KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026: How to Apply, Eligibility, Fees & Dates

KEA commenced online applications for Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer on April 19, 2026 . You can apply for these Group-B posts in the State Department of Agriculture through the KEA portal.

The notification confirms educational requirements (B.Tech/B.Sc in concerned subjects), age rules, fee amounts and the selection method: a written exam followed by a successive round. Apply online at the official portal: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

Quick Overview: KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026

What this recruitment covers. Short and factual.

• Recruiting body: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for the State Department of Agriculture.
• Posts: Agriculture Officer (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) .
• Job type: Group-B posts; job location limited to Karnataka .
• Mode of application: Online only via the KEA apply portal.

Important Dates (KEA AO AAO Recruitment 2026)

Keep these deadlines on your calendar. You must complete the form and payment by the dates listed.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

Read this before you start the form. If you don't meet eligibility, you risk losing the fee.

• Educational qualification: Candidates must hold B.Tech or B.Sc in the concerned subject as specified in the official notification. Check the notification PDF for post-wise subject lists.
• Minimum age: 18 years (as on May 10, 2026 ).
• Nationality and domicile: The posts are for service within Karnataka. Be prepared to show proofs if required.
• Application mode: Online via KEA portal only. Paper forms are not accepted.

Note: The notification contains post-wise eligibility details. If your degree has a different nomenclature, check the official PDF before applying.

Age Limits and Category Relaxations

Age limits are calculated as on May 10, 2026 . Remember the one-time relaxations mentioned in the notification.

Additional notes:

• A one-time 5-year relaxation is mentioned. Apply only if you meet the rules laid out in the notification.
• Extra relaxations exist for Ex-Servicemen, Persons with Disability (PwD), and widows . Check precise eligibility in the notification before claiming any age concession.

Application Fee and Payment Details

Pay the correct fee before May 12, 2026 . Fees are split into application charges and processing fees.

Payment modes: Use the online payment options provided on the KEA portal. Save the transaction receipt and take a screenshot of the confirmation page.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online

Follow these steps exactly on the official KEA portal. Small errors can delay your application.

1. Visit the official apply portal: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
2. Find the 'Latest Recruitment' or the specific KEA AO/AAO notification link.
3. Read the full notification PDF. Note post-wise qualifications and document requirements.
4. Click the application link and create or enter your login if required.
5. Fill personal details, educational qualifications, category, address and contact information.
6. Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, degree certificates, category certificate if applicable) in the required formats.
7. Pay the application and processing fee online before May 12, 2026 .
8. Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page and payment receipt.

Do not log out before you save the application number. Keep a copy for future communications.

Document Checklist Before Applying

Have these ready in the right format before you start. It saves time and avoids portal timeouts.

• Class 10 or birth certificate for date of birth proof.
• Degree certificate and mark sheets (B.Tech/B.Sc) for educational qualification .
• Caste/category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/Category-1) if applicable and valid.
• PwD certificate or Ex-Servicemen document, if claiming relaxations.
• Recent passport-size photograph and signature scanned as per portal specs.
• Active mobile number and email ID.

Sizes and formats vary. The notification or the portal will list the exact pixel dimensions and file size limits.

Selection Process: Exam and Successive Rounds

The recruitment follows a two-stage selection path as stated in the notification.

• Stage 1: Written examination . This is the primary screening test.
• Stage 2: Successive round(s) after the written exam — this may include document verification, interview or practical assessment depending on post and shortlisting.

Final appointment will be based on the merit list prepared after all selection stages and document verification. KEA will publish more details such as marks distribution and cut-offs in future updates.

What’s Missing in Public Info (Gaps to Watch)

KEA has published the core details, but several specifics are not yet on public record. Watch the notification PDF for updates.

• Exact number of vacancies per post is not published in the summary you see here.
• Post-wise eligibility (subject lists for AO vs AAO) needs confirmation from the official PDF.
• Detailed exam pattern, syllabus and marks distribution are not yet released.
• Pay scale/salary beyond the classification 'Group-B' is not listed here.
• Detailed reservation roster and post-wise category break-up are pending.
• Tentative exam dates, exam centres and admit card schedule have not been announced.
• The nature of the successive round (interview/practical) is not defined here; check the notification for post-wise details.

Keep checking the official portal for corrigenda and updates. KEA may release a separate exam brochure later.

Tips to Avoid Common Application Mistakes

A few practical checks will save you time and risk.

• Confirm your eligibility before you begin. The application fee is non-refundable.
• Keep scanned copies in advance and check file sizes and formats required on the portal.
• Fill the form carefully — especially category, name, DOB and educational details.
• Upload the correct certificates — wrong certificates can lead to rejection at verification.
• Note your application number and payment receipt. Take screenshots after each step.
• Apply a few days before the deadline to avoid last-minute server issues.

Where to Get Official Info and Notification PDF

Always rely on the KEA apply portal for the final word. Other websites may summarise the notice, but the portal is the authoritative source.

• Official apply portal: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
• Download and read the official notification PDF thoroughly for post-wise qualifications, reservation details and any special instructions.
• Watch the portal for admit card release, exam updates and final merit list.

Final Checklist and Next Steps

Before you click submit, complete this quick checklist.

• Confirm you meet the minimum education and age requirements (age as on May 10, 2026 ).
• Keep scanned originals of all documents and a working email/phone number.
• Pay the fee by May 12, 2026 and save the receipt.
• Print the application confirmation and note the application number.
• Monitor the KEA portal for exam dates, admit cards and shortlist announcements.

If you plan to prepare for the written exam, start with basics in your subject area and watch the portal for the official syllabus.

FAQs (Short Answers)

Closing Note: What You Should Do Now

If you meet the educational and age requirements, prepare your documents and apply before May 10, 2026 . Pay the fee by May 12, 2026 . Keep watching the KEA portal for exam dates, admit card release and the detailed syllabus. Good preparation and a careful application will take you a long way.