Overview & Important Highlights
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officialy released the provisional answer keys for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) Entrance Examinations 2026. Candidates who took the Computer Based Test (CBT) on July 4, 2026, can now log in to the official portal to check their recorded response sheets alongside the official master answer key. This entrance examination facilitates admissions to various postgraduate and doctoral degree programs across recognized Agricultural Universities and Institutions in India.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Admission through ICAR entrance examinations depends on satisfying strict educational qualifications and minimum age requirements:
- AIEEA PG Eligibility: Candidates must possess a recognized Bachelor's Degree in a relevant subject stream such as Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology, Forestry, Veterinary Science, or Dairy Technology. The minimum required age is 19 years as of August 31, 2026.
- AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) Eligibility: Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in the relevant specialization. The minimum age limit required is 20 years as of August 31, 2026.
- Selection Stage: Candidates are evaluated through a single-stage online Computer Based Test (CBT). Admissions are finalized based on merit lists derived from normalisation of exam scores and centralized counseling.
Step-by-Step Application / Download Process
Candidates can easily view and verify their answer key and response sheet by following the instructions below:
- Visit the official NTA ICAR website at exams.nta.nic.in/icar.
- Click on the active link corresponding to ICAR AIEEA (PG) 2026 Provisional Answer Key or ICAR AICE (Ph.D) 2026 Provisional Answer Key.
- On the login page, enter your Application Number and Date of Birth / Password along with the Security Pin displayed on the screen.
- Submit the details to access your candidate dashboard.
- View and download the displayed Master Question Paper, recorded Response Sheet, and Provisional Answer Key.
- Save a copy of the key and response sheet for future reference and grade calculations.
Important Instructions & Advice
Candidates are advised to cross-examine their answers with the master answer key. If a candidate finds any discrepancy, they may submit objections online within the stipulated timeframe prescribed in the official notice by paying the non-refundable processing fee per challenged question. All claims submitted will be reviewed by subject experts before finalizing the ultimate result and rank list. Keep your application credentials secure to access subsequent counseling updates.