KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 Notification is out for 945 Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer vacancies. Check eligibility, application dates, fee, syllabus, and apply online before the last date at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Don't miss this government job opportunity in Karnataka Agriculture Department.
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Introduction
Are you a graduate in Agriculture or related fields dreaming of a stable and rewarding government job in Karnataka? The wait is over! The KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 has officially been announced by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). This is one of the biggest recruitment drives in the state's Agriculture Department, offering 945 vacancies for Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) posts.
This recruitment is a golden opportunity for thousands of agriculture graduates across Karnataka and India who want to serve in the heart of India's farming community. Whether you aspire to guide farmers on modern techniques, contribute to food security, or build a long-term career with excellent salary and benefits, the KEA AO AAO 2026 notification brings new hope.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover every single detail you need — from eligibility criteria, vacancy breakup, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, salary structure, to important dates and preparation tips. This article is specially crafted for aspirants looking for "KEA AO AAO Apply Online", "KEA Agriculture Officer Notification PDF", "KEA AAO Exam Date 2026", and more.
The recruitment is being conducted under two major cadres — KK (Kalyana Karnataka / Inland) and RPC (Rural Pay Commission). With revised notifications released in late May 2026, candidates now have a clear window to apply online.
If you hold a B.Sc (Agriculture), B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, or equivalent qualifications like B.Tech in relevant streams, this is your chance to secure a prestigious Group-B level position in the Karnataka government.
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Why is this recruitment special?
- Huge number of vacancies (945 posts)
- Attractive pay scale with allowances
- Opportunity to work directly with farmers and rural development
- Secure government job with promotions and job security
- Posts available across Karnataka in different zones
In the coming sections, we will dive deep into all aspects so that you can prepare strategically and apply confidently without missing any deadline.
Overview Table
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | Agriculture Officer (AO) & Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) |
| Total Vacancies | 945 (Revised) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be announced (Expected June/July 2026) |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Notification Release Date | April 2026 (Revised in May 2026) |
This table gives you a quick snapshot. Keep reading for expanded details on each section.
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Application Fee
Understanding the application fee structure is crucial before you start filling the KEA AO AAO online application form. The fee varies according to category, which helps candidates from different backgrounds apply without financial burden.
- General / Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B Candidates: ₹750 + applicable service charges
- SC / ST / Category I / PwD Candidates: ₹500 + service charges (exemptions may apply in some cases)
Payment Mode: Online through net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable. Candidates are advised to keep the transaction ID safe for future reference.
Pro Tip: Pay the fee well before the last date to avoid any last-minute server issues. Many candidates face difficulties during peak hours, so early application is always better.
The fee structure reflects KEA's commitment to inclusive recruitment while ensuring only serious candidates apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most important step in the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026. Any mismatch can lead to rejection of your application at any stage. Let's understand the requirements in depth.
1. Educational Qualification
For Agriculture Officer (AO):
- 85% of posts: Candidates must have B.Sc (Agriculture) / B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture from a recognized university (preferably recognized by ICAR).
- 15% of posts: Open to candidates with B.Tech (Food Science & Technology), B.Tech (Food Technology), B.Sc (Agricultural Marketing & Cooperation), B.Sc (Hons) Agri Business Management, B.Sc (Agricultural Biotechnology), B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering), etc.
For Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO):
- Similar qualifications with slight variations in cadre requirements. Generally, a bachelor's degree in Agriculture or allied subjects is mandatory.
All degrees must be from universities recognized by UGC/AICTE/ICAR. Final year students are usually not eligible; only those who have completed their degree by the notification date can apply.
2. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 or 21 years (as per post/cadre)
- Maximum Age: 40 years (as on the last date of application)
Age Relaxation:
- OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): 3 years
- SC/ST/Category-I: 5 years
- Ex-Servicemen / PwD: Additional relaxation as per Karnataka government rules (up to 10 years in some cases)
Candidates must carefully check their age as on the crucial date mentioned in the official notification. Overage candidates often get disappointed after filling forms, so verify first.
3. Domicile and Language
- Preference or mandatory knowledge of Kannada is required for most posts.
- Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Kannada fluently. A separate Kannada language test may be conducted.
4. Other Requirements
- Candidates should be physically and mentally fit for field duties.
- No criminal cases or pending disciplinary actions.
