KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026 – 85 Posts, Apply Online for

1. Competitive Examination — Candidates will undergo a competitive examination, which may be conducted online (CBT) or offline (OMR) mode.
2. Kannada Language Test — Applicants who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC level must pass a qualifying Kannada Language Test.
3. Document Verification — Shortlisted candidates will be called for verification of original documents.

About KEA KSHD Recruitment 2026

Vacancy Details for KSHD Horticulture Posts

General Recruitment (80 Posts)

These post-wise and category-wise details are provisional and may be revised based on government orders.

Kalyana-Karnataka Quota (5 Posts)

These positions are specifically for candidates from the Kalyana-Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region, adhering to local candidate reservation rules.

Eligibility Criteria for KSHD Recruitment 2026

Educational Qualification

Age Limit and Relaxation

Further age relaxations of up to 10 years are applicable for widows, ex-servicemen, government employees, and other specified categories as detailed in the official notification.

Salary Structure for KSHD Posts

Appointed candidates will serve a two-year probation period and will be covered under the National Pension System (NPS).

Application Fee Details

The fee is non-refundable once paid. Payment is accepted only through online modes.

Selection Process for KSHD Recruitment 2026

1. Competitive Examination: Candidates will undergo a competitive examination, which can be either an Online Computer Based Test (CBT) or an Offline OMR-based test, as determined by KEA. The exam consists of two papers:
   • Paper 1 (General Knowledge): 100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours duration. Covers current affairs, general science, history and geography of Karnataka & India, Indian Constitution, and general intellectual ability.
   • Paper 2 (Subject-specific): 100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours duration. Focuses on Horticulture, with the detailed syllabus to be announced separately.
   A minimum of 35% marks is required to qualify in the competitive examination. There is negative marking, with 0.75 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
2. Kannada Language Test: Candidates who have not studied Kannada as their first or second language up to the SSLC level (or an equivalent/higher examination) must appear for a qualifying Kannada Language Test. This test carries 150 marks, and a minimum of 50 marks is necessary to qualify. Marks from this test are not included in the final merit list, and absence from this test will lead to disqualification.
3. Document Verification: Candidates who qualify in the competitive examination and, if applicable, the Kannada Language Test, will be called for document verification. Original certificates for all claimed qualifications, reservations, and other details must be presented.

How to Apply Online for KSHD Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the official Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
2. Find and click on the link for "KSHD Assistant Horticulture Officer / Director Recruitment 2026".
3. Register on the portal and carefully fill out the online application form. No corrections will be permitted after submission.
4. Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, white background, 50 KB-200 KB) and a scanned signature (JPEG format, 50 KB-70 KB) as per the specified guidelines.
5. Proceed to pay the applicable application fee through the online payment gateway.
6. Download the fee payment challan/receipt and retain a printout for your records.
7. Submit the completed application form before the deadline of 30 August 2026. Ensure fee payment is completed by 31 August 2026.

Required Documents for Application

• Aadhaar Card
• SSLC or equivalent examination certificate/marks card (for date of birth proof) or birth certificate
• Marks cards and certificates for all prescribed educational qualifications and semesters
• Caste certificate (for SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B candidates) in the prescribed format
• Income and caste certificate, if applicable (only those issued for government employment are valid)
• Rural reservation certificate, if applicable
• Kannada medium study certificate, if applicable
• Ex-servicemen discharge certificate/pension book/proof of dependency, if applicable
• Third gender certificate from the District Magistrate, if applicable
• Kalyana-Karnataka (371-J) eligibility and local candidate certificate, if applicable
• Recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature as per specified format and size

Important Instructions for Applicants

• Only correctly submitted online applications and successful qualification in the competitive examination will lead to eligibility for appointment.
• No changes or corrections can be made to the application form after submission.
• Ensure photograph and signature uploads strictly adhere to the specified format and file size to avoid rejection.
• Original certificates must be produced for verification when requested; failure to do so will result in cancellation of candidature.
• Candidates should regularly check the official KEA website and their registered mobile number/email for all updates, as the Authority does not correspond through letters.
• Providing false information, using unfair means, or impersonation at any stage will lead to rejection and potential legal action.
• Any discrepancies between this notification and applicable Karnataka Civil Services Rules will be governed by the latter.