Good news for agriculture graduates looking for a central government job. The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has released the notification for the ICAR Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026, opening up 1,393 posts across the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country. The notification, issued on 11 November 2026, is for the Centralized Combined Examination 2026, and the online application window opens on 18 November.
Of the total 1,393 vacancies, 1,254 are for Technical Assistant (T-3) posts in ICAR institutes and 139 are for Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) posts in Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Candidates can apply for one or both levels, depending on their qualification, through the ASRB website, asrb.gov.in. The last date to apply and pay the fee is 17 December 2026.
Vacancy break-up at a glance
- Technical Assistant (T-3): 1,254 posts in ICAR institutes, Pay Level 5 (basic pay Rs 29,200 to Rs 92,300)
- Senior Technical Assistant (T-4): 139 posts in Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Pay Level 6 (basic pay Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400)
- Total vacancies: 1,393 (tentative, and may change as per the notification)
- Recruiting body: Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi
- Exam name: Centralized Combined Examination 2026
Important dates to remember
The full schedule is below.
- Notification released: 11 November 2026
- Online applications open: 18 November 2026
- Last date to apply and pay fee: 17 December 2026, 11:59 pm
- Correction window: 18 to 20 December 2026
- Preliminary examination: February 2027 (tentative)
- Official website: asrb.gov.in
Who can apply
The age limit for both T-3 and T-4 posts is 21 to 30 years, calculated as on 17 December 2026. Relaxation applies as per central government rules: five years for SC and ST candidates, three years for OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates, and 10 years for persons with benchmark disabilities. In-service ICAR technical employees from the unreserved category can apply up to 40 years of age.
On the qualification side, most functional groups ask for a relevant Bachelor’s degree in the concerned discipline, which must be completed on or before 17 December 2026. For certain workshop posts, a B.E. or B.Tech degree or a three-year engineering diploma is accepted. Since the exact degree requirement changes with the functional group, candidates should check the notification’s annexures carefully before choosing T-3, T-4, or both.
How selection will work
Selection will be through two computer-based tests, with no interview at any stage. The preliminary examination is a qualifying test, tentatively scheduled for February 2027. Candidates who clear it will appear for the Mains examination, and the final merit list will be drawn up on the basis of Mains marks alone. The interview-free format keeps the process transparent and lets the written test decide the outcome.
How to apply
Applications will be accepted online only, on the ASRB website. Candidates should first read the full notification, including the annexures that list the functional groups and the qualification for each, and then keep their documents ready before the portal opens on 18 November.
- Visit asrb.gov.in and open the Centralized Combined Examination 2026 link.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Choose the functional group and the post level, T-3, T-4, or both, as per eligibility.
- Fill in personal, educational and category details, upload the photograph and signature, and pay the fee online.
- Submit the form before 17 December 2026, 11:59 pm, and save a copy of the confirmation page.
A correction window will open from 18 to 20 December 2026 for candidates who need to fix errors in their submitted forms. Even so, it is better to get the details right the first time, because not every field can be edited later.
Why this recruitment matters
ICAR runs one of the largest agricultural research networks in the world, with institutes and KVKs in almost every state. Technical assistants are the backbone of that network: they run field trials, maintain laboratories, manage farm operations and support scientists in research that reaches farmers directly. For graduates in agriculture and allied sciences, this is one of the few central government recruitments that matches their degree so closely, and 1,393 vacancies make it the biggest ASRB technical recruitment in recent years.
FAQs
How many vacancies are there in ICAR Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
There are 1,393 vacancies in total: 1,254 Technical Assistant (T-3) posts in ICAR institutes and 139 Senior Technical Assistant (T-4) posts in KVKs.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open on 18 November 2026 and close on 17 December 2026 at 11:59 pm. The notification was released on 11 November 2026.
What is the age limit for ICAR Technical Assistant posts?
Candidates must be 21 to 30 years old as on 17 December 2026. Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (NCL) and 10 years for PwBD candidates applies as per government rules.
Is there an interview in the ICAR Technical Assistant selection process?
No. Selection is through a qualifying Preliminary CBT followed by a Mains CBT. The final merit is based on Mains marks alone.
Where can I apply for ICAR Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
Applications can be submitted online only, through the official ASRB website, asrb.gov.in. Candidates should read the full notification (F. No. 2(2)/2025-Exam) before applying.
Candidates should verify all details, including eligibility, fee and the functional-group-wise qualification, from the official notification on asrb.gov.in before applying.
