The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), operating under the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), has officially announced the release of admit cards for its Combined Computer-Based Test (CBT). This includes examinations for the National Eligibility Test (NET), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6), and Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6) for the year 2025.
Scheduled from November 11 to 13, 2025, this comprehensive examination opens doors to significant teaching, research, and technical positions within Indian agricultural universities and research institutions across various agricultural and allied sectors.
How to Download Your ASRB Admit Card
For all registered candidates, accessing your admit card is a straightforward process:
- Visit the official ASRB website (asrb.org.in) and navigate to the ‘Examination/Notifications’ section.
- Locate and click on the specific link for “Admission Certificate for Combined CBT…”.
- Log in using your Registration Number and Date of Birth to access and download your hall ticket.
- Carefully review all printed details, including your name, photograph, signature, registration number, category, exam center address, and your assigned date and time slot. Also, pay close attention to the essential exam instructions regarding permissible and prohibited items.
- Should you find any discrepancies or missing information, it is crucial to contact the ASRB helpdesk without delay. Their contact details can be found on the official website.
- Remember to print multiple copies of your admit card and bring a valid photo ID to the exam center, ensuring it matches the one used during your initial registration.
Understanding the ASRB Examinations
The ASRB conducts examinations for various critical recruitment streams:
- NET (National Eligibility Test): This qualifying examination is a prerequisite for aspiring Assistant Professors and Lecturers in Indian Agricultural Universities.
- ARS (Agricultural Research Service) (T–6), SMS (Subject Matter Specialist), and STO (Senior Technical Officer): These examinations lead to recruitment for prestigious research, specialist, and technical officer roles across numerous agricultural and allied disciplines.
These positions are incredibly vital, as they directly contribute to the research output, academic strength, and technical advancement within India’s vast agricultural sector. Successfully clearing these exams serves as a crucial gateway for dedicated professionals looking to make a significant impact in this field.
Exam Structure and Selection Process
NET Exam Pattern
The National Eligibility Test (NET) is a single, computer-based examination. Candidates will face 150 multiple-choice questions, each worth one mark, and must complete the test within a 2-hour timeframe. Be aware of negative marking, as one-third of a mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. This examination primarily assesses a candidate’s subject-specific knowledge at the Master’s degree level.
ARS / SMS / STO Selection Process
For the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS-T6), and Senior Technical Officer (STO-T6) roles, the selection process is rigorous and comprises three distinct stages:
- Preliminary Exam: An initial computer-based, multiple-choice question test designed for screening applicants.
- Main Exam: A descriptive paper that evaluates candidates’ in-depth knowledge and analytical abilities within their respective fields.
- Interview / Viva-Voce: The final stage involves an interview to assess research aptitude, communication skills, and overall professional suitability.
This comprehensive, multi-stage selection approach is designed to identify and onboard highly capable agricultural professionals who possess a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge combined with practical research proficiency.