Interactive session with ASRB-
NET aspirant
By Ritu Bharat Kukde
Scientist (AS&PE)
Automation and Sensor Technology Division
ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology
(CIPHET), Ludhiana
ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana
Topics covered:
What is the Exam pattern for NET, ARS, SMS &
STO?
What are the qualifying marks?
What is the Syllabus?
What are the resources?
What are the Strategies for success?
What are the Practical tips for preparation
Exam Pattern for ASRB-NET 2025
ASRB-NET
150 objective 1/3 mark will be
Each question
150 marks type multiple 2 hours (120 min ) deducted for each
carry 1 mark.
choice questions wrong answer
✓ Computer Based Test
✓ Its in Bilingual form-Hindi and English
✓ Eligibility : Master Degree
Minimum marks required for qualifying ASRB NET-2025
Category of Candidate Minimum qualifying Marks
Un-Reserved(UR) 75.0(50%)
EWS/OBC 67.5(45%)
SC/ST/PwBD 60.0(40%)
Exam Pattern for ARS- 2025
ARS: The direct path to serve Indian Agriculture through Science
[Link]. Description Max marks Duration
1. Preliminary Examination 150 2 hours
(CBT) for ARS-
2025(Qualifying)
2. Mains (Descriptive) 300 3 hours
Examination for ARS- 2025
3. Personal Interview 45
ARS-2025 Prelims: –⅓ negative marking; Qualifiers (1:15 ratio) move to Mains.
Minimum marks required for qualifying Preliminary Examination (CBT) for ARS-2025:
Category of candidate Minimum qulifyging marks
Un-reserved (UR) 67.5 (45%)
EWS/OBС 60.0 (40%)
SC/ST/PwBD 52.5 (35%)
Note : Same pattern For SMS and STO
Mains (Descriptive) Examination for ARS-2025:-
Section No. of Questions Marks per Question Answer Length
Part I 25 5 ~50 words
Part II 10 10 ~100 words
Part III 5 15 ~150 words
Personal Interview
“Mains qualifiers → Interview (1:3 ratio, category-wise).
✓ Purposeful discussion (not strict cross-exam)
✓ Tests knowledge, research aptitude & awareness
✓ Evaluates integrity, leadership & suitability for service
ASRB-NET
ARS Mains 1:15
Personal Interview 1:3
Finally Scientist
ARS, STO, and SMS disciplines in Agricultural Engineering:
Agricultural Engineering
Land & Water
Farm Machinery & Agricultural Structure Process and
Management
Power Engineering
Engineering
Agricultural Structure Process and Engineering
There are total 10 Units :
1. Unit 1: Heat and Mass Transfer
2. Unit 2: Farm Structures, Farmstead Planning and Plant Design
3. Unit 3: Storage Engineering
4. Unit 4: Material Handling Packaging and Transport
5. Unit 5: Post Harvest Operations
6. Unit 6: Processing Technology and Processing Equipment Design
7. Unit 7: Engineering Properties and Quality of Biomaterials
8. Unit 8: Agri-Project Planning and Management
9. Unit 9: Aquaculture Processing Technology & Structures Design
[Link] 10: Dairy Engineering, Instrumentation and Process Control
Most Important Books
Rest …
❑U Tube study material for Instrumentation, agri- project Planning Management
❑Study from google also topics like Agri-Project Planning and Management
❑U tube Study material from NPTEL Courses by IIT Kharagpur
❑Aquaculture from question bank and handbook of agricultural engineering
Land & Water Management Engineering
Farm Machinery and power
➢ NPTEL courses by IIT Kharagpur and other question bank like Rawat Nikhade , Pritam
Chandra etc.
Tips for taking multiple-choice exams (ASRB-NET)
1. Read the question or statement carefully
2. Answer the question in your head before reading the
answer choices
3. Read all of the answer choices carefully
4. Eliminate incorrect answers
5. If you know more than one answer is correct, consider
if "all of the above" is possibly the correct choice.
6. If "all of the above" isn't a choice, or isn't the correct
choice, then select the BEST answer.
Tips for preparing for ARS Mains
✓ Prepare written notes of each topic in the syllabus in a brief
manner.
✓ Practice writing regularly.
✓ No need to write full sentences.
✓ Create your own notes.
✓ Practice numerical problems daily for at least 2 hours.
✓ Make brief answers with only important points
✓ Make diagrams, flowchart wherever necessary
✓ Do not leave any questions unanswered.
✓ Be consistent with your studies.
✓ Most importantly, have clarity of concepts.
✓ Good Handwriting
✓ Group study is important.
Tips for preparing for Interview Preparation
✓ Carry a register for notes and preparation.
✓ Prepare likely questions from UG, PG, Ph.D. research,
and general knowledge
✓ Know basic facts about ICAR and its institutes.
✓ Revise core subject knowledge and research area.
✓ Panel usually has 4–5 members – greet and address them
politely.
✓ Be polite, gentle, and respectful throughout.
✓ Show confidence, but avoid overconfidence.
✓ Give short and crisp answers.
✓ If you don’t know something, say: “Sorry, I don’t know.”
✓ ARS Mains marks carry high weightage – focus on scoring
well.
✓ Stay calm and don’t fear the interview.
✓ Duration usually 20- 25 minutes.
✓ Dressing Sense should be proper like saree and salwar suit
✓ Prepare introduction one para
My Journey to Success
Clarity in my goal was the foundation of my journey.
I was passionate —found joy in learning.
I fell in love with studying.
My family and friends stood by me like a rock.
Guidance from seniors gave me direction.
Heartfelt thanks to my Ph.D. guide and co-guide — you
were my compass.
From UG to PG to Ph.D., my professors shaped my
knowledge and thinking.
This journey was powered by a dream, dedication, and
gratitude.
THANK YOU !
Krushishastra &
Global Alliance for Sustainable Development &
Competitive Forum, Dr. PDKV Akola
Believe in yourself, and you will be unstoppable
Email Id: ritukukde1996@[Link] Ph. No. : 7057925439