KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 85 Assistant Horticulture Officer Posts
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026: 85 Assistant Horticulture Officer and Director Posts in Karnataka
Karnataka Examination Authority on Behalf of Karnataka State Horticulture Department — Apply Online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), on behalf of the Karnataka State Horticulture Department (KSHD), has announced 85 vacancies for the posts of Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director. Online applications are accepted from to through the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. The competitive examination date will be announced later on the official website.
Candidates aged up to 40 years (relaxable for reserved categories) holding a B.Sc. in Horticulture from an ICAR recognised university can apply for the Assistant Horticulture Officer post. For the Assistant Horticulture Director post, a Post Graduate Degree in Horticulture along with B.Sc. in Horticulture is required. The posts offer attractive pay scales of Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 for AHO and Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 for AHD.
Key Details
- Conducting Authority: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), on behalf of Karnataka State Horticulture Department (KSHD)
- Post Names: Assistant Horticulture Officer (AHO), Assistant Horticulture Director (AHD)
- Total Vacancies: 85 (80 General + 5 Kalyana-Karnataka)
- Department: Karnataka State Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka
- Application Start Date:
- Application Last Date:
- Fee Payment Last Date:
- Application Mode: Online only — cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Exam & Eligibility
- Exam Date: To be announced later on the KEA website
- Exam Mode: Competitive Exam (Online/OMR based)
- Age Limit: Up to 40 years for General Merit (relaxable up to 45 years for SC/ST/Cat-1)
- Qualification: B.Sc. in Horticulture (AHO) / PG in Horticulture + B.Sc. in Horticulture (AHD)
- Pay Scale: AHO: Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 / AHD: Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200
- Job Location: Karnataka
- Selection Process: Competitive Exam (Paper 1 + Paper 2) + Kannada Language Test
- Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates & Application Fee
Online Registration: 5 August to 30 August 2026 — Exam Fee Rs. 750 (General) / Rs. 500 (Reserved) / Rs. 250 (PWD)
The online application process for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 opens on and closes on . The last date for fee payment is . The examination date will be announced later by KEA. Admit cards will be available on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea before the exam.
Important Dates
Notification Released: August 2026 — Online Application Starts: — Last Date to Apply Online: — Fee Payment Last Date: — Exam Date: To be announced — Admit Card: Before the exam on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Tip: Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues on the KEA portal. Keep scanned copies of photograph, signature, and educational certificates ready before starting the application. The application number is required to download the admit card.
Application Fee
Application fee is Rs. 750 (Rs. 500 application fee + Rs. 250 processing fee) for General, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B category candidates. For SC, ST, Cat-1, Ex-Servicemen, and Third Gender candidates, the fee is Rs. 500 (Rs. 250 application fee + Rs. 250 processing fee). PWD candidates pay only Rs. 250 as processing fee.
Payment can be made through credit card, debit card, or net banking via the KEA online portal. Application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Note: The Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) quota has a separate notification with 5 posts for Assistant Horticulture Director. Candidates belonging to KK region should refer to the official notification for complete details.
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Vacancy Details and Eligibility
85 Assistant Horticulture Officer and Director Posts — B.Sc. in Horticulture Required
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 covers 85 vacancies in total. The General Notification includes 80 posts (75 AHO + 5 AHD) and the Kalyana-Karnataka Quota includes 5 posts for Assistant Horticulture Director. Candidates must meet the prescribed educational qualification and age limit as per the official notification.
General Notification (80 Posts)
- Assistant Horticulture Officer: 75 posts
- Assistant Horticulture Director: 5 posts
- Total (General): 80 posts
Kalyana-Karnataka Quota (5 Posts)
- Assistant Horticulture Director: 5 posts
- Total (KK Quota): 5 posts
Educational Qualification
- Assistant Horticulture Officer: B.Sc. in Horticulture from an ICAR recognised university
- Assistant Horticulture Director: Post Graduate Degree in Horticulture + B.Sc. in Horticulture from an ICAR recognised university
Age Limit (as on last date of application)
- General Merit: 40 years
- Cat 2A/2B/3A/3B: 43 years
- SC/ST/Cat-1: 45 years
Candidates must ensure they meet the age limit criteria as on the last date of application submission (
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Exam Pattern and Age Limit
Two Papers — 600 Total Marks — Kannada Language Test — 35% Minimum Qualifying
The selection is based on a competitive examination consisting of two papers. Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks to be considered. The Kannada Language Test is qualifying in nature and candidates must secure minimum 50 marks out of 150.
