The KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026 has been released on 06/10/2026 by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for the Kalyana Karnataka cadre competitive exam held on the same date. Candidates who appeared for Paper-1 (General Knowledge) and Paper-2 (Specific Horticulture Paper) can now download the provisional key PDF from the official KEA portal and calculate their expected score. This guide covers every step — from downloading the key to raising objections before the deadline, with the complete Rs.69,250–Rs.1,34,200 salary scale and full recruitment details.
The KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026 for Paper-1 (General Knowledge) and Paper-2 (Specific Paper) was released on 06/10/2026 for the Kalyana Karnataka cadre exam. Candidates can download it from kea.kar.nic.in and raise objections online at Rs.25 per objection before 08/10/2026, 10:30 AM.
- Recruitment Body: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru
- Post Name: Assistant Horticulture Director (Kalyana Karnataka Cadre)
- Exam Date: 06 October 2026
- Answer Key Released: 06/10/2026 (same day as exam)
- Papers Covered: Paper-1 (General Knowledge, 300 marks) & Paper-2 (Specific Paper, 300 marks)
- Total Marks: 600 (100 questions × 3 marks each, per paper)
- Negative Marking: –0.75 marks per wrong answer
- Objection Fee: Rs.25 per objection (non-refundable)
- Objection Deadline: 08/10/2026, 10:30 AM
- Official Website: kea.kar.nic.in / cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Salary Scale: Rs.69,250 – Rs.1,34,200 per month
- Total Vacancies (AHD): 10 (5 General + 5 Kalyana Karnataka)
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026?
- Who Should Download This Answer Key?
- KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Salary 2026
- Eligibility Criteria for KEA Horticulture Director 2026
- How to Download KEA Answer Key 2026 – Step-by-Step
- Provisional vs Final Answer Key – Key Differences
- Advantages and Limitations of the KEA Answer Key Process
- Important Terms Related to KEA Answer Key 2026
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026?
The KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026 is the official document published by the Karnataka Examinations Authority listing the correct answers for all 100 questions in Paper-1 (General Knowledge) and all 100 questions in Paper-2 (Subject-Specific Horticulture Paper) of the Kalyana Karnataka cadre competitive examination held on 06/10/2026. It allows candidates to cross-check their responses, estimate their score before the official result, and identify any discrepancies that may warrant an objection.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority released the provisional key answers for the Assistant Horticulture Director recruitment competitive exam (Kalyana Karnataka cadre) on 06/10/2026 — the same day the examination was held. The key is available as a downloadable PDF on the KEA official website at kea.kar.nic.in and the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Each paper carries 300 marks total, with 3 marks awarded for every correct answer and a negative marking of –0.75 marks for every wrong response. Candidates who leave a question unanswered must shade the fifth circle on the OMR sheet; failure to do so also attracts the –0.75 penalty. The combined score of both papers (maximum 600 marks) determines the merit order for shortlisting candidates to the next stage.
Who Should Download the KEA Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026?
- 🎓 Kalyana Karnataka region candidates who appeared for the competitive exam on 06/10/2026 and want to calculate their expected score using the official answer key.
- 📊 Candidates aiming for the merit list who need to verify their standing before the official result is declared.
- ⚠️ Candidates who spotted an incorrect answer in the provisional key and want to raise an objection through the official KEA portal before the 08/10/2026 deadline.
- 🌿 Agriculture and Horticulture PG graduates from the Hyderabad-Karnataka region who applied under Article 371(J) reservation and appeared for this exam.
- 📋 Candidates tracking the KEA Horticulture Director result 2026 who want to stay updated on each phase — key → objections → final key → result.
- 👩🏫 Coaching institutes and students preparing for KEA exams who use the official key to review Paper-1 and Paper-2 question patterns for future preparation.
- 📌 Candidates who appeared for both Paper-1 and Paper-2 on 06 October 2026 and want to match all 200 answers against the official KEA key.
