Syllabus for ICAR PG/JRF Exam (Physical/Soil Science) (Download Original PDF) (Doc File)

UNIT-I: General Agriculture

• Importance of Agriculture in National Perspective

• Basic Principles of Crop Production, Diversification, Diversification of Agriculture

• Principle of Nutrient and Water Management, Package of Practices for Rice, Wheat, Sorghum, Maize, Chickpea, Pigeon Pea, Potato, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Major Vegetable Crops

• Role of Essential Plant Nutrients, Their Deficiency Symptoms and Management Options

• Structure and Function of Plant Cells

• Cell Division

• Basic Concept of Plant Physiology Relating to Crop Production

• Biochemical Compounds Viz, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Enzymes, Fats, Liquid Vitamins and Their Function

• Developmental Programmes Relating to Rural Upliftment and Livelihood Security

• Organisational Set Up of Agricultural Education Research and Extension and Future Strategies for Upgradation

UNIT-II: Analytical Soil Science

• Volumetric and Gravimetric Analysis Including Complex Metric Methods

• Periodic Classification of Elements

• Basic Principle of Instrumental Analysis Including Spectro-Photometry (Absorption and Emission Spectrography)

• Atomic Structure – Elementary Concept of Radioactivity, Element and Compound, Common Ion Effect, Solubility Product — Hydrolysis of Salts, Buffer Solution, Indicates Equivalent Weights and Standard Solution

• Elementary Concepts of Organic Compounds – Nomenclature and Classifications Including Hydrocarbons, Alcohol, Aldehydes, Acids and Esters, Carbohydrates, Fats and Liquids, Amino Acids, Nucleic Acids

• Pesticides, Their Classification and Uses; Biopesticides and Botanical Pesticides

UNIT-III: Basics of Soil Science, Soil Physics

• Soil as a Medium for Plant Growth

• Composition of Earth’s Crust

• Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

• Components of Soil – Their Importance

• Soil Profile

• Soil Partials – Physical, Mineralogical and Chemical Nature

• Mechanical Analysis, Stokes Law, Assumptions, Limitations and Applications

• Soil Physical Properties – Density, Porosity, Texture, Soil Structure and Their Brief Descriptions

• Rheological Properties in Soils

• Calculations of Porosity and Bulk Density

• Soil Air – Aeration, Causes of Poor Aeration, Factors Affecting Aeration, Importance for Plant Growth

• Soil Temperature – Sources and Losses of Soil Heat, Factors Affecting Soil Temperature, Its Importance in Plant Growth

• Soil Water – Structure of Water, Soil-Water-Energy Relationship, Classifications, Surface Tension and Movement in Soil

• Soil Colloids – Properties, Structure of Silicate Clay Minerals, Sources of Negative Charges, Properties, Kaolinite, Illite, Montmorillonite and Vermiculite Clay Minerals

• Milli-Equivalent Concept

• Cation Exchange Capacity

• Anion Exchange Capacity

• Buffering of Soils

• Problem Soils – Acid, Saline, Sodic and Acid Sulphate Soils – Their Characteristics, Formation, Problems and Management

• Irrigation Water Quality and Its Evaluation

• Waterlogged Soils – Basic Features, Distinction with Upland Soils

UNIT-IV: Soil Fertility, Soil Classifications, Soil Biology, Soil Erosion & Soil Pollution

• Essential Plant Nutrients – Criteria of Essentiality, Functions for Plant Growth, Mechanisms for Movement and Uptake of Ions in Soils and Plants, Forms of Nutrients in Soils, Deficiency Symptoms on Plants, Luxury Consumption, Nutrient Interactions and Chelated Micronutrients

• Soil Fertility, Evaluation and Management for Plant Growth, Soil Testing and Fertilizer Recommendations

• Soil Classifications – Diagnostic Surface and Subsurface Horizons, Soil Survey – Types, Objectives, Uses, Land Capability Classifications

• Remote Sensing and Its Application in Agriculture

• SIS, GIS and GPS – Basic Features and Uses in Agriculture

• Elementary Concepts of Radioisotopes and Uses in Agriculture

• Soil Microorganisms, Classifications and Their Roles

• Soil Microbiology

• Soil Enzymes, Origin, Activities and Importance

• Soil Characteristics Influence Growth and Activity of Microflora

• Organic Matter Decomposition – Biochemical Composition and Biodegradation of Soil Organic Matter and Crop Residues

• C:N Ratios

• Mineralization and Immobilization Processes

• Humus Formation

• Cycles of Important Organic Nutrients

• Biodegradation of Pesticides, Organic Wastes and Their Use for Production of Biogas and Manures

• Biofertilizers – Definition, Classification, Specifications, Method of Production and Role in Crop Production

• Soil Erosion and Management

• Types and Control Measures

• Fertilizers and Manures – Classifications

• NPK Fertilizers, Their Reactions in Soils

• Green Manuring

• Recycling of Organic Wastes

• Composting

• Soil and Water Pollution

• Sources

• Brief Idea About Different Pollutants in Soils and Their Management

1. Know the Syllabus and Exam Structure

• Go through the official ICAR AIEEA PG syllabus for Soil Science with focus on: Soil Physics, Soil Chemistry, Soil Fertility, Soil Mineralogy, Soil Biology & Biochemistry, Problem Soils, and Soil and Water Conservation.

• The exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 2 hours. Understanding the pattern and weightage of each topic is crucial for planning.

2. Focus on Conceptual Clarity

• Strengthen your fundamentals from standard textbooks like:

  • Fundamentals of Soil Science by Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS)

  • Introductory Soil Physics by D.K. Das

  • Soil Chemistry by Biswas & Mukherjee

  • Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management by Tandon

• Understand principles of soil properties, processes, and analytical methods.

3. Create a Smart Study Plan

• Divide your preparation time across units based on complexity and weightage. For example:

  • Week 1–2: Soil Physics & Chemistry

  • Week 3–4: Fertility, Microbiology & Problem Soils

  • Week 5: Soil & Water Conservation + Revision

• Daily target: 3–4 hours for new concepts, 1 hour for revision, and 30 minutes for MCQ practice.

4. Practice Previous Year Papers and MCQs

• Solve previous 5–10 years' ICAR papers to understand repeated questions and trending topics.

• Practise MCQs from trusted sources like NIPA books, AgriMoon, and Agriexam question banks.

• Keep a notebook of important solved questions and tricky concepts.

5. Revise Effectively

• Make short notes, charts, and formula sheets for topics like:

  • Soil Texture Triangle

  • Darcy’s Law

  • pH-buffering systems

  • Nutrient Mobility and Soil Amendments

• Revise each unit at least 2–3 times before the exam with focus on one-liners and definitions.

6. Regular Mock Tests and Self-Evaluation

• Attempt full-length mock tests weekly to simulate the actual exam scenario.

• Analyze your errors and work specifically on weak topics.

• Use a timer while solving mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

7. Use Expert Guidance and Digital Resources

• Watch expert sessions, toppers’ strategies, and revision lectures on platforms like YouTube and online coaching portals.

• Follow updates on agricultural current affairs, recent soil innovations, and government schemes related to soil health.

8. Stay Consistent and Balanced

• Avoid skipping topics, even if they seem minor. Questions often come from less expected areas.

• Maintain mental and physical health with a proper routine, regular breaks, and positivity.