Exam Pattern
- Paper 1: General Knowledge — 100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours
- Paper 2: Horticulture — 100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours
- Total: 200 questions, 600 marks
- Negative Marking: 0.75 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 35% overall
Questions are objective (MCQ) type with four options each. Each correct answer carries 3 marks. Negative marking applies: 0.75 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. After the exam, candidates must confirm their score displayed on the screen before submitting.
Kannada Language Test
- Total Marks: 150
- Minimum Marks Required: 50
- Nature: Qualifying only (marks not added to merit)
Candidates who do not qualify the Kannada Language Test will be disqualified irrespective of their performance in Papers 1 and 2. The Kannada test is compulsory for all candidates.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit is calculated as on the last date of application () and varies by category. General Merit candidates: 40 years. Cat 2A/2B/3A/3B candidates: 43 years. SC/ST/Cat-1 candidates: 45 years.
Age Relaxation
- General Merit: 40 years (no relaxation)
- Cat 2A/2B/3A/3B: 43 years (3 years relaxation)
- SC/ST/Cat-1: 45 years (5 years relaxation)
- PWD Candidates: As per Karnataka Government rules
- Ex-Servicemen: As per applicable rules
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Job Profile, Salary and Contract Details
Pay Scale Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 (AHO) / Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 (AHD) — Karnataka Government Posts
Selected candidates will be appointed as Assistant Horticulture Officer or Assistant Horticulture Director under the Karnataka State Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka. The role involves horticulture development work across Karnataka state.
Job Profile & Responsibilities
Assistant Horticulture Officers serve as field-level officers responsible for implementing horticulture development schemes, providing technical guidance to farmers, organising training programmes on modern horticulture practices, maintaining records of horticulture activities, and coordinating with district-level officers. Assistant Horticulture Directors handle supervisory and administrative functions at a higher level.
Salary / Pay Scale
- Assistant Horticulture Officer (AHO): Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 per month (Pay Level as per Karnataka Pay Matrix)
- Assistant Horticulture Director (AHD): Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 per month (Pay Level as per Karnataka Pay Matrix)
Selected candidates will also receive admissible allowances (DA, HRA, TA) as per Karnataka Government rules. The posts are regular government positions with all benefits applicable to state government employees.
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Syllabus and How to Apply
Written Exam Syllabus — Apply Online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea by 30 August 2026
The written exam covers General Knowledge and Horticulture subjects in two papers. The application process is entirely online through the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Applications must be submitted before .
Syllabus / Evaluation Criteria
Paper 1 — General Knowledge (300 Marks)
- Current Affairs: National and international events, sports, awards, important days
- Indian Polity: Constitution, governance, political system
- History: Indian history, Karnataka history, freedom movement
- Geography: Indian geography, Karnataka geography, climate
- Economics: Indian economy, agriculture, rural development
- Science: Physics, chemistry, biology basics
- Computer Knowledge: Basics of computer, MS Office, internet
- Karnataka Specific: Karnataka culture, art, literature, administration
Paper 2 — Horticulture (300 Marks)
- Plant Science: Botany, plant physiology, biochemistry
- Horticulture: Fruit science, vegetable science, floriculture, landscape architecture
- Plant Breeding: Genetics, plant breeding methods, seed technology
- Plant Protection: Entomology, plant pathology, integrated pest management
- Soil Science: Soil management, plant nutrition, fertigation
- Post Harvest Technology: Storage, processing, value addition
- Agricultural Economics: Farm management, marketing, cooperatives
- Extension Education: Communication methods, rural development programmes
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit the official KEA website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Step 2: Open the application link for "KEA KSHD Assistant Horticulture Officer/Director Recruitment 2026"
- Step 3: Read the notification and eligibility conditions carefully before starting the form
- Step 4: Register with a valid email ID and mobile number, then fill in personal details, educational qualification details, and other required information
- Step 5: Upload the photograph (JPEG, 50-200 KB) and signature (JPEG, 50-70 KB) in the prescribed format
- Step 6: Pay the application fee through credit card, debit card, or net banking
- Step 7: Submit the form, note down the application number, and keep a printout safely
Important Instructions
- The photograph must be recent, in JPEG format, size between 50 KB to 200 KB, with a white background
- The signature must be in JPEG format, size between 50 KB to 70 KB, on white paper with black ink
- Entry to the exam centre is allowed only up to the reporting time. Latecomers will not be admitted
- Mobile phones, calculators, and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall
- The educational qualification must be complete on or before the date of applying
- For application-related help, contact the KEA helpline as mentioned on the official website
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Selection Mode and Documents
Competitive Exam (Paper 1 + Paper 2) + Kannada Language Test — Document Verification After Exam
Selection for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 is through a competitive examination consisting of two papers followed by a Kannada Language Test. Document verification will be conducted after the exam results. There is no interview for this post.