This detailed eligibility ensures that only qualified and dedicated candidates enter the agriculture services of Karnataka, where they will play a key role in implementing government schemes like PM-KISAN, soil health cards, and crop insurance.
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Vacancy Details
The total 945 vacancies in KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 are distributed across AO and AAO posts in different cadres. This large number is due to backlog vacancies and new requirements in both Kalyana Karnataka regions and other parts of the state.
Approximate Breakup (based on revised notification):
- Agriculture Officer (AO): Around 128 posts
- Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO): Around 817 posts
Category-wise and Cadre-wise Distribution:
Vacancies are reserved as per Karnataka government reservation policy for SC, ST, OBC, General, and specially-abled categories. Separate quotas exist for KK (Kalyana Karnataka) and RPC cadres to ensure regional balance.Why so many AAO posts? Assistant Agriculture Officers form the backbone of field-level implementation. They directly interact with farmers, conduct demonstrations, monitor schemes, and provide extension services. AO posts involve more supervisory and administrative responsibilities.
This recruitment will significantly strengthen the agriculture extension network in Karnataka, helping achieve higher productivity and farmer welfare goals.
The vacancies are spread across various districts, giving candidates flexibility in posting preferences (though final allotment depends on merit and reservation).
Important Note: Candidates can apply for one or more posts as per their qualification, but they must ensure they meet specific requirements for each cadre.
In the next part, we will continue with the Selection Process, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Salary, Job Profile, How to Apply step-by-step, and Documents Required. This builds directly on the foundation provided here.
Selection Process
The selection process for KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 is designed to identify candidates with strong subject knowledge, analytical skills, and practical understanding of agriculture. KEA follows a transparent and merit-based system.
The process consists of the following stages:
1- Online Written Examination (Objective Type) This is the primary screening stage. All eligible candidates who apply successfully will appear for a competitive exam. The written test carries maximum weightage.
The entire process is expected to be completed within 3–4 months from the exam date. KEA emphasizes fairness, and any malpractice can lead to disqualification.
Pro Tip for Aspirants: Focus heavily on the written exam as it decides 90–100% of your selection. Consistent preparation and mock tests are key to cracking this.
Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for smart preparation in KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026.
The written exam will be conducted in online mode (Computer Based Test).
Key Highlights of Exam Pattern:
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 120 Minutes (2 Hours)
- Total Marks: 200 Marks
- Number of Questions: 200
- Negative Marking: 0.25 or 0.5 marks (as per official notification)
- Language: English and Kannada (bilingual)
Subject-wise Distribution (Expected & Standard Pattern):
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 40 | 40 |
| Kannada Language | 20 | 20 |
| Agriculture Subject Knowledge | 140 | 140 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Agriculture Officer (AO) vs Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO):
The syllabus weightage for Agriculture subject is higher for AO posts compared to AAO. However, the overall structure remains similar.
The exam is designed to test both conceptual clarity and practical application of agricultural sciences. Time management is crucial since 200 questions in 120 minutes require speed and accuracy.
Syllabus
The syllabus for KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 is vast but focused on core agriculture subjects. Here is a detailed topic-wise breakdown:
1. General Knowledge & Current Affairs (40 Marks)
- Indian History, Geography, Polity, and Economy (focus on Karnataka)
- Karnataka-specific developments in agriculture
- Current events related to agriculture, monsoon, government schemes (PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card, e-NAM, etc.)
- Awards, books, sports, and important days
- Science & Technology developments
2. Kannada Language (20 Marks)
- Grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction
- Comprehension passages
- Synonyms, antonyms, idioms
- Official Kannada usage in government context
3. Agriculture Subject Knowledge (140 Marks) – Most Important Section
Major Topics Include:
Agronomy:
- Principles of crop production, cropping systems
- Soil management, water conservation, dryland farming
- Weed management, integrated farming systems
Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry:
- Soil properties, classification, fertility
- Manures, fertilizers, bio-fertilizers
- Soil testing and nutrient management
Plant Breeding & Genetics:
- Plant breeding methods, hybrid varieties
- Seed technology, certification, storage
Horticulture:
- Fruit crops, vegetable crops, floriculture
- Protected cultivation, post-harvest management
Plant Pathology & Entomology:
- Major diseases and pests of important crops
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Biological control methods
Agricultural Extension:
- Extension education methods
- Farmer training, demonstration, adoption of technology
- Role of KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras)
Agricultural Economics & Marketing:
- Farm management, marketing of agricultural produce
- Agricultural finance, subsidies, crop insurance
Agricultural Engineering:
- Farm machinery and implements
- Irrigation methods (drip, sprinkler)
Allied Subjects:
- Animal husbandry basics, sericulture, fisheries (as per syllabus weightage)
Candidates should study from standard books like Fundamentals of Agriculture by Arun Katyayan, ICAR handbooks, and previous year question papers of similar exams (IBPS AFO, FCI, State Agriculture exams).
