KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture Recruitment 2026 – Rs.44,100 Salary, Walk-In 15 Oct

KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. If you hold an MSc in Horticulture with NET qualification and dream of a government teaching role, this is your opportunity. 1 post is available on a contract basis at Rs.44,100 per month, with a walk-in interview scheduled for 15 October 2026.

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This guide is for horticulture postgraduates, NET-qualified candidates, and agriculture faculty aspirants in Kerala who want to join one of India’s most prestigious state agricultural universities. Here you will find complete details on eligibility, salary, the walk-in interview process, terms and conditions, and expert tips to prepare.

📋 Table of Contents

What Is KAU and Why This Recruitment Matters in 2026

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) is the premier state agricultural university of Kerala, established in 1971 and headquartered at Vellanikkara, Thrissur. It is recognized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC. KAU runs 7 constituent colleges, 30+ research stations, and conducts undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and fisheries.

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The College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara is KAU’s main campus college and one of the most sought-after institutions for agricultural education in South India. Being selected as an Assistant Professor here — even on a contract basis — significantly boosts your academic career profile, teaching portfolio, and future eligibility for permanent university faculty positions. For MSc (Horticulture) degree holders, this is among the few government-backed teaching opportunities available in Kerala in 2026.

The current notification (No.Veg/05/2017, dated 30/09/2026) invites applications specifically for the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara — a specialized department within the Horticulture stream. This distinction makes it valuable for candidates with expertise in vegetable crop sciences, protected cultivation, or post-harvest technology.

Who Should Apply for KAU Horticulture Professor 2026

This KAU Assistant Professor recruitment is ideal for a specific set of qualified candidates. Here are 8 candidate profiles who should seriously consider attending the walk-in interview:

• 🎓 MSc (Horticulture) graduates with NET qualification who want to enter government university teaching at a recognized state agricultural university
• 🔬 PhD scholars in Horticulture whose thesis defence is complete or near-complete and who want to build their academic teaching experience
• 👩‍🏫 Candidates with prior teaching experience in Vegetable Science, Floriculture, Fruit Science, or related horticulture disciplines in recognized colleges
• 📜 NET/ICAR-JRF/SRF holders in Horticulture who have been waiting for a government faculty opening in Kerala
• 🌿 Agriculture/Horticulture postgraduates under 50 years of age as on 30 September 2026 who fulfil KAU’s prescribed qualification norms
• 🏛️ Contract faculty at other KAU colleges or research stations who want to move to the main Vellanikkara campus for career advancement
• 📚 Candidates awaiting Kerala PSC rank list results who want to gain official government university teaching experience in the interim
• 🔗 Researchers at ICAR institutes or KAU research stations in Kerala who want to transition from research to academic teaching roles

KAU Assistant Professor Salary and Pay Details 2026

The KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture salary for 2026 is Rs.44,100 per month on a consolidated basis. This is a fixed monthly pay under the contract appointment terms. Unlike regular UGC-scale positions, this consolidated pay does not include separate DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), or other allowances. However, it provides stable government income for the contract duration.

While Rs.44,100/month may appear lower than a regular UGC 7th Pay Commission scale (which starts at Rs.57,700 for Assistant Professors in central universities), it is a standard government university contract pay in Kerala. For candidates building an academic portfolio, the experience and association with KAU’s main campus is often more valuable than the salary itself at this stage.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualification Requirements

Candidates must carefully check their eligibility before attending the KAU walk-in interview. Meeting the qualification criteria exactly as prescribed in the official notification is mandatory — no relaxation in the essential qualification is provided beyond what is stated below.

Essential Qualification

• PhD or Master’s Degree in Horticulture recognized by Kerala Agricultural University
• Minimum 55% marks in the Master’s Degree (in traditional marking system or equivalent grade in CGPA/OGPA grading)
• NET qualification from ICAR / UGC / CSIR in the relevant subject, recognized by KAU
• In the absence of NET-qualified candidates, applicants with PhD or Master’s Degree in Horticulture recognized by KAU will be considered

Desirable Qualification

• Teaching experience in the concerned discipline (Horticulture / Vegetable Science)
• Prior experience at a recognized agricultural university or ICAR institute is an advantage

Age Limit

• Applicant should not be above 50 years as on 30/09/2026
• Age relaxation as per existing Government of Kerala rules will be granted to eligible SC/ST/OBC candidates

How to Apply — Walk-In Interview Process Step by Step

This KAU recruitment follows a walk-in interview format — there is no online application form or written examination. Candidates must appear in person at the venue on the specified date and time with all required documents.

