KEA Karnataka AO AAO Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 945 Posts

Vacancies: 945 · Posts: 2 · Type: Regular · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹250–₹750 · Apply: 30 May–20 June 2026 · Salary: ₹65,950–₹1,34,200 · Selection: Written Exam + Kannada Test · Location: Karnataka

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the revised notification for 945 Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer posts in the state Agriculture Department. This is one of the largest direct recruitment drives for agriculture graduates in Karnataka this year, with separate cadres for Kalyana Karnataka (KK) and Rest of Karnataka (RPC) regions.

The revised advertisement dated 30 May 2026 supersedes the earlier April notifications to incorporate updated OBC reservation rules as per the recent Government Order. Applications are open only through the official KEA portal from 30 May to 20 June 2026. Written examination is scheduled for 25–26 July 2026.

B.Sc (Agriculture) graduates and candidates with specified related degrees should apply immediately if they meet the age and other eligibility criteria. This is a regular Group-B state government opportunity with structured pay scales under the revised Karnataka Pay Matrix.

Also Read: UPSSSC Combined Lower Subordinate Services Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 2285 Posts

Who Should Apply? (Quick Eligibility Check)

• B.Sc (Agriculture) / B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture graduates → Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer (Pay Level 85) – majority of vacancies
• B.Tech (Food Science/Technology) / B.Sc (Agri Marketing & Cooperation) / B.Sc (Agri Biotech) / B.Tech (Agri Engg) graduates → Agriculture Officer & Assistant Agriculture Officer (Pay Level 15) posts
• Candidates from Kalyana Karnataka region (with valid certificates) → KK Cadre vacancies (higher priority in that region)
• PwD candidates (40% and above disability) → Horizontal reservation across posts; reduced application fee
• Ex-Servicemen, Transgender candidates & special category applicants → Horizontal reservation and age/fee relaxations as per rules

Special Reservations: Rural quota, Kannada medium quota, and other state-specific horizontal reservations apply. PwD horizontal reservation of 18 posts notified.

About Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) & Why This Role Matters

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) – Overview

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is the state government body responsible for conducting entrance and recruitment examinations for various departments in Karnataka. Headquartered in Bengaluru, KEA handles large-scale competitive exams and direct recruitments for technical and professional posts across state departments, including Agriculture.

Why Candidates Search for KEA Jobs

KEA recruitments are considered highly reliable with transparent online application and offline OMR-based written examination. These are regular state government posts with job security, structured pay revisions, and NPS benefits. The Agriculture Officer/Assistant Agriculture Officer roles offer field as well as office-based work with opportunities to contribute directly to Karnataka’s agriculture and rural development programmes.

Why this AO/AAO recruitment is attractive:

• Regular state government pay with revised Karnataka Pay Matrix
• Clear career progression in the Agriculture Department
• Posting within Karnataka (cadre-specific)

The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take – Is This KEA AO/AAO Recruitment for You?

This revised KEA AO/AAO drive with nearly 945 posts is a solid opportunity for agriculture graduates this year. It suits candidates with B.Sc Agriculture or related degrees who prefer a structured state government role over private sector jobs.

Best-fit candidates are fresh or recently graduated agriculture professionals comfortable with offline OMR exams and willing to serve in either the KK or RPC cadre. If you lack the exact degree or are not ready for the Kannada language qualifying test, skip this one. Focus on preparing the General Paper and specific subject paper since negative marking of 0.75 applies.

Unlike IBPS AFO or other central bank agriculture field officer posts that are interview-heavy, this is purely a written exam-based with a qualifying Kannada test, making it more accessible for candidates strong in academics. Practical tip: Download the detailed syllabus from the official portal, as the Paper-2 syllabus will be notified separately.