- 💼 Job seekers monitoring Karnataka government horticulture department jobs for the latest updates on merit lists, result dates, and future recruitment cycles.
KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Salary 2026 – Complete Breakdown
Selected candidates appointed as Assistant Horticulture Director in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre will draw a pay scale of Rs.69,250 – Rs.1,34,200 per month, as notified in the official KEA recruitment notification dated 4 August 2026. This places the post in the Group-B gazetted category of the Karnataka State Civil Services.
| Pay Component | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Entry Level) | Rs.69,250 per month |
| Maximum Pay Scale | Rs.1,34,200 per month |
| Pay Band Classification | Group-B Gazetted Officer |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Karnataka Govt. rules (revised periodically) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per posting city / rural classification |
| Annual Increment | As per 7th Pay Commission norms (Karnataka) |
| Other Benefits | GPF, Medical, LTC, Pension (NPS) |
In addition to the basic pay, Assistant Horticulture Directors posted in the Kalyana Karnataka region may be eligible for Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) region additional incentives as applicable under Karnataka government rules for Article 371(J) postings. Candidates should verify the current DA rates and allowances from the Karnataka Finance Department portal.
Eligibility Criteria for KEA Assistant Horticulture Director 2026
Candidates who appeared for the 06 October 2026 exam and are now checking the answer key should be aware of the eligibility criteria as prescribed in the official notification. For future reference and for those tracking the selection process:
- Educational Qualification: Post Graduate degree in Horticulture along with a B.Sc. in Horticulture from an ICAR-accredited university.
- Regional Eligibility (Kalyana Karnataka cadre): Must belong to the Kalyana-Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region under Article 371(J) of the Constitution of India.
- Kannada Knowledge: Must pass the qualifying Kannada Language Test as part of the selection process.
- Nationality: Indian citizen, with domicile in Karnataka.
- Age Limit: As prescribed in the official KEA notification (general candidates: 18–35 years; relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/HK region candidates as per Karnataka government rules).
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 35% in the competitive examination (Paper-1 + Paper-2 combined).
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | Rs.600 |
| SC / ST / Category 1 | Rs.300 |
| Ex-Servicemen | Rs.300 |
| PWD (Persons with Disability) | Nil (as per Karnataka Govt. rules) |
How to Download KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026 – Step-by-Step
- Open the official KEA website: Go to kea.kar.nic.in or the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea on any browser.
- Navigate to the Recruitment / Recent Publications section: On the KEA homepage, scroll to the “Recent Publications” or “Recruitment” tab to find the latest KEA notifications.
- Click the Answer Key link: Look for the notice titled “Assistant Horticulture Director Recruitment Competitive Exam – Key Answers – 06.10.2026” and click on it.
- Download the PDF: The key answer PDF will open or automatically download. It contains the correct answers for all questions in Paper-1 and Paper-2, organized by version code (question paper series).
- Identify your version/series code: Your admit card and question paper will mention a version code (e.g., A, B, C, D or 1, 2, 3, 4). Match your version to the correct section of the answer key PDF.
- Cross-check your responses: Compare each of your 100 answers in Paper-1 and 100 answers in Paper-2 against the official key, noting correct and incorrect answers.
- Calculate your estimated score: Add 3 marks for each correct answer; subtract 0.75 marks for each wrong answer. Total your Paper-1 and Paper-2 scores separately, then combined.
- Raise objections if required: If you find a discrepancy, use the objection portal on the KEA website (login with your application credentials), pay the Rs.25 objection fee per question challenged, and submit your supporting documents before 08/10/2026, 10:30 AM.
Before raising an objection, verify your claim using at least one authoritative reference — such as an ICAR-accredited textbook, official KSHD department syllabus, or a recognized horticulture academic source. KEA places all objections before an Expert Committee; objections without valid supporting documents are typically rejected. The Rs.25 fee is non-refundable even if the objection is dismissed, so challenge only questions where you have strong evidence.
