KEA AO/AAO Recruitment 2026: 945 Government Jobs in Karnataka

Last Updated: June 13, 2026 | ⏰ Deadline in 7 Days: June 20, 2026

Overview: KEA AO AAO Recruitment June 2026

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is inviting online applications from qualified candidates for 945 Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) positions across Karnataka. This is one of the largest agriculture recruitment drives in India for 2026, offering excellent career prospects in agriculture administration, extension services, and rural development across Karnataka state.

Key Highlights:

Total Vacancies: 945 positions (AO + AAO combined)
Posts: Agriculture Officer (AO) + Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO)
Salary: ₹36,900-₹117,800/month (depending on post and experience)
Location: Across Karnataka state (Kalyana Karnataka and RPC cadres)
Application Mode: Online only via KEA portal
⏰ Deadline: June 20, 2026 (Only 7 Days Left!)
Exam Date: July 25-26, 2026 (Written test, offline OMR mode)
Application Fee: ₹250 (General/OBC), FREE for SC/ST

Vacancy Details and Eligibility Overview

KEA is offering 945 positions split between AO and AAO roles, with specific educational pathways for each cadre:

Criterion	Details
Total Vacancies	945 positions
Cadres	Kalyana Karnataka (KK) + RPC (Rural Payments Commission)
Posts	Agriculture Officer (AO) + Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO)
Salary Range	₹36,900-₹117,800/month
Education	85% BSc Agriculture; 15% BTech/BSc specialized degrees
Age Limit	Minimum 18 years (no upper limit initially, relaxation applicable)
Exam Mode	Offline OMR (Optical Mark Recognition)
Exam Dates	July 25, 2026 (KK Cadre)	July 26, 2026 (RPC Cadre)

Complete Eligibility Criteria for KEA AO/AAO 2026

Educational Qualifications

Path A: For 85% of Positions

B.Sc. (Agriculture) or B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture from a recognized university
Must be approved by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) or AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
Minimum 50% marks in graduation (some notifications specify this; verify official PDF)

Path B: For 15% of Specialized Positions

Candidates with ANY of the following degrees are eligible:

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) (if focused on agriculture)
B.Sc. (Agricultural Engineering)
B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering)

All degrees must be from recognized, ICAR/AICTE-approved institutions.

Age Limit

Minimum Age: 18 years as on the last date of application (June 20, 2026)
Upper Age Limit: As per Karnataka state service rules (typically 35-40 years with relaxation for reserved categories)
Age Relaxation (SC/ST/OBC/PwD): A one-time relaxation of 5 years additional is provided to eligible reserved category candidates

Additional Requirements

Must be an Indian citizen
Valid ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport)
Educational certificates from recognized institutions
No criminal background
Must be willing to work across Karnataka state
Willing to accept posting in rural/backward areas (for extension work)

How to Apply for KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Eligibility Verification (Do This First):

✅ Do you hold a B.Sc. Agriculture degree from an ICAR/AICTE-approved institution?
✅ OR do you have a specialized degree (B.Tech. Food Science, B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering, etc.) from approved institution?
✅ Are you 18+ years old as of June 20, 2026?
✅ Do you have valid ID proof (Aadhar/PAN/Voter ID)?

If ALL are YES, you are likely eligible. If ANY is NO, do NOT proceed.

Step 2: Download Official Notification

Visit the official KEA website and download:

Full Notification PDF (contains complete details, selection process, exam pattern)
Application form instructions
Required documents checklist
Exam syllabus and previous years’ question papers

Official Website: kea.kar.nic.in or the state recruitment portal

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Prepare digital scans (PDF/JPG format, 100-500 KB each):

Mandatory Documents:

1. ✅ 10th Standard Marksheet (proof of educational foundation)

2. ✅ 12th/Pre-University Marksheet (if applicable)

3. ✅ Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (B.Sc./B.Tech. diploma)

4. ✅ Bachelor’s Degree Marksheet (all semesters, showing aggregate marks)

5. ✅ ICAR/AICTE Approval Certificate (proof that your college is recognized)

6. ✅ ID Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Voter ID/Passport – front & back)

7. ✅ Date of Birth Proof (10th marksheet or passport is acceptable)

8. ✅ Passport-size Photograph (color, 3.5cm × 4.5cm, recent)

9. ✅ Signature Sample (digital image, 100-200 KB)

10. ✅ Caste Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC)

11. ✅ Income Certificate (if eligible for fee waiver)

Optional but Recommended:

Relevant technical certificates (course certifications, training programs)
Experience letters (if you have agriculture-related work experience)
Agricultural research papers or publications

Step 4: Register on KEA Portal

Timeline:

Application Opens: May 30, 2026
Application Deadline: June 20, 2026, 11:59 PM
Last Date to Pay Fee: June 20, 2026, 11:59 PM

Step-by-Step Registration:

1. Visit kea.kar.nic.in or state recruitment portal

2. Navigate to “AO/AAO Recruitment 2026”

3. Click “Apply Online” or “New Registration”

4. Register: Enter email ID and mobile number

5. Receive OTP on mobile and email

6. Set Password: Create a strong password

7. Login: Using email ID and password

8. Fill Application Form:

Personal details (name, DOB, address)
Educational qualifications (all degrees)
Work experience (if any)
Cadre preference (KK or RPC)
Exam center choice

9. Upload Documents: As specified (PDF/JPG, high quality)

10. Upload Photo & Signature: As per specifications

11. Review Application: Double-check all entries

12. Pay Application Fee:

General/OBC: ₹250
SC/ST: FREE
Women/PwD: Varies (check notification)

13. Submit Application: Final confirmation

Step 5: Save Your Application Number

After successful submission:

✅ Note Your Application Number (displayed on screen and sent via email)
✅ Save Fee Payment Receipt (confirmation of payment)
✅ Print Application Confirmation (for future reference)
✅ Screenshot Final Submission Page

Selection Process: 4-Stage Process

Stage 1: Application Screening & Eligibility Verification

Timeline: Within 2-3 weeks of application deadline

What Happens:

KEA verifies submitted documents
Checks educational qualifications against ICAR/AICTE database
Verifies age eligibility
Checks for any discrepancies or missing documents
Publishes list of eligible candidates

Outcome:

Eligible candidates are shortlisted
Ineligible candidates are notified with reasons
Eligible candidates receive admit card for written exam

Stage 2: Written Competitive Examination (Offline OMR)

Exam Details:

Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper) with OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets
Total Marks: 100 marks
Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per incorrect answer (standard)
Qualifying Marks: Minimum 35% aggregate (cutoff subject to variation)

Exam Dates (TWO SHIFTS):

Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Cadre: July 25, 2026
RPC Cadre: July 26, 2026

Exam Syllabus (Approximate Distribution):

Agriculture Science & Crop Production: 30-35 marks
Soil Science & Soil Conservation: 20-25 marks
Agricultural Economics & Extension: 15-20 marks
Horticulture & Animal Husbandry: 10-15 marks
Environmental & Water Management: 10 marks
General Knowledge (Agriculture-related): 5-10 marks

Stage 3: Document Verification

Timeline: 1-2 weeks after exam results

Requirements:

Original mark sheets, degree certificates, ID proofs
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Any other certificates mentioned in application
Report for verification at designated center

Format: In-person at KEA office or state office (location notified with exam results)

Basis: Qualifying round (Pass/Fail) — candidates must bring original documents

Stage 4: Final Merit List & Offer Letter

Timeline: 2-3 weeks after document verification

Process:

1. Merit list is prepared based on written exam score

2. Candidates are ranked state-wide and within cadre

3. Offer letters are issued to selected candidates

4. Candidates must confirm acceptance within 10 days

5. Joining instructions are issued

Merit Calculation: Written exam score × weightage (100% in this case)

Salary, Benefits, and Career Prospects

Salary Structure for Agriculture Officer (AO)

Monthly Salary Breakdown:

Basic Pay: ₹21,000-₹28,000 (depending on seniority)
Dearness Allowance (DA): ₹7,500-₹10,500/month (subject to revision)
House Rent Allowance (HRA): ₹3,000-₹5,000/month (varies by posting location)
Other Allowances: Transport, Medical, Special Allowance (~₹2,000-₹4,000)
Total In-Hand Salary: ₹36,900-₹55,000/month (approximately)

Salary Structure for Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO)

Monthly Salary Breakdown:

Basic Pay: ₹18,000-₹24,000 (entry level)
Dearness Allowance (DA): ₹6,500-₹9,000/month
House Rent Allowance (HRA): ₹2,500-₹4,500/month
Other Allowances: ₹1,500-₹3,000
Total In-Hand Salary: ₹28,500-₹41,000/month (approximately)

Note: Salary increases with service years, promotion, and DA revisions.