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Salary & Benefits
One of the biggest attractions of KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 is the handsome salary package.
Pay Scale:
- Agriculture Officer (AO): ₹ 40,600 – 1,15,000 (Level 8 or equivalent) + Grade Pay
- Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO): ₹ 35,900 – 91,200 (Level 7 or equivalent)
In-Hand Salary (Approximate):
- AO: ₹ 55,000 – 70,000 per month (initially)
- AAO: ₹ 48,000 – 62,000 per month (initially)
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA) – revised periodically
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) – 8% to 24% depending on city
- Medical facilities for self and family
- Travel Allowance
- Pension under NPS (New Pension Scheme)
- Leave benefits, maternity/paternity leave
- Promotion opportunities to senior scales
- Job security and respect in society
These posts also offer good work-life balance with opportunities for field visits, training programs, and foreign exposure through government projects.
Job Profile
Agriculture Officer (AO):
You will work as a supervisory officer. Responsibilities include planning agriculture activities at district/taluka level, monitoring schemes, guiding AAOs, preparing reports, and implementing government policies. More administrative and leadership role.
Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO):
This is a field-level post. You will directly work with farmers — conducting training programs, demonstrating new techniques, distributing seeds/fertilizers, soil testing, crop monitoring, and helping farmers avail subsidies and insurance. It is a highly satisfying role for those who love grassroots work.
Both roles contribute directly to Karnataka’s agriculture growth, which employs nearly 50% of the state’s population.
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How to Apply (Step-by-step Detailed)
Follow these steps carefully for KEA AO AAO Apply Online process:
1- Visit the official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Important: Fill the form slowly and double-check all entries. Mistakes cannot be corrected after final submission in most cases.
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Educational qualification certificates (10th, 12th, Degree)
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Kannada Medium certificate (if claiming reservation)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Experience certificate (if any)
Keep both soft and hard copies ready.
This completes the core preparation and application-related information. In Part 3, we will cover Important Dates, Admit Card, Answer Key, Result, Cut Off, Important Links, FAQs, and Conclusion.
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Important Dates
Staying updated with important dates is critical to avoid missing any deadlines in the KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | April 2026 (Revised May 2026) |
| Online Application Start Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 20 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 20 June 2026 |
| Correction Window (if any) | To be announced |
| Release of Admit Card | To be notified |
| KEA AO AAO Exam Date 2026 | Expected July/August 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Within 7–10 days after exam |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
| Document Verification | After result |
Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official KEA website regularly and enable notifications for updates regarding “KEA AO AAO Exam Date” and other events.
Admit Card (To Be Released)
The KEA AO AAO Admit Card 2026 is one of the most important documents for appearing in the examination. It will be released 10–15 days before the exam date on the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
How to Download Admit Card:
- Visit the official KEA portal
- Login using your Application Number and Date of Birth
- Click on the “Download Admit Card” link
- Verify all details (Name, Photo, Exam Center, Date & Time)
- Download and print at least 2 copies
Important Instructions:
- Admit Card will contain your roll number, exam venue address, reporting time, and important guidelines.
- Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License) along with the admit card to the examination center.
- No candidate will be allowed to enter without a printed admit card.
- If you face any issue downloading the hall ticket, contact KEA helpline immediately.
The admit card is released only for eligible candidates whose applications are accepted. Always check for discrepancies in personal details and report them before the exam.
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Answer Key (To Be Released)
After the successful completion of the KEA AO AAO Exam 2026, the authority will release the provisional answer key within 7–10 days. This allows candidates to check their responses and calculate expected scores.
Objection Process:
- Candidates can raise objections against any wrong or doubtful question/answer.
- Objections must be submitted online through the candidate login within the specified window (usually 3–5 days).
