Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 represents a significant opportunity in India’s agricultural administration sector, offering stable career growth and meaningful contribution to rural development. The Karnataka Government has released revised notifications on 30/05/2026 to recruit 945 Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer positions across Inland (KK) and Rural Pay Commission (RPC) cadres, making this one of the largest agricultural recruitment drives in the state.
This recruitment drives forward the Government Order No. DPAR (Services-2) 02 Sehime 2026 dated 13/05/2026 and introduces updated OBC reservation provisions affecting 59 eligible castes. The selection process involves a two-stage competitive examination, with Paper 1 and Paper 2 scheduled for 25/07/2026 (KK Cadre) and 26/07/2026 (RPC Cadre), followed by a mandatory Kannada Language Test. Candidates interested in agricultural administration roles with pay scales ranging from Rs. 65,950 to Rs. 1,34,200 should apply online before the last date of 20/06/2026 on the official portal at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Government, Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru |
| Post Names | Agriculture Officer (Krushi Adhikari); Assistant Agriculture Officer (Sahayaka Krushi Adhikari) |
| Advertisement Numbers | ಇಡಿ/ಕೆಇಎ09/ನೇ.ವಿ./2026(ಕಕೆ) [Inland/KK Cadre]; ಇಡಿ/ಕೆಇಎ08/ನೇ.ವಿ./2026(ಆರ್ಪಿಸಿ) [RPC Cadre] |
| Total Vacancies | 945 [927 Open + 18 PwD (horizontal reservation)] |
| Department | Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Selection Mode | Competitive Written Examination (Offline OMR) + Kannada Language Test |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Revised Notification Release | 30/05/2026 |
| Online Application Opening | 30/05/2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 20/06/2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 22/06/2026 |
| Written Examination (Paper 1 & 2) – KK Cadre | 25/07/2026 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM) |
| Written Examination (Paper 1 & 2) – RPC Cadre | 26/07/2026 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM) |
| Kannada Language Test Date | To be notified after written examination result |
Age Limit
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General Merit (UR) Candidates | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (OBC) Candidates | 43 years |
| SC (Cat-A, Cat-B, Cat-C) / ST / Category-1 Candidates | 45 years |
Note: Minimum age is 18 years as on the last date of application. Additional age relaxations are available for Ex-Servicemen (3 years + service period), PwD candidates (10 years), Widows (10 years), NCC Cadet Supervisors, Village Group Supervisors, Census Survey personnel, and candidates released under Karnataka Wage Earner Scheme as per specific Government Orders and rules.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 85) | B.Sc. (Agriculture) OR B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture from a University recognized by ICAR or AICTE |
| Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 15) | B.Tech (Food Science and Technology) OR equivalent degree from recognized institution |
| Assistant Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 85) | B.Sc. (Agriculture) OR B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture from a University recognized by ICAR or AICTE |
| Assistant Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 15) | B.Tech (Food Science and Technology) OR equivalent as specified in official notification |
Important Notes: Degrees must come from ICAR-recognized or AICTE-accredited institutions only. Distance education degrees from non-accredited institutes are not accepted. All qualifications must be obtained by the last application date. Candidates currently pursuing higher qualifications should not apply, as KEA will not accept responsibility for subsequent ineligibility.
Vacancy Distribution – Inland (KK) Cadre
| Sl. No. | Post Name | Pay Scale | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agriculture Officer (Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 | 29 + 8 (PwD) |
| 2 | Agriculture Officer (Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 | 5 |
| 3 | Assistant Agriculture Officer (Sahayaka Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 | 189 + 8 (PwD) |
| 4 | Assistant Agriculture Officer (Sahayaka Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 | 34 |
| Total (KK Cadre) | 257 + 16 (PwD) |
Vacancy Distribution – Rural Pay Commission (RPC) Cadre
| Sl. No. | Post Name | Pay Scale | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agriculture Officer (Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 | 71 + 2 (PwD) |
| 2 | Agriculture Officer (Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 | 13 |
| 3 | Assistant Agriculture Officer (Sahayaka Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 | 498 |
| 4 | Assistant Agriculture Officer (Sahayaka Krushi Adhikari) | Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 | 88 |
| Total (RPC Cadre) | 670 + 2 (PwD) |
Grand Total: 927 + 18 (PwD) vacancies across both cadres. Backlog vacancies from earlier recruitments are included in these figures.
