KSHD Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 85 Assistant Horticulture Officer & Director Posts

KSHD Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has officially released the KSHD Recruitment 2026 notification on 04.08.2026, inviting online applications for a total of 85 vacancies under the Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka. This recruitment drive aims to fill the positions of Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director, offering a prestigious government career in the horticulture sector. The notification has been published in two parts: a general recruitment notification (80 posts) and a special Kalyana-Karnataka quota notification (5 posts) under Article 371(J).

This is a golden opportunity for candidates holding a B.Sc. in Horticulture or a Postgraduate degree in Horticulture, as the selection will be based on a competitive examination conducted by KEA. The online application process commenced on 05.08.2026 and will close on 30.08.2026. With attractive pay scales, job security, and the chance to contribute to the state's agricultural development, this recruitment is highly sought after. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, the KSHD Recruitment 2026 offers a clear pathway to a rewarding career in the Karnataka Horticulture Department.

In this comprehensive article, we provide all the essential details, including vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, salary structure, selection process, application fee, important dates, and a step-by-step guide to apply online. Read on to ensure you don't miss any crucial information.

KSHD Notification Highlights 2026

The KSHD Recruitment 2026 notification comes with several key highlights that every applicant should know. Here is a quick summary:

• Organization: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) on behalf of the Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka.
• Posts: Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director.
• Total Vacancies: 85 (80 under general notification + 5 under Kalyana-Karnataka quota).
• Notification Numbers: ADE/KEA/32/NE.V/2026 (RPC) and ADE/KEA/33/NE.V/2026 (KK).
• Notification Release Date: 04.08.2026.
• Application Mode: Online only.
• Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
• Application Start Date: 05.08.2026.
• Application Last Date: 30.08.2026.
• Fee Payment Last Date: 31.08.2026.
• Exam Date: later.

These highlights provide a snapshot of the recruitment, but candidates must read the full notification for detailed rules and regulations.

About KSHD & KSHD 2026

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) is a nodal agency responsible for conducting various entrance examinations and recruitment processes for the Government of Karnataka. For the KSHD Recruitment 2026, KEA is acting on behalf of the Horticulture Department, which plays a vital role in promoting scientific horticulture, managing gardens, and implementing government schemes related to fruit, vegetable, and flower cultivation. The department is known for its dynamic work environment, offering employees the opportunity to work closely with farmers, research institutions, and administrative bodies.

Working as an Assistant Horticulture Officer or Assistant Horticulture Director under KSHD means being part of a team that drives agricultural innovation and food security in Karnataka. These roles involve field inspections, extension services, and administrative duties, providing a balanced mix of outdoor and office work. With the state's emphasis on horticulture development, these positions offer long-term career growth and the satisfaction of public service.

KSHD Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The KSHD Recruitment 2026 comprises two notifications, each with specific vacancies. The general notification covers 80 posts, while the Kalyana-Karnataka quota notification covers 5 posts. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Notification 1: General Recruitment (80 Posts)

Notification 2: Kalyana-Karnataka Quota (5 Posts)

These vacancies are provisional and subject to change as per government orders. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for any updates.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for KSHD 2026

The KSHD Recruitment 2026 follows the reservation policy of the Government of Karnataka. While the official notification does not provide a detailed category-wise breakdown in the public domain, the following general reservation percentages are typically applicable for state government recruitments:

• General Merit (UR): As per state norms.
• OBC (Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): As per state norms.
• EWS: As per state norms.
• SC: As per state norms.
• ST: As per state norms.
• PwD: As per state norms.

For the Kalyana-Karnataka quota, 5 posts are exclusively reserved for candidates from that region under Article 371(J). Candidates must refer to the official notification for the exact category-wise distribution.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for KSHD 2026

To apply for the KSHD Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the educational qualifications specified for each post. The qualifications are stringent and require specific degrees in Horticulture.

Assistant Horticulture Officer

Candidates must have completed a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Horticulture from a university established by law in India and accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The degree should be from a recognized institution, and candidates must have passed all the required semesters.

Assistant Horticulture Director

For this higher-level post, candidates must possess a Post Graduate Degree in Horticulture (M.Sc. in Horticulture) along with a B.Sc. in Horticulture from a university established by law in India and accredited by ICAR. The combination of both degrees is mandatory.

