ASRB SMS and STO Recruitment 2025: Apply for 582 Posts | Complete Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Application Guide

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The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has officially released its recruitment notification for the year 2025, announcing 582 vacancies for the posts of Subject Matter Specialists (SMS) and Senior Technical Officers (STO). This recruitment drive aims to bolster India’s agricultural research and development sector by bringing in highly qualified and motivated individuals from diverse scientific backgrounds.

If you are an agricultural graduate or a postgraduate aiming to serve in a prestigious national organization and contribute meaningfully to India’s rural and farming ecosystem, this is your chance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process including eligibility criteria, application steps, examination structure, key dates, and expert preparation tips to help you navigate your way to success.


Table of Contents

  1. Overview of ASRB SMS & STO Recruitment 2025
  2. Vacancy Details
  3. Eligibility Criteria
     a. Educational Qualifications
     b. Age Limit and Relaxations
  4. Application Process
     a. Step-by-Step Guide
     b. Application Fee
  5. Selection Procedure
     a. Preliminary Examination (CBT)
     b. Mains Examination
     c. Interview (For ARS only)
  6. Important Dates
  7. Preparation Strategy
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  9. Final Thoughts

1. Overview of ASRB SMS & STO Recruitment 2025

  • Organization: Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB)
  • Total Vacancies: 582
  • Posts Offered:
     - Subject Matter Specialist (SMS)
     - Senior Technical Officer (STO)
  • Job Category: Central Government – Agricultural Research
  • Recruitment Type: Direct Recruitment
  • Mode of Application: Online
  • Official Website: https://www.asrb.org.in

This recruitment is a prestigious opportunity for individuals seeking roles in agricultural extension, technical services, and domain-specific agricultural R&D.


2. Vacancy Details

ASRB has notified the following distribution of vacancies for the 2025 cycle:

PostNumber of Vacancies
Subject Matter Specialist (SMS)368
Senior Technical Officer (STO)214
Total582

The vacancies are spread across multiple ICAR institutions, and appointments will be made according to availability and requirement within different agricultural disciplines.


3. Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying.

a. Educational Qualifications

Subject Matter Specialist (SMS):

  • Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized university or institution.
  • Fields include Agronomy, Horticulture, Animal Science, Plant Protection, Agricultural Economics, Soil Science, Agricultural Extension, and other relevant specializations.

Senior Technical Officer (STO):

  • A Postgraduate (Master’s) degree in the relevant subject area is mandatory.
  • Candidates should ensure their degree is recognized and meets the criteria specified in the detailed notification.

Note: Final-year students whose results are pending are not eligible to apply.

b. Age Limit and Relaxations

  • Minimum Age: 21 years
  • Maximum Age: 35 years (as on May 21, 2025)

Relaxation in upper age limit is applicable as per government rules:

  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
  • SC/ST candidates: 5 years
  • PwBD (UR): 10 years
  • PwBD (OBC): 13 years
  • PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
  • Government Employees: As per DoPT norms

4. Application Process

Eligible and interested candidates must submit their applications online only through the official ASRB portal. No other mode of application will be accepted.

a. Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to complete your application:

  1. Visit the Official Website:
    Go to https://www.asrb.org.in.
  2. Navigate to the Recruitment Section:
    Click on the link titled “ASRB SMS & STO Recruitment 2025.”
  3. Register Online:
    Create your profile using a valid email ID and mobile number. This will generate a registration ID and password.
  4. Fill Out the Application Form:
    Enter personal, educational, and professional details accurately.
  5. Upload Required Documents:
    Upload scanned copies of:
    • Passport-size photo
    • Signature
    • Educational certificates
    • Caste certificate (if applicable)
    • Disability certificate (if applicable)
  6. Pay the Application Fee:
    Proceed to online payment via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
  7. Review and Submit:
    Double-check all information before submitting the application.
  8. Download and Print the Confirmation Page:
    Keep a copy of the submitted application and fee receipt for future reference.

b. Application Fee

CategoryFee Amount
General / OBC / EWS₹500
SC / ST / PwD / WomenNil

5. Selection Procedure

The recruitment process is conducted in multiple stages:

a. Preliminary Examination (CBT)

  • A Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be conducted jointly for:
    • National Eligibility Test (NET)
    • Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
    • Subject Matter Specialist (SMS)
    • Senior Technical Officer (STO)
  • Nature: Objective-type questions
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Subjects: General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Discipline-specific knowledge

b. Mains Examination

  • Only candidates who qualify in the CBT will be eligible for the Mains examination.
  • Mains will focus entirely on the technical and subject-related knowledge.
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Type: Descriptive questions
  • Medium: English/Hindi (depending on the subject)

c. Interview (Only for ARS Posts)

  • The interview round is applicable only to ARS candidates.
  • For SMS and STO positions, the final selection is based on Mains Exam scores.

Final Selection Criteria

  • SMS/STO: Based on marks secured in the Mains exam
  • Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present original documents
  • Medical Examination: As per ICAR health standards

6. Important Dates

Here are the crucial dates for your application journey:

EventDate
Notification ReleaseFebruary 28, 2025
Online Application StartsApril 22, 2025
Last Date to ApplyMay 21, 2025
Preliminary Exam (CBT)September 2–4, 2025
Mains ExaminationDecember 7, 2025
Admit Card ReleaseTo be announced
Result DeclarationTo be announced

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates.


7. Preparation Strategy

Success in ASRB examinations demands strong domain knowledge, clarity of concepts, and consistent practice. Here are some tips:

a. Understand the Exam Structure

  • Download the official syllabus and exam pattern from ASRB’s website.
  • Know the marking scheme, question types, and subjects covered.

b. Create a Study Plan

  • Dedicate specific hours each day to different topics.
  • Mix theoretical learning with practical application.

c. Refer to Standard Books

  • Use ICAR-approved textbooks, previous years’ question papers, and recommended publications.

d. Practice Mock Tests

  • Attempt full-length mock tests to simulate real exam conditions.
  • Analyze your performance and work on weaker areas.

e. Stay Updated

  • Regularly read agricultural journals, government schemes, and ICAR reports.
  • Follow current affairs in agriculture, environment, and rural development.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I apply for both SMS and STO positions simultaneously?
A1. No, candidates can apply for only one post per cycle as per the official guidelines.

Q2. Is the exam conducted in regional languages?
A2. The examination is usually conducted in English. However, the Mains paper may allow Hindi for specific disciplines.

Q3. Are final-year students eligible?
A3. No, only those with a completed Master’s degree by the cutoff date are eligible.

Q4. How will I receive updates regarding my application?
A4. Updates will be sent to your registered email ID and mobile number. Keep them active throughout the process.

Q5. Is there a service bond or probation period?
A5. Detailed service conditions including bond and probation will be mentioned in the final appointment letter.


9. Final Thoughts

The ASRB SMS and STO Recruitment 2025 offers a golden opportunity to be part of India’s dynamic agricultural innovation system. With 582 posts available, this recruitment drive is one of the most significant for postgraduate professionals in agriculture and allied sciences.

Aspiring candidates are encouraged to start their preparations early, gather all required documents, and apply within the stipulated deadline. Success in these exams not only ensures a prestigious position but also allows one to contribute directly to India’s rural transformation and agricultural progress.

For more details, visit the official website: https://www.asrb.org.in

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