Role & Responsibilities
Agriculture Officer positions demand comprehensive technical expertise combined with field implementation skills in crop production, soil management, and extension services across Karnataka’s diverse agro-climatic zones. The role involves conducting soil testing, recommending suitable crop varieties, guiding farmers on modern agricultural practices, monitoring pesticide use, and implementing government agricultural schemes at the grassroots level while maintaining detailed records and reports. Officers work directly with farming communities, conducting training programs, field demonstrations, and extension activities to increase agricultural productivity and farmer income in their assigned jurisdictions.
Assistant Agriculture Officer roles focus on supporting senior agricultural officials in extension work, field surveys, pest management, and farmer engagement programs. These positions involve daily field visits, data collection, maintaining agricultural records, assisting in crop inspections, facilitating government scheme registration, and serving as the primary communication link between the agricultural department and farming communities in rural areas. The career path provides opportunities to progress toward senior agricultural administrative positions, research roles, or specialized agricultural policy implementation. The Department of Agriculture is one of Karnataka’s largest rural development employers, offering job security, pension benefits under the National Pension Scheme (NPS), and the fulfillment of contributing to state food security and farmer prosperity.
Salary & Pay Scale
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Agriculture Officer Pay Scale | Rs. 69,250 – 1,650 – 74,200 – 1,900 – 85,600 – 2,300 – 99,400 – 2,700 – 1,15,600 – 3,100 – 1,34,200 (Revised State Pay Scale 2024) |
| Assistant Agriculture Officer Pay Scale | Rs. 65,950 – 1,650 – 74,200 – 1,900 – 85,600 – 2,300 – 99,400 – 2,700 – 1,15,600 – 3,100 – 1,24,900 (Revised State Pay Scale 2024) |
| Pension Scheme | National Pension Scheme (NPS) benefits are applicable as per the Government Order No. FD(SPIL) 04 PIT 2005 dated 31/03/2006 |
| Probation Period | 2 years for direct recruitment candidates |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit (UR) and Other OBC Categories (Cat-2A / 2B / 3A / 3B) | Rs. 750/- (Rs. 500 Application Fee + Rs. 250 Processing Fee) |
| SC / ST / Cat-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender Candidates | Rs. 500/- (Rs. 250 Application Fee + Rs. 250 Processing Fee) |
| Persons with Disability (PwD / Special Reservation) | Rs. 250/- (Processing Fee only) |
Fee Payment Notes: Online payment is the only accepted mode; once paid, fees are non-refundable. Candidates applying for multiple posts under the same examination pay Rs. 750 once, then Rs. 100 per additional post. If the fee payment deadline falls on a public holiday, the next working day becomes the new deadline. Candidates who paid fees under the earlier 18/04/2026 notification for the same post need not pay again.
Selection Process
The recruitment follows a competitive two-stage process comprising a written examination in OMR format followed by a Kannada language proficiency test and document verification.
Stage 1 – Competitive Written Examination
For Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 85 Posts):
| Paper | Subjects Covered | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Paper: Current Affairs, General Science, Karnataka & Indian History/Geography, Social Science, General Mental Ability, Indian Constitution, Public Administration, Rural Development, Science & Technology, International Relations, Economy, Environmental Science, Logical Reasoning, Consumer Affairs, Practical Knowledge | 300 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Specific Paper (syllabus to be announced separately) | 300 | 2 Hours |
For Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 15 Posts):
| Paper | Subjects Covered | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Paper (same subjects as Pay Level Rs. 85) | 300 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Specific Paper (syllabus to be announced separately) | 300 | 2 Hours |
Written Examination Rules:
- Candidates must secure a minimum of 35 marks (out of 300) to qualify.
- Each wrong answer results in a deduction of 0.75 marks.
- For OMR sheets, answers shaded or voided after the examination time expires attract a 0.75 mark penalty per question.
- Candidates applying for both Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer posts under the same examination will receive combined merit ranking.
Stage 2 – Kannada Language Test
Candidates must pass a Kannada language test conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (SSLC) or an equivalent state-approved test. Candidates who studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC level, or completed Class 1 to Class 10 in Kannada medium schools, are automatically exempted. Non-exempt candidates must secure a minimum of 50 marks (out of 150 marks) in the Kannada test to proceed further. The Kannada test score is not counted toward merit ranking or combined written examination score.
How to Apply for KEA Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official KEA recruitment portal at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Click the “Apply Online” or “New Registration” link displayed on the homepage.
