The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has formally opened the application window for recruitment to the posts of Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Horticulture Officer (AHO) in the Karnataka State Agriculture and Horticulture Departments. The notification, published on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, marks a significant hiring push by the state government aimed at strengthening frontline agricultural extension services and horticultural programme delivery across rural Karnataka.
The recruitment will fill vacancies under both departments. Agriculture Officers are primarily responsible for overseeing crop cultivation programmes, extension education, soil health initiatives, and the dissemination of modern farming techniques to farmers at the block and taluk levels. Assistant Horticulture Officers, on the other hand, focus on the promotion and development of horticulture crops — including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plantation crops — across the state.
Eligibility for the Agriculture Officer post generally requires a Master's degree in Agriculture or a related discipline from a recognised university, along with such other qualifications as prescribed by the state government. For the Assistant Horticulture Officer post, candidates are typically expected to hold a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or Agricultural Science. The upper age limit for general category candidates stands at 32 years, with standard relaxations applicable for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and other reserved categories as per Karnataka government norms.
Candidates wishing to apply must register on the KEA candidate portal, upload the required documents — including educational certificates, caste certificates, photographs, and signatures — and pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment gateway. The portal is expected to remain open for several weeks, though aspirants are advised to complete their applications well before the final date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
The selection process is likely to involve a written examination conducted by KEA, followed by document verification. The state government has emphasised that qualified and motivated candidates from across Karnataka and neighbouring states will find this recruitment a valuable opportunity to serve in agricultural administration and contribute directly to the state's farming community.