Quick Overview – KEA Karnataka AO AAO Recruitment 2026

• Organisation: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
• Sector: State Government
• Recruitment / Exam Name: AO & AAO Recruitment 2026
• Post / Trade / Exam Name(s): Agriculture Officer + Assistant Agriculture Officer
• Total Vacancies: 945 (927 + 18 PwD)
• Job Location / Exam Centre: Karnataka (KK Cadre & RPC Cadre)
• Job Type / Nature: Regular – Group B
• Approx. Pay Scale: ₹65,950–₹1,34,200 (revised Karnataka Pay Matrix)
• Apply / Register Between: 30 May 2026 to 20 June 2026
• Notification PDF: Available on the official portal
• Official Portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea

Important Update (30 May 2026): Revised notification released superseding earlier advertisements to incorporate updated OBC reservation rules.

Important Dates – KEA Karnataka AO AAO Recruitment 2026

What Is the Application Fee? – KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026

Payment Mode: Online through the KEA portal.

Also Read: UPSSSC Combined Lower Subordinate Services Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 2285 Posts

How to Apply for KEA Karnataka AO AAO Recruitment 2026? (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Main Application Process on KEA Portal

1. Visit the official application portal: KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online (open until 20 June 2026).
2. Register as a new user or log in using your credentials.
3. Fill in personal, educational, and category details carefully.
4. Upload required documents in the specified format and size. Use our Photo & Signature Resizer to resize before uploading.
5. Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
6. Download/print the application form and fee receipt for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uploading documents in wrong format or size leading to rejection at scrutiny.
• Incorrect cadre (KK vs RPC) selection — choose carefully as it affects posting.
• Missing the Kannada language test exemption proof if applicable.
• Not paying the exact fee for your category (PwD candidates pay only ₹250).
• Calculating age as on notification date instead of application last date (20 June 2026).

ಕೃಷಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ / ಸಹಾಯಕ ಕೃಷಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ೨೦೨೬

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಪರೀಕ್ಷಾ ಪ್ರಾಧಿಕಾರ (ಕೆಇಎ) ೨೦೨೬ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೃಷಿ ಇಲಾಖೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ೯೪೫ ಕೃಷಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ (ಎಒ) ಮತ್ತು ಸಹಾಯಕ ಕೃಷಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ (ಎಎಒ) ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಆಹ್ವಾನಿಸಿದೆ. ಇದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೃಷಿ ಪದವಿ ಪಡೆದವರಿಗೆ ಉತ್ತಮ ಅವಕಾಶವಾಗಿದೆ. ಬಿ.ಎಸ್‌ಸಿ ಅಗ್ರಿಕಲ್ಚರ್ ಪದವಿದಾರರು ಆನ್‌ಲೈನ್ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಬಹುದು. ಅರ್ಜಿ ಅವಧಿ ೩೦ ಮೇ ರಿಂದ ೨೦ ಜೂನ್ ೨೦೨೬ ವರೆಗೆ. ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ ಜುಲೈನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯಲಿದೆ.

ಈ ನೇಮಕಾತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ (ಕೆಕೆ) ಮತ್ತು ಇತರ ಭಾಗಗಳ (ಆರ್‌ಪಿಸಿ) ಕ್ಯಾಡರ್‌ಗಳಿಗೆ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳಿವೆ. ವಯಸ್ಸು ೧೮ರಿಂದ ೪೦ ವರ್ಷ (ವರ್ಗಾವಧಿಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ). ಪದವಿ ಐಸಿಎಆರ್/ಎಐಸಿಟಿಇ ಗುರುತಿಸಿದ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಿಂದ ಇರಬೇಕು. ಆನ್‌ಲೈನ್ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುವ ಮುನ್ನ ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆ ಪಿಡಿಎಫ್ ಓದಿ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಅರ್ಹತೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ.

ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುವುದು ಸುಲಭ. ಅಧಿಕೃತ ವೆಬ್‌ಸೈಟ್ cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea ಗೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ರಿಜಿಸ್ಟರ್ ಮಾಡಿ. ಶುಲ್ಕ ವರ್ಗಕ್ಕೆ ತಕ್ಕಂತೆ ಪಾವತಿಸಿ. ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದ ನಂತರ ಮುದ್ರಣ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಿ. ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷಾ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆಯನ್ನು ಗಮನಿಸಿ. ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗೆ ಅಧಿಕೃತ ವೆಬ್‌ಸೈಟ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ ಮತ್ತು ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ.

