APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 (Notification No. 19/2026) has been officially released on 15 September 2026 by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission. A total of 37 vacancies are available with a pay scale of Rs.54,060–Rs.1,40,540 per month. Online applications open from 6 October 2026 to 27 October 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in.
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 is officially out. The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada has released Brief Notification No. 19/2026 on 15 September 2026, inviting applications for 37 Horticulture Officer posts in A.P. Horticulture Service. This guide is for B.Sc. Horticulture graduates from Andhra Pradesh who want a confirmed government job with a salary starting at Rs.54,060 per month. This article covers vacancy details, pay scale, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, how to apply, and all important dates — updated as of September 2026.
- Notification No.: 19/2026
- Notification Date: 15 September 2026
- Recruiting Body: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada
- Post Name: Horticulture Officer in A.P. Horticulture Service
- Total Vacancies: 37 (Provisional)
- Pay Scale: Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540 per month
- Educational Qualification: Four-year B.Sc. / B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture (ICAR-accredited)
- Application Mode: Online only — psc.ap.gov.in
- Application Start Date: 6 October 2026
- Application Last Date: 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Exam Mode: CBRT (Online / Computer-Based)
- Total Exam Marks: 450 (3 Papers + Qualifying Test)
- Negative Marking: Yes — 1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer
- Official Website: psc.ap.gov.in
- What Is APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
- APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 Important Dates
- Vacancy Details — 37 Posts in A.P. Horticulture Service
- Salary and Pay Scale — Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,40,540
- Eligibility Criteria — Qualification and Age Limit
- How to Apply for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026
- Exam Pattern and Syllabus — 450 Marks Total
- APPSC Horticulture Officer vs Other State PSC Agriculture Jobs
- Pros and Cons of APPSC Horticulture Officer Job
- Important Terms Related to APPSC Horticulture Officer
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026?
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 is a direct government recruitment drive conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) to fill 37 vacancies in the A.P. Horticulture Service under General Recruitment. The post of Horticulture Officer is a gazetted state government position that involves planning, implementing, and supervising horticultural development programmes across Andhra Pradesh, including fruit crop cultivation, vegetable production, floriculture, and post-harvest management.
The official Brief Notification No. 19/2026 was released on 15 September 2026 from the APPSC headquarters in Vijayawada. The Detailed Notification — containing exact vacancy breakup by community/reservation category, age limit, application fee, and full syllabus — will be published on or before 6 October 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in. The date of the Detailed Notification will be reckoned as the crucial date for all eligibility purposes.
Selection is done through a single-level online (CBRT) written examination with no screening test, regardless of the number of applications received. Candidates must qualify in an English and Telugu language test at SSC standard before their marks in the three main papers are counted for the merit list.
Who Should Apply for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
- 🎓 B.Sc. Horticulture graduates from ICAR-accredited universities seeking a permanent state government post
- 🌱 B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture candidates from recognized universities in Andhra Pradesh who want a field-level officer role
- 👨🌾 Agriculture or horticulture diploma holders who have since upgraded to a four-year B.Sc. Horticulture degree
- 📋 Candidates preparing for APPSC Group I or Agriculture Officer exams who want an additional opportunity in 2026
- 🏛️ Fresh graduates (2024–2026 batch) from state agricultural universities including ANGRAU, SVVU, and SKLTSHU
- 💼 Privately employed horticulture professionals seeking the job security and benefits of a state government position
- 📍 Andhra Pradesh residents and domicile holders aiming for a district-level government officer post
- 🔬 Candidates with strong knowledge of fruit crops, vegetables, floriculture, and post-harvest management who can perform well in the Horticulture-I and Horticulture-II papers
APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification Release Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Expected | On or before 6 October 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Crucial Date for Eligibility | Date of Detailed Notification |
| Admit Card (Hall Ticket) | To be announced on psc.ap.gov.in |
| Written Examination Date | To be announced by APPSC |
| Result Declaration | To be announced after exam |
Vacancy Details — 37 Posts in A.P. Horticulture Service
The APPSC has announced 37 provisional vacancies for the post of Horticulture Officer in A.P. Horticulture Service under Brief Notification No. 19/2026. All 37 vacancies are under General Recruitment. The vacancy numbers are provisional — the exact community-wise breakup (SC, ST, BC, OC, EWS, PH) will be published in the Detailed Notification on or before 6 October 2026. Candidates should not assume their category’s seat count until the Detailed Notification is released.
