Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026 – RPC Notification
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has released the
Vacancy & Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Scale | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Horticulture Officer | ₹65,950 – ₹1,24,900 | 75 |
| Senior Horticulture Officer | ₹69,250 – ₹1,34,200 | 05 |
| Total | — | 80 |
Educational Qualifications
- Assistant Horticulture Officer: Must be a Graduate in Horticulture from a University established by law in India and accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Senior Horticulture Officer: Must hold a Postgraduate Degree in Horticulture along with B.Sc. in Horticulture from a University established by law in India and accredited by ICAR.
Important Note
All qualifications must be obtained from recognized universities and valid as of the last date of application. Candidates are advised to carefully check eligibility before applying.
Age Limit & Reservation
🛠️ Essential Tools
Candidates applying for the posts must satisfy the prescribed age criteria and reservation rules as per government norms.
Age Criteria
- Minimum age: As per Karnataka Government recruitment rules.
- Maximum age: Relaxations applicable for SC/ST, OBC, and other reserved categories.
- Age will be calculated as of the last date of application submission.
Reservation Rules
- Reservation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and other categories as per Karnataka State Government guidelines.
- 4% reservation is provided for Differently Abled candidates.
- Candidates claiming reservation must produce valid certificates during document verification.
Examination Details
The recruitment process includes Computer Based Test (CBT) and OMR/Descriptive type examinations. The structure is as follows:
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper‑1 | General Knowledge & Agriculture/Horticulture related topics | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
| Paper‑2 | Horticulture Subject (Specialization) | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
Negative Marking
There will be negative valuation. For each wrong answer, 0.75 marks will be deducted.
Important Dates
- Notification Date: 05 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 August 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 31 August 2026
Application Process
Candidates must apply online through the official KEA portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the KEA official website.
- Click on the Recruitment – Horticulture Department link.
- Register with valid details and create a login ID.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and reservation details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (photo, signature, certificates).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / Cat‑I | ₹500 |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | ₹250 |
Important Dates
- Start of Online Application: 05 August 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 30 August 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 31 August 2026
Candidate Instructions
- Ensure eligibility criteria are met before applying.
- Provide valid certificates for reservation claims (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD).
- Applications with incorrect or incomplete details will be rejected.
- Keep a copy of the application form and fee receipt for verification.
- Admit cards will be available online; candidates must download them before the exam.
Note on Examination
The examination will be conducted in CBT and OMR formats. Negative marking of 0.75 marks per wrong answer will apply. Candidates should prepare accordingly.
