Vacancies: 5 · Posts: 1 · Type: Regular Government Service · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹600 (exempt SC/ST & unemployed differently abled) · Apply: 24 Aug–26 Sep 2026 · Salary: ₹23,700–52,600 · Selection: Interview or Written Test + Interview · Location: Ernakulam
While most High Court recruitments focus on judicial and clerical cadres, the High Court of Kerala has opened a rare direct-recruitment window for Gardeners under the Kerala High Court Service Rules, 2007. Only 5 permanent posts are on offer, making this one of the smaller yet highly stable openings in the judicial administration ecosystem this year.
Applications open exclusively online from 24 August 2026 and close on 26 September 2026 through the High Court’s dedicated recruitment portal. The pay scale starts at ₹23,700 and rises to ₹52,600, with posting at the High Court complex in Ernakulam.
Candidates holding SSLC plus a recognised diploma or VHSE in gardening or agriculture-related streams can apply. Preference is given to those with practical horticulture or farm experience. The selection will be either interview-only or a written test followed by an interview, depending on the number of applications received.
Who Should Apply?
SSLC or equivalent + Diploma in Gardening / VHSE Nursery Management & Ornamental Gardening / VHSE-Agriculture (Plant Protection) / VHSE-Agriculture + good physique → Gardener – 5 posts
Preference is given to candidates with experience in horticulture and/or farm work. This is not mandatory but will carry weight during selection.
Special categories: 4% of vacancies are reserved for eligible differently abled candidates as per Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958. Age relaxation is available for SC/ST, OBC, Ex-servicemen, differently abled persons and widows, subject to a maximum upper age of 50 years.
Who cannot apply: Candidates who do not possess both SSLC (or equivalent) and one of the specified gardening/agriculture qualifications. Pure SSLC holders without the diploma/VHSE stream are ineligible. Those above the absolute maximum age of 50 years (after all relaxations) are also barred.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 21 August 2026 |
| Online application & fee payment starts | 24 August 2026 |
| Last date for online application & online fee | 26 September 2026 |
| Offline fee remittance starts | 30 September 2026 |
| Last date for offline fee remittance | 7 October 2026 |
| Written test / Interview | To be notified |
| Ranked list validity | Minimum 1 year to maximum 2 years from the date it comes into force |
No extension has been announced. Complete the process well before 26 September 2026 to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Quick Overview – Kerala High Court Gardener 2026
- Organisation: High Court of Kerala
- Notification / Recruitment No.: HCK/7022/2025-REC 1-HC KERALA (Recruitment No. 15/2026)
- Post: Gardener
- Total Vacancies: 5
- Job Type: Regular Government Service (Direct Recruitment)
- Sector: Judiciary & Court Administration
- Job Location: High Court of Kerala, Ernakulam
- Mode of Application: Online only
- Official Website / Portal: hckrecruitment.keralacourts.in
- Apply Online: Apply for Kerala High Court Gardener 2026 (opens 24 August 2026)
- Notification PDF: Available on the official recruitment portal
- Last Date: 26 September 2026
- Salary: ₹23,700 – ₹52,600
- Selection: Interview (or Written Test + Interview) followed by Document Verification
What Posts Are Available? – Kerala High Court Vacancy & Eligibility 2026
Only one designation is notified. All 5 posts carry the same pay scale and eligibility.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardener | 5 | SSLC or equivalent + Diploma in Gardening or VHSE in Nursery Management & Ornamental Gardening or VHSE-Agriculture (Plant Protection) or VHSE-Agriculture; good physique | ₹23,700 – ₹52,600 |
Vacancy interpretation: With only 5 seats, competition will be intense among candidates from Kerala who already hold the required gardening or agriculture diploma/VHSE. The preference for practical horticulture/farm experience can become a deciding factor if many applicants meet the basic educational criteria. No category-wise breakup has been published; appointments will follow Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958, including 4% reservation for eligible differently abled candidates.
What Is the Age Limit?
