KSHD Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 85 Assistant Posts
Posted By: Jiya
Karnataka Examination Authority has made an announcement regarding a major opportunity available through the Karnataka Government Jobs category for horticulture professionals. There are 85 openings available for the posts of Assistant Horticulture Officer & Assistant Director of Horticulture. Eligible candidates having degree qualifications in horticulture from ICAR-recognized institutions can apply for the same through the official online website for KEA Recruitment 2026. Also, this recruitment is one such great career opportunity for those individuals looking forward to taking up Administration government jobs in India. Candidates should check all eligibility criteria pertaining to educational qualifications, age requirements and reservation categories before applying. The selection process includes a competitive examination in two papers followed by document verification. Candidates selected in this process would get appointment as Assistant Horticulture Officers / Assistants to Director of Horticulture in Karnataka State Horticulture Department.
Introduction to Karnataka Horticulture Department
Karnataka Horticulture Department is an organization working under the Karnataka government to promote the development of horticulture in Karnataka. The department works in the area of cultivation and marketing of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers and plantation crops besides implementing farmer welfare programs. The department carries out agricultural research and technical extension works. This department plays an important role in improving the lives of people living in rural areas and agricultural development of Karnataka through different programs of the state as well as central government.
Key Dates to Remember
- Notification Release Date: August 4, 2026
- Online Application Start Date: August 5, 2026
- Last Date for Online Application: August 30, 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: August 31, 2026
Department Information
- Department Name: Karnataka State Horticulture Department
- Authority for Administration: Government of Karnataka
- Authority for Recruitment: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
- Category of Recruitment: Government Jobs in Karnataka
- Sector: Agriculture & Horticulture Services
- Level of Job: Group-B Government Service
Available Positions for KSHD Recruitment 2026
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies |
| Assistant Horticulture Officer | 75 |
| Assistant Horticulture Director | 5 |
| Assistant Horticulture Director (Kalyana-Karnataka Quota) | 5 |
| Total Vacancies | 85 |
Job Profile
- Assistant Horticulture Officer: Carry out horticulture operations, provide technical advice to farmers and help with department schemes.
- Assistant Horticulture Director: Supervise horticulture programs, oversee developmental operations and help with department schemes.
- Field Duties: Activities involved include participation in rural development programs and farmers’ aid schemes.
- Service Region: Jobs entail administrative and technical duties in Karnataka.
Eligibility Requirements for KSHD Recruitment 2026
| Post Name | Eligibility Details |
| Assistant Horticulture Officer |
|
| Assistant Horticulture Director |
|
| Educational Qualification |
|
- Educational Eligibility: The candidate should have completed the necessary educational qualification of horticulture.
- Verification of Eligibility: All educational certificates will be verified at the time of selection process.
- Eligibility Criterion: Candidates applying for Karnataka Government Jobs should meet all educational criteria specified in the notification.
Age Limitations
- Minimum Age Limit: 18 Years
- Maximum Age for General Merit Candidates: 40 Years
- Maximum Age for Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B Candidates: 43 Years
- Maximum Age for SC/ST/Category-1 Candidates: 45 Years
- Age relaxation: According to Karnataka state government rules.
- Additional Relaxations: Relaxations can be availed by eligible categories of widows, ex-servicemen, government servants and other categories.
Remuneration Details
- Assistant Horticulture Officer Salary: Rs. 65,950/- to Rs. 1,24,900/- per month
- Assistant Horticulture Director Salary: Rs. 69,250/- to Rs. 1,34,200/- per month
- Probation period: Selected candidates will serve on a two year probation period
- Retirement Scheme: NPS shall be applicable to all employees.
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fees |
| General Merit and Category 2A/2B/3A/3B | Rs. 750/- |
| SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender | Rs. 500/- |
| Persons with Disabilities | Rs. 250/- |
- Payment Mode: Payment will be done online only.
- Fee Status: Non-Refundable Fees.
- Application fee: Application Fee will need to be paid by applicant of KEA Recruitment 2026.
Hiring Procedure for KSHD Recruitment 2026
- Method of Selection: The selected candidates through KEA are those of candidates who get the highest marks in the competitive examination arranged by the KEA.
- Exam Mode: There can be a choice of either a CBT Exam or an OMR based exam for the conduct of the exam.
- Exam Papers Details: The examination consists of total of 2 papers.
- Paper 1: General Knowledge Paper
- Paper 2: Horticulture Subject Paper
- Total Marks: 600 Marks
- Mark of Qualification: 35% minimum marks.
- Penalty for Incorrect Answers: Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of 0.75 mark deduction.
- Eligibility Process: Besides the main examination, the procedure includes a stage of document verification which is necessary for latest government jobs under KSHD for the year 2026.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Horticulture | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
Importance of Practicing Previous Year Question Papers for KSHD Exam
- Analyse Exam Structure: The past year question paper helps the candidates understand the exam pattern of the KSHD examination, which includes the type of questions, level of difficulty, marking system and weightage of each subject.
- Enhance Speed & Accuracy: Practice with the help of past year question papers will help the candidates gain speed and accuracy during the competitive examination.
