Apply Online: KEA Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 – 945 Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Dates & Links

Government Department Vacancies Recruitment 2026: An Overview

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released two revised notifications for the recruitment of Agriculture Officer (Krushi Adhikari) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (Sahayaka Krushi Adhikari) under the Inland (KK) and Rural Pay Commission (RPC) cadres. With a total of 945 vacancies (including 18 for Persons with Disabilities), this is a golden opportunity for agriculture graduates and professionals seeking a stable and prestigious government job in Karnataka. The recruitment drive aims to fill these posts through a competitive written examination followed by a Kannada language test. Candidates with a B.Sc. in Agriculture or related fields can apply online from 30 May 2026 to 20 June 2026. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the eligibility criteria, vacancy distribution, salary structure, selection process, and step-by-step application guide to help you navigate the recruitment smoothly.

Government Department Vacancies Notification Highlights

The KEA Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 notification brings a total of 945 vacancies across two cadres. The Inland (KK) cadre offers 273 posts (257 + 16 PwD), while the RPC cadre offers 672 posts (670 + 2 PwD). The pay scale for Agriculture Officer ranges from ₹69,250 to ₹1,34,200, and for Assistant Agriculture Officer from ₹65,950 to ₹1,24,900. The selection will be based on an offline OMR-based written examination (Paper 1: General Paper, Paper 2: Specific Paper) and a Kannada language test. The application fee is ₹750 for General/OBC, ₹500 for SC/ST/Cat-1/Ex-Servicemen, and ₹250 for PwD candidates. The last date to apply online is 20 June 2026, and the written exam is scheduled for 25 July 2026 (KK cadre) and 26 July 2026 (RPC cadre).

About Government Department

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is a state-level autonomous body functioning under the Government of Karnataka, responsible for conducting various entrance examinations and recruitment processes for professional courses and government jobs. Established to streamline the admission and recruitment procedures, KEA ensures transparency and efficiency in the selection of candidates for various departments. For this recruitment, KEA is acting on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, which oversees agricultural development, research, and extension services across the state. The department plays a crucial role in implementing government schemes, improving crop productivity, and supporting farmers. Joining as an Agriculture Officer or Assistant Agriculture Officer means contributing directly to the agricultural growth of Karnataka, with job security, attractive pay, and opportunities for career advancement.

Government Department Vacancy Details & Posts

The vacancies are distributed across two cadres: Inland Source (KK Cadre) and Rural Pay Commission (RPC Cadre). The posts are further categorized based on pay level (Rs. 85 level and Rs. 15 level). The total vacancies are provisional and subject to change.

A. Inland / KK Cadre Vacancies (Notification No. KE09/2026)

B. Rural Pay Commission (RPC) Cadre Vacancies (Notification No. KE08/2026)

Grand Total: 927 + 18 (PwD) vacancies across both cadres.

Eligibility Criteria for Vacancies at Government Department

Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria as on the last date of application (20 June 2026):

Educational Qualification Required for Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer Posts

Important: The degree must be from a university/institute recognized by ICAR or AICTE. Distance education degrees are not eligible. Candidates must possess the degree by the last date of application.

Age Limit details for Government Department Vacancies Job

Additional Relaxations: Ex-Servicemen: 3 years + military service; PwD: 10 years; Widows: 10 years; Government servants: by years of service or 10 years (whichever lower).

Who is Eligible & Suitable for Vacancies Roles?

This recruitment is ideal for candidates with a background in agriculture or related fields. Fresh graduates with a B.Sc. (Agriculture) or B.Tech in Food Technology/Agricultural Engineering can apply for Assistant Agriculture Officer posts, while experienced professionals may aim for Agriculture Officer roles. The job offers a stable government career with opportunities for promotion and specialization in agricultural extension, research, and administration. Candidates who are passionate about rural development and have a good understanding of Karnataka's agricultural landscape will find these roles fulfilling. Both freshers and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The selection process tests general knowledge and subject-specific expertise, so thorough preparation is essential.