| Post Name | Department | Vacancies | Recruitment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horticulture Officer | A.P. Horticulture Service | 37 (Provisional) | General Recruitment |
This is one of three notifications released by APPSC on 15 September 2026. The other two are Notification No. 08/2026 for 40 Assistant Environmental Engineer posts and Notification No. 11/2026 for 8 Assistant Director (FSL) posts. All three share the same application window of 6 October to 27 October 2026.
Salary and Pay Scale — Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,40,540
The APPSC Horticulture Officer salary carries a pay scale of Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,40,540 per month as per the official notification. This is the basic pay band; actual take-home salary will include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other state government allowances as applicable under Andhra Pradesh Government Pay Revision rules.
| Salary Component | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Starting) | Rs.54,060 per month |
| Basic Pay (Maximum) | Rs.1,40,540 per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per AP Government revision |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per city/posting category |
| Medical Allowance | As per AP Government rules |
| Gross Monthly Salary (Estimated) | Rs.65,000–Rs.80,000 (approx. at entry level) |
| Job Security | Permanent State Government position |
| Pension | Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) applicable |
The Horticulture Officer post is classified under a state government gazetted officer grade. Beyond the base salary, selected candidates receive group insurance, earned leave encashment, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), and are eligible for government accommodation in the posting district. Over a 30-year career, total career earnings including increments can exceed Rs.4 crore — making this one of the highest-value B.Sc. Horticulture government jobs available in Andhra Pradesh.
Eligibility Criteria — Qualification and Age Limit
Candidates must meet the educational qualification requirement as on the date of the Detailed Notification (expected on or before 6 October 2026). Age limit details will also be published in the Detailed Notification. Below are the confirmed eligibility conditions from the official Brief Notification No. 19/2026.
Educational Qualification
- Must possess a Four-year B.Sc. Degree or B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Horticulture
- The degree must be from a recognized University in the State of Andhra Pradesh, OR from any other University accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi
- The qualification must be possessed as on the date of the Detailed Notification (crucial date)
- Three-year B.Sc. Agriculture degrees are NOT eligible — only four-year B.Sc. Horticulture programmes qualify
Age Limit
Age limit for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 has not been specified in the Brief Notification. The complete age limit — including minimum age, maximum age, and category-wise relaxations for SC, ST, BC, EWS, PH, and ex-serviceman candidates — will be published in the Detailed Notification on or before 6 October 2026. Candidates should check psc.ap.gov.in on or after 6 October 2026 for the exact age requirements.
Application Fee
The application fee for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 has not been disclosed in the Brief Notification. The fee structure — including category-wise fee for OC, BC, SC/ST, and fee exemptions — will be published in the Detailed Notification. Based on recent APPSC recruitments, candidates should expect a fee range of Rs.250–Rs.500 for OC/BC candidates, with SC/ST and PH candidates typically exempt.
How to Apply for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026
All applications must be submitted online only through the official APPSC portal at psc.ap.gov.in. No offline applications will be accepted under any circumstances. Follow these steps to apply correctly before the deadline of 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Read the Detailed Notification first — Download and read the Detailed Notification (available on or before 6 October 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in) to confirm your eligibility, understand fee details, and check age limits before filling the form.
- Complete One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) — New users must register on the APPSC portal at psc.ap.gov.in by creating an OTPR (One Time Profile Registration) account. Existing OTPR users can log in directly.
- Fill the Online Application Form — Select the post (Horticulture Officer — Notification No. 19/2026), and enter all required personal, educational, and communication details accurately in the Online Application Form.
