APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released Brief Notification No. 19/2026 for the direct recruitment of Horticulture Officers in the A.P. Horticulture Service.
According to the notification dated September 15, 2026, a total of 37 provisional vacancies have been announced for the Horticulture Officer post. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official APPSC website from October 6, 2026, to October 27, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 notification containing information about the vacancy breakup, age limit, community-wise reservations, detailed eligibility conditions and other instructions is scheduled to be made available on or before October 6, 2026.
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada, has released Notification No. 19/2026 dated October 6, 2026, inviting online applications for the recruitment of Horticulture Officers in the Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Service. Eligible candidates with a four-year B.Sc. Degree or B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Horticulture can apply for the available vacancies.
According to the notification, a total of 37 Horticulture Officer vacancies have been announced. The selected candidates will receive a pay scale of ₹54,060 to ₹1,40,540. The selection process will consist of a written examination conducted in Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) mode, followed by a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) for provisionally shortlisted candidates.
Interested and eligible applicants must submit their applications through the official APPSC website within the prescribed dates. Candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria, age limits, application fees, examination scheme and other conditions before applying.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Notification Number | 19/2026 |
| Notification Date | October 6, 2026 |
| Name of the Post | Horticulture Officer |
| Department/Service | A.P. Horticulture Service |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment – General Recruitment |
| Total Vacancies | 37 |
| Job Cadre | Zonal Post |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Starting Date to Apply | October 6, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 27, 2026, up to 11:59 PM |
| Age Limit | 18–44 years as on July 1, 2026, subject to applicable relaxations |
| Educational Qualification | Four-year B.Sc. Degree/B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Horticulture |
| Pay Scale | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| Selection Process | Written Examination and qualifying CPT |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) |
| Official Website | https://psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Horticulture Officer Vacancy Details
APPSC has announced 37 vacancies for the post of Horticulture Officer in the Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Service.
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Horticulture Officer | 37 |
| Total | 37 |
The detailed category-wise vacancy distribution is provided in Annexure-I of the official notification. Since this is a zonal-cadre recruitment, local reservation and other applicable reservation rules will be followed as prescribed in the notification.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess the prescribed educational qualification from a recognized university on the date of the detailed notification.
Required qualification:
Candidates must have a four-year B.Sc. Degree or B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Horticulture from:
- A recognized university in Andhra Pradesh; or
- Any other university accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi.
Candidates must ensure that their degree satisfies the requirements specified in the notification. Degrees obtained through open universities or distance education must meet the applicable recognition requirements mentioned by APPSC.
Age Limit for APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026
The age limit is calculated as of July 1, 2026.
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 44 years
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age criteria to be eligible for recruitment.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is available to eligible candidates belonging to specified categories, as detailed below.
| Category | Permissible Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/BC/EWS | 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PBD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Deduction of the prescribed period of service, as per rules |
| NCC Instructors | Applicable service-related relaxation, as per rules |
| Regular Andhra Pradesh State Government Employees | Deduction of regular service up to a maximum of 5 years |
| Retrenched temporary employees of the State Census Department with at least 6 months of service | 3 years |
Age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen and NCC Instructors will be subject to the applicable service rules and maximum age limit. Employees of corporations and municipalities are not eligible for the government-employee age relaxation specified in the notification.
Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess the necessary supporting documents.
Eligibility Conditions
In addition to the educational qualification and age requirements, candidates must satisfy the following general conditions:
- The candidate must be a citizen of India, subject to the exceptions permitted under the applicable rules.
- The candidate must possess sound health and be free from any bodily defect or infirmity that would make them unfit for the service.
- The candidate must have suitable character and antecedents for appointment.
- The candidate must satisfy all educational, age, local-candidature and other eligibility requirements prescribed in the notification.
Reservation and Local Candidate Rules
APPSC will implement applicable vertical and horizontal reservations in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996, relevant government orders and the Presidential Order, 2025, as cited in the notification.
The reservation provisions cover eligible categories, including:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Backward Classes (BC)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Women
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PBD)
- Meritorious Sports Persons (MSP)
The notification provides for horizontal reservation of 33⅓% for women and 3% for Meritorious Sports Persons, subject to the applicable rules. Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities will be governed by the relevant rules and departmental provisions.