Salary Package & Perks for Government Department Vacancies

The selected candidates will receive a competitive salary as per the Revised State Pay Scale 2024. Agriculture Officers will earn between ₹69,250 and ₹1,34,200 per month, while Assistant Agriculture Officers will earn between ₹65,950 and ₹1,24,900. In addition to the basic pay, employees are entitled to allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA) as per government norms. The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is applicable. The probation period is 2 years, after which the appointment becomes permanent. The job also offers career growth through departmental promotions, job security, and a respectful position in society.

Government Department Vacancies Selection Process Explained

The selection process consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Competitive Written Examination (Offline OMR Type)

The written exam comprises two papers for each post level (Rs. 85 and Rs. 15):

• Paper 1 (General Paper): 300 marks, 2 hours – Covers Current Affairs, General Science, Karnataka History & Geography, Indian History & Geography, Social Science, Mental Ability, Indian Constitution, Public Administration, Rural Development, Science & Technology, International Relations, Economy, Environmental Science, Logical Reasoning, and practical knowledge.
• Paper 2 (Specific Paper): 300 marks, 2 hours – Syllabus to be announced separately.

Negative Marking: 0.75 marks deducted for each wrong answer. Minimum qualifying marks: 35 out of 300 in the written exam.

Stage 2: Kannada Language Test

Candidates who have not studied Kannada as first/second language up to SSLC or studied in Kannada medium from Class 1-10 must appear for a Kannada test (150 marks, minimum 50 marks to qualify). The test is qualifying in nature and marks are not counted for merit.

Final selection is based on written exam performance and document verification.

Expected Competition & Difficulty Level for Vacancies

With 945 vacancies, this recruitment is expected to attract a large number of applicants from Karnataka and neighboring states. The competition will be intense, especially for General category candidates. The difficulty level of the written exam is moderate to high, with the General Paper testing a wide range of subjects and the Specific Paper requiring in-depth knowledge of agriculture. Candidates should prepare thoroughly, focusing on current affairs, Karnataka-specific topics, and their core subject. The Kannada language test adds an additional layer, so non-Kannada speakers should start learning basic Kannada if they are not exempted. Overall, dedicated preparation and time management are key to success.

How to Prepare for Government Department Vacancies Exam

To crack the KEA Agriculture Officer exam, candidates should follow a structured preparation plan:

• General Paper: Read newspapers daily for current affairs, especially Karnataka-related news. Study Karnataka history, geography, and polity from standard textbooks. Practice mental ability and logical reasoning questions.
• Specific Paper: Revise your B.Sc. Agriculture syllabus thoroughly, focusing on agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural economics, and extension. For B.Tech graduates, cover food technology, biotechnology, and agricultural engineering topics.
• Kannada Language: If not exempted, practice reading and writing Kannada. Learn basic grammar and common vocabulary.
• Time Management: Allocate 3-4 hours daily for preparation, with separate slots for general studies and subject-specific study. Take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Neglecting negative marking, ignoring the Kannada test, and not reading the notification carefully. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying.

Government Department Vacancies Important Dates

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Government Department Vacancies

Follow these steps to apply online:

1. Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
2. Click on the link for "Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026".
3. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
4. Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and category details.
5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph (50-200 KB), signature (50-70 KB), and required documents (Aadhaar, marksheets, caste certificate, etc.).
6. Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card or net banking.
7. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

Application Fee:

• General/OBC: ₹750
• SC/ST/Cat-1/Ex-Servicemen: ₹500
• PwD: ₹250

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Government Department Application

Many candidates make avoidable errors that lead to rejection. Here are key pitfalls:

• Incorrect or incomplete information: Double-check all entries before submission. No corrections are allowed after submission.
• Missing documents: Ensure all required certificates (caste, rural, Kannada medium, etc.) are uploaded in the correct format.
• Not reading the notification: Many candidates miss important details like negative marking, minimum qualifying marks, or specific eligibility conditions.
• Ignoring the Kannada test: Non-exempted candidates must prepare for the language test; failing to qualify means disqualification.
• Applying for multiple posts incorrectly: If applying for both Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer, pay the additional fee of ₹100 per extra post.
• Last-minute rush: Avoid applying on the last day to prevent server issues. Complete the process a day earlier.

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Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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