KEA AO & AAO – Post-wise Vacancy & Eligibility 2026

Vacancy Interpretation Note: AO and AAO posts are notified under two pay levels (Level 85 and Level 15) across KK and RPC cadres. Pay Level 85 posts constitute the majority of vacancies. Candidates should choose the cadre carefully during the application, as it determines the posting region.

Use this table to find your desired post and check qualification, vacancies, pay and age limit in one view.

Age as of 20 June 2026. One-time additional 5 years relaxation applicable as per GO. Category-wise relaxations apply.

Category-wise Vacancies (Reservation Break-up): Exact category break-up available in official notification PDFs (KK & RPC separate). Horizontal reservations for PwD, Ex-Servicemen, etc., as per rules.

Who Is Eligible for KEA Karnataka AO AAO Recruitment 2026? – Education, Age & Domicile

1. Nationality, Domicile & Basic Requirements

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Domicile requirement: Karnataka candidates preferred; cadre-specific rules apply.
• Gender eligibility: Both male and female candidates are eligible.

2. Educational Qualification (Post-wise / Trade-wise)

For post-wise qualification details, see the vacancy table above.

Qualification Patterns:

• The majority of posts require B.Sc (Agriculture) or B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture from ICAR/AICTE recognised institutions (regular mode only).
• Specific posts allow B.Tech (Food Science & Technology), B.Sc (Agri Marketing & Cooperation), B.Sc (Agri Biotech), B.Tech (Agri Engg), etc. for Level 15.

Key Rules:

• Cut-off date for educational qualification: 20 June 2026.
• Candidates whose results are awaited on the cut-off date are NOT eligible.
• Need to convert CGPA to percentage? Use our CGPA to Percentage Calculator.

3. Age Limit (as on 20 June 2026)

Examples:

• ✅ A 39-year-old UR candidate born on 01-07-1987 — eligible (within 18–40 limit as on 20 June 2026, including relaxation).
• ❌ A 41-year-old UR candidate born on 15-05-1985 — not eligible (exceeds maximum age even after relaxation).

Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.

4. Additional Eligibility

• Candidates must be physically and mentally fit.

What Is the Salary? – KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026

Simplified Monthly Salary Slip (Indicative In-Hand)

Agriculture Officer / Assistant Agriculture Officer (Level 85): Basic Pay starts at ₹69,250 (approx.). With current DA and HRA, in-hand salary is approximately ₹85,000–₹1,00,000+ per month, depending on posting location.

Assistant Agriculture Officer (Level 15): Basic Pay as per the Level 15 matrix. In-hand salary is approximately ₹80,000–₹95,000+ per month.

Figures are indicative only based on revised Karnataka Pay Matrix 2024 rates. Actual in-hand will depend on tax slab, location, allowances and rules in force.

Calculate your exact take-home salary using our 7th CPC Salary Calculator (adapted for state pay matrix).

Additional Benefits – Permanent / Regular Government Job

• Pension: National Pension Scheme (NPS) applicable.
• Probation Period: 2 years for direct recruitment.

How Are Candidates Selected? – KEA Karnataka AO AAO Recruitment 2026

Stages Overview

1. Written Examination (OMR-based) Mode: Offline Summary: Paper-1 (General Knowledge – 300 marks), Paper-2 (Subject specific – 300 marks). Negative marking of 0.75 per wrong answer.
2. Kannada Language Test (Qualifying) Mode: To be notified. Summary: Qualifying nature; minimum 50 marks out of 150 (exemptions for Kannada medium candidates).

Final merit based on written exam marks + document verification.

