Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026 has been officially released under Notification No. 12/2026, dated 01 October 2026. The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, invites online applications for 21 Trainee (Development) posts exclusively from SC and ST candidates. This is a 2-year hands-on training programme with a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000. The last date to apply online is 19 October 2026 — and the written test begins as early as 22 October 2026.
This guide is for SC/ST graduates in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Botany, Microbiology, or Biotechnology who are looking for government-backed training opportunities in India’s spice sector. It covers everything: eligibility, stipend, region-wise vacancies, selection process, documents needed, and how to apply online step by step.
Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026 offers 21 Trainee (Development) posts exclusively for SC/ST candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related sciences. The monthly stipend is Rs. 20,000 for a 2-year training period. Apply online at spicesboard.in/recruitment/ before 19 October 2026.
- Organisation: Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India
- Notification No.: 12/2026, dated 01-10-2026
- Post Name: Trainee (Development)
- Total Vacancies: 21 Posts (Provisional)
- Category Restriction: SC and ST candidates only
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 20,000 per month + TA for field visits
- Training Duration: 2 Years from date of joining
- Age Limit: Maximum 35 years (as on date of Written Test)
- Application Window: 02 October 2026 to 19 October 2026
- Written Test Dates: 22 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 (region-wise)
- Apply At: spicesboard.in/recruitment/
- Official Website: www.indianspices.com
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is Spices Board Trainee (Development) Programme 2026?
- Who Should Apply for Spices Board Trainee 2026?
- Stipend and Benefits: How Much Will You Earn?
- Eligibility Criteria for Spices Board Trainee 2026
- Region-wise Vacancy Details: 21 Posts Across India
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Selection Process: Written Test and Certificate Verification
- How to Apply Online for Spices Board Trainee 2026
- Spices Board Trainee vs Other Government Trainee Programmes
- Pros and Cons of Spices Board Trainee Programme
- Important Terms Related to Spices Board Recruitment 2026
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Spices Board Trainee (Development) Programme 2026?
The Spices Board Trainee (Development) Programme 2026 is a government-funded, 2-year field training initiative under Notification No. 12/2026, designed to provide practical, ground-level experience in spice crop development to SC/ST science graduates across India. Trainees are placed at various field offices, development offices, and departmental nurseries of the Spices Board — gaining real-world exposure to crop improvement, farmer support, nursery management, and spice quality practices.
The Spices Board is a statutory body established under the Spices Board Act, 1986, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It regulates spice exports and promotes spice development across 14+ major spice crops grown in India. With an annual spice export value exceeding Rs. 40,000 crore, this is one of India’s most important agricultural regulatory bodies — making a traineeship here a meaningful career foundation.
Selected trainees are not regular government employees — this is a training engagement of fixed 2-year duration. However, it provides ₹20,000/month income, field experience, and formal exposure to government agricultural administration that strengthens future job applications and competitive exam performance.
Who Should Apply for Spices Board Trainee 2026?
- 🌿 SC/ST graduates in Agriculture or Horticulture who want hands-on field training with a government body
- 🧪 Botany, Microbiology, or Biotechnology degree holders from SC/ST communities seeking science-based government roles
- 🌲 Forestry graduates interested in spice crop development and rural agricultural administration
- 💻 Candidates with computer knowledge who want to contribute to digital and field-level spice development work
- 📍 Candidates residing near Spices Board office locations — Karnataka, Sikkim, West Bengal, Northeast India, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Bihar
- 🎓 Fresh graduates aged below 35 looking for a paid government training programme before attempting IBPS, UPSC or state PSC exams
- 👩🌾 Female SC/ST agriculture graduates seeking safe, government-backed career placements in their home regions
- 📚 Candidates preparing for agriculture-sector government jobs who want to build a verified field experience certificate on their resume
Stipend and Benefits: How Much Will You Earn in Spices Board Trainee 2026?
The Spices Board Trainee (Development) 2026 programme offers a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000 throughout the 2-year training period. In addition, travel allowance (TA) is paid whenever the trainee travels to spice fields for official work. There is no dearness allowance, HRA, or medical reimbursement mentioned in the official notification — the programme is a training engagement and not a pay-scale appointment.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 20,000 per month (fixed) |
| Travel Allowance (TA) | Paid for visits to spice fields |
| Training Duration | 2 Years from date of joining |
| Leave Entitlement | 1 day per month |
| Total Earnings (2 Years) | Rs. 4,80,000 (approx.) |
| Certificate | Training completion certificate from Spices Board |
| Regularisation | Not applicable — training only, cannot be regularised |
While the stipend is Rs. 20,000/month, it is important to note that this training is not a path to permanent government employment. The official notification explicitly states that selection as Trainee (Development) is a training engagement only and cannot be regularised at any stage. Candidates must keep this in mind while planning their career path.