Benefits & Perks

✅ Job Security:

Permanent government position (lifelong career)
Pensionable post (eligible for pension after 20-25 years service)
Government of Karnataka employee status

✅ Leave & Holidays:

30 days casual leave per annum
Earned leave (accrual-based, ~20-25 days/year)
Sick leave (15-20 days/year)
Festival holidays (state-specific, ~12-15 days/year)
Maternity leave (for female employees)

✅ Healthcare & Insurance:

Comprehensive health insurance for self and family
CGHS (Centralized Government Health Scheme) benefits
Medical reimbursement for treatment

✅ Retirement & Terminal Benefits:

Gratuity (as per government norms)
Pension after 20 years qualifying service
Terminal benefits and final settlement
Commutation of pension (partial withdrawal)

✅ Career Development:

Promotion to higher grades (Senior AO, Deputy Director, etc.)
In-service training and certification programs
Exposure to agricultural technology and policy
Opportunities in agricultural research, extension services, rural development

✅ Work-Life Balance:

Government sector benefits (fixed working hours)
Family-friendly posting policies
Relocation allowance if transferring
Decent work-life balance compared to private sector

KEA: About the Organization & Agriculture Sector Role

About Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)

KEA is the state-level examination and recruitment authority for Karnataka, responsible for:

Conducting state civil service examinations
Recruitment to various government departments
Management of competitive exams for agricultural, health, education, and administrative posts
Quality assurance in recruitment processes

Role of Agriculture Officer (AO) & Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO)

As an AO/AAO, Your Responsibilities Will Include:

Field Extension & Farmer Engagement:

1. Visit villages and agricultural areas

2. Interact with farmers on crop practices

3. Demonstrate modern farming techniques

4. Provide pest management and disease control advice

5. Conduct farmer training programs and workshops

6. Distribute improved seeds and fertilizers

Crop Production & Monitoring:

1. Monitor crop health and yield

2. Recommend suitable crops for soil type

3. Track agricultural productivity data

4. Report on harvest and production statistics

5. Coordinate with farmers on seasonal planning

Soil & Water Management:

1. Conduct soil testing and analysis

2. Recommend soil improvement methods

3. Monitor irrigation and water conservation

4. Assist in groundwater recharge projects

5. Implement watershed management programs

Administrative & Documentation:

1. Maintain farmer records and land data

2. Process agricultural loans and subsidies

3. Prepare reports for state government

4. Coordinate with agricultural colleges for research

5. Manage extension center operations

Disaster & Climate Support:

1. Assess crop damage during calamities

2. Process crop insurance claims

3. Advise on climate-resilient farming

4. Implement government welfare schemes

Why Choose This Career?

1. Impact: Direct contribution to agricultural development and farmer prosperity

2. Prestige: Government position with social status

3. Stability: Permanent job, pension, lifetime security

4. Diverse Work: Mix of field, administrative, and policy work

5. Leadership: Opportunity to manage teams and initiatives

6. Growth: Clear promotional hierarchy and career progression

FAQ: KEA AO/AAO Recruitment 2026

Q1: What is the exact application deadline for KEA AO/AAO?

A: The deadline is June 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Both application form submission AND fee payment must be completed by this date. No extensions are provided. Apply by June 18-19 to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Q2: What is the difference between AO (Agriculture Officer) and AAO (Assistant Agriculture Officer)?

AO (Agriculture Officer): Senior position, higher pay (₹36,900-₹55,000), supervisory role, handles district-level functions
AAO (Assistant Agriculture Officer): Junior position, lower pay (₹28,500-₹41,000), field-level work, reports to AO

Both apply through the same exam; job assignment depends on post and merit ranking.

Q3: Do I need a B.Sc. Agriculture degree specifically, or can I apply with other agriculture-related degrees?

A: 85% of positions require B.Sc. (Agriculture) or B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture. However, 15% of positions are open to specialized degrees like:

B.Tech. (Food Science & Technology)
B.Sc. (Agri Business Management)
B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering)
etc.

Check your degree — if it’s listed in the “Path B” category above, you are eligible for 15% of positions.

Q4: What is the age limit, and is there age relaxation for reserved categories?

Minimum Age: 18 years as of June 20, 2026
Upper Age Limit: As per Karnataka state norms (typically 35-40 years)
Age Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates get a 5-year additional relaxation

So SC/ST candidates might have upper limit of 40-45 years (exact limits in official notification).

Q5: Is the application fee refundable?

A: No. The application fee is non-refundable for General/OBC candidates (₹250). SC/ST candidates are exempt from fee. Once paid, it cannot be recovered even if you don’t appear for exam.

