The UP AGTA cutoff 2026 is the single most important benchmark every Agriculture Technical Assistant aspirant needs before appearing in the UPSSSC Main Written Examination on August 9, 2026. UPSSSC (Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission) has announced 2,759 vacancies for AGTA Group C posts under Advertisement No. 06-Exam/2026, offering a Pay Level-4 salary of Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100 per month under the 7th Pay Commission. This makes it one of the most valuable agriculture government jobs in Uttar Pradesh for freshers and graduates in 2026. This guide covers everything: expected category-wise cutoff 2026, 2019–2025 historical cutoff trends, vacancy details, salary structure, eligibility, exam pattern, performance bands, scenario projections, and a structured 60-day preparation roadmap.
| Organisation | UPSSSC – Directorate of Agriculture, UP |
| Advertisement No. | 06-Exam/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 2,759 Group C Posts |
| Notification Released | March 24, 2026 |
| Application Window | May 22, 2026 – June 11, 2026 |
| Exam Date | August 9, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level-4 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100/month |
| Exam Format | 100 MCQs | 100 Marks | 2 Hours | 0.25 Negative Marking |
| General Safe Score | 75+ marks |
| Application Fee | Rs. 25 (All Categories) |
| Official Website | upsssc.gov.in |
- UP AGTA 2026 Vacancy Breakdown – Category-wise
- UP AGTA 2026 Salary, Pay Scale and Allowances
- UP AGTA 2026 Eligibility Criteria and Application Fee
- UP AGTA Cutoff 2026 – Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Expected UP AGTA Cutoff 2026 – Category-wise Table
- Historical UP AGTA Cutoff Trends – 2019 to 2025
- Vacancy vs Competition Ratio Analysis 2026
- Performance Bands and Safe Score Targets
- Expert Scenario Projections – Low, Medium, High Cutoff
- Who Should Apply for UP AGTA 2026?
- UP AGTA vs IBPS AFO – Comparison Table
- 60-Day Preparation Roadmap for August 9, 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions – UP AGTA Cutoff 2026
UP AGTA 2026 Vacancy Breakdown – Category-wise
The UP AGTA cutoff 2026 is directly determined by the number of posts available in each reservation category. UPSSSC has announced a total of 2,759 vacancies for Agriculture Technical Assistant (Pravidhik Sahayak) Group C posts under the Directorate of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh. The category-wise distribution follows vertical reservation as mandated by the Uttar Pradesh government. Notably, the General (UR) category alone accounts for 1,692 posts — over 61% of all vacancies — making it the most competitive category in the merit list.
| Category | Vacancies | % of Total | Reservation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 1,692 | 61.3% | Vertical |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 573 | 20.8% | Vertical |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 275 | 10.0% | Vertical |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 213 | 7.7% | Vertical |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 6 | 0.2% | Vertical |
| Total | 2,759 | 100% | – |
Compared to the 2024 cycle which offered 3,446 vacancies, the 2026 cycle has 687 fewer posts. This reduction — combined with a growing pool of agriculture graduates from state-run and UGC-recognised universities — is the primary reason analysts project a higher competition ratio and higher cutoff marks in 2026. Horizontal reservations for female candidates (20%), ex-servicemen, and persons with benchmark disabilities apply additionally over the vertical quota distribution, as per UP government rules.
UP AGTA 2026 Salary, Pay Scale and Allowances
One of the strongest draws of this agriculture government job is the structured Pay Level-4 salary with guaranteed increments and post-retirement benefits. Selected candidates in UP AGTA 2026 receive a starting basic pay of Rs. 25,500 per month, scaling up to Rs. 81,100 over the service tenure. The gross monthly salary, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA), ranges between Rs. 42,000 and Rs. 52,000 per month, while the typical in-hand take-home is approximately Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 45,000 per month, depending on posting location.
| Salary Component | Amount (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Starting) | Rs. 25,500/month | Pay Level-4, 7th CPC |
| Basic Pay (Maximum) | Rs. 81,100/month | After full increments |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~38% of Basic Pay | Revised quarterly by UP Govt. |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Varies by city category | X/Y/Z classification |
| Gross Monthly (Starting) | Rs. 42,000 – Rs. 52,000 | Indicative; varies by posting |
| In-Hand Monthly (Starting) | Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 45,000 | After PF/Tax deductions |
| Annual CTC (Approx.) | Rs. 5,04,000 – Rs. 6,24,000 | Gross annual estimate |
Beyond the monthly salary, UP AGTA employees also receive pension plans after retirement, medical benefits, paid public holidays, transport facilities, and regular departmental promotion opportunities through the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC). Most AGTA postings are at block and district level across Uttar Pradesh, supporting farmers with improved agricultural practices and UP Krishi Vibhag scheme implementation.
