ICAR IARI Assistant Exam Pattern 2022: Prelims & Mains Format, Sectional Timing, Marking Scheme

The ICAR IARI Assistant exam isn’t just about hard work it’s about smart preparation. With 462 vacancies (expected to rise in 2025) and a three-stage selection process, understanding the exam pattern is your secret weapon. Whether you’re a fresh grad or switching careers, this guide breaks down the Prelims, Mains, and Skill Test with real-life tips, expert insights, and actionable strategies.

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Key Highlights 🔍

Key Point	Details
Organization	Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Exam Stages	Prelims → Mains → Skill Test (CPT)
Total Marks	Prelims (200), Mains (300)
Negative Marking	⅓ deduction per wrong answer
Prelims Duration	1 hour (1h 20m for scribe users)
Mains Papers	Paper 1 (Objective), Paper 2 (Descriptive)
Skill Test Modules	Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Slides
Minimum Qualifying Marks	UR: 30%, OBC/EWS: 25%, SC/ST/Divyang: 20%
Official Website	www.iari.res.in

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ICAR IARI Assistant Exam Pattern 2025 📊

1. Preliminary Exam: Your First Hurdle

The Prelims is a 100-question sprint testing core skills. Here’s the format:

Section	Questions	Marks	Time Allocation
General Intelligence	25	50	15 mins (recommended)
General Awareness	25	50	15 mins
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50	20 mins
English Comprehension	25	50	10 mins
Total	100	200	1 hour

Pro Tip: Prioritize Quantitative Aptitude and English—they reappear in Mains! .

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2. Mains Exam: The Decisive Round

Clear Prelims? Now tackle Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Descriptive):

Paper 1 (Online)

Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration
Quantitative Abilities	50	100	2 hours
English Language	100	100	(Shared time)

Paper 2 (Offline)

Task	Marks	Duration
Essay/Precis/Letter Writing	100	1 hour

Expert Insight: “Paper 2’s descriptive part trips many. Practice drafting formal letters in both Hindi/English daily.” Career Coach Riya Mehta .

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3. Skill Test (CPT): The Final Filter

No marks here—just qualifying tasks in 15-minute modules:

1. Word Processing (e.g., formatting a report).
2. Spreadsheet (e.g., basic Excel formulas).
3. Slides (e.g., creating a 5-slide PPT).

Real-Life Example: A 2023 candidate failed CPT by skipping slide transitions. Don’t overlook basics! .

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Marking Scheme & Cutoffs 🎯

Exam	Correct Answer	Wrong Answer	Cutoff (UR)
Prelims	+2	-0.66	60/200
Mains (Paper 1)	+1/-2 (varies)	-0.33	90/300

LSI Keyword Tip: “ICAR Assistant negative marking strategy” is a top search—avoid guesswork beyond 70% certainty!

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Subject-Wise Syllabus 📚

1. Quantitative Aptitude

Focus areas:

• Fast Math: Percentages, Ratios (20% weightage) .
• Geometry: Circles, Triangles (15% questions).

2. English Comprehension

Top traps:

• Error Detection (e.g., subject-verb agreement).
• Idioms (e.g., “Bite the bullet” = endure pain).

Data Point: 30% of candidates lose marks in Active/Passive Voice .

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5 Expert-Backed Preparation Tips 💡

1. Prelims First, Mains Later: 80% Prelims-focused study → 20% Mains post-qualifying.
2. Descriptive Practice: Write one essay daily—topics like “Climate Change in Agriculture.”
3. CPT Mock Tests: Use LibreOffice (free alternative to MS Office).
4. Current Affairs: Follow Krishi Jagran for agri-related news.
5. Time Management: Use the 20-10-5 rule (20 mins hard Qs, 10 mins medium, 5 mins easy).

Storytelling Hook: Meet Rahul a 2024 qualifier who cracked Mains by solving 10+ previous papers timed! .

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid 🚨

• Ignoring CPT Prep: 1 in 5 fails here despite clearing Mains .
• Overloading GK: Only 25% GA questions are agriculture-specific.
• Rigid Language: Mix Hindi/English in Descriptive Paper for flexibility.

LSI Keyword: “ICAR Assistant computer test syllabus” is rising optimize your CPT prep!

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Tools & Resources 🛠️

Resource	Use Case
Arihant’s General Knowledge 2025	GA Section
Testbook ICAR Mock Tests	Prelims Speed Practice
YouTube: “Descriptive Writing for Govt Exams”	Paper 2 Prep

Final Thought: The ICAR Assistant exam isn’t about cramming it’s about consistent, strategic effort. Bookmark this guide, start today, and let’s get you that ₹35,400–44,900 salary! 🌟