Q6: Can I appear for the exam from outside Karnataka?

A: Yes, you can appear for the exam from any exam center in Karnataka. However, you will likely be posted within Karnataka after selection (state job, state posting). Candidates from other states can apply but should be willing to relocate.

Q7: What is the exam pattern and difficulty level?

Pattern: 100 MCQ, 2 hours, offline OMR mode
Marks: 100 marks total
Negative Marking: 0.25 per wrong answer
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (agriculture science + general knowledge)
Passing Marks: 35% aggregate (typically)

Q8: How many times can I appear for this exam?

A: There is typically no age limit restriction once you’re within the upper age limit. If you don’t get selected, you can apply in future recruitment (if notification is released again). However, you cannot re-take the same 2026 notification.

Q9: What is the exam syllabus, and where can I find study materials?

A: Syllabus Covers:

Crop Production, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Water Management, Environmental Science

Study Materials:

NCERT Agriculture Science textbooks
University agriculture curriculum books
Previous years’ question papers (from KEA website)
Online mock tests and study apps

Detailed syllabus is provided in official notification PDF.

Q10: When will the exam take place, and how do I prepare?

Exam Dates: July 25, 2026 (KK Cadre) | July 26, 2026 (RPC Cadre)
Preparation Time: 5-6 weeks from application date
Strategy: Revise B.Sc. Agriculture subjects, solve mock tests daily, focus on high-scoring topics

Q11: What if I studied in a private/non-ICAR university?

A: Your university/college must be ICAR or AICTE approved. Check the approval status on the ICAR website (icar.org.in). If not approved, you are ineligible. Contact KEA directly if unclear about your institution’s status.

Q12: Do I need to work experience to apply?

A: No. Work experience is NOT required. Fresh graduates are eligible. However, if you have agriculture-related work experience, you can mention it as additional qualification (may be useful during interview if conducted).

Q13: What is the selection ratio, and how competitive is this exam?

A: KEA AO/AAO recruitment is moderately competitive:

945 vacancies is quite substantial
Estimated 2-4 lakh applications (rough estimate based on past years)
Selection ratio: Approximately 1 in 200-400 for general candidates

High CGPA (7.5+) and strong exam performance increase chances significantly.

Q14: Can I apply if I have a backlog or pending exams?

A: No. You must have completed your bachelor’s degree with mark sheets/certificate. Candidates with pending exams or backlogs are NOT eligible.

Q15: Will there be an interview component?

A: Based on typical KEA recruitment, there is usually NO interview. Selection is based on:

1. Written exam score (100 marks)

2. Document verification (qualifying round)

Confirm from official notification as this can vary.

Q16: What happens after I get selected?

1. Offer letter is issued with joining date

2. You must report to the designated office for joining formalities

3. Posting is assigned based on merit, cadre choice (KK/RPC), and area availability

4. Training (if any) is conducted at state training institute

5. You begin your duties as AO/AAO

Q17: Can I request posting in a specific area?

A: Posting requests are considered based on availability and merit. However, no guarantee of specific posting. Government has full authority to post you anywhere in Karnataka as per departmental needs.

Q18: What is the 44-day exam preparation strategy?

Week 1-2: Foundation (Days 1-14)

Review B.Sc. Agriculture core subjects
Focus on crop production and soil science chapters
Solve 50+ practice questions daily
Revise basic concepts

Week 3-4: Depth (Days 15-28)

Study advanced topics in agriculture science
Agricultural economics and extension principles
Horticulture, animal husbandry basics
Attempt 2 full-length mock tests

Week 5-6: Revision & Speed (Days 29-42)

High-yield topics revision
Solve previous years’ papers (if available)
Speed-based practice (100 Qs in 2 hours)
3-4 final mock tests under exam conditions

Final Week (Days 43-44): Light revision, mental preparation, health check

Important Links & Resources

Official KEA Channels

Main Website: kea.kar.nic.in
Recruitment Portal: (linked on homepage)
Email Contact: recruitment@kea.kar.nic.in or official email (check notification)
Helpline: Contact details in official notification

How to Download Official Notification

1. Visit kea.kar.nic.in

2. Navigate to “Recruitment” or “Notifications” section

3. Search for “AO/AAO Recruitment 2026” or “Advertisement 2026”

4. Download PDF containing:

Complete notification and eligibility
Application instructions
Exam pattern and syllabus
Exam centers
Important dates
Required documents checklist