1. Check Eligibility First: Confirm you hold MSc (Horticulture) with a minimum of 55% marks AND NET qualification from ICAR/UGC/CSIR recognized by Kerala Agricultural University. Also verify you are not above 50 years of age as on 30/09/2026.
2. Prepare All Original Documents: Collect original certificates and self-attested copies of — SSLC/10th certificate (proof of age), Degree certificates (UG and PG), Mark sheets for all semesters, NET/ICAR-JRF/SRF certificate, Experience certificates (if any), Caste/community certificate (if applying under reservation), Recent passport-size photographs.
3. Prepare Your Bio-Data / CV: Draft a focused academic CV highlighting your MSc thesis topic, NET rank, research publications (if any), teaching experience, and any awards. Keep it under 3 pages.
4. Note the Interview Schedule: Date — 15 October 2026 | Time — 10 AM | Venue — Council Room, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. KAU Phone: 0487-2438481.
5. Arrive Before 10 AM: Reach the venue at least 30 minutes early for document verification and registration. Latecomers may not be considered for the interview.
6. Attend Document Verification: University officials will verify your original certificates for age, qualification, caste, and experience before the formal interview.
7. Attend the Interview: The selection panel will assess your subject knowledge in Horticulture/Vegetable Science, teaching aptitude, and communication skills. Be prepared to discuss your MSc dissertation research and relevant horticulture topics.
8. If Selected — Execute Agreement: Shortlisted candidates must sign an agreement on stamp paper worth Rs.200. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview.

KAU Contract Professor vs Regular Professor — Key Differences

Understanding the difference between a contract Assistant Professor at KAU and a regular/permanent position helps set the right expectations before applying. Here is a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.

Advantages and Disadvantages of KAU Contract Professor Post

Here is an honest assessment of the benefits and limitations of this KAU Assistant Professor (Horticulture) contract appointment for 2026.

Advantages (Pros)

• ✅ Government University Affiliation: Working at KAU — a NAAC ‘A’ graded university — adds immense credibility to your academic CV
• ✅ Stable Rs.44,100/Month Income: Fixed government-backed salary for the contract duration with no salary delays typical of private colleges
• ✅ Teaching Portfolio Development: Direct classroom teaching experience at an ICAR-recognized university satisfies the experience requirement for future permanent faculty positions
• ✅ Network & Research Exposure: Access to KAU’s expert faculty, laboratories, germplasm collections, and ongoing research programmes in Horticulture
• ✅ Walk-In — No Application Fee: No registration fee or complex online application process; just show up with your documents

Disadvantages (Cons)

• ❌ No Job Security: The contract is for 1 year only and may end earlier if a regular appointment is made — no guarantee of renewal
• ❌ No DA/HRA/Pension: Consolidated pay only; no dearness allowance, house rent allowance, medical reimbursement, or retirement benefits
• ❌ No Right to Regularization: Appointment explicitly does not confer any right of permanency or regularization in KAU as per the notification terms
• ❌ No TA/DA for Interview: Candidates must travel to Vellanikkara, Thrissur at their own expense — no reimbursement is provided

Important Terms and Conditions for KAU 2026 Appointment

As per the official KAU notification (No.Veg/05/2017 dated 30/09/2026), the following terms and conditions govern this contract appointment. Every candidate must read these carefully before attending the interview.

