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs), but they differ in marks, duration and subjects.
The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature and is used to shortlist candidates for Mains. The Mains examination tests candidates’ subject-specific knowledge and determines their final examination merit. The same exam structure applies to Technical Assistant (T3) and Senior Technical Assistant (T4) posts.
| Particulars | Preliminary Examination | Mains Examination |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs | Objective MCQs |
| Total Questions | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 60 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 1 mark | 3 marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark | 1 mark |
| Subjects | GK, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and General Agriculture | Functional Group-specific subjects |
| Purpose | Shortlisting for Mains | Final Merit |
| Applicable Posts | T3 and T4 | T3 and T4 |
What is the ICAR Technical Assistant Selection Process 2026?
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) conducts the ICAR Technical Assistant exam to recruit candidates for T3 and T4 posts. The selection process includes two online examinations followed by document verification and appointment formalities.
Candidates must qualify in Prelims to become eligible for the Mains examination. The Board will shortlist candidates in a 1:15 ratio of vacancies, category-wise and Functional Group-wise. Final examination merit will be based on Mains marks or normalized scores, wherever applicable.
| Stage | Selection Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Preliminary Examination | 100 objective questions for 100 marks. Used for shortlisting candidates. |
| Stage 2 | Mains Examination | 100 subject-specific questions for 300 marks. Determines final examination merit. |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification | Verification of educational qualifications, age, category certificates and other documents. |
| Stage 4 | Appointment Formalities | Completion of prescribed requirements, including medical fitness where applicable. |
Important points:
- There is no interview for Technical Assistant (T3) or Senior Technical Assistant (T4) posts.
- Prelims marks are not added to the final merit score.
- Mains marks or normalized scores determine final examination merit.
- Candidates must fulfil all eligibility conditions during document verification.
What is the ICAR Technical Assistant Prelims exam pattern?
The ICAR Technical Assistant Preliminary Examination 2026 is the first stage of the recruitment process for T3 and T4 posts. It is an online exam consisting of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks. Candidates will get 60 minutes to complete the paper. The examination covers 4 subjects General Knowledge, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and General Agriculture. Each subject carries equal weightage, with 25 questions for 25 marks.
| Section | Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Knowledge | 25 | 25 |
| 2 | General English | 25 | 25 |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| 4 | General Agriculture | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
What are the important points about the ICAR Technical Assistant Prelims Exam?
Candidates should understand the marking scheme, examination language and shortlisting criteria before appearing for the Preliminary CBT. The important examination details are given below.
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Exam Duration: 60 minutes (1 hour).
- Total Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Maximum Marks: 100.
- Correct Answer: 1 mark.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 mark for each incorrect answer.
- Exam Language: Hindi and English.
- Shortlisting Ratio: 1:15 of vacancies, Functional Group-wise and category-wise.
- Exam Date: February 2027 (tentative).
- Nature of Examination: Qualifying and shortlisting.
- Final Merit: Prelims marks are not included in final merit, except for tie-breaking purposes.
What are the Minimum Qualifying Marks for ICAR Technical Assistant Prelims 2026?
ASRB has prescribed category-wise minimum qualifying marks for the Preliminary Examination. Candidates must secure the required marks to become eligible for shortlisting for the Mains examination. However, obtaining the minimum qualifying marks does not guarantee a place in Mains. The Board will shortlist candidates in a 1:15 ratio based on vacancies in each Functional Group and category.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Marks (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 30% | 30 |
| OBC/EWS | 25% | 25 |
| SC/ST/PwBD | 20% | 20 |
Note: Candidates must meet the prescribed minimum qualifying marks and the applicable shortlisting criteria to appear for the Mains examination.
What is the ICAR Technical Assistant Mains exam pattern 2026?
The ICAR Technical Assistant Mains Examination 2026 is the second stage of the recruitment process. Unlike Prelims, which covers general subjects, Mains focuses on technical and subject-specific knowledge related to the Functional Group selected by the candidate.
The examination will contain 100 objective-type questions carrying 300 marks. Candidates will get 120 minutes to complete the paper. Each correct answer carries 3 marks, while 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Subject | Functional Group/Subject-specific |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 3 marks |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark for each incorrect answer |
| Final Merit | Based on Mains marks/normalized scores |
| Applicable Posts | Technical Assistant T3 and Senior Technical Assistant T4 |
What are the important points about the ICAR Technical Assistant mains exam?
The Mains exam carries the highest weightage in the ICAR Technical Assistant recruitment process. Candidates should understand its marking scheme and subject requirements to prepare effectively. Here are the important points:
- Only candidates shortlisted through the Preliminary Examination can appear for Mains.
- The paper contains 100 objective-type questions for 300 marks.
- Each correct answer carries 3 marks.
- There is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.
- The total examination duration is 120 minutes.
- Questions are based on the selected Functional Group/Subgroup.
- Candidates must secure the prescribed category-wise minimum qualifying marks.