- Upload Required Documents — Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and signature in the prescribed format. Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and within the specified file size limits.
- Pay the Application Fee — Pay the application fee online through the available payment modes (net banking, UPI, debit/credit card). Keep the payment receipt/transaction ID for your records.
- Submit and Save Confirmation — Review all details carefully before final submission. After submitting, download and save the confirmation page and application printout for future reference.
- Apply well before the last date — Do not wait until 27 October 2026. Server load increases on the last day, and APPSC will not entertain requests for fee refund or extension due to technical issues on the last date.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus — 450 Marks Total
The APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 written examination is a single-level online CBRT (Computer Based Recruitment Test). No screening test will be conducted. If the exam is held in multiple sessions, marks will be normalized using the Commission’s methodology. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer.
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Duration | Max. Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Test | General English (50) + General Telugu (50) — SSC standard; must qualify in each individually | 100 | 100 minutes | 100 (Qualifying only — not counted in merit) |
| Paper-I | General Studies & Mental Ability | 150 | 150 minutes | 150 |
| Paper-II | Horticulture-I | 150 | 150 minutes | 150 |
| Paper-III | Horticulture-II | 150 | 150 minutes | 150 |
| TOTAL (merit) | 450 |
Key Syllabus Highlights — Horticulture Papers
- Horticulture-I (Paper-II): Fruit Crops — area and production statistics, botany, classification, rootstocks, high-density planting, climate and soil requirements, planting systems, training and pruning, nutrition management, irrigation scheduling, harvesting, and post-harvest handling for mango, banana, citrus, grape, pineapple, guava, papaya, and other major fruit crops
- Horticulture-II (Paper-III): Vegetables, floriculture, spices, plantation crops, medicinal and aromatic plants, post-harvest technology, protected cultivation, landscaping, and nursery management — full syllabus as per the official annexure attached to Notification 19/2026
- General Studies (Paper-I): Current Events, General Science, History and Geography of India, Indian Polity and Governance, Indian Economy, Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection, Disaster Management, and Logical Reasoning/Data Analysis
- Qualifying Test: General English and General Telugu at SSC (10th standard) level — candidates must clear each language section individually
APPSC Horticulture Officer vs Other State PSC Agriculture Jobs
| Parameter | APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 | Other State PSC Agri/Horti Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540 | Varies; Rs.35,000–Rs.1,20,000 typical |
| Vacancies | 37 Posts | 10–100 depending on state |
| Exam Levels | Single-level CBRT (No Screening Test) | Often 2–3 stages |
| Qualification | 4-year B.Sc. Horticulture (ICAR-accredited) | B.Sc. Agriculture or Horticulture |
| Interview | Not mentioned (likely no interview) | Often included in final selection |
| Negative Marking | Yes — 1/3rd per wrong answer | Varies by state |
| Application Mode | Online only — psc.ap.gov.in | Online (most states) |
| Job Location | Andhra Pradesh (district posting) | Respective state only |
| Job Permanency | Permanent state government post | Permanent (most states) |
| Best For | AP domicile B.Sc. Horticulture graduates | Candidates in respective state |
The APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 post stands out for its single-level selection process — no screening test, no interview stage — which means your written exam score alone determines your appointment. Combined with a competitive starting salary of Rs.54,060/month and permanent government service benefits, this is one of the most direct routes to a gazetted officer post for B.Sc. Horticulture graduates in Andhra Pradesh. Apply before 27 October 2026.
