KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026: 872 Agriculture Officer — Job Details

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has issued a significant recruitment notification for the year 2026, inviting applications for the posts of Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO). This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 872 vacancies across various regions in Karnataka. Aspiring candidates with a background in agriculture and related fields have a notable opportunity to join the state government services. The application process is entirely online, providing a streamlined approach for all eligible applicants.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026, detailing important dates, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the selection process. Candidates are advised to carefully review all sections to ensure a complete and accurate application. The KEA plays a crucial role in conducting various examinations and recruitment processes for government departments in Karnataka, ensuring a fair and transparent selection of qualified individuals. This particular recruitment is vital for strengthening the agricultural sector in the state by bringing in skilled professionals.

Quick Facts

About the recruitment

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is conducting a recruitment drive for the positions of Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO). This initiative is part of the state government's efforts to enhance its agricultural workforce. The recruitment is governed by advertisement numbers EDI/KEA/08/RPC/2026 and EDI/KEA/09/KK/2026. A total of 872 vacancies have been announced, offering a substantial opportunity for eligible candidates to secure government employment in Karnataka. The application process is designed to be online, facilitating easy access for applicants from across the state.

The roles of Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer are instrumental in implementing agricultural policies, providing technical guidance to farmers, and contributing to the overall development of the agricultural sector. These positions often involve field work, data collection, and interaction with various stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Successful candidates will be posted in various locations across Karnataka, contributing directly to the state's agricultural growth and rural development.

Important Dates

Candidates interested in the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 should note the following key dates:

• Start Date for apply (application window now closed): April 19, 2026
• Last Date for apply (application window now closed): May 10, 2026
• Last Date for Payment of Application Fee: May 12, 2026
• Kannada Language Test: June 06, 2026
• Written Exam (RPC): June 07, 2026
• Written Exam (KK): June 14, 2026

It is crucial for applicants to adhere to these deadlines to ensure their application is successfully submitted and considered for the recruitment process. Missing any of these dates may lead to disqualification from the selection process. Candidates should plan their application submission and fee payment well in advance to avoid last-minute technical difficulties. The dates for the written examinations are also provided, allowing candidates ample time for preparation.

Vacancy Details

The KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 has announced a total of 872 vacancies for the posts of Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO). These vacancies are distributed across different regions and categories, as detailed in the official notification. The specific breakdown of vacancies for each post and region will be available in the detailed notification on the KEA website. Candidates are encouraged to refer to the official notification for a comprehensive understanding of the vacancy distribution.

Understanding the vacancy details is important for candidates to assess their chances and prepare accordingly. The number of vacancies indicates the scale of the recruitment drive and the opportunities available. While the total number of posts is 872, the distribution among the two posts (AO and AAO) and various categories will influence individual application strategies. Candidates should carefully check the official notification for any region-specific or category-specific reservations that may apply.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications. The primary requirement is a B.Sc (Agri/Hons) or specified B.Tech/B.Sc degrees. The detailed educational qualifications are as follows:

Educational Qualification

• For Agriculture Officer (AO) & Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) (85% posts):
• Candidates must possess a B.Sc (Agriculture) or B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture from an ICAR/AICTE recognised university.

• For Agriculture Officer (AO) & Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) (15% posts):
• Candidates must possess one of the following degrees:
• B.Tech (Food Science & Technology)
• B.Tech (Food Technology)
• B.Sc (Sericulture & Cooperation)
• B.Sc (Agri Marketing & Cooperation)
• B.Sc (Agri Business Management)
• B.Sc (Agri Biotechnology)
• B.Tech (Biotechnology)
• B.Sc (Agricultural Engineering)
• B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering)

Candidates must ensure that their educational qualification is obtained from a recognised university or institution as on the last date of application. It is crucial to verify that the degree is from an ICAR/AICTE recognised university for the 85% posts. For the 15% posts, the specific B.Tech/B.Sc degrees mentioned are mandatory. Candidates should have their degree certificates and mark sheets ready for verification during the application process.

Other Conditions

• OTR Portal Registration: Candidates must be registered on the OTR (One Time Registration) portal.
• Kannada Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the Kannada language is required. Exemptions may application window closed for certain categories of candidates, as detailed in the official notification.
• Citizenship: Only Indian citizens or eligible categories as specified in the notification are eligible to apply.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is a prerequisite for applying. Candidates who do not fulfil these conditions will not be considered for the recruitment. It is advisable to thoroughly read the official notification for any further specific requirements or clarifications regarding eligibility.

Age Limit

The age limits for the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 vary based on the candidate's category. The maximum age limits are as follows:

• General Merit Candidates: 40 Years
• Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 43 Years
• SC / ST / Category-1: 45 Years

Candidates must ensure they fall within the specified age bracket as of the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. Age relaxation benefits are provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per the government rules. Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess valid caste certificates or other relevant documents as proof. It is important to calculate the age accurately based on the specified date to avoid any discrepancies during the application or verification process. The official notification will provide the exact date for age calculation.