UP AGTA 2026 Eligibility Criteria and Application Fee
Before targeting the UP AGTA cutoff 2026, every candidate must verify full eligibility under Advertisement No. 06-Exam/2026. Eligibility covers educational qualification, age limit, PET requirement, and application fee. The cutoff date for age calculation is July 1, 2026.
- 🎓 Educational Qualification: Professional undergraduate degree — B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Sc. Forestry, B.Tech Agricultural Engineering, or Home and Community Science — from a UGC-recognised university. Candidates with zero or negative normalized PET 2025 scores are not eligible.
- 🪪 PET Requirement: A valid UPSSSC PET 2025 scorecard with a positive normalized score is mandatory. PET scores are used only for shortlisting and are not added to the final merit score. The final rank is based entirely on the main written exam.
- 📅 Age Limit: Minimum 21 years and maximum 40 years as on July 1, 2026. Age relaxation applies for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen as per UP government reservation rules.
- 🌍 Nationality: Indian citizens only; UP domicile required as per UPSSSC norms.
| Category | Age Relaxation | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | No relaxation | Rs. 25/- |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | As per UP rules | Rs. 25/- |
| EWS | As per UP rules | Rs. 25/- |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Up to 5 years | Rs. 25/- |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 years | Rs. 25/- |
| PwBD (Divyang) | Up to 15 years | Rs. 25/- |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per service norms | Rs. 25/- |
UP AGTA Cutoff 2026 – Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the UP AGTA 2026 exam structure is essential for setting realistic cutoff targets. The Main Written Examination consists of a single 100-mark objective MCQ paper completed in 2 hours (120 minutes). Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies. The final merit list is prepared entirely on the basis of this written exam score — PET scores are not added. The syllabus is split into 3 parts, with Core Agricultural Sciences carrying 65 marks (65%), Computer and IT Concepts carrying 15 marks, and UP General Knowledge carrying 20 marks.
| Part | Subject / Section | Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Core Agriculture (65%) | Crop Science | 25 | 25 |
| Soil and Water Conservation / Management | 15 | 15 | |
| Biotechnology, Plant Breeding & Crop Physiology | 10 | 10 | |
| Agricultural Extension | 5 | 5 | |
| Agricultural Economics & Schemes | 5 | 5 | |
| Dairy & Animal Husbandry | 5 | 5 | |
| Part 2 | Computer & Information Technology Concepts | 15 | 15 |
| Part 3 | General Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
A critical strategic insight: the 35 non-core marks (Computer & IT + UP GK) are frequently the deciding factor in final merit rankings. Most agriculture graduates underemphasise these sections. Candidates who consistently score 28+ out of 35 in these parts while maintaining 47+ in Core Agriculture are well-positioned to reach the 75+ General safe score. The 2025 paper was rated moderate-to-difficult in conceptual depth, setting a strong precedent for the 2026 exam style.
Expected UP AGTA Cutoff 2026 – Category-wise Table
Based on statistical modeling of the 2026 competition ratio (approximately 90 applicants per post), historical cutoff trend data, and vacancy dynamics, the following UP AGTA cutoff 2026 ranges have been projected by agricultural recruitment analysts. These figures assume a moderate-to-difficult paper consistent with the 2025 exam pattern.
| Category | Expected Cutoff 2026 (Out of 100) | Recommended Safe Score | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 65 – 72 marks | 75+ marks | Largest pool; highest competition |
| OBC | 55 – 63 marks | 65+ marks | Non-creamy layer; high density |
| EWS | 60 – 66 marks | 68+ marks | 10% statutory quota; prepared candidates |
| SC | 40 – 50 marks | 52+ marks | 21% state reservation benefit |
| ST | 20 – 30 marks | 35+ marks | Limited ST population in UP; only 6 posts |
| Female (General Horizontal) | 50 – 58 marks | 60+ marks | 20% horizontal reservation advantage |
| Ex-Servicemen | 35 – 45 marks | 48+ marks | Lower historical thresholds |
An important nuance: the preliminary DV-stage cutoff in UPSSSC recruitments appears very low because the commission typically shortlists 6–7 times the vacancy count. In the 2025 cycle, 22,256 candidates were called for DV against 3,446 posts — giving a DV cutoff of just 28.25 marks. The actual final selection cutoff rises considerably once the pool narrows to the exact vacancy count per category. Targeting safe scores above the expected range provides the only reliable buffer against this upward shift.