Pros and Cons of APPSC Horticulture Officer Job
Advantages
- ✅ Permanent state government job with complete job security — no risk of layoffs or contract termination
- ✅ Strong starting salary of Rs.54,060/month with regular increments and DA revisions
- ✅ Single-level exam only — no screening test, no interview; pure merit through written exam
- ✅ Gazetted officer status — social recognition, authority to sign official certificates and documents
- ✅ Pension, medical, and housing benefits under AP Government rules
- ✅ ICAR-accredited B.Sc. Horticulture directly qualifies without additional certification
Disadvantages
- ❌ Posting in rural/semi-urban areas — district-level field postings may involve frequent transfers within AP
- ❌ Negative marking (1/3rd) penalizes guessing — unprepared candidates lose marks for wrong answers
- ❌ Provisional vacancies — actual number may change when Detailed Notification is released
- ❌ Age and category eligibility not yet confirmed — candidates must wait for Detailed Notification before confirming eligibility
Important Terms Related to APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026
- APPSC (Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission): The constitutional body under Article 315 responsible for recruiting gazetted officers for the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Headquartered in Vijayawada.
- Brief Notification: The initial official announcement of a recruitment drive. Contains basic details — post, vacancies, pay scale, and application dates. The Detailed Notification follows later with complete eligibility, fee, and syllabus information.
- CBRT (Computer Based Recruitment Test): Online written examination mode used by APPSC. Candidates appear at designated exam centres and answer questions on computers. No pen and paper involved.
- OTPR (One Time Profile Registration): The APPSC’s single registration system. Candidates register once and use the same OTPR ID to apply for multiple APPSC notifications without re-entering personal details.
- ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): The apex body for agricultural research in India. APPSC requires the B.Sc. Horticulture degree to be from either an AP state-recognized university or an ICAR-accredited institution.
- A.P. Horticulture Service: The cadre under the Government of Andhra Pradesh that manages horticulture development. Horticulture Officers appointed through APPSC serve in this service and are posted to districts for field-level implementation of schemes.
- Qualifying Test: The English and Telugu language test that is mandatory to pass before APPSC considers your Paper-I, II, and III marks. Marks from the qualifying test are NOT counted in the merit list — only pass/fail.
- Normalisation of Marks: When CBRT exams are conducted in multiple sessions, APPSC adjusts raw scores mathematically to account for difficulty variation across sessions. Your normalized score — not your raw score — is used for the merit list.
- Crucial Date: The date that determines whether you are eligible. For APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026, the crucial date is the date of the Detailed Notification (expected 6 October 2026). All eligibility conditions — qualification, age, experience — must be satisfied as of this date.
- General Recruitment: Open to all eligible candidates across all communities, subject to reservation rules. Distinct from Departmental Recruitment which is limited to existing government employees.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification Released | 15 September 2026 ✅ |
| Detailed Notification (with age, fee, reservation) | On or before 6 October 2026 |
| Online Application Window Opens | 6 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| APPSC Horticulture Officer Hall Ticket | To be announced |
| Written Examination (CBRT) | To be announced |
| Provisional Answer Key | After exam |
| Results and Merit List | After exam |
Important Links
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (APPSC Portal) | psc.ap.gov.in |
| Official APPSC Notification No. 19/2026 (PDF) | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Download Notification via Agrijob Telegram | t.me/agrijob_in/781 |
| APPSC All Notifications Page | APPSC Recruitment Notifications |
| ICAR Official Website (Accreditation Info) | icar.org.in |
Conclusion
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 (Notification No. 19/2026) is a golden opportunity for B.Sc. Horticulture graduates seeking a permanent government officer post in Andhra Pradesh. With 37 vacancies, a starting salary of Rs.54,060 per month, and a clean single-level exam process (no screening test, no interview), this is among the most direct and high-value government job opportunities available for horticulture graduates in 2026. The online application window runs from 6 October 2026 to 27 October 2026 — bookmark psc.ap.gov.in and apply well before the last date. Watch for the Detailed Notification (releasing on or before 6 October 2026) for community-wise vacancy break-up, age limits, and application fee details. Download the official notification from the link above and follow Agrijob.in for the latest updates.
- APPSC released Notification No. 19/2026 on 15 September 2026 for 37 Horticulture Officer vacancies in AP Horticulture Service.
- Starting salary is Rs.54,060 per month rising up to Rs.1,40,540 — permanent state government post with full benefits.