Eligibility Criteria for Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026
The eligibility requirements for Spices Board Trainee (Development) Recruitment 2026 are specific and must be verified carefully before applying. Meeting even one missing criterion will lead to disqualification at the time of certificate verification.
Category Eligibility
- Only Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates are eligible
- General, OBC, and EWS candidates cannot apply regardless of qualification
- Valid SC/ST caste certificate from a competent authority is mandatory
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines from a recognised university or institute:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Forestry
- Botany
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Final degree certificate is mandatory — candidates who have not yet received their final degree certificate need not appear for the written test
- Working knowledge of computers is required
Age Limit
- Maximum age: 35 years as on the date of the Written Test
- Age relaxation: As per government norms for SC/ST candidates (typically 5 years additional for SC/ST as per standard Central Govt. rules — verify in official notification)
Previous Training Restriction
- Candidates who have previously undergone training at any Spices Board office are NOT eligible, regardless of whether the earlier training was completed or not
Region-wise Vacancy Details: 21 Trainee Posts Across India
The 21 Trainee (Development) posts under Spices Board Recruitment 2026 are spread across 4 regions and 21 unit offices located in Karnataka, Sikkim, West Bengal, Northeast states, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar. The number of vacancies is provisional and may change at the time of final selection.
| Region | Unit Office / Location | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | F.O., Sukhia Pakhari | 1 |
| Gangtok | D.O., Kalimpong | 1 |
| Gangtok | F.O., Geyzing | 1 |
| Sakleshpur | F.O., Vanagur | 1 |
| Sakleshpur | Dept. Nursery, Yeslur | 1 |
| Sakleshpur | Dept. Nursery, Beligeri | 1 |
| Sakleshpur | F.O., Sirsi | 1 |
| Sakleshpur | F.O., Madikeri | 1 |
| Sakleshpur | Dept. Nursery, Bettadamane | 1 |
| Guwahati | D.O., Aizawl (Mizoram) | 1 |
| Guwahati | F.O., Senapati (Manipur) | 1 |
| Guwahati | F.O., Dimapur (Nagaland) | 1 |
| Guwahati | F.O., Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh) | 1 |
| Guwahati | F.O., Roing (Arunachal Pradesh) | 1 |
| Other Region | R.O., Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) | 1 |
| Other Region | R.O., Nizamabad (Telangana) | 1 |
| Other Region | F.O., Jagadalpur (Chhattisgarh) | 1 |
| Other Region | F.O., Koraput (Odisha) | 1 |
| Other Region | R.O., Mumbai (Maharashtra) | 1 |
| Other Region | F.O., Paderu (Andhra Pradesh) | 1 |
| Other Region | F.O., Patna (Bihar) | 1 |
| Total | 21 |
Once selected, you will be assigned to any of the offices under your applied region — not necessarily the office closest to your home. Ensure you are willing to relocate to any unit office within the specified region before submitting your application.
Important Dates and Timeline for Spices Board Trainee 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 01 October 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 01 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 October 2026 |
| Written Test — Sakleshpur Region | 22 October 2026 |
| Written Test — Guwahati (Aizawl, Senapati, Ziro, Patna) | 22 October 2026 |
| Written Test — Nizamabad | 22 October 2026 |
| Written Test — Gangtok Region | 28 October 2026 |
| Written Test — Guntur, Paderu, Jagadalpur, Mumbai | 28 October 2026 |
| Written Test — Dimapur | 28 October 2026 |
| Written Test — Koraput | 31 October 2026 |
| Reporting Time at Test Centre | 10:00 AM (Exam at 11:00 AM) |
Selection Process: Written Test and Certificate Verification
The selection process for Spices Board Trainee (Development) Recruitment 2026 involves a Written Test / Computer Proficiency Test followed by document verification. There is no interview stage. The written test is conducted at the respective unit office where the vacancy exists, making it a walk-in type exam.
- Submit Online Application — Apply at spicesboard.in/recruitment/ before 19 October 2026. Only online applications are accepted.
- Receive Written Test Schedule — Tests are scheduled region-wise between 22–31 October 2026. Candidates must report at the exam venue by 10:00 AM for document verification before the 11:00 AM test.
- Appear for Written Test / Computer Proficiency Test — A written test assessing subject knowledge and computer proficiency is conducted at the unit office of the applied vacancy.
- Certificate Verification — Candidates must bring all original documents (identity proof, age proof, educational certificates, SC/ST caste certificate) along with one set of self-attested copies for verification on the day of the test.
- Merit List / Rank List Preparation — A rank list is prepared based on written test performance. The rank list remains valid for 1 year from the date of result publication or until a fresh notification is issued.
- Offer of Selection and Joining — Selected candidates receive an offer letter specifying the unit office where training will be conducted. Training begins from the date of joining.