Provisional vs Final KEA Answer Key 2026 – Key Differences
Understanding the difference between the provisional answer key and the final answer key is critical for candidates planning to raise objections or estimate their final score accurately.
| Parameter | Provisional Answer Key | Final Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Release Timing | Same day as exam (06/10/2026) | After objection review period (expected post 08/10/2026) |
| Purpose | Allows candidates to check and challenge answers | Used for final result and merit list preparation |
| Can Be Challenged? | Yes — until 08/10/2026, 10:30 AM | No — final and binding |
| Objection Fee | Rs.25 per objection (non-refundable) | Not applicable |
| Expert Committee Review | Not yet reviewed | Approved by KEA Expert Committee |
| Used for Scoring | Indicative / estimated score only | Official score and merit list basis |
| Changes Possible | Yes — answers may be revised after valid objections | No further changes |
| Where to Find | kea.kar.nic.in (Recent Publications) | kea.kar.nic.in (after objection window closes) |
For candidates who attempted all 200 questions across Paper-1 and Paper-2, we strongly recommend downloading the provisional answer key immediately and calculating your estimated score. If your preliminary tally places you near the expected cut-off, even a 1–2 question revision after a successful objection can significantly impact your merit rank. Prioritise raising objections on Paper-2 (Specific Horticulture) questions first, as subject-specific errors are more common and more verifiable with academic references.
Advantages and Limitations of the KEA Answer Key Process
Understanding both the benefits and constraints of KEA’s answer key and objection process helps candidates make informed decisions about whether and how to challenge the provisional key.
Advantages (Pros)
- ✅ Same-day release: KEA released the provisional key on 06/10/2026 — the same day as the exam — giving candidates maximum time to review before the objection window closes.
- ✅ Transparent process: All objections are reviewed by an independent Expert Committee, ensuring impartial revision of any genuinely incorrect answers.
- ✅ Low objection fee: At Rs.25 per objection, the cost barrier is minimal compared to most other state-level recruitment exams in India.
- ✅ Score estimation before result: Candidates can calculate their expected score and plan accordingly — whether to prepare for the next stage or start fresh applications.
- ✅ Covers both papers: A single PDF covers Paper-1 (General Knowledge) and Paper-2 (Specific Horticulture), making it easy to verify all 200 answers at once.
Limitations (Cons)
- ⚠️ Objection fee is non-refundable: Even if an objection is valid and the answer is revised, the Rs.25 fee is not returned — candidates must be confident before challenging.
- ⚠️ Very short objection window: Only two days (06/10/2026 to 08/10/2026, 10:30 AM) to identify discrepancies and submit valid objections with supporting documents.
- ⚠️ Expert Committee decision is final: KEA’s Expert Committee verdict on objections cannot be further challenged — there is no higher appeal within the KEA system.
Important Terms Related to KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026
- KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority): The official body under the Government of Karnataka responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for state government departments, including horticulture, agriculture, and revenue services. Website: kea.kar.nic.in.
- Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Cadre: Vacancies reserved for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region (6 districts: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Ballari, Koppal) under Article 371(J) of the Constitution of India to ensure proportionate representation in state services.
- Provisional Answer Key: The initial key released by KEA immediately after the exam, subject to revision based on valid candidate objections reviewed by the Expert Committee.
- Final Answer Key: The revised and Expert Committee-approved answer key released after the objection review period, used as the official basis for scoring and merit list preparation.
- Negative Marking (–0.75): The penalty of 0.75 marks deducted for each wrong answer in the KEA horticulture competitive exam, designed to discourage random guessing across all 100 questions per paper.
- Karnataka State Horticulture Department (KSHD): The government department on behalf of which KEA conducts this recruitment. KSHD oversees horticulture development, crop schemes, and farmer support across Karnataka.