- Identify Important Concepts: With the help of past year papers, the aspirants can identify important topics that are usually asked from the subjects of General Knowledge and Horticulture.
- Know Strengths & Weaknesses: Solving the past year papers will help the candidates to evaluate themselves and improve their weak areas.
Preparation Strategy for KSHD Recruitment Exam
- Study Strategy: Develop a proper timetable which includes General Knowledge as well as Horticulture.
- Books for References: Besides the general horticulture textbooks, read the ones on general knowledge related to the State of Karnataka.
- Mock Tests: Attempt mock exams to refine time management skills and increase speed and accuracy for the upcoming tests.
- Past Papers: Going through the old question papers helps to figure out the syllabus and pattern of the topics being asked regularly.
- Preparing for Exam: Candidates applying for a government job in Karnataka are required to update themselves with the latest happening and concepts.
Recommended Study Materials for KSHD Recruitment 2026 Exam
- General Knowledge Preparation
- Book Name: Lucent’s General Knowledge
- Author/Publisher: Lucent Publication
- Purpose: Preparatory book for topics such as Indian History, Geography, Indian Constitution, General Science, Current affairs and Karnataka General Knowledge
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Book Title: Indian Polity
- Author: M. Laxmikanth
- Purpose: Discusses constitutional provisions, governmental structure, fundamental rights and significant administrative subjects.
- Horticulture Subject Preparation
- Book Title: Handbook of Horticulture
- Author: K.L. Chadha
- Application: It will helpful in learning concepts related to horticulture, crop growing, plant science & techniques of its cultivation.
- Agriculture and Plant Science Preparation
- Name of the Book: Agriculture at a Glance
- Author: R.K. Sharma
- Purpose: Used for topics involving crop production, soil conservation, agriculture and useful horticulture material to answer the horticulture exam.
- Current Affairs and Practice Materials
- Book Title: Manorama Year Book
- Author/Publisher: Malayala Manorama Group
- Use: Useful in preparing for the general knowledge and current affairs section of the exam.
- Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests
- Study material: Past years’ papers, on line tests and practice sets
- Objective: Acclimate students to the exam pattern, test accuracy and make the candidates accustomed to the Assistant Horticulture Director Recruitment exam pattern.
Application Submission Process for KSHD Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official website at www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Go to Recruitment section to find the Horticulture Department Recruitment-2026.
- Ensure that you read the entire notification, so you understand the requirements, key dates and application process.
- Follow the official link or the steps to the web-based signup page and submit an application form with accurate identity information only. Never share fraudulent info at this portal as it can later lead you to major consequences.
- Fill in personal, educational and category details truthfully during the form filling process at application time.
- Scan and upload what comes next items: your latest photo, signature and academic certificates.
- After that select the payment mode for online submission of the application fee based on your category.
- Once you check your details you can finally submit your application form before August 30, 2026.
- Save the receipt of the submitted application for subsequent use. It will be needed while appearing at KSHD Examination in future.
- Applicants are supposed to be very particular at this stage of filling up the application form so that if a mistake slips in it could be amended or corrected at once.
Official PDF Highlights
- Recruitment Notification: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) is the recruitment authority, which has released recruitment notification for the posts of Karnataka State Horticulture Department.
- Number of Posts: There are a total number of 85 Group-B posts for the posts of Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director.
- Details of Notification: The recruitment process is made available through the notifications ADE/KEA/32/NE.V/2026 (RPC) and ADE/KEA/33/NE.V/2026 (KK).
- Mode of Application: Applications can be submitted through online mode only.
- Educational Requirement: Educational requirement for the posts includes having a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or Post Graduate Degree in Horticulture with B.Sc. Horticulture, as per the posts.
- Mode of Selection: The selection process includes a competitive examination followed by document verification process.
- Pattern of Exam: Written exam has two parts including General Knowledge and Horticulture Subject with total marks of 600.
- Age Criteria: Applicant should meet the prescribed age criteria along with relaxation.
- Important Date: The last date for submission of online application form is August 30, 2026, whereas for submission of fees is August 31, 2026.
FAQs
The process of applying for the KSHD Recruitment 2026 commences from August 05, 2026. Individuals who wish to participate in the recruitment process will have to submit the application form before August 30, 2026. The last date for making the payment of the application fee is August 31, 2026.
An individual who has obtained his/her Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from ICAR Recognized University is eligible to apply for the post of Assistant Horticulture Officers. He/she must also fulfill the prescribed age requirements along with other eligibility criteria.
The process of selection of candidates for this recruitment process involves a competitive exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority. There are two papers in the examination including General Knowledge and Horticulture subjects. The candidates must obtain minimum qualifying marks in order to qualify in the process.
The applicants can apply through the Karnataka Examination Authority official website by completing registration, uploading necessary documents, paying relevant fees and submitting applications.
Official Links
| Official Notification (General Recruitment) | Download PDF |
| Official Notification (Kalyana-Karnataka Quota) | Download PDF |
| Official Website | www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Apply Online (General Recruitment) | www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Apply Online (Kalyana-Karnataka Quota) | www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Don’t Miss This: Browse All Karnataka Government Job Vacancies – Stay Ahead with Aavedan.co
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Qualification
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Last date to apply
30 Aug, 2026