- A nominal fee per question may be charged for raising objections.
- After reviewing all objections, KEA will release the final answer key.
- No further objections will be entertained after the final key.
This transparent process helps maintain fairness and gives candidates confidence in the evaluation system.
Result (To Be Declared)
The KEA AO AAO Result 2026 will be declared on the official website after the completion of evaluation and document verification. Usually, results are announced within 45–60 days after the examination.
Steps to Check KEA AO AAO Result:
- Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on the “AO AAO Result 2026” link
- Login with Application Number and DOB
- View and download your result PDF
- Check your score, rank, and qualification status
The result will be published in PDF format containing roll numbers of qualified candidates. Separate merit lists are prepared for different categories and posts (AO & AAO).
Qualified candidates will then be called for document verification. The final selection list will be prepared after this stage.
Cut Off (Expected)
Understanding the KEA AO AAO Cut Off helps aspirants set realistic targets. Cut-off marks vary every year depending on factors like number of vacancies, difficulty level of exam, and number of applicants.
Expected Cut Off for KEA AO AAO 2026 (Out of 200 Marks):
- General Category: 135–150 Marks
- OBC (2A/2B/3A/3B): 120–135 Marks
- SC/ST/Category-I: 100–115 Marks
- PwD Candidates: 85–105 Marks
Previous Year Trends:
In earlier similar recruitments by KEA and other Karnataka departments, the cut-off for General category usually remains around 65–72% of total marks. With 945 vacancies this time, the cut-off may be slightly lower compared to previous years when vacancies were fewer.
Factors influencing cut-off:
- Higher number of vacancies tends to lower the cut-off
- Difficulty level of Agriculture section
- Performance of top candidates
- Reservation policy impact
Aim 15–20 marks above the expected cut-off to stay safe. Regular mock tests will help you gauge your preparation level.
Important Links
- Official Website: Official Web Portal
- KEA AO AAO Notification PDF: Available Here
- Apply Online Link: Apply Here
- Admit Card Download: To be activated here
- Answer Key & Result Portal: Official KEA site
Bookmark these links for quick access.
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FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026? The last date to submit the online application is 20 June 2026. Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute rush.
2. How many vacancies are there in KEA AO AAO 2026? Total 945 posts are announced for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer combined.
3. Can final year agriculture students apply for KEA AO AAO? No, only candidates who have completed their degree are eligible. Final year students cannot apply.
4. Is there negative marking in KEA AO AAO Exam? Yes, there is negative marking. Check the official notification for exact deduction per wrong answer.
5. When will the KEA AO AAO Exam Date 2026 be announced? The exam is expected in July or August 2026. Exact date will be notified through the official website.
6. How can I download the KEA AO AAO Notification PDF? Visit the official KEA website and download the detailed notification PDF from the recruitment section.
7. What is the salary of Assistant Agriculture Officer in Karnataka? The starting in-hand salary for AAO is approximately ₹48,000 – ₹62,000 per month, including allowances.
8. Is Kannada compulsory for KEA AO AAO posts? Yes, knowledge of Kannada is mandatory. A language test may be conducted for non-Kannada medium candidates.
9. How to check KEA AO AAO Result and Cut Off? Results and category-wise cut-off will be available on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in after the examination.
10. What documents are required for KEA AO AAO Document Verification? Educational certificates, caste certificate, photo ID, admit card, and other relevant documents as mentioned in the notification.
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Conclusion
The KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 with 945 vacancies is truly a life-changing opportunity for agriculture graduates who want to build a meaningful career in public service. Whether you dream of working closely with farmers as an Assistant Agriculture Officer or taking up supervisory responsibilities as an Agriculture Officer, this recruitment offers stability, respect, good salary, and the chance to contribute to Karnataka’s agricultural growth.
This detailed 3-part guide has covered everything from eligibility to final result process. Now it’s your turn to take action. Don’t wait till the last date — visit the official website today, check your eligibility, and submit your KEA AO AAO Apply Online form confidently.
Start your preparation seriously. Revise the syllabus daily, practice previous papers, and stay updated. Success belongs to those who prepare consistently.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow aspirants and bookmark this page for future reference. We wish you all the very best for your success in KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026!
Stay focused. Dream big. Serve the farmers of Karnataka.
Jai Karnataka! Jai Kisan!
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