Historical UP AGTA Cutoff Trends – 2019 to 2025
Tracking historical UP AGTA cutoff data reveals a clear upward trajectory, driven by a growing agricultural graduate base and improved exam preparation quality. Figures for pre-2022 cycles have been normalized to the current 100-mark scale for consistent comparison. The 2024 cutoff saw a temporary dip due to the large 3,446-vacancy cycle easing per-post competition pressure — a relief that will not repeat in 2026 with only 2,759 posts available.
| Year | Total Vacancies | General (UR) Est. Final Cutoff | OBC Est. Final Cutoff | SC Est. Final Cutoff | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~2,000 | 58 – 63 | 54 – 59 | 48 – 53 | Moderate (first UPSSSC cycle) |
| 2020 | ~2,000 | 59 – 64 | 55 – 60 | 50 – 55 | Steady competition |
| 2021 | 2,059 | 60 – 66 | 56 – 61 | 51 – 56 | Fewer vacancies |
| 2022 | ~2,100 | 62 – 67 | 57 – 63 | 52 – 57 | Rising graduate pool |
| 2023 | ~2,200 | 63 – 68 | 58 – 64 | 52 – 58 | Peak pre-2024 competition |
| 2024 | 3,446 | 61 – 67 | 57 – 62 | 52 – 57 | High vacancy easing |
| 2025 | 3,446 | 62 – 68 | 58 – 64 | 52 – 58 | Results under evaluation |
| 2026 (Projected) | 2,759 | 65 – 72 | 55 – 63 | 40 – 50 | Highest competition ratio |
In the older 300-mark format, historical data also confirmed that final selection cutoffs were consistently 4 to 19 marks higher than the initial written exam DV cutoff across all categories. For the General (UR) category, the written exam cutoff was 147/300 while the final selection cutoff reached 151/300 — a net increase of 4 marks. This DV-to-selection escalation pattern is expected to continue in the 100-mark 2026 format as well, reinforcing the case for targeting safe scores well above the projected range.
Vacancy vs Competition Ratio – 2026 Analysis
The competition ratio — the number of valid applicants per available post — is one of the most reliable predictors of UP AGTA cutoff movement. For 2026, approximately 2,50,000+ valid applicants are expected to compete for 2,759 posts, yielding a competition ratio of approximately 90:1. This is the highest ratio in the programme’s history and is the primary reason safe score targets have been revised upward for this cycle.
| Recruitment Year | Total Vacancies | Approx. Valid Applicants | Estimated Competition Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,059 | ~1,50,000 | ~73 : 1 |
| 2024 | 3,446 | ~2,00,000 | ~58 : 1 |
| 2026 (Expected) | 2,759 | ~2,50,000+ | ~90 : 1 |
- 🎓 Expanding Graduate Pool: The number of B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, and Agricultural Engineering graduates from UP’s state-run and UGC-recognised universities grows every year, continuously expanding the core applicant base.
- 📱 Better Preparation Resources: The spread of specialized online coaching platforms, digital mock tests, and affordable study material has raised the average performance level across the entire candidate pool.
- 🔍 PET 2025 Filter Effect: Because candidates must hold a valid PET 2025 scorecard with a positive normalized score, casual test-takers are screened out. The main exam pool consists almost entirely of focused, well-prepared agriculture graduates.
- ⚖️ Lateral Entry Legacy: In the 2024 cycle, a Supreme Court directive led to 2,384 T.P.E.T. lateral entry candidates being absorbed. This concentrated the competitive database and raised overall preparation standards across UP for subsequent cycles.
- 📈 National Exam Overlap: Many top UP AGTA aspirants simultaneously prepare for IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO), NABARD Grade A, and ICAR exams. This cross-preparation brings highly proficient candidates into the AGTA pool, raising the benchmark in the core agriculture section.
Performance Bands and Safe Score Targets
To help candidates benchmark their current preparation level against the UP AGTA cutoff 2026, performance can be divided into 4 practical bands. Knowing your band helps determine how much additional preparation is needed before the August 9, 2026 exam date.
- ⚠️ Minimum Qualifying Band (60+ marks): Provides a baseline chance of clearing DV shortlisting, but remains highly vulnerable to upward shifts in the final merit list — especially for General and EWS candidates.
- ✅ Good Performance Band (68+ marks): Strong chance of selection for SC, ST, and reserved horizontal-category candidates; leaves General candidates in a competitive but uncertain position.
- 🎯 Safe Target Band (75+ marks): Provides a solid buffer for General (UR) candidates, protecting against paper difficulty variation, normalization adjustments, and district-wise merit list fluctuation.
- 🏆 Excellent Performance Band (82+ marks): Top-tier performance ensuring selection in virtually all scenarios, regardless of paper difficulty or normalization outcomes.