In addition to the educational qualifications, candidates must have studied Kannada as a language up to SSLC level or equivalent, or they will have to appear for a Kannada Language Test as part of the selection process.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The age limit for the KSHD Recruitment 2026 is calculated as on the last date of application submission, i.e., 30.08.2026. As per the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977, and the recent Government Order No. CSaU 262 SEN 2025 dated 29.01.2026, the upper age limit has been relaxed by 5 years for this recruitment cycle. The age limits are as follows:

Additional age relaxation of up to 10 years is available for widows, ex-servicemen, government employees, and other specified categories as per the notification. Candidates must ensure they meet the age criteria before applying.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

The selected candidates for the KSHD Recruitment 2026 will receive a handsome salary along with various allowances and benefits. The pay scales are as follows:

In addition to the basic pay, employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other perks as per government norms. The total in-hand salary will be higher than the basic pay. Selected candidates will be on probation for two years and will be covered under the National Pension System (NPS).

KSHD Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection for the KSHD Recruitment 2026 will be based on a competitive examination conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority. The exam will be held in either Online (CBT) or Offline (OMR) mode. The selection process consists of the following stages:

Stage 1: Competitive Examination

The exam will consist of two papers, each of 100 questions and 300 marks, with a duration of 2 hours per paper.

Minimum qualifying marks: 35% for all candidates. Negative marking: 0.75 marks deducted for each wrong answer.

Stage 2: Kannada Language Test

Candidates who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC level (or equivalent) must appear for a qualifying Kannada Language Test of 150 marks. A minimum of 50 marks is required to qualify. This test is qualifying in nature and its marks are not counted in the final merit list. Candidates who fail to appear will be disqualified.

Stage 3: Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification to confirm their eligibility. Candidates must bring all original documents and self-attested copies as specified in the notification.

There is no interview or physical test for these posts. The final selection will be based on the performance in the competitive examination and the Kannada Language Test (if applicable).

Application Fee Details

The application fee for the KSHD Recruitment 2026 varies by category. The fee must be paid online through the payment gateway. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable. The fee structure is as follows:

Payment can be made using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Candidates are advised to keep the payment receipt for future reference.

Important Dates & Schedule

All candidates must adhere to the following important dates for the KSHD Recruitment 2026:

Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Required Documents for KSHD Application 2026

While filling the online application, candidates must have the following documents ready. These documents will also be required at the time of document verification:

• Aadhaar Card
• SSLC or equivalent certificate/marks card showing date of birth, or birth certificate
• Marks cards and certificates for all educational qualifications (B.Sc., M.Sc., etc.)
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates) in the prescribed format
• Income and caste certificate, if applicable
• Rural reservation certificate, if applicable
• Kannada medium study certificate, if applicable
• Ex-servicemen discharge certificate/pension book/proof of dependency, if applicable
• Third gender certificate from District Magistrate, if applicable
• Kalyana-Karnataka (371-J) eligibility and local candidate certificate, if applicable
• Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, 50-200 KB) and signature (JPEG, 50-70 KB)

Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date.

How to Apply Online

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply online for the KSHD Recruitment 2026:

1. Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
2. Look for the link 'KSHD Assistant Horticulture Officer / Director Recruitment 2026' and click on it.
3. Register yourself by providing basic details like name, email, and mobile number.
4. Fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details.
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, white background, 50-200 KB) and a scanned signature (JPEG, 50-70 KB) as per specifications.
6. Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
7. After successful payment, download the fee payment receipt/challan.
8. Review the application form and submit it before the last date.
9. Take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.

Note: No correction is allowed after submission, so fill the form carefully.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for KSHD Applicants

To ensure a smooth application process, candidates must follow these important instructions:

• Use a valid email ID and mobile number for registration, as all communication will be sent there.
• Ensure the photograph and signature are in the specified format and size; otherwise, the application may be rejected.
• Fill in all details correctly and cross-check before final submission.
• Keep the application fee payment receipt safe.
• Eligibility will be verified at the time of document verification; providing false information will lead to disqualification.
• Stay updated with the official website for exam date and other announcements.
• Do not wait until the last day to apply, as the server may be slow.

Job Location & Posting Details

The selected candidates will be posted in various districts across Karnataka, depending on the requirements of the Horticulture Department. The general notification covers posts across the state, while the Kalyana-Karnataka quota posts are specifically for the Kalyana-Karnataka region (districts like Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur, etc.). The exact place of posting will be decided as per the department's needs and the candidate's rank. Candidates should be willing to serve anywhere in the state.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The KSHD Recruitment 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for horticulture graduates to secure a prestigious government job in Karnataka. With 85 vacancies, the competition will be tough, but with proper preparation, success is achievable. Candidates are advised to thoroughly study the official notification, prepare for the competitive exam focusing on General Knowledge and Horticulture subjects, and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. Apply online before the deadline and keep all documents ready. Good luck!

Senior Government Jobs Editor ✓

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.

Fact-Checked & Verified