Local Reservation
The Horticulture Officer post is organized under the zonal cadre. Local reservation will be implemented according to the Presidential Order, 2025, and the relevant government orders mentioned in the notification.
The six zones specified are:
- Zone I: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli.
- Zone II: Alluri Sitarama Raju, East Godavari, Kakinada and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema.
- Zone III: West Godavari, Eluru, NTR and Krishna.
- Zone IV: Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore.
- Zone V: Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya and YSR Kadapa.
- Zone VI: Nandyal, Ananthapuramu, Kurnool and Sri Sathya Sai.
As specified in the notification, 95% local reservation will apply to local candidates of the respective zones, subject to the applicable provisions.
Candidates claiming local status must submit the required study certificates covering the relevant period or a residence certificate where permitted by the rules. Candidates who studied in an educational institution up to Class VII must provide the required study certificates rather than relying on a residence certificate.
Applicants who migrated from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh during the period specified in the notification must follow the prescribed local-status certification procedure.
Candidates claiming SC/ST/BC/EWS or other reservation benefits should carefully check the prescribed certificate formats and validity dates. BC candidates must submit the required Non-Creamy Layer Certificate. EWS candidates must possess the required certificate based on the financial year 2025–2026, issued on or after April 1, 2026, and within the prescribed deadline.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Salary
Candidates selected for the Horticulture Officer post will receive a salary in the pay scale of ₹54,060–₹1,40,540.
The actual salary and take-home pay will depend on the applicable government allowances, deductions and service rules. Candidates should refer to the relevant departmental rules and official notification for further details.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Application Fee
Candidates must pay the prescribed application processing fee and examination fee to complete their applications.
| Fee Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | ₹250 |
| Examination Fee | ₹120 |
| Total Fee for Candidates Required to Pay Both Fees | ₹370 |
Examination Fee Exemptions
The notification exempts eligible candidates belonging to the following categories from payment of the ₹120 examination fee:
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- BC candidates
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities
- Ex-Servicemen
- Eligible unemployed youth as specified in the notification and applicable government order
- Eligible families holding a Household Supply White Card issued by the Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Department, subject to the prescribed conditions
The exemption applies to the examination fee, not automatically to the application processing fee. Candidates from other states are subject to the fee and reservation conditions specified in the notification.
Mode of Payment
The application fee must be paid online through the payment gateway using Net Banking, a Credit Card or a Debit Card.
The fee once paid will not be refunded or adjusted under any circumstances. Applications that require a fee but do not complete the payment process will be rejected.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Selection Process
The selection process consists of a written examination and a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
1. Written Examination
Candidates will be selected primarily on the basis of their merit in the written examination, which will be conducted in Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) mode.
The date of the examination will be announced separately by APPSC. Candidates must appear for all required examination papers; absence from any paper will result in disqualification.
2. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
Candidates provisionally shortlisted after the written examination must qualify in the Computer Proficiency Test as required by the notification and applicable rules.
The CPT is a qualifying requirement for selection and appointment.
Negative Marking
As per the notification, one-third of the marks prescribed for a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
Candidates should therefore prepare carefully and understand the examination scheme before attempting the test.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The minimum aggregate qualifying marks prescribed in the notification are:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| Open Competition (OC), Sports Persons, Ex-Servicemen and EWS | 40% |
| Backward Classes (BC) | 35% |
| SC, ST and PBD | 30% |
Meeting the minimum qualifying marks does not guarantee selection. Final selection will depend on merit, available vacancies, reservation rules and the other conditions prescribed by APPSC.
Examination Centres
The Computer-Based Recruitment Test will be conducted at the following four centres:
- Visakhapatnam
- Vijayawada
- Tirupati
- Ananthapuramu
Candidates can indicate three examination-centre preferences while submitting the application. However, APPSC reserves the right to allot an examination centre depending on the availability of facilities and other administrative requirements.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination is of Degree Standard and consists of objective-type questions.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Test | General English & General Telugu | 100 | 100 | 100 Minutes |
| Paper I | General Studies & Mental Ability | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes |
| Paper II | Horticulture-I | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes |
| Paper III | Horticulture-II | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes |
The qualifying test consists of General English – 50 marks and General Telugu – 50 marks. Candidates have to qualify in English and Telugu individually.