Age is reckoned with reference to the birth-date windows given in the notification (effectively as on 01 January 2026).
| Category | Date of Birth Range (both days inclusive) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 02 January 1986 to 01 January 2008 |
| OBC | 02 January 1983 to 01 January 2008 |
| SC/ST | 02 January 1981 to 01 January 2008 |
Additional relaxations apply for Ex-servicemen, differently abled candidates (up to 15 years for Low Vision / Deaf & Hard of Hearing; up to 10 years for other benchmark disabilities) and widows (up to 5 years), subject to the upper age limit not exceeding 50 years.
Examples: ✅ A 39-year-old UR candidate born on 01 January 1987 — eligible (within the 02 January 1986 – 01 January 2008 window). ❌ A 41-year-old UR candidate born on 01 January 1985 — not eligible (falls outside the prescribed birth-date range).
Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.
What Is the Salary? – Kerala High Court Gardener 2026
The scale of pay is ₹23,700 – ₹52,600 under the Kerala High Court Service Rules, 2007.
Indicative in-hand estimate (starting): Approximately ₹35,000 – ₹42,000 per month (basic ₹23,700 + current Kerala DA + HRA + other admissible allowances, after standard deductions). Actual take-home varies with posting city class, DA revision and individual deductions.
This is a permanent post with the usual benefits applicable to High Court staff (leave, medical facilities, pension/NPS as per rules). Use our 7th CPC Salary Calculator for a rough projection (adjust for Kerala state rates).
What Is the Application Fee?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹600 |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Unemployed differently abled candidates | Exempted |
Fee can be paid online during application or offline between 30 September and 7 October 2026. Payment is the last stage of the application process. No refund is mentioned for ineligible candidates.
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted only online through the High Court of Kerala recruitment portal. No other mode is permitted.
- Visit the official portal hckrecruitment.keralacourts.in and complete One Time Registration if you do not already have an account.
- Log in, update your profile with personal details, educational qualifications, photograph and signature.
- Click “Apply Now” against Recruitment No. 15/2026 (Gardener).
- Fill the application form carefully, preview all entries, and submit.
- Pay the application fee online (or note the offline payment window).
- Take a printout of the submitted application for your records. Do not send the printout to the High Court.
Photo & Signature Resizer: Use our Photo & Signature Resizer to meet the exact size and format requirements before uploading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Completing One Time Registration but forgetting to click “Apply Now” for the specific Gardener post — the application remains incomplete.
- Uploading unclear or incorrectly sized photograph/signature — the portal may reject the form.
- Waiting until 26 September 2026 to start the process; portal congestion is common on the last day.
- Assuming experience is mandatory; it is only preferential. Missing the diploma/VHSE qualification, however, makes the application invalid.
- Paying the fee but not submitting the final application form.
കേരള ഹൈക്കോടതി ഗാർഡനർ റിക്രൂട്ട്മെന്റ് 2026 – 5 പോസ്റ്റുകൾക്ക് ഓൺലൈൻ അപേക്ഷ
കേരള ഹൈക്കോടതി 5 ഗാർഡനർ തസ്തികകളിലേക്ക് നേരിട്ടുള്ള റിക്രൂട്ട്മെന്റ് നോട്ടിഫിക്കേഷൻ പുറത്തിറക്കിയിരിക്കുന്നു. അപേക്ഷകൾ 2026 ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 24 മുതൽ സെപ്റ്റംബർ 26 വരെ ഓൺലൈനായി സമർപ്പിക്കാം. ശമ്പള സ്കെയിൽ ₹23,700 – ₹52,600 ആണ്. സ്ഥിരമായ സർക്കാർ ജോലിയാണ്.
ആര് അപേക്ഷിക്കാം? SSLC അല്ലെങ്കിൽ തുല്യ യോഗ്യതയും ഗാർഡനിങ് ഡിപ്ലോമയോ നഴ്സറി മാനേജ്മെന്റ് & ഓർണമെന്റൽ ഗാർഡനിങ് / അഗ്രികൾച്ചർ (പ്ലാന്റ് പ്രൊട്ടക്ഷൻ) / അഗ്രികൾച്ചർ എന്നിവയിലെ VHSE യോഗ്യതയോ ഉള്ളവർക്ക് അപേക്ഷിക്കാം. നല്ല ശാരീരികക്ഷമത ആവശ്യമാണ്. ഹോർട്ടികൾച്ചർ അല്ലെങ്കിൽ ഫാം വർക്ക് അനുഭവമുള്ളവർക്ക് മുൻഗണന.
