Best Books for ICAR JRF Plant Science 2026: The Ultimate Booklist (Updated)

Are you still planning to crack JRF Plant Science just by reading B.D. Singh? Don’t make that mistake!

Friends, if you dream of pursuing a Master’s in Genetics or Plant Breeding from IARI New Delhi, you must know that this is the toughest subject group in the ICAR JRF exam.

I have deeply analyzed the 2024 and 2025 Question Papers. The examiner has completely changed the pattern:

• Earlier: They asked simple questions like “Who is the Father of Genetics?”

• Now: They ask “What is the correct sequence of enzymes in DNA Replication?”

The exam is no longer just about “Breeding Methods”; it has shifted heavily towards Molecular Biology and Seed Technology. If you continue studying with the old pattern, you will fall behind in the race.

In this blog post, I will reveal the best Books for ICAR JRF Plant Science 2026, essential for the new 2026 pattern.

(Note: This Best Books for ICAR JRF Plant Science 2026 post contains affiliate links. If you purchase books through these links, it supports us at no extra cost to you.)

Why Do You Need a New Strategy for 2026?

JRF Plant Science (Code 01) has evolved.

1. Molecular Heavy: Instead of classical genetics, more questions are now coming from DNA, RNA, Operon Models, and Biotechnology.

2. Seed Science Explosion: In the 2025 paper, there were 16-17 questions directly from Seed Science! If you skip this, your selection is at risk.

3. Process-Based Questions: You can’t just memorise facts anymore; you need to remember Processes (Chronology).

Therefore, you need specific, standard books for each unit.

1. The Foundation: Genetics & Plant Breeding books

This is your base. Without these, you cannot survive in Plant Science.

Fundamentals of Genetics by B.D. Singh

For Plant Science aspirants, this book is the “Holy Grail”. Concepts of Mendelian Genetics, Linkage, and Crossing Over are best explained here.

• Topper’s Tip: Practice numerical questions (Probability/Gene Interaction) using the examples given in this book.

[Buy Fundamentals of Genetics on Amazon] (Link Here)

Plant Breeding: Principles and Methods by B.D. Singh

There is no better book for Breeding methods (Selection, Hybridisation, Mutation). Every year, direct questions on breeding methods come from here.

[Buy Plant Breeding by B.D. Singh] (Link Here)

2. The “Rank Deciders” (Molecular & Seed Tech books)

This is where the real toppers are made. Most students make the mistake of taking these subjects lightly.

Genetics by P.K. Gupta (For Molecular Biology)

Since the exam has shifted towards the Molecular side (Replication, Transcription, Translation), you must read the Molecular Biology chapters from P.K. Gupta. B.D. Singh is not sufficient for the deep molecular part.

[Buy Genetics by P.K. Gupta] (Link Here)

Seed Science & Technology by R.L. Agarwal

Warning: Do not make the mistake of skipping this book. In 2025, this single subject destroyed the rankings of many students. This book is a must-read for Seed Testing (Tetrazolium), Certification Classes, and Viability.

[Buy Seed Science by R.L. Agarwal – Must Read] (Link Here)

3. Plant Pathology & General Agriculture books

Pathology and General Agriculture carry approximately 25% weightage in the Plant Science paper.

Plant Pathology by P.D. Sharma

This book is best for understanding the structure of Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses, and disease cycles. (Alternatively, you can use H.C. Dubey for basics).

[Buy Plant Pathology by P.D. Sharma] (Link Here)

Nemraj Sunda (General Agriculture)

For Plant Physiology, Soils, and Govt Schemes, this one book is enough. It covers those 15-20 questions that seem “out of syllabus”.

[Buy Nemraj Sunda (Latest Edition)] (Link Here)

4. Best Objective Book for Practice

After reading concepts, practising “Statement-Based” questions is mandatory.

Objective Plant Science by Phundan Singh

This book is considered the standard for practice. It has chapter-wise questions that you should solve after completing every topic.

[Buy Objective Plant Science by Phundan Singh] (Link Here)

How to Study for a Top 10 Rank? (Pro Strategy)

1. Focus on Chronology: In 2025, there were many “Arrange in Sequence” questions. Make Flowcharts for every biological process (e.g., the process of DNA synthesis).

2. Seed Tech is Priority: Give as much time to Seed Science in your timetable as you give to Breeding.

3. Diagrams: Understand the Operon Concept and Cell Division (Mitosis/Meiosis) through diagrams; don’t just read the text.