- Complete the online registration process with your personal information to receive a login ID and password.
- Fill the application form completely with educational history, work experience, and contact details.
- Scan and upload all required documents in the prescribed formats (Aadhaar Card, degree certificates, caste/reservation certificates, etc.).
- Upload a recent passport-size colored photograph (JPEG, 50-200 KB) and signature in black/marker pen (JPEG, 50-70 KB).
- Pay the applicable application fee online through the available payment gateway.
- Review all entries carefully and submit the form.
- Download and retain the confirmation page for your records until the recruitment process concludes.
💡 Expert Tip: Triple-check all personal and educational details before submission, as corrections cannot be made after form submission. Ensure your scanned documents are clear, within the specified file sizes (photograph 50-200 KB, signature 50-70 KB), and that your photograph shows your face clearly without accessories or tilting. Keep your login credentials safely stored throughout the recruitment process.
Documents Required
The following documents must be scanned and uploaded during the online application submission:
- Original Aadhaar Card (government-issued identity proof)
- Consolidated marksheet or all subject-wise semester marksheets along with a photo-certificate (PDF format) of your highest qualifying degree, obtained on or before the application deadline
- SSLC certificate, school leaving certificate, or birth certificate displaying your date of birth
- For Ex-Servicemen claimants: discharge certificate and pension/gratuity certificate, or documentation confirming death in action or permanent disability during military service
- Caste reservation certificate in the prescribed current format for SC / ST / Cat-1 / Cat-2A / Cat-2B / Cat-3A / Cat-3B applicants
- Rural reservation certificates in Format-1 (for General candidates) or Format-2 (for SC/ST/Category-1/OBC candidates) obtained from the Tahsildar and countersigned by the school headmaster and Field Education Officer
- Kannada Medium study certificate from the school headmaster (if applicable for KMS reservation)
- Third Gender certificate issued by the District Magistrate (if applicable)
- Kalyana Karnataka region (Article 371(J)) reservation-related certificate from the Sub-Divisional Assistant Commissioner (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate or Service Permission Certificate from your current employer (for candidates in government service)
Photo and Signature Specifications: Photograph must be recent, passport-size, color format, in JPEG, sized 50-200 KB. Signature must be in black or marker pen on white paper, JPEG format, 50-70 KB. Applications without uploaded photograph and signature will be rejected automatically.
Reservation and Special Categories
KEA Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 implements comprehensive reservation policies to ensure inclusive participation across multiple socio-economic categories.
OBC Reservation: Government Order (DPAR Services-2 No. 02 Sehime 2026 dated 13/05/2026) now extends OBC reservation eligibility to candidates from 59 specified OBC castes who have not previously availed OBC benefits. Additionally, within these 59 castes, four designated castes may claim Category-1 (SC equivalent) reservation benefits under specific conditions.
Rural Candidate Reservation: Applicants seeking rural reservation must have completed Class 1 through Class 10 education in rural areas of Karnataka. General-merit candidates must submit Form-1 (obtained from the Tahsildar, attested by school headmaster and Field Education Officer) before the application deadline. SC / ST / Category-1 / OBC / PwD candidates must submit Form-2 in the same manner.
Kannada Medium Student (KMS) Reservation: Candidates who studied in Kannada medium from Class 1 to Class 10 are eligible for KMS reservation. A Kannada Medium study certificate from the school headmaster must be submitted before the application deadline.
Persons with Disability (PwD) Reservation: PwD candidates with minimum 40% disability are eligible for horizontal PwD reservation within overall vacancy quotas. Disability proof must be a certificate from the Primary Health Centre, Taluk Medical Authority, District Medical Authority, or a UDID certificate as per prescribed formats.
Transgender Reservation: 1% horizontal reservation of posts is provided to Transgender candidates across General Merit, SC, ST, and OBC categories. Applicants must possess a District Magistrate-issued Transgender certificate under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019.
Ex-Serviceman Reservation: 10% horizontal reservation is available for Ex-Servicemen in direct recruitment posts as per Government Orders (DPIAR 13 SRR 92 dated 01/04/1992 and DPIAR 28 SRR 95 dated 21/10/1995). The Karnataka State Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules 1977 definition of Ex-Serviceman applies.