- Final examination merit is prepared using Mains marks or normalized scores, wherever applicable.
- There is no interview after the Mains examination.
Note: Candidates can refer to the official ASRB website for the detailed subject-wise syllabus of their selected Functional Group.
What are the Minimum Qualifying Marks for ICAR Technical Assistant Mains 2026?
ASRB has prescribed minimum qualifying marks for different categories in the Mains examination. Candidates must obtain the required marks out of 300 to remain eligible for consideration in the final selection process. However, qualifying the Mains examination does not guarantee appointment, as final recommendations depend on merit, category, post preferences and available vacancies.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Marks (Out of 300) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 30% | 90 |
| OBC/EWS | 25% | 75 |
| SC/ST/PwBD | 20% | 60 |
Candidates who fail to secure the prescribed minimum qualifying marks will not be considered for final selection.
How are candidates shortlisted for ICAR Technical Assistant Mains 2026?
ASRB shortlists candidates for the Mains examination based on their performance in the Preliminary CBT. The Board follows a 1:15 shortlisting ratio against the available vacancies in each Functional Group and category. This means approximately 15 candidates may be shortlisted for every available vacancy, subject to the prescribed qualifying marks and recruitment rules.
How is the ICAR Technical Assistant Final Merit List 2026 Prepared?
The ICAR Technical Assistant Final Merit List 2026 is prepared based on candidates’ performance in the Mains examination. ASRB considers Mains marks or normalized scores, wherever applicable, to determine the examination merit. Separate merit lists are prepared according to the applicable Functional Groups/Subgroups and categories. Candidates are considered for T3 and T4 posts based on their merit position, submitted preferences and available vacancies. The following factors are considered during final selection:
- Mains Examination Marks: These are the primary basis for determining final examination merit.
- Functional Group/Subgroup: Candidates are considered under their selected Functional Group.
- Candidate Category: Applicable reservation rules and qualifying standards are followed.
- Post Preferences: Candidates applying for both T3 and T4 are considered according to their submitted preferences.
- Vacancy Availability: Final recommendations depend on the number of available vacancies.
- Document Verification: Educational qualifications, age, category certificates and other eligibility documents are verified.
What are the tie-breaking rules for ICAR Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
If 2 or more candidates secure equal marks in the Mains exam, ASRB follows prescribed tie-breaking rules to determine their merit position. The Board considers candidates’ Preliminary Examination performance and other criteria in a fixed order. The tie-breaking rules are applicable to both Technical Assistant T3 and Senior Technical Assistant T4 posts.
| Priority | Tie-Breaking Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 | Candidate securing higher marks in the Preliminary CBT gets preference. |
| 2 | If Prelims marks are equal, the candidate with higher marks in Quantitative Aptitude gets preference. |
| 3 | If the tie continues, the older candidate is ranked higher. |
Is there Normalization in the ICAR Technical Assistant exam 2026?
Yes, ASRB has provided for normalization of marks in the ICAR Technical Assistant Preliminary and Mains examinations. If an examination is conducted in multiple sessions for the same syllabus, normalization may be applied to account for differences in the difficulty levels of different sessions.
The normalized scores will be considered wherever applicable for shortlisting, cut-off determination and final merit preparation. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the applicable normalization rules.
Is there an Interview in ICAR Technical Assistant Recruitment?
No, there is no interview for either Technical Assistant (T3) or Senior Technical Assistant (T4) posts under ICAR Recruitment 2026. The selection process is based on the Preliminary and Mains Computer-Based Tests.
Prelims is used to shortlist candidates, while Mains performance determines final examination merit. After the merit list is prepared, recommended candidates must complete document verification and other prescribed appointment formalities. Medical fitness requirements may also apply as per the recruitment rules.
Also Check: ICAR Technical Assistant Apply Online
What documents are verified during ICAR Technical Assistant Selection 2026?
Candidates shortlisted for appointment must submit the required documents to ICAR or the concerned recruiting institute for verification. The authorities check their age, educational qualification, nationality and reservation details as per the recruitment notification. Candidates should keep all original documents and required copies ready to avoid delays.
- Class 10 certificate for date-of-birth verification.
- Relevant educational qualification certificates.
- Degree or diploma marksheets and transcripts.
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate, wherever applicable.
- PwBD certificate, wherever applicable.
- Ex-Servicemen certificate or undertaking, wherever applicable.
- Government-issued photo identity proof.
- Employment certificate or No Objection Certificate (NOC), wherever applicable.
- Other documents prescribed by ASRB or the recruiting institute.
Note: If a candidate fails to produce the required documents or does not meet the prescribed eligibility conditions, their candidature may be cancelled.
FAQs
The selection process includes Prelims CBT, Mains CBT, document verification and appointment formalities.
The Preliminary Examination consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks.
Candidates get 60 minutes to complete the Preliminary Examination.
The Prelims examination covers General Knowledge, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and General Agriculture.
The Mains examination consists of 100 subject-specific questions carrying 300 marks.
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