ICAR AIEEA PG & AICE PhD 2026 Final Answer Key Released: Check Key and Scorecard

ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE JRF/SRF PhD 2026 Final Answer Key

The National Testing Agency has released the final answer keys for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research AIEEA Post Graduate and AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D. entrance examinations held in 2026. The final keys were published on 29 August 2026 after the provisional answer-key and challenge process. Candidates who appeared in either examination can use the relevant final key to review the answers considered for evaluation.

The examination was conducted through Computer Based Test mode on 4 July 2026. The two examinations serve different academic purposes. AIEEA PG is used for admission to postgraduate programmes in agriculture and allied disciplines, while AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D. is associated with doctoral admissions and fellowship-related selection. Both examinations are conducted nationally for eligible candidates seeking opportunities within the agricultural education and research system.

Final Answer Key Release Date

The final answer key was released on 29 August 2026. Before the final version, provisional answer keys, question papers and recorded responses were made available for candidates to examine and challenge. The provisional challenge notices were published on 16 August 2026. The final key therefore represents the post-challenge version that should be preferred when checking answers and estimating performance.

Candidates should download the key corresponding to their examination. Separate resources are provided for the PG and Ph.D. examinations. Along with the answer key, candidates should retain their recorded response sheet and question paper wherever available because these documents can help them understand the basis of their expected score.

ICAR 2026 Result and Scorecard

The official examination portal also provides separate scorecard facilities for PG and Ph.D. candidates. Scorecards were published on 29 August 2026. Candidates should use their examination credentials to access the applicable scorecard and carefully verify their personal details, examination category, score and other information displayed there.

It is advisable to download the scorecard as soon as possible and keep both a digital copy and a printed copy. The scorecard may be required during admission, counselling, fellowship processing or other academic procedures connected with the examination.

Important Dates

The online application process began on 8 May 2026. The supplied examination schedule lists 10 June 2026 as the last date for submitting the application and paying the examination fee, with the correction window running from 12 to 14 June 2026. Examination city information was made available on 25 June 2026, followed by admit cards on 1 July 2026. The entrance examination took place on 4 July 2026. The provisional answer-key challenge stage began with notices published on 16 August 2026, while the final answer keys were released on 29 August 2026.

Eligibility for AIEEA PG

For AIEEA PG, candidates generally need a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification in the relevant subject or discipline. The examination covers a broad range of agricultural and allied areas, including plant sciences, biotechnology, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, agricultural engineering, water technology, home science, animal sciences, veterinary science, fisheries, dairy, food technology, agricultural business management and related fields. Admission eligibility can vary according to the selected programme, so candidates should match their qualifying degree with the programme requirements.

Eligibility for AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D.

For the doctoral entrance examination, candidates require a relevant Master's degree or equivalent qualification. Subject areas include crop science, horticulture, veterinary and animal sciences, dairy and food technology, agricultural engineering, home science, fisheries, natural sciences, management, agricultural economics, agricultural extension and agricultural statistics. Candidates should verify the subject-specific academic requirements before participating in admission procedures.

Age Requirement

As stated in the supplied 2026 eligibility details, the minimum age is 19 years for AIEEA PG and 20 years for the Ph.D. examination, calculated as on 31 August 2026. No maximum age limit is specified in the supplied information. Candidates should nevertheless follow the detailed eligibility provisions applicable to their chosen programme and category.

Application Fee

For AIEEA PG, the application fee was Rs. 1,300 for General candidates, Rs. 1,255 for OBC-NCL and EWS candidates, and Rs. 675 for SC, ST, PwD and Third Gender candidates. For AICE JRF/SRF Ph.D., the fee was Rs. 2,000 for General candidates, Rs. 1,955 for OBC-NCL and EWS candidates, and Rs. 1,025 for SC, ST, PwD and Third Gender candidates.

How to Check the Final Answer Key

1. Open the official ICAR examination portal.
2. Select the final answer key option for PG or Ph.D., depending on the examination taken.
3. Use the required application credentials to access the candidate area where login is requested.
4. Open and download the relevant final answer key.
5. Compare the final answers with the recorded response sheet to assess performance.
6. Save the final key and scorecard for admission and counselling purposes.

What Candidates Should Do Next

After obtaining the final key and scorecard, candidates should check their score carefully and monitor subsequent admission or counselling announcements relevant to their course. Merely appearing in the examination does not guarantee admission. Candidates must satisfy the academic requirements, ranking or merit conditions and other rules applicable to the programme or institution.

The final answer key is particularly important because it follows the challenge process and is the appropriate version for post-examination verification. Candidates should therefore avoid relying solely on unofficial answer keys when estimating their final performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the ICAR AIEEA PG and AICE Ph.D. 2026 exam held?
The computer-based examination was held on 4 July 2026.

When was the provisional answer key released?
The provisional answer-key challenge notices were published on 16 August 2026.

When was the final answer key released?
The final answer keys for the PG examination were published on 29 August 2026, with the official portal also providing final-key access for Ph.D. candidates.

What is the minimum age for ICAR PG?
The supplied eligibility information specifies 19 years as the minimum age for PG candidates as on 31 August 2026.

What is the minimum age for the Ph.D. examination?
The supplied information specifies 20 years as the minimum age for Ph.D. candidates as on 31 August 2026.