ASRB NET, ARS, SMS, STO Recruitment 2025: The ASRB NET, ARS, SMS, STO Recruitment 2025 notification is out, and it’s time for aspiring agricultural professionals across India to take note. The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) is inviting applications for 582 prestigious positions, including Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), Senior Technical Officer (STO), and National Eligibility Test (NET). Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or subject expert, this recruitment drive opens the door to impactful careers in agriculture and allied sciences.
These roles offer excellent pay, job security, and a chance to contribute to India’s agricultural advancement. From fresh postgraduates to experienced Ph.D. holders, the ASRB 2025 recruitment caters to a wide range of candidates. Let’s break down the full details, application process, eligibility, and more.
ASRB NET, ARS, SMS, STO Recruitment 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) |
| Total Vacancies | 582 Posts |
| Post Names | NET, ARS, SMS (T-6), STO (T-6) |
| Application Start Date | 22nd April 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 21st May 2025 |
| Prelims Exam Dates | 2nd to 4th September 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date (ARS Only) | 7th December 2025 |
| Eligibility | Master’s Degree / Ph.D. (Discipline-specific) |
| Age Limit | Varies by post (Min: 21 years) |
| Application Fee | ₹250 – ₹2000 (Category-dependent) |
| Official Website | asrb.org.in |
The ASRB NET, ARS, SMS, STO Recruitment 2025 is an incredible opportunity for agricultural scientists, educators, and specialists looking to secure stable, high-impact roles in India’s agricultural institutions. With 582 vacancies and competitive pay, this recruitment drive is ideal for passionate professionals committed to research and academic excellence in agriculture.
Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and apply before the 21st May 2025 deadline. Start preparing early, stay updated on exam announcements, and take full advantage of this prestigious opportunity.
About ASRB and the 2025 Recruitment Drive
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), operating under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, is responsible for recruiting the best talent in agricultural sciences. The 2025 recruitment aims to fill critical research and academic roles that support India’s farming and food systems.
The positions include:
- NET (qualifying test for Lecturers/Assistant Professors)
- ARS (Agricultural Research Service)
- SMS (T-6) and STO (T-6) roles in various ICAR institutes
Each role is designed to harness scientific talent, enhance agricultural innovation, and strengthen India’s food security ecosystem.
Vacancy Breakdown
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| ARS | 458 |
| SMS (T-6) | 41 |
| STO (T-6) | 83 |
| Total | 582 |
Note: NET is not a recruitment post but a qualifying test for future academic positions.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| NET | Master’s Degree in the relevant discipline |
| ARS | Ph.D. in the relevant discipline |
| SMS / STO (T-6) | Master’s Degree in the concerned field |
Ensure your degree is from a recognized university and is listed under the disciplines mentioned in the official notification.
Age Limit (As on 1st August 2025)
- NET: Minimum 21 years, no upper age limit
- ARS: 21 to 32 years
- SMS / STO (T-6): 21 to 35 years
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- PwBD: Up to 10 years (depending on category)
Application Fee Structure
| Category | NET | ARS/SMS/STO | NET + ARS/SMS/STO |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/UR | ₹1000 | ₹1000 | ₹2000 |
| EWS/OBC | ₹500 | ₹800 | ₹1300 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender | ₹250 | NIL | ₹250 |
All payments must be made online through debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
ASRB NET, ARS, SMS, STO Recruitment 2025 Apply Online Guide
- Visit the ASRB Website: Go to asrb.org.in and navigate to the Recruitments section.
- Read Notification Carefully: Click on the “Recruitment of NET, ARS, SMS, STO 2025” and download the PDF for detailed instructions.
- Register: Click on “New Registration” and fill in your basic information (name, email, mobile number).
- Fill the Application Form:
- Enter educational qualifications, address, exam center preference, etc.
- Select the post(s) you wish to apply for.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport photo (Max 100 KB)
- Signature (Max 50 KB)
- Educational certificates
- Caste/Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the Application Fee: Use the preferred online payment method.
- Final Submission: Review the application form carefully and submit. Take a printout for future reference.
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
For ARS, SMS & STO
Stage 1: Preliminary Exam (Qualifying)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Type: Objective MCQs
- Subjects: Discipline-related + General Knowledge
Stage 2: Mains Exam
- Type: Descriptive
- Duration: 3 hours
- Focus: Core subject knowledge
Stage 3: Interview
- Personality test & document verification
For NET
- Single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Discipline-specific 150 questions (2 marks each)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Minimum qualifying marks:
- UR: 50%
- OBC: 45%
- SC/ST/PwBD: 40%
The NET certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration.
Salary & Benefits
ARS Pay Structure:
- Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix
- ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400/month
SMS/STO Pay Structure:
- Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix
- ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500/month
Additional Perks:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Medical benefits, pension (NPS), LTC, and leave encashment
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 22nd April 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 22nd April 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21st May 2025 |
| Prelims Exam Dates | 2nd to 4th September 2025 |
| ARS Mains Exam Date | 7th December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | 10–15 days before the exam |
Always check asrb.org.in for the latest updates.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for both NET and ARS?
A: Yes. You can apply for multiple posts, but make sure to pay the combined application fee.
Q2. Can final-year students apply?
A: No. Only those who have completed the required qualifications by the last date of application are eligible.
Q3. Is the exam online or offline?
A: The Preliminary exams are computer-based. Mains (for ARS) is a written descriptive test.
Q4. Can I choose my exam center?
A: Yes. Candidates can select from a list of exam cities while applying.
Q5. Is there any sectional cutoff?
A: No sectional cutoffs, but you must meet the overall qualifying marks.