What Documents Are Required? – KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026

At the time of Online Application / Registration

• Scanned photo and signature
• Educational qualification certificates
• Category / PwD / rural / Kannada medium certificates (if applicable)

At Document Verification / Interview / Joining / Counselling

• All original educational certificates
• Category/caste / PwD / rural study certificates
• Valid ID proof

⚠️ Document Alert Specific to This Recruitment

Kannada medium study certificates (Class 1-10) must be submitted if claiming exemption from the Kannada language test. PwD candidates must produce a UDID certificate for fee concession and reservation.

What Happens After Selection? – KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026

1. The final merit list is published based on written examination marks.
2. Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification at designated centres.
3. Medical examination is conducted if required by the department.
4. Selected candidates receive appointment orders and join the Agriculture Department.
5. A two-year probation period begins during which performance is monitored.
6. After successful probation, candidates are confirmed in service with full benefits and posting in the allotted cadre (KK or RPC).

Contact & Helpline – KEA Recruitment

• Helpline Phone: 080-23460460
• Support Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Contact details are mentioned in the official notification for queries related to the application and examination.

Important Links – KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026

FAQs – KEA Karnataka AO AAO Recruitment 2026

Q1: What is the last date to apply for KEA AO AAO 2026?

A: 20 June 2026. Late applications are generally not accepted, and no extension has been announced as of 01 June 2026.

Q2: What is the age limit for KEA AO AAO?

A: 18–40 years for General Merit as on 20 June 2026. OBC gets up to 43 years, SC/ST/Category-1 up to 45 years. One-time additional 5-year relaxation is applicable as per the Government Order.

Q3: Is there an exam for KEA AO AAO, or is it interview-based?

A: Yes, there is an offline OMR-based written examination (two papers of 300 marks each) followed by a qualifying Kannada language test. Final selection is based on written exam marks.

Q4: What is the salary of KEA AO AAO?

A: Agriculture Officer starts at approximately ₹85,000–₹1,00,000+ in-hand per month (Level 85). Assistant Agriculture Officer around ₹80,000–₹95,000+, depending on level and posting.

Q5: Can final-year students or result-awaited candidates apply for KEA AO AAO 2026?

A: No. You must have completed your degree and obtained the certificate by 20 June 2026.

Q6: Is KEA AO AAO a permanent government job?

A: Yes, this is a regular Group-B state government post with 2-year probation and NPS benefits.

Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for KEA recruitment?

A: Yes — Indian citizens can apply, but cadre-specific posting rules and local reservations may apply.

Q8: Where will I be posted if I get selected for KEA AO AAO?

A: Posting will be within Karnataka as per the selected cadre (KK or RPC region). You generally do not get to choose your first posting.

Q9: What is the exam pattern for KEA AO AAO 2026?

A: Offline OMR exam with two papers of 300 marks each (Paper-1 General, Paper-2 Subject-specific). Negative marking of 0.75 per wrong answer applies. The Kannada test is qualifying.

Q10: Is there negative marking in the KEA exam?

A: Yes — 0.75 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in both papers.

Q11: Here’s the catch — is KEA AO/AAO worth applying for if I am from outside Karnataka?

A: It depends on your willingness to serve in Karnataka. While open to all Indian citizens, local candidates get reservation benefits and cadre preference. If you prefer central government or your home state jobs, evaluate the competition level carefully.

Q12: What documents are needed for KEA document verification?

A: Original educational certificates, category/PwD/rural/Kannada medium certificates, and valid ID proof. Keep scanned copies ready from the application stage.

Q13: The honest downside of the KEA AO/AAO job?

A: Postings may involve field duties in rural areas of the allotted cadre. Initial probation requires good performance for confirmation.

Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?

• You meet the age and educational criteria as of 20 June 2026.
• You are comfortable with the offline OMR written exam and the qualifying Kannada test.
• You can arrange all the required documents and certificates before document verification.
• You are prepared for the most demanding stage of selection: the Written Examination.
• You understand the posting pattern (Karnataka cadre-wise) and are willing to serve in the allotted region.

📄 Source: Official revised notification released by KEA on 30 May 2026. All details sourced from the official KEA notification PDFs and portal.