Karnataka Agriculture Department Recruitment 2026
The Karnataka Agriculture Department has released a major recruitment notification for candidates looking to build a career in the state’s agriculture and horticulture services. According to the notification issued in April 2026, a total of 630 vacancies have been notified across Agriculture Officer, Assistant Agriculture Officer, Horticulture Officer, and Assistant Horticulture Officer posts. The recruitment process will be conducted through a competitive examination, giving eligible graduates from agriculture and allied disciplines an opportunity to secure a government position in Karnataka.
What makes this recruitment particularly noteworthy is the large number of vacancies available for Assistant Agriculture Officer posts, along with attractive pay scales and a structured selection process. The online application process began in April 2026, while the written examination is scheduled for June 2026. Candidates who possess qualifications in Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Agricultural Engineering, and related fields should carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying.
Quick Overview for Karnataka Agriculture Department Recruitment
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Agriculture Department |
| Recruitment Year | 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 630 |
| Posts | Agriculture Officer, Horticulture Officer, Assistant Agriculture Officer, Assistant Horticulture Officer |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 19 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 May 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 12 May 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Examination + Document Verification |
| Official Website | KEA Karnataka |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 18 April 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 19 April 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 10 May 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 12 May 2026 |
| Paper-I Examination | 06 June 2026 |
| Paper-II Examination | 07 June 2026 |
Dates are based on the recruitment schedule mentioned in the official notification.
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Vacancy Details
The recruitment drive includes vacancies across both Agriculture and Horticulture streams.
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Agriculture Officer | 67 |
| Horticulture Officer | 12 |
| Assistant Agriculture Officer | 468 |
| Assistant Horticulture Officer | 83 |
| Total | 630 |
Educational Qualification
Eligibility varies according to the post applied for. In general, candidates should possess a degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Sericulture, Agricultural Marketing, Forestry, Agricultural Biotechnology, Food Science, or other related disciplines recognized by competent authorities.
For officer-level positions, candidates are generally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in the relevant agricultural or horticultural field. Assistant-level posts also require relevant academic qualifications from recognized universities or institutions.
Before submitting the application, applicants should ensure that their degree matches the discipline specified for the particular post they are targeting.
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Age Limit
The notification prescribes age criteria as per Karnataka Government recruitment rules.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 40 Years |
| Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 43 Years |
| SC / ST / Category-I | 45 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable according to government norms for eligible reserved categories.
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive pay under the Karnataka Government pay matrix.
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Agriculture Officer / Horticulture Officer | ₹69,250 – ₹1,34,200 |
| Assistant Agriculture Officer / Assistant Horticulture Officer | ₹65,950 – ₹1,24,900 |
Apart from basic pay, employees may also be entitled to admissible government allowances and benefits as per prevailing rules.
How the Selection Process Works
Rather than relying solely on academic records, the department has adopted a competitive examination-based recruitment process.
Written Examination
Candidates will first appear for the written examination consisting of multiple papers related to general studies and subject-specific knowledge. The exam is designed to evaluate both professional understanding and analytical ability.
Merit Preparation
Marks obtained in the examination will play a crucial role in determining the merit list. Higher scores improve the chances of securing a preferred post and category seat.
Document Verification
Those shortlisted through the examination will be invited for verification of educational certificates, category certificates, identity proof, and other supporting documents.
Final Selection
The final appointment list will be prepared based on performance in the recruitment process and successful verification of eligibility documents.
Examination Pattern
The recruitment examination includes two papers.
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | 300 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Paper-II | 300 Marks | 2 Hours |
Negative marking provisions are mentioned in the notification, making accuracy important during the examination.
Karnataka Agriculture Department Recruitment: Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for this recruitment is straightforward if candidates keep their documents ready beforehand.
- Visit the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) recruitment portal.
- Complete the registration process using basic personal details.
- Fill in educational qualifications, category information, and communication details carefully.
- Upload the required photograph, signature, and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Review all entered information before final submission.
- Pay the applicable examination fee through the available online payment options.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Keeping scanned copies of certificates ready before starting the application can save considerable time during registration.
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Direct Apply Online Link : Apply Now
Preparation Advice for Aspirants
Since the examination carries significant weight in the final merit list, candidates should focus on both subject knowledge and current developments related to agriculture and rural development.
A practical strategy would be to:
- Revise core agriculture and horticulture concepts.
- Practice previous-year objective questions.
- Strengthen general knowledge and Karnataka-related topics.
- Take mock tests regularly to improve time management.
- Pay special attention to accuracy because negative marking can affect scores.
Consistent preparation over the weeks leading up to the examination is likely to be more effective than last-minute study.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available under Karnataka Agriculture Department Recruitment 2026?
A total of 630 vacancies have been announced across Agriculture Officer, Horticulture Officer, Assistant Agriculture Officer, and Assistant Horticulture Officer posts.
2. What is the last date to submit the online application?
The last date for submission of the application form is 10 May 2026, while fee payment can be completed until 12 May 2026.
3. What is the salary for Assistant Agriculture Officer posts?
Selected candidates for Assistant Agriculture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Officer posts will receive a pay scale of ₹65,950 – ₹1,24,900.
4. When will the written examination be conducted?
The recruitment examination is scheduled on 06 June 2026 and 07 June 2026.
5. Which authority is conducting this recruitment?
The recruitment process is being conducted through the Karnataka Government recruitment system under the Karnataka Agriculture Department and KEA.