How to Apply Online for Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
- Visit the Official Recruitment Portal — Go to spicesboard.in/recruitment/. Do not apply through any third-party website.
- Find the Trainee (Development) 2026 Notification — Look for Notification No. 12/2026 on the opportunities or recruitment page of the official Spices Board website.
- Read the Official Notification PDF — Download and read the full notification PDF to confirm eligibility, exam centre, and terms before filling the form.
- Register and Fill the Online Application Form — Enter your personal details, educational qualification, category (SC/ST), and preferred region/unit office as specified in the notification.
- Upload Required Documents — Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, degree certificate, and SC/ST caste certificate as per specified format and size.
- Submit Application Before Deadline — Submit the completed form before 19 October 2026. After submission, note your application number for future reference.
- Appear for Written Test with Original Documents — Arrive at the exam venue by 10:00 AM on the date specified for your region. Bring all original documents plus one set of self-attested photocopies for verification.
Spices Board Trainee vs Other Government Agriculture Trainee Programmes
| Criteria | Spices Board Trainee 2026 | ICAR-JRF / SRF | NABARD Development Trainee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 31,000–35,000 (JRF/SRF) | Rs. 44,500+ (regular post) |
| Duration | 2 Years | 2–3 Years | Permanent appointment |
| Category Restriction | SC/ST only | All categories (merit-based) | All categories |
| Regularisation Possible | No | No (leads to PhD) | Yes — regular government post |
| Qualification Required | B.Sc. in agri/science | M.Sc. / equivalent | Graduation + NABARD exam |
| Selection Method | Written Test (Walk-in) | National NET exam | Written + Interview |
| Experience Gained | Field-level spice development | Research & lab work | Rural development & finance |
| Eligibility Check | Age 35 max | No strict age limit | Age 28–35 max |
| Best For | SC/ST B.Sc. holders seeking field experience + income | Research-oriented MSc students | Finance + agriculture graduates |
For SC/ST graduates with a B.Sc. in Agriculture or related science who want immediate government-sector exposure and Rs. 20,000/month income, the Spices Board Trainee 2026 programme is an excellent choice. Unlike ICAR or NABARD, the selection is walk-in and the process is simpler. However, candidates serious about permanent government employment should use this 2-year period to simultaneously prepare for IBPS Agriculture Officer, NABARD Grade A, or State PSC Agriculture exams.
Pros and Cons of Spices Board Trainee (Development) Programme 2026
Advantages
- ✅ Rs. 20,000/month stipend — paid government training income for 2 full years
- ✅ Exclusively for SC/ST candidates — lower competition pool compared to open-category jobs
- ✅ Walk-in type exam — no complex national-level entrance test required
- ✅ Field experience certificate from a statutory central government body strengthens future job applications
- ✅ Travel allowance for field visits adds to total compensation
- ✅ Exposure to India’s Rs. 40,000 crore spice export sector — valuable for agriculture career growth
- ✅ Simple eligibility — B.Sc. with computer knowledge is sufficient; no post-graduation needed
Disadvantages
- ❌ No regularisation — this is a training programme, not a path to permanent employment
- ❌ Only 1 day leave per month — significantly less than regular central government employees
- ❌ No DA, HRA, or medical benefits mentioned in the official notification
- ❌ Posting can be in remote locations like Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh) or Roing — may require relocation
- ❌ Tight timeline — only 19 days to apply (1–19 October 2026) and exam starts just 3 days after the deadline
Important Terms Related to Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026
- Spices Board of India: Statutory body under the Spices Board Act, 1986, functioning under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India. Regulates export and development of 52 scheduled spices.
- Trainee (Development): A contractual training position under which selected candidates receive field-level training in spice crop development, nursery management, and farmer outreach programmes.
- Notification No. 12/2026: The official notification number for this recruitment round, dated 01 October 2026.
- Provisional Vacancy: The 21 vacancies declared are subject to change at the time of final selection, as specified in the notification.
- Rank List Validity: The merit list prepared after the written test remains valid for 1 year from the date of result publication, and is used to fill vacancies caused by non-joining or resignation during training.
- Walk-in Test: A written exam conducted at the respective unit office where the vacancy exists, without a hall ticket or advance registration at the exam centre.
- SC/ST Reservation: These posts are exclusively reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities as defined under the Constitution of India. A valid caste certificate from a competent authority is mandatory.
- Travel Allowance (TA): Reimbursement for actual travel expenses incurred when the trainee visits spice farms or fields for official duty — payable in addition to the monthly stipend.
- Spice Development Agency (SPEDA): An initiative of the Spices Board to promote organised spice cultivation and value addition at the grassroots level — trainees often support SPEDA activities.
- Ministry of Commerce & Industry: The parent ministry under which the Spices Board operates, responsible for India’s trade policy and export promotion activities.