• Provisional Appointment: The appointment is purely provisional for a period of one year or till the appointment of a regular faculty member, whichever comes earlier
• No Claim Beyond Remuneration: The selected candidate will have no claim in the University other than to receive the monthly consolidated pay of Rs.44,100
• No Permanency or Regularization: The appointment will not confer on the selected candidate any right of permanency or regularization in KAU
• No TA/DA for Interview: No travel allowance or daily allowance will be paid to candidates for attending the walk-in interview on 15 October 2026
• Agreement on Stamp Paper: If selected, the candidate must execute an agreement on stamp paper worth Rs.200 before joining
• University Duties: The selected candidate must discharge all duties attached to the post as per KAU Act, Statute, Regulations, and Rules, and any duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Dean/Head of Department
• Performance-Based Termination: The University has the right to terminate the temporary appointment if the performance is found unsatisfactory or any defects are noticed in the conduct of duties

Important Dates and Interview Schedule

Important Links

Conclusion — Final Thoughts on KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture Recruitment 2026

The KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture Recruitment 2026 at College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara is a genuine and time-sensitive opportunity for MSc (Horticulture) degree holders who are NET-qualified and seeking a government university teaching role in Kerala. With a consolidated salary of Rs.44,100 per month, a straightforward walk-in interview process, and the prestigious KAU affiliation, this 1-year contract post can be a career-defining stepping stone for the right candidate. Attend the walk-in interview on 15 October 2026 at 10 AM at the Council Room, COA Vellanikkara — bring your original certificates, self-attested copies, and a focused academic CV. Bookmark this page as we update it whenever KAU releases new faculty recruitment notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture Recruitment 2026

What is the salary for KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture 2026?

The salary for KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture 2026 is a consolidated pay of Rs.44,100 per month. This is a fixed contract-based salary and does not include separate DA, HRA, or other allowances. The annual earning amounts to Rs.5,29,200. No TA/DA is paid for attending the walk-in interview.

What is the eligibility for KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture 2026?

The essential eligibility is a PhD or MSc (Horticulture) degree with a minimum of 55% marks, recognized by Kerala Agricultural University, along with NET qualification from ICAR/UGC/CSIR. In the absence of NET-qualified candidates, applicants with PhD or Master’s Degree in Horticulture recognized by KAU will be considered. Age must not exceed 50 years as on 30/09/2026.

How to apply for KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture Recruitment 2026?

There is no online application for this KAU recruitment. Candidates must directly attend the walk-in interview on 15 October 2026 at 10 AM at the Council Room, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur with original and self-attested copies of all certificates. No application fee is charged. You can download the official notification at t.me/agrijob_in/928.

Is the KAU Assistant Professor post permanent or temporary?

The KAU Assistant Professor post for Horticulture 2026 is purely temporary on a contract basis for 1 year, or until a regular appointment is made by the university — whichever comes earlier. The notification explicitly states that this appointment will not confer any right of permanency or regularization in Kerala Agricultural University.

What documents are required for the KAU walk-in interview?

Candidates must bring originals and self-attested copies of: SSLC certificate (age proof), UG and PG degree certificates, all semester mark sheets, NET/ICAR-JRF certificate, teaching experience certificates (if any), caste/community certificate for reserved category candidates, and recent passport-size photographs. Document verification happens before the formal interview.

Is NET mandatory for KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture 2026?

NET qualification is the primary requirement for the KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture post. However, the notification specifies that in the absence of NET-qualified candidates, applicants with a PhD or Master’s Degree in Horticulture recognized by Kerala Agricultural University will also be considered. So candidates without NET but with PhD in Horticulture should still attend the walk-in interview.

What is the age limit for KAU Assistant Professor 2026?

The maximum age limit for the KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture contract post is 50 years as on 30 September 2026. Age relaxation as per existing Government of Kerala rules will be granted to eligible SC, ST, and Other Backward Community candidates as prescribed in the Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules.

Which college is the KAU Horticulture Professor post for in 2026?

The post is specifically in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, which is the main campus college of Kerala Agricultural University in Thrissur. The walk-in interview is held at the Council Room of this college itself. Contact KAU at Phone: 0487-2438481 for any queries.

Will there be a written exam for KAU Assistant Professor Horticulture selection?

No written examination is mentioned in the KAU notification. The selection process is through a walk-in interview only. Candidates must appear for document verification and then the interview on 15 October 2026 at 10 AM at COA Vellanikkara. The interview panel assesses subject knowledge, teaching aptitude, and academic background.

Last Updated: October 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest KAU recruitment information and agriculture job updates from Agrijob.in.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official KAU notification and website (kau.in) before attending the walk-in interview. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with Kerala Agricultural University. All salary figures and dates are as per the official notification (No.Veg/05/2017 dated 30/09/2026).

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