The Karnataka Examinations Authority has released the detailed recruitment notification for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer posts in the Karnataka Agriculture Department. The notification includes vacancy details, eligibility rules, application dates, Kannada language test rules, exam pattern and syllabus structure.
As per the notification, the recruitment covers both RPC and KK categories. The online application process starts on 30 May 2026 and candidates can submit applications until 20 June 2026. The last date to pay the prescribed fee is 22 June 2026.
For candidates preparing for the KEA AO AAO Exam 2026, the most important part is the written examination pattern. The selection process will be based on offline OMR-type papers, and candidates must understand the paper-wise marks, duration, syllabus areas and negative marking before starting preparation.
Table of Contents
KEA AO AAO Exam Pattern 2026
The KEA AO AAO written examination will be conducted in offline OMR mode. The notification mentions two papers for the main competitive examination.
| Paper | Subject Area | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Paper | 300 marks | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 | Specific Paper / Subject Paper | 300 marks | 2 hours |
| Total | Written Examination | 600 marks | 4 hours |
Paper 1 will test general knowledge and aptitude-related areas, while Paper 2 will be based on the subject concerned with the Agriculture Officer or Assistant Agriculture Officer post.
KEA AO AAO Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
The General Paper will include broad topics expected from candidates applying for Group-B level posts. Candidates should prepare current affairs, general science, Karnataka-related topics and basic administrative awareness.
The Paper 1 syllabus includes current events, general science, Indian history and geography, Karnataka history and geography, social science, Indian Constitution, public administration, mental ability, environmental issues, social and cultural developments, and related general awareness topics.
This paper carries 300 marks and must be completed within 2 hours. Since the paper is broad, candidates should avoid preparing only static GK. Current developments related to Karnataka, agriculture, governance, economy and environment should also be covered.
KEA AO AAO Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
Paper 2 is the subject-specific paper. It will be based on the educational qualification and discipline prescribed for the respective Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer posts.
Candidates applying under agriculture-related qualifications should focus on core agriculture subjects, crop production, soil science, agronomy, plant protection, horticulture, agricultural extension, agricultural economics, seed technology, irrigation, farm management and related technical areas.
For posts linked to allied or technical qualifications, candidates should follow the subject mentioned against their qualification in the notification. This paper also carries 300 marks and will be conducted for 2 hours.
Negative Marking Rule
KEA has clearly mentioned negative marking for the written examination. For every wrong answer, 0.75 marks will be deducted.
This makes accuracy very important. Candidates should avoid random guessing, especially in Paper 1 where broad general knowledge questions can appear tricky. A safer attempt strategy is better than attempting every question without confidence.
Kannada Language Test
The notification also includes Kannada language-related provisions. Candidates who are required to qualify in the Kannada language test must secure the minimum qualifying marks as prescribed by KEA.
The Kannada language test is qualifying in nature. Candidates should not treat it casually, because failure to meet the required Kannada language condition may affect eligibility for further selection even if the main written examination score is strong.
Preparation Strategy For KEA AO AAO Exam
Candidates should begin preparation with the official paper structure. Paper 1 and Paper 2 carry equal weight, so ignoring either section can reduce the final score.
For Paper 1, candidates should revise Karnataka GK, current affairs, Constitution basics, general science and mental ability. For Paper 2, candidates should prepare from graduation-level agriculture and allied subject material.
A practical preparation plan should include previous agriculture exam questions, topic-wise notes, OMR-based mock tests and regular revision. Since the exam has negative marking, candidates should practise question selection and time management before the final test.
