The Ultimate ICAR JRF Plant Science Preparation Strategy (2026) & PYQ Analysis (2024-25)

Is your target IARI New Delhi? Then stop studying like it’s 2020.

If you are aiming for ICAR JRF Plant Science (Code 01), you are stepping into the most competitive stream of agriculture. Everyone reads B.D. Singh, yet only a few make it to IARI. Why?

The answer lies in the Exam Pattern Shift.

I have structurally analysed the 2024 and 2025 question papers. The examiner has moved away from simple “Definition-based” questions to complex “Process-based” and “Chronological” questions.

If you are preparing for the 2026 session, you need a roadmap that aligns with this new trend. In this ICAR JRF Plant Science Preparation Strategy and PYQ Analysis guide, I will decode the changing pattern, share a 3-Phase Strategy, and give you a reality check on what actually comes in the exam.

The “New Pattern” Decoded: What Changed in 2024-25?

Many students were shocked in the 2025 exam. Why? Because they ignored the “Hidden Syllabus.”

Here are the 3 Major Shifts I found in the last two years:

1. The Seed Science Explosion: In 2024, Seed Science had ~8 questions. In 2025, it jumped to 16-17 questions! This subject is now a “Rank Decider.”

2. Molecular Over Classical: The weightage of Classical Breeding (Mass selection, Pure line) has dropped. The focus is now on Molecular Biology (Replication, Transcription, Translation, Markers).

3. Chronology is King: The examiner loves asking you to “Arrange in Sequence.”

   • Example: Sequence of enzymes in DNA replication.

   • Example: Steps of Seed Processing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Roadmap (The 3-Phase Plan)

To crack JRF Plant Science with a top rank, you cannot study randomly. Follow this phased approach.

Phase 1: The Foundation (Months 1-2)

Focus on understanding the core concepts of Genetics.

• Target: Mendelian Genetics, Chromosomal theory, Cell Division (Mitosis/Meiosis).

• Resource: Fundamentals of Genetics by B.D. Singh.

• Goal: You should be able to solve numerical on Probability and Gene Interaction.

Phase 2: The “Rank Decider” Phase (Months 3-4)

This is where you separate yourself from the crowd.

• Molecular Biology: Deep dive into DNA/RNA structure and functions. (Resource: Genetics by P.K. Gupta).

• Seed Technology: Do not skip this! Read about Viability Tests (Tetrazolium) and Certification Classes. (Resource: R.L. Agarwal).

Phase 3: Pathology & Application (Months 5-6)

• Pathology: Focus on Causal Organisms, Disease Cycles, and Bacteria/Virus structures. (Resource: P.D. Sharma).

• General Agri: Cover Physiology, Soils, and Schemes using Nemraj Sunda.

• Mock Tests: Practice “Statement-Based” and “Assertion-Reason” questions specifically.

Topic-Wise PYQ Analysis (2024 vs 2025)

Where should you focus your limited time? Based on my question-by-question count of the last two years, here is the breakdown:

Subject / Unit	Approx. Questions (2025)	Importance Level
Genetics & Molecular Bio	32	Very High
Plant Pathology & Micro	28	Very High
Seed Science & Tech	16-17	Game Changer
General Agri & Schemes	17	Moderate
Crop Physiology & Bio	14	Moderate
Cell Biology	12	Foundation

Insight: Notice that Seed Science has more weightage than pure Cell Biology. Adjust your study hours accordingly!

How to Tackle the “New” Question Types of jrf plant science?

1. Handling “Sequence/Chronology” Questions

The exam will ask you to arrange steps (e.g., Steps of PCR).

• Strategy: Don’t just memorize definitions. Make Flowcharts for every biological process. Visualizing the flow helps you remember the order.

2. Cracking “Matching” Questions in Pathology

• Strategy: You will get questions matching “Disease” with “Pathogen”. Focus on learning the scientific names of Causal Organisms for major field crops.

3. The “Statement” Trap

• Strategy: In Molecular Biology, questions often have Statement I and Statement II. Read standard books (like PK Gupta) to understand the deep concepts so you can identify if a statement is True or False.

 Download Solved Papers & Master Analysis Report of ICAR JRF Plant Science Preparation Strategy and PYQ Analysis

Reading this blog is a good start, but you need the data in your hands.

I have compiled an Exclusive PDF Report that contains:

1. Detailed Topic-wise breakdown of 2024 & 2025 papers.

2. List of “Must-Read” Topics (The Hidden Syllabus).

3. Trend Analysis tables to guide your daily schedule.

[Click Here to Download the Master Analysis Report PDF]

(This PDF is a goldmine for serious aspirants. Save it for your exam revision.)

Final Words

The path to IARI is not about reading more books; it is about reading the right books in the right way. Stop relying on outdated patterns. Start mastering Molecular Biology and Seed Science today.

Your Next Step:

1. Download the Analysis Report above.

2. Check out our [Recommended Booklist Here] 

3. Start your Phase 1 preparation now!

All the Best, Future Scientists!