Kalyana-Karnataka Region (Article 371(J)) Reservation: Eligible candidates must obtain a certificate from the Sub-Divisional Assistant Commissioner of their sub-division, in the format prescribed under the Karnataka Public Services (Reservation for Appointment in Kalyana-Karnataka Region) Rules, 2013.
General Eligibility Conditions
| Eligibility Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be an Indian Citizen |
| Marital Status & Polygamy | Male candidates with more than one living wife, and female candidates married to a person with another living wife, are ineligible without prior state government approval |
| Physical & Mental Fitness | Must be physically and mentally fit, free from defects preventing satisfactory discharge of duties |
| Medical Examination Rights | State Government reserves the right to conduct full medical board examination; those declared medically unfit are removable without appeal provision |
| No Previous Debarment | Candidates permanently debarred by the Central or State Public Service Commissions, KPSC, or universities are ineligible |
| Criminal Conviction Disqualification | Persons convicted of moral offences, temporarily debarred by KPSC, or temporarily debarred by any PSC are ineligible for recruitment |
Important Instructions
- Complete all online application information accurately; submission marks your information as final, and no corrections will be entertained afterward.
- Download and preserve your application confirmation receipt until the entire recruitment process concludes.
- Submit no petitions or representations to the authority after application submission.
- Current government employees or former government staff must submit a No Objection Certificate, Permission Certificate, or Service Certificate from their employing authority before appointment; false service information will lead to disqualification.
- Your registered mobile number and email address are final; no changes to contact information are permitted after submission through any subsequent correspondence.
- Candidates whose degree results remain pending on the application deadline are ineligible; all qualifications must be completed and obtained before the deadline.
- Score disputes regarding educational qualifications or reservation certificates cannot be raised by candidates; determinations by the authority on such disputes are final, and selections remain binding.
- Examination malpractice results in immediate disqualification from the recruitment process, potential criminal prosecution, and disciplinary action under applicable laws.
- All subsequent selection processes following the written examination will be conducted according to the rules of the Department of Agriculture and the assigned post’s guidelines.
- Recruitment updates are published on the official ‘@KEA_KARNATAKA’ account; candidates must monitor this official channel for critical announcements.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| KEA Agriculture Officer – KK Cadre Notification PDF | View Notification |
| KEA Agriculture Officer – RPC Cadre Notification PDF | View Notification |
| Official Website | Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in the KEA Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Ans. There are 945 total vacancies [927 open positions + 18 reserved for Persons with Disability as horizontal reservation] distributed across Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer posts in both Inland (KK) Cadre and Rural Pay Commission (RPC) Cadre.
Q2. When is the last date to apply for KEA Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The last date for online application submission is 20/06/2026, and the last date for fee payment is 22/06/2026. Both dates are final.
Q3. What is the selection process for this recruitment?
Ans. Selection comprises two main stages: Stage 1 involves a Competitive Written Examination in offline OMR format (Paper 1 and Paper 2, each of 2 hours and 300 marks), followed by Stage 2 – a Kannada Language Test. Candidates must secure a minimum of 35 marks in the written examination to qualify. Final selection is subject to document verification and eligibility confirmation.
Q4. What are the educational qualifications required for Agriculture Officer posts?
Ans. Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 85) requires B.Sc. (Agriculture) or B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture from a University recognized by ICAR or AICTE. Agriculture Officer (Pay Level Rs. 15) requires B.Tech (Food Science and Technology) or equivalent from a recognized institution. All degrees must be obtained on or before the application deadline.
Q5. What is the pay scale for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer positions?
Ans. Agriculture Officer pay scale is Rs. 69,250 – 1,34,200 (Revised State Pay Scale 2024). Assistant Agriculture Officer pay scale is Rs. 65,950 – 1,24,900 (Revised State Pay Scale 2024). National Pension Scheme (NPS) benefits are applicable. Selected candidates undergo a 2-year probation period.
Q6. How much is the application fee for KEA Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Ans. General Merit (UR) and OBC category candidates pay Rs. 750/- (Rs. 500 application fee + Rs. 250 processing fee). SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender candidates pay Rs. 500/-. Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates pay Rs. 250/- (processing fee only). Fees are non-refundable and paid online only.
Q7. Are candidates currently pursuing higher qualifications eligible to apply for this recruitment?
Ans. No. Candidates currently enrolled in higher qualification programs should not apply, as the Kerala Examinations Authority will not accept responsibility if they are found ineligible at the document verification stage. All educational qualifications must be completed and obtained by the last application date.