Application Mode

The application mode for the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 is online only. Candidates must submit their applications through the official website of the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). There will be no provision for offline applications.

Application Fee

The application fee varies based on the candidate's category. The fee structure is as follows:

• General & Other Categories (Cat-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): ₹750/- (This includes ₹500 Application Fee + ₹250 Processing Fee)
• SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender: ₹500/- (This includes ₹250 Application Fee + ₹250 Processing Fee)
• PwD (Special Differently Abled): ₹250/- (This is for Processing Fee only)

Candidates must pay the application fee through online modes such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable. It is essential to complete the fee payment by the last date specified, which is May 12, 2026, to ensure the application is considered complete. Failure to pay the application fee will result in the rejection of the application. Candidates should keep a record of their payment transaction for future reference.

Selection Process

The selection process for the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 involves multiple stages to assess the suitability of candidates. The primary stages include a Kannada Language Test and a Written Examination.

Kannada Language Test

• This test is qualifying in nature. Candidates must pass this test to be eligible for further stages of the selection process. The specific passing marks or criteria will be detailed in the official notification. Proficiency in Kannada is a mandatory requirement for these government positions in Karnataka.

Written Exam

• The written examination will be an Offline OMR Objective Type test.
• It will consist of two papers, each carrying 300 marks.
• There will be negative marking: 0.75 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% marks in the written exam to be considered for selection.

Final Selection

• The final selection will be based on merit in the written examination, provided the candidate has successfully cleared the Kannada Language Test.

Candidates should prepare thoroughly for both the Kannada Language Test and the Written Exam. The negative marking in the written exam emphasizes the importance of accuracy. A strong performance in the written examination is crucial for securing a position, as it forms the basis for the final merit list. The official notification will provide detailed information about the syllabus, exam pattern, and other instructions for the written examination.

Application process reference

Candidates interested in applying for the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 must follow the online application procedure carefully. The application window is from April 19, 2026, to May 10, 2026.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the official website of the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) at `https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/`.
2. Locate the Recruitment Notification: On the homepage, look for the 'Direct Recruitment' section and click on the relevant recruitment notification link for Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer posts.
3. Online Registration: If you are a new user, complete the online registration process using a valid mobile number and email ID. This will generate your login credentials.
4. Fill the Application Form: Log in with your registered credentials and proceed to fill out the online application form. Provide accurate personal details, educational qualifications, contact information, and category details.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the specified format and size. The photograph should typically be between 50–200 KB and the signature between 50–70 KB, both in JPEG format. Additionally, upload required certificates such as educational qualifications, caste certificates (if applicable), income certificates, and any other relevant documents as per the notification.
6. Pay Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Ensure the payment is completed by May 12, 2026.
7. Review and Submit: Before final submission, carefully review all the entered details in the application form. Make any necessary corrections. Once satisfied, submit the application form online.
8. Print Application and Receipt: After successful submission, download and print a copy of the submitted application form and the fee payment receipt for your records and future reference.

Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification thoroughly before starting the application process to understand all instructions and requirements. It is crucial to submit the application well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Keep all necessary documents ready in the prescribed format and size to ensure a smooth application experience.

Why this matters

This recruitment drive by the Karnataka Examinations Authority for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer positions holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a substantial number of government job opportunities (872 vacancies) in Karnataka, providing stable and reputable career paths for individuals with relevant agricultural and technical qualifications. Government jobs are highly sought after in India due to their security, benefits, and opportunities for public service.

Secondly, the roles of Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer are critical for the development and implementation of agricultural policies at the grassroots level. These officers play a vital role in disseminating modern farming techniques, ensuring food security, and supporting the livelihood of farmers. Their work directly contributes to the economic growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector in Karnataka, which is a cornerstone of the state's economy.

Thirdly, the recruitment process ensures that qualified and skilled professionals are inducted into the state's agricultural department, which can lead to improved efficiency and innovation in agricultural practices. The emphasis on specific educational qualifications ensures that candidates possess the necessary technical knowledge to excel in these roles. For aspiring candidates, this is an opportunity to contribute to public service while building a rewarding career in a vital sector.

Summary

The KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 presents a significant opportunity for individuals seeking a career in the agricultural sector within the Karnataka government. With 872 vacancies for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply (application window now closed) between April 19, 2026, and May 10, 2026. Ensure all eligibility criteria are met, and the application fee is paid by May 12, 2026. Thorough preparation for the Kannada Language Test and Written Exam is crucial for success. For detailed information and to apply, visit the official KEA website: `https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/`.