The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has released the official notification for the National Eligibility Test (NET), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialists (SMS), and Senior Technical Officer (STO). This year, there are 582 total vacancies, offering opportunities for candidates aiming to become Lecturers, Assistant Professors, or for those looking to work in specialized research and technical roles.
The application process for the above-mentioned vacancies will begin on April 22, 2025 and will end on May 21, 2025. Applicants must submit their forms online through the official website of ASRB. Important information such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, and vacancy details are provided below. Candidates are advised to check all requirements before applying.
As per the official schedule, the preliminary examination will be held between September 2 to 4, 2025 while the Mains exam will be conducted on December 7, 2025. Applicants clearing the Mains will be called for an Interview round. Read on for more details about the ASRB NET 2025 process—
Important Dates:
The essential dates for ASRB NET 2025 are provided in the table below:
Notification Release Date: 24 February 2025
Application Start Date: 22 April 2025
Application End Date: 21 May 2025
Prelims Exam Date: 2 to 4 September 2025
Mains Exam Date: 7 December 2025
Vacancy Details of ASRB NET 2025: ASRB has announced 582 vacancies across various posts:
Agricultural Research Service (ARS):458
Subject Matter Specialist (SMS): 41
Senior Technical Officer (STO): 83
Eligibility Criteria of ASRB NET 2025:
Below are the key eligibility requirements, including educational qualification and age limits, for appearing in ASRB NET 2025 and related examinations—
Educational Qualifications: Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
Age Limit: Candidates should ensure they meet the respective age criteria as specified before applying.
| Exam | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| NET Examination | 21 years | No upper age limit |
| ARS Examination-2025 | 21 years | 32 years (as of 1 August 2025) |
| SMS (T-6) & STO (T-6) Examination | 21 years | 35 years (as of 21 May 2025) |
ASRB NET 2025 Application Process: Follow the below step to apply online:-
1) Visit the official ASRB website (asrb.org.in) to find the application link.
2) Choose whether you are applying for NET, ARS, SMS (T-6), STO (T-6), or any combination of these.
3) If you select ARS/SMS (T-6)/STO (T-6), indicate your preference order, which cannot be changed later.
4) Fill in personal details such as name, parent’s name, and identification proofs.
5) Upload your photograph, signature, and relevant educational documents (Master’s degree, etc.).
6) Pay the required application fee to complete the submission.
7) Note the reference or registration number for future use.
Download Official Notification PDF
Direct Apply Link
Application Fee: Below is the fee structure for different categories. Candidates should pay the fee online, as directed in the application form:
| Category of Candidate | NET | ARS/SMS/STO or Combination | NET + ARS/SMS/STO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 2000 |
| EWS/OBC | Rs. 500 | Rs. 800 | Rs. 1300 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender | Rs. 250 | NIL | Rs. 250 |
Payment of the correct fee is mandatory; otherwise, applications will not be accepted.
Selection Process: The selections process involves following stages:
National Eligibility Test (NET): A single paper with 150 multiple-choice questions worth 150 marks.
ARS, SMS (T-6), and STO (T-6): Candidates must clear three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
ASRB NET Exam Pattern 2025
1) NET 2025:
One paper of 150 marks in 2 hours
150 multiple-choice questions
Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of one-third mark
Qualifying marks vary by category (e.g., 50% for UR, 45% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST/PwBD)
2) NARS, SMS (T-6), and STO (T-6)
Prelims: 150 marks, 2 hours, negative marking of one-third per wrong answer
Mains: 300 marks, 3 hours
Interview: 45 marks
Minimum qualifying marks differ by category (e.g., 45% for UR, 40% for OBC, 35% for SC/ST/PwBD)