- Only candidates with a four-year B.Sc./B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture degree from ICAR-accredited universities are eligible.
- Selection is through a single-level CBRT exam (450 marks) — no screening test, no interview stage.
- Apply online only at psc.ap.gov.in from 6 October to 27 October 2026 before 11:59 PM.
- Detailed Notification with age limit, fee, and category-wise vacancies releases on or before 6 October 2026 — bookmark and check psc.ap.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions About APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026
What is APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026?
APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 is a government job notification (No. 19/2026) released by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission on 15 September 2026. It invites applications from eligible B.Sc. Horticulture graduates to fill 37 vacancies as Horticulture Officers in A.P. Horticulture Service through a written CBRT examination.
How many vacancies are available in APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
A total of 37 provisional vacancies have been announced for the post of Horticulture Officer in A.P. Horticulture Service. The exact community-wise breakup (SC, ST, BC, OC, EWS, PH) will be published in the Detailed Notification on or before 6 October 2026. The final vacancy count is subject to variation upon confirmation from the concerned department.
What is the salary of APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
The official pay scale for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 is Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,40,540 per month. This is the basic pay band. Selected candidates will also receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other Andhra Pradesh Government allowances, bringing the estimated gross monthly salary to approximately Rs.65,000–Rs.80,000 at the entry level.
What is the educational qualification for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
Candidates must hold a four-year B.Sc. Degree or B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Horticulture from a University recognized in the state of Andhra Pradesh, or from any other University accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Three-year B.Sc. Agriculture degrees do not qualify for this post.
What is the last date to apply for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
The last date to apply online for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 is 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applications must be submitted through the official APPSC portal at psc.ap.gov.in. The application window opens on 6 October 2026. No applications through any other mode — offline, email, or postal — will be accepted under any circumstances.
What is the exam pattern for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
The APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 exam consists of a Qualifying Test (General English + General Telugu, SSC standard, 100 marks — qualifying only) followed by Paper-I (General Studies & Mental Ability, 150 marks), Paper-II (Horticulture-I, 150 marks), and Paper-III (Horticulture-II, 150 marks). The total merit score is 450 marks. There is negative marking of 1/3rd mark per wrong answer. The exam is conducted in CBRT (online) mode.
Is there an interview for APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
No. APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 is a single-level examination only. No screening test and no interview will be conducted, regardless of the number of applications received. Selection is based entirely on performance in the written CBRT examination. If conducted in multiple sessions, marks are normalized using the Commission’s methodology.
What are the important APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 exam centres?
Based on the APPSC’s 2026 exam calendar pattern, CBRT examinations are typically conducted at major district centres across Andhra Pradesh including Visakhapatnam, East Godavari (Kakinada), NTR District (Vijayawada), Tirupati, and Ananthapuramu. The exact exam centres and hall ticket details will be published on psc.ap.gov.in closer to the examination date.
Where can I download the APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 official notification?
The official PDF notification (Brief Notification No. 19/2026) is available at the APPSC website: psc.ap.gov.in/Documents/NotificationDocuments/Horticulture_192026.pdf. You can also download it directly from the Agrijob.in Telegram channel at t.me/agrijob_in/781. The Detailed Notification with full eligibility and fee details will be published on or before 6 October 2026.
Is negative marking applicable in APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026?
Yes. Negative marking applies in APPSC Horticulture Officer 2026 as per G.O. Ms. No. 235, Finance (HR-I, Plg & Policy) Department, dated 06/12/2016. For each wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks prescribed for that question will be deducted. Unattempted questions carry no penalty. Candidates are advised to attempt only questions they are confident about to avoid losing marks to negative marking.
Last Updated: September 2026 | Source: APPSC Official Notification No. 19/2026 dated 15.09.2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on APPSC Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Vacancy counts are provisional. Always refer to the official notification at psc.ap.gov.in for final and authoritative eligibility conditions, dates, and instructions before applying.