വയസ്സ് പരിധി പൊതു വിഭാഗം: 02.01.1986 മുതൽ 01.01.2008 വരെ ജനിച്ചവർ. SC/ST, OBC വിഭാഗങ്ങൾക്കും എക്സ്-സർവീസ്മാൻ, ഭിന്നശേഷി, വിധവകൾക്കും അധിക ഇളവ് ഉണ്ട്. പരമാവധി 50 വയസ്സ്.
എങ്ങനെ അപേക്ഷിക്കാം? www.hckrecruitment.keralacourts.in എന്ന പോർട്ടലിൽ വന്ടൈം രജിസ്ട്രേഷൻ പൂർത്തിയാക്കി ഓൺലൈനായി അപേക്ഷിക്കുക. അപേക്ഷാ ഫീസ് ₹600 (SC/ST, തൊഴിൽരഹിത ഭിന്നശേഷിക്കാർക്ക് ഒഴിവ്). തിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് അഭിമുഖം മാത്രമോ റിട്ടൻ ടെസ്റ്റ് + അഭിമുഖമോ ആയിരിക്കും. വിശദമായ വിവരങ്ങൾക്ക് ഔദ്യോഗിക പോർട്ടൽ സന്ദർശിക്കുക.
How Are Candidates Selected?
Selection is conducted in stages:
- Shortlisting based on number of applications.
- Either Interview only (50 marks; minimum qualifying 20) or Written Test (100 marks) + Interview (10 marks).
- Document Verification of original certificates (age, qualification, community, experience if claimed).
- Final ranked list preparation.
Written Test details (if conducted):
- 100 objective multiple-choice questions based on the Diploma in Gardening / VHSE syllabus.
- Duration: 75 minutes.
- Negative marking: ¼ mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Minimum qualifying marks: 40.
- Centre: Ernakulam.
The ranked list remains valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years from the date it comes into force. Vacancies arising during the validity period will be filled from this list.
Why Does the High Court of Kerala Matter?
The High Court of Kerala is the highest judicial body in the state, functioning from its principal seat at Ernakulam. It administers justice across the state and maintains its own permanent staff under the Kerala High Court Service Rules, 2007. Gardeners form part of the support cadre responsible for maintaining the court complex gardens and landscaping.
Candidates searching for “Kerala High Court jobs”, “High Court gardener vacancy” or “Ernakulam court staff recruitment” look for permanent posts with stable pay and limited transfer liability. One practical downside is the very small number of vacancies (only 5), which means high competition even for a non-technical post.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take
Compared with similar support-staff openings in other High Courts or Kerala PSC gardening-related posts, this recruitment offers genuine permanent status under High Court rules rather than contractual engagement. The pay scale is respectable for an entry-level support role, and the workplace is a single, prestigious location in Ernakulam.
Best fit: Candidates from Kerala who already hold a gardening or agriculture VHSE/diploma and prefer a stable, local government job with limited travel. Those with hands-on farm or nursery experience will have a clear edge.
Who should skip: Pure SSLC holders without the required diploma/VHSE stream, candidates unwilling to appear for a possible written test in Ernakulam, and those seeking rapid career progression or metro-city postings outside Kochi.
Practical tip: Complete One Time Registration and keep a scanned photo, signature and all certificates ready before 24 August 2026. With only five seats, even a small error in the application form can cost you the chance.
What Documents Are Required?
Keep the following ready in original and self-attested copies for document verification:
- SSLC or equivalent certificate (proof of age and educational qualification)
- Diploma in Gardening / relevant VHSE certificate
- Community certificate (if claiming reservation)
- Differently abled certificate (if applicable)
- Experience certificate in horticulture/farm work (if claiming preference)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs matching the uploaded image
Any discrepancy between the online application and original documents can lead to rejection at the DV stage.
What Happens After Selection?
- The ranked list is published on the official portal.
- Candidates are called for Document Verification in the order of merit.