- Article 371(J): The constitutional provision (added by the 98th Amendment Act, 2012) that grants special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, mandating local reservation in government employment and education.
- ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): The apex body for agricultural education and research in India; accreditation by ICAR is a mandatory qualification criterion for both AHO and AHD posts under this recruitment.
- CBT/OMR Mode: The exam may be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Offline OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet mode at KEA’s discretion. Candidates must shade the fifth circle for unanswered questions on OMR sheets.
- Karnataka Government Jobs Rs.69,250 Salary: The entry-level pay for the Assistant Horticulture Director post, one of the highest starting pay scales available in Karnataka’s Group-B agricultural sector recruitment for 2026.
Important Dates and Timeline – KEA Horticulture Director 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 4 August 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 5 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31 August 2026 |
| Exam Date – Paper-1 (General Knowledge) | 06 October 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Exam Date – Paper-2 (Specific Paper) | 06 October 2026, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 06 October 2026 |
| Objection Window Opens | 06 October 2026 |
| Objection Deadline | 08 October 2026, 10:30 AM |
| Final Answer Key (Expected) | After 08/10/2026 — check kea.kar.nic.in |
| Result / Merit List (Expected) | To be announced — check official portal |
| Kannada Language Test | After written exam shortlisting — date to be announced |
| Document Verification | After Kannada Language Test — date to be announced |
Important Links – KEA Assistant Horticulture Director 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| KEA Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
| KEA Online Portal | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| KEA Answer Key & Objection Login | Click here (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea) |
| Karnataka Horticulture Department (KSHD) | horticulture.karnataka.gov.in |
| Government of Karnataka Official Portal | karnataka.gov.in |
| ICAR (Qualification Verification) | icar.org.in |
| KEA Horticulture Recruitment Guide (Agrijob.in) | Read on Agrijob.in |
| Karnataka Government Jobs 2026 Updates | Agrijob.in – Latest Karnataka Govt Jobs |
Conclusion – Final Thoughts on KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026
The KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026 for the Kalyana Karnataka cadre has been released on the same day as the examination — 06/10/2026 — giving candidates a swift, structured opportunity to review their performance, estimate their score, and raise well-supported objections before the 08/10/2026, 10:30 AM deadline. With a salary scale of Rs.69,250 – Rs.1,34,200 at stake for just 5 posts in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre, every mark matters. Download the key now from kea.kar.nic.in, cross-check all 200 answers carefully, and raise objections only with credible academic or official supporting documents to maximize the impact of your challenge. Bookmark this page — we update it as soon as KEA releases the final answer key and result date.
- KEA released the provisional answer key on 06/10/2026 for Paper-1 and Paper-2 of the Kalyana Karnataka cadre exam held the same day.
- The exam carries 300 marks per paper (100 questions × 3 marks), with a negative marking of –0.75 marks per wrong answer — attempt carefully.
- Candidates can raise objections at Rs.25 per objection (non-refundable) until 08/10/2026, 10:30 AM via the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- Only 5 Assistant Horticulture Director posts are available in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre, with a starting salary of Rs.69,250 per month.
- The final answer key (post Expert Committee review) will be released after the objection window closes — check kea.kar.nic.in for the update.
- To download the key: visit kea.kar.nic.in → Recent Publications → Assistant Horticulture Director Key Answers PDF → match your version code → verify all 200 answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026
Has KEA released the Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026?
Yes. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released the provisional answer key for the Assistant Horticulture Director (Kalyana Karnataka cadre) competitive exam on 06/10/2026 — the same day the exam was conducted. The key covers both Paper-1 (General Knowledge) and Paper-2 (Specific Horticulture Paper) and is available for download at kea.kar.nic.in.
What papers are covered in the KEA Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026?
The answer key covers two papers: Paper-1 (General Knowledge), which includes current affairs, general science, Karnataka and Indian history and geography, Constitution of India, public administration, Indian economy, environmental science, and logical reasoning; and Paper-2 (Subject-Specific Paper on Horticulture), which tests candidates on the KEA-prescribed horticulture syllabus. Each paper has 100 questions carrying 3 marks each, totalling 300 marks per paper.