Papers I, II and III carry 150 marks each, making the main written examination component 450 marks.
Negative Marking
There is negative marking in the examination.
For every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks prescribed for that question will be deducted, as specified in the notification.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Syllabus 2026
The APPSC Horticulture Officer syllabus covers General Studies and Mental Ability along with two specialized Horticulture papers.
Qualifying Test – General English and General Telugu
The qualifying test is at SSC Standard.
General English
Topics include:
- Comprehension
- Usage and idioms
- Vocabulary and punctuation
- Logical rearrangement of sentences
General Telugu
Topics include:
- Synonyms and vocabulary
- Grammar
- Telugu to English meanings
- English to Telugu meanings
Paper I – General Studies and Mental Ability
The General Studies and Mental Ability paper of APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 includes:
- Major current events and issues relating to international, national and Andhra Pradesh affairs
- General Science and its applications to daily life
- Science & Technology and Information Technology developments
- History of India, with emphasis on Andhra Pradesh and the Indian National Movement
- Geography of India with focus on Andhra Pradesh
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Indian Economy and Planning
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection
- Disaster Management
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
The syllabus also covers topics such as constitutional issues, public policy, e-Governance, Remote Sensing, GIS, tabulation and visual representation of data.
Paper II – Horticulture-I
Horticulture-I covers a broad range of technical subjects.
Major areas include:
1. Fruit Crops
The syllabus covers crops such as:
- Mango
- Banana
- Citrus
- Grape
- Pineapple
- Guava
- Papaya
- Sapota
Topics include cultivation, varieties, rootstocks, planting, training and pruning, nutrition, irrigation, harvesting, post-harvest management, storage and physiological disorders.
2. Vegetable Crops
The syllabus includes several vegetable groups and covers areas such as:
- Seed treatment
- Nursery raising
- Transplanting
- Nutrition
- Irrigation
- Harvesting
- Post-harvest handling
- Storage
- Plant growth regulators
- Physiological disorders
Crops include tomato, brinjal, chillies, potato, okra, cucurbits, melons, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, onion, garlic, root crops, tuber crops and leafy vegetables.
3. Commercial Floriculture, Ornamental Gardening and Landscape Architecture
This section includes commercial flower crops such as:
- Rose
- Chrysanthemum
- Jasmine
- Carnation
- Gladiolus
- Anthurium
- Tuberose
- China aster
- Marigold
- Crossandra
- Gerbera
It also covers garden design, landscape gardening, indoor plants, flower arrangements and bonsai.
Other Major Areas in Horticulture-I
The paper also covers:
- Medicinal plants
- Aromatic crops
- Spices and condiments
- Plantation crops
- Dryland horticulture
- Watershed management
- Post-harvest management
- Preservation of fruits and vegetables
- Farm power and machinery
- Greenhouse management
Paper III – Horticulture-II
Horticulture-II covers the fundamentals and advanced areas of horticulture.
Major topics include:
- Fundamentals of Horticulture
- Plant Propagation and Nursery Management
- Plant Physiology
- Entomology
- Pathology
- Soil Science
- Introductory Agro Forestry
- Extension Education
- Organic Farming in Horticultural Crops
The syllabus covers areas such as orchard establishment, organic farming, plant nutrition, irrigation, pruning, propagation, seed germination, plant growth regulators, pests and diseases, soil fertility, fertilizers, agroforestry and agricultural extension programmes.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Computer Proficiency Test
The notification also includes a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) scheme and syllabus.
The CPT is a practical-type examination with:
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 30 for SC/ST, 35 for BCs and 40 for OCs
The test covers proficiency in office automation using computers and associated software.
CPT Topics
The computer syllabus of APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 includes:
- Introduction to computers
- Computer software
- Operating systems
- Windows
- Basic Linux/Mac OS concepts
- Internet concepts
- World Wide Web
- Office applications
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Presentation software
The assessment pattern includes computer-based practical activities involving document preparation, typing, formatting, tables, images, Excel worksheets, formulas, charts and PowerPoint presentations.
How to Apply for APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates have to apply online through the APPSC website.
Steps to Apply
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official APPSC website by following the steps below.
