The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India. ICAR is responsible for coordinating agricultural research, education, and extension activities in the country, and it is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.

It provides education and training in various agrarian disciplines nationwide through its numerous colleges and universities. The organisation conducts an entrance exam for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and related disciplines. This essay will discuss all ICAR, including its entrance exam and courses offered.

ICAR Entrance Exam:

The ICAR entrance exam is conducted every year to offer admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in agriculture and allied sciences in various agricultural universities across India. The exam is also known as the All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA) and is conducted online. The exam is divided into two streams, i.e., Stream A and Stream B. Stream A is for students who wish to take admitted undergraduate courses, while Stream B is for students who wish to be admitted to postgraduate courses.

The exam is conducted in two parts. Part A comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, while Part B comprises 10 descriptive questions. The duration of the exam is 2.5 hours. Part A carries a weightage of 150 marks, while Part B has a weightage of 50 marks. The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi languages.

Eligibility Criteria for ICAR Entrance Exam:

The eligibility criteria for the ICAR entrance exam vary for different courses. The general eligibility criteria for undergraduate courses are as follows:

• The candidate must have completed 17 years of age as of 31st December of the year of admission.
• The candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Agriculture.
• The minimum percentage of marks required varies for different courses and universities.
• The general eligibility criteria for postgraduate courses are as follows:
• The candidate must have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.
• The minimum percentage of marks required varies for different courses and universities.

Courses Offered by ICAR:

ICAR offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and related disciplines. Some of the popular courses offered by ICAR are:

Undergraduate Courses:

• BSc in Agriculture
• BSc in Horticulture
• BSc in Forestry
• BSc in Fisheries
• BSc in Home Science
• Postgraduate Courses:
• MSc in Agriculture
• MSc in Horticulture
• MSc in Forestry
• MSc in Fisheries
• MSc in Home Science
• M.Tech in Agriculture Engineering
• MBA in Agri-business

PhD in Agriculture

Career Opportunities after ICAR Courses:

ICAR courses offer numerous career opportunities in various fields. Some of the popular career opportunities after ICAR courses are:

• Agriculture Officer
• Horticulturist
• Agricultural Scientist
• Food Scientist
• Soil Scientist
• Agricultural Economist
• Agricultural Engineer
• Fishery Scientist
• Forestry Scientist
• Dairy Technologist

Conclusion:

ICAR is renowned in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and related disciplines. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses to students who wish to make a career in agriculture. The organisation conducts an entrance exam to offer admission to various courses in different universities nationwide. The courses offered by ICAR provide numerous career opportunities in multiple fields.

The other primary course offered by ICAR is the Master's in Agriculture (M.Sc. Agriculture). This program is designed for students who wish to specialise in a particular field of agricultural science. The M.Sc. Agriculture program is two years long and offered in various disciplines such as agricultural economics, agronomy, horticulture, soil science, animal science, forestry, and fisheries. Admission to the M.Sc. Agriculture program is also through the ICAR AIEEA exam.

ICAR has also introduced a new program, the Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Community Science aims to provide students with knowledge and skills related to home science and community development. The B.Sc. (Hons.) The Community Science program is four years long and covers food and nutrition, human development, family studies, and extension education.

Apart from these courses, ICAR also offers several diploma and certificate programs in various agricultural fields. These programs are designed to provide students with practical knowledge and skills in a particular field and are usually of shorter duration.

In addition to its educational programs, ICAR has several research institutes across India. These institutes conduct research in various agricultural fields and are involved in developing new technologies and practices to improve farm productivity and sustainability.

Career Opportunities after ICAR Courses

ICAR's courses offer a wide range of career opportunities to students. Graduates of the B.Sc. Agriculture programs can find employment in various sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, and research. They can work as agricultural scientists, farm managers, agronomists, soil scientists, plant breeders, and agricultural consultants.

Similarly, M.Sc. agriculture program graduates can also find employment in various sectors. They can work in research institutions, universities, agro-industries, government agencies, and NGOs. Some famous job roles for M.Sc. Agriculture graduates include agricultural economist, plant pathologist, animal breeder, horticulturist, and fisheries scientist.

Graduates of the B.Sc. (Hons.) Community Science programs can find employment in food and nutrition, human development, and family studies. They can work in hospitals, NGOs, community organisations, and government agencies as nutritionists, child development specialists, family counsellors, and community educators, among other roles.

The diploma and certificate programs offered by ICAR also provide students with practical skills and knowledge that can help them find employment in various agricultural fields. Some famous job roles for diploma and certificate holders include farm supervisor, agrarian technician, plant nursery manager, and dairy technologist.

Conclusion

ICAR is an important institution in India that plays a crucial role in developing the country's agricultural sector. The institution offers various educational programs designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in multiple agricultural fields. ICAR's courses provide students with a strong foundation in agricultural science and prepare them for successful careers in the sector.

The institution's focus on research and development also ensures that its graduates are equipped with the latest knowledge and technologies in the field. As such, ICAR's courses offer excellent career opportunities for students who wish to make a difference in the agricultural sector and contribute to the country's development.

To ace the ICAR exam, here are some tips:

• Know the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Before starting your preparation, go through the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. It will help you understand the questions, topics, and marking scheme.
• Create a Study Plan: Create a study plan and schedule your time wisely. It is crucial to divide your time equally between all the subjects and topics. Make sure to include regular revision and practice sessions in your plan.
• Gather Study Material: Gather all the study material, including books, previous year question papers, and other reference material.
• Solve Previous Year Question Papers: Solve previous year's question papers and sample papers. It will help you understand the exam pattern and improve your speed and accuracy.
• Take Mock Tests: Take mock tests and practice tests regularly. It will help you to assess your preparation and identify your weak areas.
• Revision is the Key: Revise the topics regularly. Regular revision is key to remembering essential topics and concepts.
• Improve your Speed and Accuracy: Work on improving your speed and accuracy. Solve questions quickly and accurately. Time management is crucial in the ICAR exam.
• Stay Confident and Positive: Stay confident and positive. It is essential to stay calm and composed during the exam.
• Take Care of your Health: Take care of your health during the preparation and exam time. A healthy body and mind can improve your performance.
• Seek Guidance: Seek guidance from teachers, mentors, and coaching centres. They can help you to understand the concepts and provide tips and tricks to solve the questions.