The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has officially announced the exam dates and admit card release schedule for the NET, ARS, SMS, and STO Examinations 2025. Candidates aspiring for careers in agricultural research and allied services must note that the Preliminary examination will be held on 02, 03, and 04 September 2025, while the Mains examination for ARS, SMS, and STO will take place on 07 December 2025.
This recruitment cycle is one of the most awaited in the agricultural sector, as it provides opportunities for scientists, subject matter specialists, and technical officers across India. The release of the admit card is a crucial step for candidates, as it serves as the entry ticket to the examination hall.
Event |
Date |
Application Start Date |
22nd April 2025 |
Last Date for Apply Online |
21st May 2025 |
Pay Exam Fee Last Date |
21st May 2025 |
Preliminary Exam Date |
2nd to 4th September 2025 |
Admit Card Available |
26 August 2025 |
Mains Exam Date (ARS/SMS/STO) |
7th December 2025 |
Application Fee: For NET Exam
Category |
Amount |
Unreserved (UR) |
₹1000/- |
EWS/OBC |
₹500/- |
SC/ST/Female |
₹250/- |
Application Fee: For ARS/SMS/STO Post
Category |
Amount |
EWS/OBC |
₹800/- |
SC/ST/Female |
₹0/- |
Application Fee: ARS/SMS/STO Combination
Category |
Amount |
General |
₹2000/- |
OBC/EWS |
₹1300/- |
SC/ST/Female |
₹250/- |
Age Limit:
Criteria |
Age |
Minimum Age |
21 Years |
Maximum Age |
35 Years |
Note: Age Relaxation as per rules
Vacancy Details
Post Name |
Total Posts |
Qualification |
Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) |
41 |
- Master’s Degree in the concerned subject from a recognized university in India. - Subject-wise eligibility details can be found in the notification. |
Senior Technical Officer (STO) |
83 |
- National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification. |
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) |
458 |
- As per the eligibility requirements listed in the detailed notification. |
Steps to Download the ASRB Admit Card 2025
The admit card will be available online before the examination. Candidates must download it within the stipulated time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Visit the official ASRB website.
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On the homepage, locate the link for “ASRB NET/ARS/SMS/STO 2025 Admit Card”.
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Enter your login details, such as registration number, date of birth, and password.
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Submit the details and wait for the admit card to appear on the screen.
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Download the admit card and take a clear printout.
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Keep the printed copy safe, as it is mandatory to carry it to the exam hall.
Details Printed on the Admit Card
Candidates must carefully check the details mentioned on their admit card. Important fields include:
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Candidate’s full name
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Roll number and registration ID
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Photograph and signature
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Exam date and shift timing
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Exam center address
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Reporting time and instructions
If any error is found, candidates should contact ASRB support immediately to get it corrected before the exam.
Documents Required on Exam Day
On the day of the exam, candidates must carry the following:
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A printed copy of the admit card
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A valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving License
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A recent passport-size photograph (same as uploaded in the application form)
Failure to bring these documents may result in denial of entry to the examination center.
Exam-Day Instructions for Candidates
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Reach the exam center at least 90 minutes before reporting time.
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Carry only essential items; electronic gadgets, notes, calculators, or smartwatches are strictly prohibited.
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Read the instructions printed on the admit card carefully.
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Follow the guidance of invigilators to maintain discipline in the exam hall.
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Keep multiple copies of the admit card for future reference, as it may be required during later stages of the recruitment process.
ASRB Exam Pattern Overview
The exam pattern differs for NET, ARS, SMS, and STO, but generally includes:
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Prelims: Computer-based test (CBT) with objective-type questions.
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Mains: Descriptive or written examination focusing on the candidate’s subject specialization.
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Interview (for ARS/SMS/STO): Shortlisted candidates must appear for an interview/viva-voce.
This multi-stage selection ensures that only the most qualified candidates make it through.
Preparation Tips for Candidates
With the preliminary exam approaching in early September, candidates must maximize their remaining preparation time. Here are some effective tips:
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Revise the Syllabus Thoroughly: Focus on your subject specialization and key agricultural concepts.
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Practice Mock Tests: Attempt online tests to get familiar with the exam format.
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Time Management: Learn to balance speed with accuracy, especially for the CBT prelims.
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Stay Updated with Current Developments: Read about recent agricultural policies, technologies, and research breakthroughs.
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Work on Writing Skills: For descriptive mains, practice structured answers within word limits.
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Stay Calm and Confident: Avoid last-minute panic; instead, revise important topics strategically.
Importance of ASRB Examinations
The ASRB exams open doors to prestigious roles in India’s agricultural research and education system. For candidates, qualifying in NET provides eligibility to teach, while success in ARS, SMS, or STO exams leads to research and extension-based positions that directly contribute to the country’s agricultural development.
These jobs not only provide job stability and financial security but also allow candidates to contribute to food security, rural development, and innovative agricultural practices.