Selection Stages
- Stage I: Paper 1 — General Knowledge (100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours)
- Stage II: Paper 2 — Horticulture (100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours)
- Stage III: Kannada Language Test (150 marks, minimum 50 marks required)
- Stage IV: Document Verification
- Stage V: Final Appointment
Minimum qualifying marks: 35% overall in the written exam. Kannada Language Test is qualifying in nature with minimum 50 marks out of 150 required. Candidates who fail the Kannada test will be disqualified.
Documents Required for Verification
Documents to Upload with Application
- Recent Colour Photograph: JPEG format, 50-200 KB, white background, recent
- Scanned Signature: JPEG format, 50-70 KB, on white paper with black ink
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
- Admit Card: Downloaded from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Original Photo ID: Voter ID, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence or Passport
- Black Ballpoint Pen: Required for exam
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Caste/Category Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC/Cat-1 candidates from competent Karnataka authority
- Disability Certificate: For PWD candidates, from competent authority
- Ex-Servicemen Certificate: For Ex-SM candidates, if applicable
- Educational Certificates: B.Sc. in Horticulture / PG in Horticulture degree certificates and marksheets
Disqualification Criteria
- Providing wrong information or impersonation leads to cancellation and legal action
- Appearing from wrong exam centre leads to cancellation of candidature
- Candidates cannot leave the exam hall before the exam ends
- Any form of Unfair Means (UFM) case leads to disqualification
- Failing the Kannada Language Test leads to disqualification irrespective of written exam score
KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Important Links and Follow Us
Official Recruitment Links
- Notification PDF (General) — PDF from official source
- Notification PDF (Kalyana-Karnataka) — PDF from official source
- Apply Online — Active from — cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Official Website — cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
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KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the last date to apply for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submission of online applications for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 is . The application window opens on . The last date for fee payment is .
Q2. How many vacancies are there in KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026?
There are 85 vacancies in total — 80 under General Notification (75 AHO + 5 AHD) and 5 under Kalyana-Karnataka Quota (5 AHD). The recruitment is for Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director posts in Karnataka.
Q3. What is the qualification for KEA KSHD Assistant Horticulture Officer post?
For Assistant Horticulture Officer, candidates need a B.Sc. in Horticulture from an ICAR recognised university. For Assistant Horticulture Director, a Post Graduate Degree in Horticulture along with B.Sc. in Horticulture from an ICAR recognised university is required.
Q4. When is the KEA KSHD exam 2026?
The examination date for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 will be announced later on the official KEA website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Candidates are advised to regularly check the website for updates.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the KEA KSHD exam?
Yes. 0.75 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Each correct answer carries 3 marks. Total exam has 2 papers with 600 marks combined. Minimum qualifying marks is 35%.
Q6. What is the salary of KEA KSHD Assistant Horticulture Officer?
The pay scale for Assistant Horticulture Officer is Rs. 65,950 to Rs. 1,24,900 per month. For Assistant Horticulture Director, it is Rs. 69,250 to Rs. 1,34,200 per month, along with admissible allowances as per Karnataka Government rules.
Q7. Can candidates from other states apply for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026?
The eligibility criteria for Karnataka domicile candidates and general candidates is specified in the official notification. Candidates should refer to the notification for detailed eligibility conditions regarding domicile requirements and reservation benefits.
Q8. What is the age limit for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026?
The age limit is 40 years for General Merit, 43 years for Cat 2A/2B/3A/3B, and 45 years for SC/ST/Cat-1 candidates as on the last date of application ().
Q9. What is the selection process for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026?
Selection is based on a competitive examination with Paper 1 (General Knowledge) and Paper 2 (Horticulture), each of 300 marks. Candidates must also qualify the Kannada Language Test (minimum 50 out of 150 marks). Document verification follows after the exam.
Q10. What is the application fee for KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026?
Rs. 750 (Rs. 500 application + Rs. 250 processing) for General/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates. Rs. 500 (Rs. 250 application + Rs. 250 processing) for SC/ST/Cat-1/Ex-SM/Third Gender candidates. Rs. 250 (processing fee only) for PWD candidates. Fee is non-refundable.
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