KEA Recruitment 2026: Apply for 890 Agriculture Officer (AO) & AAO Vacancies

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) invites applications for Group-B Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) vacancies within the State Agriculture Department. The application window is open from 19th April 2026, closing on 10th May 2026. Prospective applicants should carefully review the official notification, as eligibility criteria differ based on the specific post requirements.

KEA AO AAO Notification 2026 Out

The recruitment drive covers 890 total vacancies under two distinct notifications: Advt. No. EDI/KEA/08/RPC/2026 for the RPC (General) region and Advt. No. EDI/KEA/09/KK/2026 for the Kalyana Karnataka region. The official KEA AO and AAO notification provides comprehensive details regarding eligibility, age relaxation, selection procedures, and the exam syllabus for both regions.

Download KEA AO/AAO Official Notification 2026 (RPC)

Download KEA AO/AAO Official Notification 2026 (Kalyana Karnataka)

KEA Recruitment 2026 Overview

The Karnataka Examinations Authority will select candidates for AO and AAO roles through a direct competitive examination. Below is a concise overview of the key recruitment details.

KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026- Important Dates

The KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 notification was released on 18th April 2026, with the online application process commencing on 19th April 2026 via www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Please refer to the official schedule for all critical upcoming deadlines.

KEA AO AAO Vacancy 2026

The 890 vacancies for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer are distributed across RPC and Kalyana Karnataka regions. Positions are divided into two categories: 85% of posts requiring a B.Sc (Agriculture/Hons) degree, and 15% of posts open to candidates with broader agriculture-related educational qualifications.

KEA AO AAO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must ensure they meet the specific educational and age requirements defined by the KEA to be considered for these positions. Compliance with these criteria is mandatory for successful application and participation in the selection stages.

Educational Qualification

• For Sre. 85 Posts (AO & AAO): Candidates must hold a BSc (Agriculture) or BSc Hons (Agriculture) degree from a university recognized by ICAR or AICTE.
• For Sre. 15 Posts (AO & AAO): Candidates holding any of the following degrees are eligible – BTech (Food Science & Technology), BTech (Food Technology), BSc (Sericulture & Cooperation), BSc (Agri Marketing & Cooperation), BSc (Agri Business Management), BSc (Agri Biotechnology), BTech (Biotechnology), BSc (Agricultural Engineering), or BTech (Agricultural Engineering).

Age Limit

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

Steps to Apply Online for KEA Recruitment 2026

Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying online. Please keep all necessary documents and certificates digitized and ready for upload during the registration process. Follow the official guidelines provided on the KEA website to complete your application accurately.

1. Open the KEA official portal on your device, https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
2. On the homepage, you will notice the “Recruitment” section at the top and select it.
3. Then, proceed to click on any option, “Agriculture Department AO/AAO Recruitment 2026- KK/RPC.”
4. In a new window, click on the Online Application Link and then proceed with the form filling.
5. First, register with DigiLocker using your Aadhaar Number to download your SSLC marksheet.
6. Then, complete the candidate registration process, which will generate your login credentials. Candidates must verify these credentials via SMS and email.
7. Fill out the application form with basic details, academic qualifications, and reservation details.
8. Upload the required documents, in which photograph, signature, category, computer literacy, region, qualification certificates, and identity proof, all in JPG format. The recent passport-sized photograph must be between 50 KB and 200 KB, and the signature must be between 50 KB and 70 KB.
9. Preview all the filled-out details carefully. Candidates can edit if required before the final step.
10. Then, pay the application fee as per your category in any online payment mode.
11. Then click on “Submit” and download the application form and take a print of it.

KEA AO AAO Selection Process 2026

The KEA recruitment process for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer comprises two major stages: a competitive written examination and a Kannada language proficiency test. Merit-based selection will be determined by written exam performance, provided candidates successfully pass the mandatory Kannada language assessment.

Step 1: Competitive Written Examination
Step 2: Kannada Language Proficiency Test

KEA Exam Pattern 2026

The KEA exam pattern consists of both the main competitive paper and the Kannada Language test. Both components will be administered in an offline format utilizing objective-type multiple-choice questions.

KEA Competitive Written Examination 2026

The written examination evaluates both theoretical knowledge and practical agricultural application. The paper is bifurcated into a General Agriculture section and a specific subject-related section.

• Each of these papers carries 300 marks.
• The total duration for each paper is 2 hours.
• For each wrong answer, there will be a negative marking of 0.75 marks.
• If candidates select more than 1 option, then there will be a negative marking of 0.75 marks
• Candidates must secure a minimum of 35 marks to qualify.
• The question papers for 85% and 15% categories will be different, but the syllabus and evaluation methods will be the same.

KEA Exam Pattern for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer – 85% of the posts

KEA Exam Pattern for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer – 15% of the posts

KEA Kannada Language Examination 2026

Candidates who did not study Kannada in SSLC or 10th standard must participate in the Kannada Language exam. This test is essential to confirm the candidate's functional literacy in reading, writing, and understanding the language.

• The test will be in an OMR-based format.
• The question paper will carry 150 marks.
• The language test is qualifying in nature.
• Candidates must secure a minimum qualifying mark to pass, which is 50 marks.
• Those who fail to qualify for the test will be rejected from the recruitment process.

KEA AO AAO Salary 2026

Selected Agriculture Officers and Assistant Agriculture Officers will receive a competitive salary based on the Karnataka State Pay Matrix. Compensation includes DA, HRA, TA, medical coverage, and pension benefits, consistent across both recruitment categories.