UNIT-I:

• Importance of Agriculture in National Economy

• Basic Principles of Crop Production

• Cultivation of Rice, Wheat, Chickpea, Pigeon-Pea, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Rapeseed and Mustard, Potato

• Major Soils of India and Role of NPK with Deficiency Symptoms

• Structure and Function of Cell Organelles

• Mitosis and Meiosis

• Mendelian Genetics

• Elementary Knowledge of Photosynthesis, Respiration, Photorespiration, and Transpiration

• Structure and Functions of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Enzymes, and Vitamins

• Major Pests and Diseases of Rice, Wheat, Cotton, Chickpea, and Sugarcane and Their Management

• Important Rural Development Programs in India

• Organizational Setup of Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension in India

• Elements of Statistics

UNIT-II:

• Principles of Agronomy

• Crop Ecology and Geography

• Agricultural Meteorology

• Agroclimatic Zones of India

• Tillage, Crop Stand Establishment, and Planting Geometry

• Physiological Limits of Crop Yield and Ecological Optima

• Organic Farming

• Precision Farming

• Integrated Farming Systems

• Principles of Field Experimentation

• Crop Ecology and Crop Adaptation

• Climate Shift and Ecological Implications

• Agro-Ecological Regions in India

• Geographical Distribution of Crop Plants

• Greenhouse Effect

• Climatic Factors and Their Effect on Plant Processes and Crop Productivity

• Role of GIS and GPS in Agriculture

• Weather & Climate, Earth’s Atmosphere, Solar Radiation, Atmospheric Temperature, and Global Warming

• Crops and Atmospheric Humidity

• Weather Forecasting

UNIT-III:

• Field Crops: Origin, Distribution, Economic Importance, Soil and Climatic Requirements, Varieties, and Cultural Practices

• Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, Fiber Crops, Sugar Crops, Fodder & Forage Crops, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, and Commercial Crops

UNIT-IV:

• Weed Management Principles

• Classification, Biology, and Ecology of Weeds

• Crop-Weed Competition and Allelopathy

• Concepts and Methods of Weed Control

• Integrated Weed Management

• Classification, Formulations, Selectivity, and Resistance of Herbicides

• Herbicide Persistence in Soil and Plants

• Application Methods and Equipment

• Weed Flora Shifts in Cropping Systems

• Special and Problematic Weeds and Their Management

UNIT-V:

• Water Management Principles

• Water Resources and Irrigation Development in India

• Water and Irrigation Requirements

• Concepts and Approaches of Irrigation Scheduling

• Methods of Irrigation

• Measurement of Irrigation Water

• Application, Distribution, and Use Efficiencies

• Conjunctive Use of Water

• Irrigation Water Quality and Its Management

• Water Management in Major Field Crops

• Agricultural Drainage

UNIT-VI:

• Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Use

• Essential Plant Nutrients and Deficiency Symptoms

• Concept of Essentiality of Plant Nutrients

• Indicators of Soil Fertility and Productivity

• Fertilizer Materials and Their Availability to Plants

• Slow-Release Fertilizers

• Nitrification Inhibitors

• Principles and Methods of Fertilizer Application

• Integrated Nutrient Management

• Site-Specific Nutrient Management

UNIT-VII:

• Dryland Agronomy Characteristics

• Dryland Farming and Delineation of Dryland Tracts

• Constraints of Dryland Farming in India

• Types of Drought and Their Management

• Contingency Crop Planning and Mid-Season Corrections

• Watershed Management

UNIT-VIII:

• Problem Soils

• Problem Soils and Their Distribution in India

• Characteristics and Reclamation of These Soils

• Crop Production Techniques in Problem Soils

UNIT-IX:

• Sustainable Land Use Systems

• Sustainable Agriculture Parameters and Indicators

• Conservation Agriculture

• Safe Disposal of Agri-Industrial Waste for Crop Production

• Agro-Forestry Systems

• Shifting Cultivation

• Alternate Land Use Systems

• Wastelands and Their Remediation for Crop Production

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

• Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus which includes nine major units such as general agriculture, agricultural meteorology, crop production, weed science, water and nutrient management, dryland agriculture, and sustainable land-use systems.

• The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 120 minutes. A strong grip on the syllabus and smart time management are essential.

2. Build Strong Conceptual Foundations

• Focus on standard recommended books as provided.

• Use ICAR e-course materials and your undergraduate class notes to strengthen core concepts.

• Do not rely only on rote learning; understanding principles and their practical applications is key.

3. Create a Structured Study Plan

• Make a monthly and weekly timetable covering all units systematically. Start with high-weightage topics and weaker areas.

• Follow a daily schedule with 3–4 hours for new topics, 1 hour for revision, and at least 30 minutes for MCQ practice.

• Allocate weekends for revision and full-length tests.

4. Practice with MCQs and Previous Year Papers

• Practise MCQs regularly from trusted question banks and guidebooks specifically for ICAR Agronomy.

• Solve at least 5–10 previous year question papers to understand the question pattern and frequently asked topics.

• Note down repeated questions and important facts for revision.

5. Take Regular Mock Tests

• Mock tests simulate the exam environment and help in time management. Take at least one full mock test per week.

• After every test, analyze your performance, note down mistakes, and work on weak areas.

• Use OMR sheets during practice to get familiar with marking patterns.

6. Make Smart Revision Notes

• Prepare concise notes for quick revision, including formulas, crop data, classification tables, and definitions.

• Use flashcards or sticky notes for tricky concepts, and revise them frequently.

• Ensure you revise each topic at least three times before the exam.

7. Follow Expert Suggestions

• Learn from toppers’ strategies available on video platforms and in webinars. Many emphasize consistency, conceptual clarity, and MCQ mastery.

• Avoid switching between too many resources; stick to selected quality materials.

• Join peer groups or Telegram channels focused on Agronomy PG/JRF prep for regular motivation and updates.

8. Stay Healthy and Positive

• Maintain a balanced lifestyle with sufficient sleep, light exercise, and proper meals.

• Stay motivated and avoid stress by setting realistic targets and celebrating small achievements.

• Avoid last-minute cramming; stay calm and confident during the final days.

1. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2025 (Download PDF | Doc)

2. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2024 (Download PDF | Doc)

3. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2023 (Download PDF | Doc)

4. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2022 (Download PDF | Doc)

5. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2021 (Download PDF | Doc)

6. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2020 (Download PDF | Doc)

7. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2019 (Download PDF | Doc)

8. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2018 (Download PDF | Doc)

9. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2017 (Download PDF | Doc)

10. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2016 (Download PDF | Doc)

11. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2015 (Download PDF | Doc)

12. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2014 (Download PDF | Doc)

13. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2013 (Download PDF | Doc)

14. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2012 (Download PDF | Doc)

15. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2011 (Download PDF | Doc)

16. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2010 (Download PDF | Doc)

17. Previous Year Questions - Agronomy - ICAR PG EXAM 2009 (Download PDF | Doc)