- Original certificates are verified; medical fitness (good physique) is confirmed.
- Appointment order is issued under the Kerala High Court Service Rules, 2007.
- Candidate joins duty at the High Court complex, Ernakulam.
- Probation period as prescribed in the service rules begins; confirmation follows successful completion.
The ranked list remains live for one to two years, so additional vacancies arising during this period may also be filled from the same list.
Contact & Helpline
- Phone: 0484-2562235
- Email: recruitment.hckerala@nic.in
- Portal: hckrecruitment.keralacourts.in
⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official recruitment portal. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over the phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.
Important Links – Kerala High Court Gardener 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Recruitment Portal | Visit Kerala High Court Recruitment Portal |
| Apply Online | Apply for Kerala High Court Gardener Recruitment 2026 (opens 24 August 2026) |
| Notification PDF | Available on the official portal under current notifications |
FAQs – Kerala High Court Gardener Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for Kerala High Court Gardener 2026?
A: 26 September 2026. Late applications are not accepted. Offline fee payment is allowed only till 7 October 2026 for those who submitted the form on time.
Q2: What is the age limit for Kerala High Court Gardener?
A: General candidates must be born between 02 January 1986 and 01 January 2008. OBC and SC/ST get extended lower birth-date limits. Maximum age after all relaxations is 50 years.
Q3: Is there an exam for Kerala High Court Gardener, or is it interview-based?
A: It depends on the number of applications. If fewer candidates apply, selection may be through interview only (50 marks). Otherwise, a written test (100 marks) plus an interview (10 marks) will be held at Ernakulam.
Q4: What is the salary of Kerala High Court Gardener?
A: The scale is ₹23,700 – ₹52,600. Starting in-hand is approximately ₹35,000–42,000 per month, depending on allowances and deductions.
Q5: Can final-year students apply for Kerala High Court Gardener 2026?
A: No. You must already possess SSLC and the required Diploma/VHSE qualification at the time of application. Result-awaited candidates are not eligible.
Q6: Is Kerala High Court Gardener a permanent government job?
A: Yes. It is direct recruitment to a permanent post under the Kerala High Court Service Rules, 2007, with the usual service benefits.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for the Kerala High Court Gardener?
A: Yes, provided they meet the educational and age criteria. There is no explicit domicile restriction stated in the notification for this post.
Q8: Where will I be posted if selected?
A: At the High Court of Kerala complex in Ernakulam. No other posting locations are indicated.
Q9: Is experience mandatory for Kerala High Court Gardener?
A: No. Experience in horticulture or farm work is only preferential. The mandatory requirement is SSLC plus the specified diploma or VHSE qualification.
Q10: What is the application fee and who is exempted?
A: ₹600 for General and OBC. SC/ST and unemployed differently abled candidates are fully exempted.
Q11: What are the disadvantages of this recruitment?
A: Worth knowing before you apply: only 5 posts are available, so competition will be high. The written test (if held) is based on the gardening diploma syllabus, and the workplace is fixed at Ernakulam with limited scope for transfer or rapid promotion.
Q12: How much do High Court support staff earn in Kerala?
A: Entry-level support posts such as Gardener start at ₹23,700 basic. With DA and allowances, the in-hand figure typically ranges between ₹35,000 and ₹42,000 at the beginning of service.
Q13: Is a gardening diploma enough for Kerala government jobs?
A: Yes, for this specific High Court post. SSLC plus a recognised Diploma in Gardening or the listed VHSE streams is the exact combination required. Other Kerala government departments may have different norms.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?
- You hold SSLC (or equivalent) and one of the specified gardening/agriculture diplomas or VHSE certificates.
- Your date of birth falls within the prescribed window for your category.
- You are prepared for a possible written test in Ernakulam based on the gardening syllabus.
- You understand this is a permanent post with posting only at the High Court complex, Ernakulam.
- You have completed (or are ready to complete) One Time Registration on the official portal before applying.
📄 Source: Official notification released by the High Court of Kerala on 21 August 2026 (HCK/7022/2025-REC 1-HC KERALA, Recruitment No. 15/2026). All details are sourced from the official notification available on the High Court recruitment portal.
