ICAR AIEEA JRF 2026 Preparation Strategy: Tips, Topics & Mock Tests

Divide your time based on your major subject group (20 major groups like Plant Sciences, Physical Sciences, etc.). General strategy (6-9 months prep):

• Months 1-3 (Foundation): Cover complete UG syllabus + ICAR official syllabus (download from icar.org.in). Focus on conceptual clarity using NCERT-level basics + standard UG books.
• Months 4-6 (Intensive): Deep dive into high-weightage units. Make short notes for facts, formulas, deficiencies, varieties, etc.
• Months 7-9 (Revision + Tests): Revise notes 3-4 times, solve PYQs, take full mocks weekly.

Daily Routine Example (8-10 hrs):

• 3-4 hrs: Core subject theory + notes
• 2 hrs: MCQ practice (100-150/day)
• 1-2 hrs: Revision + weak topics
• 1 hr: Current affairs in agriculture + GK (for aptitude section if any)

Adjust for your stream: Agronomy/Plant Sciences need more crop production & genetics; Soil Science needs chemistry & conservation focus.

From past papers (2020-2025 analysis) and official syllabus, prioritize these across major groups:

• General Agriculture (Common to all): Importance in economy, major crops (rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses), soils of India, NPK deficiencies, agro-climatic zones, national institutes, organic/precision farming.
• Agronomy: Crop ecology, tillage, planting geometry, integrated farming, field experimentation, weed management, nutrient management.
• Plant Sciences (Breeding, Pathology, Microbiology): Mendelian genetics, mitosis/meiosis, photosynthesis/respiration, cell organelles, plant breeding methods, disease cycles, biocontrol agents.
• Soil/Physical Sciences: Soil physics/chemistry, fertility, mineralogy, problem soils, conservation, watershed management.
• Horticulture/Entomology: Varieties, pest management, post-harvest, IPM.
• High-ROI Topics: Deficiency symptoms, crop varieties released, ICAR institutes, basic biotech (DNA, enzymes), climate-resilient agriculture.

Tip: 60-70% questions come from 8-10 core units per subject. Analyze PYQs to spot repeats.

Solving PYQs (2019-2025) is the #1 game-changer. Download from agriaddict.in, agrigyan.in, or official sources.

• Solve subject-wise first → understand patterns (e.g., factual vs conceptual).
• Then full papers in timed mode.
• Analyze: Note repeated topics, mistake types (silly vs conceptual).
• Make a "Error Notebook" – revise weekly.
• Target: Solve 10+ years' papers → aim 85-90% accuracy in PYQs before mocks.

Many toppers (AIR 1-50) credit 40-50% score boost from PYQ mastery.

To score 90+ (top ranks), focus on accuracy over attempts (negative marking hurts). Key tips:

• Conceptual Depth: Understand "why" behind facts (e.g., why Zn deficiency in rice causes khaira?).
• Short Notes & Mnemonics: For lists (crops, varieties, symptoms, institutes).
• Elimination Technique: In MCQs, rule out 2 options quickly → 50% chance even if guessing.
• High-Yield Focus: Spend 70% time on green/high-weightage topics, 30% on others.
• Revision Cycles: Revise full syllabus every 15-20 days in last 3 months.
• Avoid Overload: Stick to 2-3 standard books per subject (e.g., for Agronomy: Principles of Agronomy by Reddy; Genetics: Singh).
• Accuracy Target: SC/ST: 65-75 correct; General/OBC: 90-105 correct for top JRF.

Mocks simulate real exam pressure. Start after 4-5 months of prep.

• Frequency: 1 full mock/week initially → 2-3/week in last 2 months.
• Sources: AgriAdda247, EduRev, official NTA mocks, or platforms like ixamBee.
• Post-Mock Analysis: Spend 2x time analyzing – check weak units, time per section, silly mistakes.
• Strategy: Attempt in 2 rounds – sure ones first, then doubtful. Leave if <25% sure.
• Score Goals: Early mocks: 60-70 → Mid: 80-90 → Final: 100+ consistently.
• Time Management: Finish in 100-110 mins to review.

Toppers take 30-50 full mocks → build stamina and reduce anxiety.