Step 1: Visit the official website
Open https://psc.ap.gov.in.
Step 2: Complete One Time Profile Registration (OTPR)
Candidates applying for the first time must register their personal and other required details through the OTPR system. After successful registration, an OTPR ID will be generated and sent to the registered mobile number and email address.
Candidates who already have an OTPR ID can log in using their registered credentials.
Step 3: Log in to the application portal
Log in to the APPSC website using the OTPR ID and password.
Step 4: Open the online application
Select the “Online Application Submission” option and click the “Fill Application” button corresponding to Notification No. 19/2026.
Step 5: Enter the required details
Verify the information displayed from the OTPR profile. Fill in the required application-specific details, including educational qualifications, local or non-local status, category, post preferences and examination-centre preferences.
If any eligible profile details need correction, use the appropriate OTPR modification option before proceeding.
Step 6: Save and submit the application
Review the entire application carefully. Clicking “Save” alone will not complete the application. Candidates must click “Save & Submit” to proceed to the payment gateway.
Step 7: Pay the application fee
Pay the applicable fees online. After successful payment and submission, the payment reference ID will be generated, and an SMS alert will be sent to the registered mobile number.
Step 8: Download the application
Download and save the completed application PDF and payment details for future reference.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Detailed Notification | On or before October 6, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | October 6, 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | October 27, 2026 |
| Last Time for Application | 11:59 PM |
Candidates are advised to submit their applications well before the last date to avoid technical issues or last-minute rush.
Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | APPSC Brief Notification No. 19/2026 |
| Online Application | APPSC official website |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates applying for APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 should keep the following points in mind:
- The recruitment is for Horticulture Officer in A.P. Horticulture Service.
- There are 37 provisional vacancies.
- The required qualification is a four-year B.Sc./B.Sc. (Hons.) Degree in Horticulture from the prescribed recognized/accredited institution.
- The application process is online.
- Applications open on October 6, 2026.
- The last date is October 27, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
- There will be no Screening Test.
- The recruitment examination will be conducted in CBRT mode.
- The written examination is objective type and Degree Standard.
- There is 1/3 negative marking for each wrong answer.
- Candidates should carefully check the Detailed Notification before applying.
- The detailed notification will provide additional information such as age, community, vacancy breakup and other instructions.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Hall Ticket 2026
APPSC will release the hall tickets for the written examination on its official website. The hall ticket release date has not been announced in the notification.
Candidates should regularly visit the Commission’s website for updates regarding hall ticket downloads, examination dates, examination instructions and other recruitment-related announcements.
Applicants must follow the instructions provided by APPSC when downloading and using their hall tickets.
The APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 provides an opportunity for eligible Horticulture graduates to apply for 37 provisional Horticulture Officer vacancies in the A.P. Horticulture Service.
Candidates with the prescribed four-year B.Sc. or B.Sc. (Hons.) qualification in Horticulture should carefully study the examination syllabus and prepare for General Studies, Mental Ability and the Horticulture-I and Horticulture-II papers.
Since the brief notification does not contain all eligibility and reservation details, candidates should check the Detailed Notification scheduled to be available on or before October 6, 2026, before submitting the application.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are available in APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026?
A total of 37 Horticulture Officer vacancies have been announced under Notification No. 19/2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is October 27, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
3. What is the educational qualification for Horticulture Officer posts?
Candidates must possess a four-year B.Sc. Degree or B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Horticulture from a recognized university meeting the conditions specified in the notification.
4. What is the age limit for APPSC Horticulture Officer posts?
The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 44 years as on July 1, 2026, subject to applicable age relaxations.
5. What is the salary of an APPSC Horticulture Officer?
The prescribed pay scale is ₹54,060–₹1,40,540.
6. What is the application fee?
The application processing fee is ₹250, and the examination fee is ₹120. Candidates who are not exempt from either fee must pay a total of ₹370.
7. What is the selection process?
Selection is based on merit in the written examination, subject to qualifying in the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
8. What is the examination mode?
The written examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) mode.
9. Where can candidates apply online?
Candidates can visit the official APPSC website at https://psc.ap.gov.in and apply under Notification No. 19/2026.
10. Has the examination date been announced?
No. The examination date will be announced separately by APPSC.
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