The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has formally announced the Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) Recruitment 2026, opening a significant hiring cycle in the state’s agriculture department. The notification confirms 890 vacancies, making it one of the largest agriculture-based government recruitments this year.
The application process is currently active and will remain open for a limited period. With the examination scheduled in June 2026, candidates are expected to complete their applications promptly and initiate focused preparation.
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KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Posts | Agriculture Officer (AO), Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) |
| Total Vacancies | 890 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Notification Release | April 2026 |
Important Dates
The recruitment timeline is compact, leaving little margin for delay.
- Application Start Date: 19 April 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 10 May 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 12 May 2026
Candidates should complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Vacancy Distribution
The total of 890 vacancies are divided between Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer posts, with a higher proportion allocated to AAO positions. A portion of seats is reserved for the Kalyana Karnataka (HK region).
Notably, around 85% of the vacancies are designated for candidates with core agriculture degrees, while the remaining posts accommodate candidates from allied disciplines such as agricultural engineering, biotechnology, and food technology.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must possess a degree in agriculture or related fields. B.Sc Agriculture or B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture is required for the majority of posts, while a smaller percentage of positions are open to candidates from allied agricultural streams.
- The upper age limit for general category candidates is 40 years. OBC candidates are eligible up to 43 years, and SC/ST candidates can apply up to 45 years, as per standard government relaxation norms.
Selection Process
The recruitment process is structured in two stages:
- Kannada Language Test (qualifying in nature)
- Written Examination (objective type)
The written examination consists of two papers, each carrying 300 marks. A negative marking system is in place, with 0.75 marks deducted for each incorrect answer. Final selection will be based on the written exam scores.
Steps to Apply for KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026:
The application process is conducted entirely online through the official KEA portal. Candidates must follow the prescribed steps carefully to ensure a successful submission.
- Visit the official KEA website and access the recruitment section for AO/AAO 2026.
- Complete the registration process by providing basic details such as name, mobile number, and email ID.
- Log in using the generated credentials, then complete the detailed application form with personal, educational, and category information.
- Upload the required documents, including a photograph, a signature, and relevant certificates, in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment options.
- Review all entered details thoroughly before final submission.
- Submit the form and download a copy of the application confirmation page for future reference.
It is essential to ensure accuracy in all details, as discrepancies may result in disqualification during verification.
Official Portal – cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
Detailed Notification and Application Link – Check Here