Important Links — Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Page (Spices Board) | indianspices.com — Notification Page |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Official PDF — Spices Board Notification 12/2026 |
| Apply Online — Spices Board Recruitment Portal | spicesboard.in/recruitment/ |
| Spices Board Official Website | www.indianspices.com |
| Ministry of Commerce & Industry | commerce.gov.in |
Conclusion: Should You Apply for Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026?
The Spices Board Trainee (Development) Recruitment 2026 is a rare, low-competition opportunity for SC/ST graduates in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Botany, Microbiology, or Biotechnology to earn Rs. 20,000/month while gaining 2 years of verified field experience with a central government statutory body. The walk-in style exam, absence of a complex selection test, and exclusive SC/ST eligibility make this one of the most accessible government training programmes open right now.
With the application window closing on 19 October 2026 and the written test starting just 3 days later on 22 October, eligible candidates must act immediately. Visit the official Spices Board notification page, download the PDF, and apply online at spicesboard.in/recruitment/ today. Bookmark this page — we update it whenever the Spices Board releases new recruitment data.
- 21 Trainee (Development) posts open exclusively for SC/ST candidates under Notification No. 12/2026
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000 for 2 years — total earning potential of approximately Rs. 4,80,000
- Eligibility: B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Botany, Microbiology or Biotechnology + computer knowledge
- Maximum age is 35 years as on the date of the Written Test; previous Spices Board trainees are ineligible
- Written Test (walk-in) scheduled between 22–31 October 2026 at respective unit offices across India
- Apply online only at spicesboard.in/recruitment/ — last date is 19 October 2026. No other application mode accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026
What is Spices Board Trainee (Development) Recruitment 2026?
Spices Board Trainee (Development) Recruitment 2026 refers to the official notification (No. 12/2026) issued by the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, for 21 trainee posts at various field offices across India. The programme offers a 2-year paid training period with a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000, exclusively for SC and ST candidates holding a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
How many vacancies are there in Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026?
There are 21 Trainee (Development) vacancies under Spices Board Recruitment 2026, spread across 4 regions — Gangtok, Sakleshpur, Guwahati, and Other Regions (covering Karnataka, Northeast states, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar). The vacancies are provisional and may vary at the time of final selection.
What is the monthly stipend for Spices Board Trainee 2026?
The monthly stipend for Spices Board Trainee (Development) 2026 is Rs. 20,000 per month (fixed) for the entire 2-year training period. Additionally, travel allowance (TA) is paid when the trainee visits spice fields on official duty. There is no DA, HRA, or medical reimbursement mentioned in the official notification for this training engagement.
Who is eligible to apply for Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026?
Only SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) candidates are eligible. They must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Botany, Microbiology, or Biotechnology from a recognised university or institute, with working knowledge of computers. The maximum age is 35 years as on the date of the Written Test. Candidates who previously underwent training at any Spices Board office cannot apply again.
What is the last date to apply for Spices Board Trainee 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for Spices Board Trainee (Development) Recruitment 2026 is 19 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Only online mode is accepted — no offline applications or other modes will be entertained.
How will the selection be done for Spices Board Trainee posts?
The selection process involves a Written Test / Computer Proficiency Test, followed by certificate verification. The written test is conducted at the respective unit office where the vacancy exists, in a walk-in format between 22 October 2026 and 31 October 2026 (dates vary by region). Candidates must reach the exam venue by 10:00 AM as the test starts at 11:00 AM. There is no interview stage.
Will Spices Board Trainee (Development) lead to a permanent government job?
No. The official notification explicitly states that the selection as Trainee (Development) is only a training engagement and cannot be regularised at any stage. This is not a path to permanent government employment. However, the 2-year experience and the completion certificate from a central government statutory body can significantly strengthen future job applications and competitive exam profiles.
Where do I apply for Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026?
Apply online at the official Spices Board recruitment portal: spicesboard.in/recruitment/. Candidates should also check the official notification on the Spices Board website at www.indianspices.com for any updates. Do not rely on third-party job portals for application submission.
What documents should I bring to the Spices Board written test?
Candidates must bring all original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies on the day of the written test. Required documents include: proof of identity (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID), proof of age (10th marksheet or birth certificate), educational qualification certificates (final degree certificate — provisional degree is not accepted), and a valid SC/ST caste certificate issued by a competent authority. Candidates reporting without original documents or after the specified time will not be allowed to participate.
What is the training period for Spices Board Trainee 2026?
The training period for Spices Board Trainee (Development) 2026 is two years from the date of joining. During this period, trainees are entitled to 1 day of leave per month and receive Rs. 20,000/month as stipend. The rank list prepared after the written test is valid for 1 year from the result date and is used to fill vacancies arising from non-joining or resignation during training.
Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: Official Spices Board Notification No. 12/2026, dated 01.10.2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For complete and binding recruitment details, always refer to the official Spices Board notification at www.indianspices.com. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with the Spices Board of India.