What is the objection fee for KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026?
The objection fee is Rs.25 per objection and is entirely non-refundable, even if the objection is upheld and the answer is revised. Candidates must pay this fee online through the KEA objection portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Only objections submitted with valid supporting documents and the required fee are considered by KEA’s Expert Committee.
What is the last date to raise objections for the KEA Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026?
The last date to raise objections against the KEA Assistant Horticulture Director provisional answer key 2026 is 08 October 2026, until 10:30 AM. Objections submitted after this deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances. Candidates must log in to the KEA portal, select the question(s) they wish to challenge, upload supporting documents in PDF format, and complete payment before the window closes.
Where can I download the KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Answer Key 2026 PDF?
The answer key PDF is available on the official KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in and on the KEA online portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Navigate to the “Recent Publications” or “Recruitment” section on the KEA homepage, find the notice for the Assistant Horticulture Director key answers (06.10.2026), and click to download the PDF. No login is required to download the key document.
How many vacancies are there for KEA Assistant Horticulture Director 2026?
There are a total of 10 Assistant Horticulture Director (AHD) vacancies under KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026 — 5 posts in the General (Residual Parent Cadre) and 5 posts in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre (reserved for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region under Article 371(J)). The 06 October 2026 exam was specifically for the Kalyana Karnataka cadre’s 5 posts.
What is the salary of KEA Assistant Horticulture Director 2026?
Selected candidates appointed as Assistant Horticulture Director will receive a pay scale of Rs.69,250 – Rs.1,34,200 per month, placing the role in the Group-B gazetted officer category under the Karnataka State Horticulture Department. Additional allowances including Dearness Allowance, HRA, and regional HK incentives apply as per Karnataka government rules.
What is the marking scheme for the KEA Horticulture Director exam 2026?
Each paper has 100 multiple-choice questions. Correct answers earn +3 marks; incorrect answers attract a penalty of –0.75 marks. Questions left unanswered must have the fifth OMR circle shaded; failure to shade it also results in a –0.75 penalty. The maximum score per paper is 300 marks, for a combined maximum of 600 marks across both papers. The minimum qualifying score is 35% overall.
What is the difference between the provisional and final KEA answer key?
The provisional answer key is released immediately after the exam and is subject to revision based on candidate objections reviewed by KEA’s Expert Committee. The final answer key is published after the objection window closes (post 08/10/2026) and reflects any corrections approved by the Expert Committee. The final key is the authoritative document used to calculate official scores and prepare the merit list — it cannot be challenged further.
What is the eligibility for KEA Assistant Horticulture Director 2026?
To be eligible for the KEA Assistant Horticulture Director 2026, candidates must hold a Post Graduate degree in Horticulture along with a B.Sc. in Horticulture from an ICAR-accredited university, belong to the Kalyana-Karnataka region (for the KK cadre notification), and be an Indian citizen with Karnataka domicile. The Kannada Language Test is a mandatory qualifying stage. Age relaxation applies as per the Karnataka Government’s reservation policy for SC/ST/OBC and HK region candidates.
When will the KEA Assistant Horticulture Director Result 2026 be declared?
The KEA has not yet announced the official result date for the Assistant Horticulture Director 2026 exam. The final result and merit list will be prepared after the final answer key is published (post 08/10/2026) and the Expert Committee completes its review. Candidates should regularly check kea.kar.nic.in for result updates and bookmark the official portal for the latest announcements.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This article is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest KEA Horticulture Director 2026 updates including final answer key and result date.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All salary figures, vacancy counts, objection fee, and eligibility criteria are sourced from official KEA notifications and publicly available government records. Candidates must verify the latest details from the official KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in before taking any action. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with KEA or the Karnataka Government.