Study Resources

ICAR Website: icar.org.in (agriculture information)
NCERT Books: Agriculture and Environmental Science chapters
State Agricultural Department: karnataka.gov.in/agriculture
University Websites: Agricultural universities in Karnataka

Timeline: Key Dates & Milestones

Event	Date
Notification Release	May 2026
Application Opens	May 30, 2026
Application Deadline	June 20, 2026 (7 Days)
Application Fee Payment Deadline	June 20, 2026
Eligibility Verification	June-July 2026
Merit List (Eligible)	Early July 2026
Admit Card Release	July 15-18, 2026
Written Exam (KK Cadre)	July 25, 2026
Written Exam (RPC Cadre)	July 26, 2026
Exam Result & Merit List	Mid-August 2026
Document Verification	Late August 2026
Final Selection & Offer	September 2026
Joining Date	September-October 2026

⚠️ URGENT: Only 7 days remain. Begin your application TODAY.

Pro Tips: Stand Out in Your Application

Pre-Application Verification:

1. ✅ Verify your degree is from ICAR/AICTE-approved institution

2. ✅ Check you meet minimum 50% marks (if required)

3. ✅ Confirm your age as of June 20, 2026

4. ✅ Check category status (General/OBC/SC/ST)

5. ✅ Ensure all documents are legible and properly scanned

During Application:

1. ✅ Use the official KEA portal — only legitimate source

2. ✅ Fill every field completely — no blanks

3. ✅ Double-check email and mobile number — exam admit card comes here

4. ✅ Mention correct degree and educational details

5. ✅ Upload clear, high-quality document scans (300 DPI minimum)

6. ✅ Use professional passport photo (recent, color, clear)

Payment & Submission:

1. ✅ Verify fee structure (₹250 Gen/OBC, FREE SC/ST)

2. ✅ Use reliable payment method (debit card, net banking)

3. ✅ Take screenshot of payment confirmation

4. ✅ Save all confirmation emails from KEA

5. ✅ Note your application number for future reference

Post-Application:

1. ✅ Bookmark KEA website for status updates

2. ✅ Set email alerts for exam date announcements

3. ✅ Start exam preparation immediately — 5 weeks available

4. ✅ Solve mock tests and practice papers daily

5. ✅ Join agriculture study groups for peer learning

Key Takeaways

✅ Opportunity: 945 AO/AAO positions in Karnataka Government

✅ Salary: ₹28,500-₹55,000+/month, Permanent Job, Pension-eligible

✅ Eligibility: B.Sc./B.Tech. Agriculture from ICAR/AICTE-approved college

✅ Deadline: June 20, 2026 (Only 7 Days!) — Apply online at kea.kar.nic.in

✅ Exam: July 25-26, 2026 (100 MCQs, 2 hours, offline OMR)

✅ Age: 18+ (no upper limit stated, varies by category)

✅ Application Fee: ₹250 (Gen/OBC), FREE (SC/ST)

✅ Career: Permanent government job, excellent benefits, social impact

Why This Is a Must-Apply Opportunity

1. Scale: 945 vacancies is one of the largest recruitment drives

2. Stability: Permanent government position with pension

3. Salary: ₹28,500-₹55,000/month is competitive for agricultural roles

4. Impact: Direct contribution to farmer welfare and food security

5. Growth: Clear promotional hierarchy and career advancement

6. Timeline: 7 days left — last chance for agriculture graduates this year

Conclusion

The KEA AO/AAO Recruitment 2026 is a once-a-year opportunity for agriculture graduates in Karnataka to secure a stable, well-paid government job. With 945 vacancies and 7 days remaining, eligible candidates should apply immediately without delay.

Next Steps:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm your degree is from ICAR/AICTE-approved institution

2. Gather Documents: Scan all certificates and supporting documents

3. Register Online: Visit kea.kar.nic.in and create account

4. Fill Application: Provide personal and educational details

5. Upload Documents: High-quality scans in specified format

6. Pay Fee: ₹250 (General/OBC) or FREE (SC/ST)

7. Submit & Save: Confirmation number for future reference

8. Prepare for Exam: Start revision immediately (5-6 weeks)

Your government career in agriculture starts here. Apply now.

📌 Posted: June 13, 2026 | ⏰ Last Updated: June 13, 2026 | Deadline: June 20, 2026 (7 days)

*For latest updates and official notifications, visit [kea.kar.nic.in](https://kea.kar.nic.in)*