With 0.25 negative marking in play, candidates must carefully balance attempt volume and accuracy. Based on mathematical modeling, the following attempt strategies can achieve the General safe score of 75+ marks: attempting 95 questions with 83 correct and 12 wrong yields a score of 80 marks; attempting 90 questions with 82 correct and 8 wrong yields a score of 80 marks; attempting 85 questions with 80 correct and 5 wrong yields a score of 78.75 marks. Attempting between 85 and 90 questions with 88%+ accuracy is the recommended exam-day strategy for the safe target zone.
Expert Scenario Projections – Low, Medium, High Cutoff
The actual UP AGTA cutoff 2026 will depend heavily on paper difficulty and applicant performance on exam day. Analysts outline 3 clear scenarios:
Scenario 1 – Most Likely (Moderate-to-Difficult Paper)
If the 2026 paper maintains the same moderate-to-difficult conceptual depth as the 2025 exam, the General (UR) cutoff will fall between 65 and 72 marks, and the OBC cutoff between 55 and 63 marks. This is the baseline scenario that all candidates should prepare for as their primary planning target.
Scenario 2 – Best Case (Technically Difficult Paper)
If the commission introduces deep conceptual questions in Biotechnology, Crop Physiology, and Agricultural Economics, average scores across the pool may drop. The General (UR) cutoff could ease to 60–64 marks, and the OBC cutoff to 50–55 marks. This scenario favours analytically strong candidates over rote-memorisation approaches.
Scenario 3 – Worst Case (Easy, Fact-based Paper)
If the paper features straightforward factual questions with minimal analytical complexity, scores across the board will rise. This could push the General (UR) cutoff up to 72–76 marks and the OBC cutoff to 64–68 marks. In this scenario, minimising silly mistakes and maximising speed become the decisive performance factors.
Who Should Apply for UP AGTA 2026?
The UP AGTA 2026 recruitment is designed for agriculture and allied science graduates seeking stable public sector employment in Uttar Pradesh with Pay Level-4 salary. The following 8 candidate profiles are best positioned to benefit:
- 🌾 B.Sc. Agriculture Freshers (2023–2026 Batch): Recent graduates from UGC-recognised universities with a valid PET 2025 scorecard and strong core agriculture knowledge base.
- 🌿 Horticulture and Forestry Graduates: Candidates with allied professional degrees recognized under UPSSSC eligibility norms for AGTA Group C posts.
- 👩🌾 Female Agriculture Graduates: Women candidates benefit from 20% horizontal reservation in UP state government recruitment, significantly reducing the effective cutoff threshold they need to cross.
- 📊 OBC / EWS / SC / ST Category Candidates: Reserved category candidates with strong core agriculture preparation can secure selection at lower absolute cutoff marks — especially SC and ST applicants.
- 🏅 Ex-Servicemen with Agriculture Background: Defence veterans with relevant educational qualifications benefit from horizontal category relaxation and historically low cutoff thresholds.
- 🔄 IBPS AFO / NABARD Aspirants: Candidates already preparing for IBPS Agriculture Field Officer or NABARD Grade A exams will find major syllabus overlap with UP AGTA, making this a high-value parallel opportunity.
- 🏘️ Rural UP Candidates with Local Awareness: The 20-mark UP General Knowledge section rewards candidates with strong awareness of UP government agricultural schemes, district-level data, and state-specific policies.
- 💻 Computer-Literate Agriculture Graduates: The 15-mark Computer and IT section rewards candidates with basic digital literacy — a section many pure agriculture graduates underestimate and underprepare for.
UP AGTA vs IBPS AFO 2026 – Which is Better?
Agriculture graduates often compare UP AGTA with IBPS AFO (Agriculture Field Officer) when planning their career strategy. Both are high-value agriculture government jobs with significant syllabus overlap, but they differ critically in salary, competition level, and career structure.
| Parameter | UP AGTA 2026 | IBPS AFO (Scale-I) |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | UPSSSC (State Government) | IBPS (Public Sector Banks) |
| Starting Salary | Rs. 25,500/month (Pay Level-4) | ~Rs. 36,000+/month |
| Total Posts (2026) | 2,759 (UP only) | Varies; pan-India |
| Competition Ratio | ~90:1 (state-level) | ~300:1+ (national level) |
| Core Syllabus | 65% Agriculture + 35% Computer/UP GK | Agriculture + Banking Awareness |
| Job Security | State Govt. permanent post | PSU Bank permanent post |
| Career Growth | Promotion within Agriculture Dept., UP | Bank Scale II, III, IV progression |
| Application Fee | Rs. 25 (all categories) | Rs. 850+ (General/OBC) |
| Best For | UP-based graduates; state GK advantage | Graduates targeting banking careers |
60-Day Preparation Roadmap for UP AGTA Exam – August 9, 2026
With the UP AGTA written exam on August 9, 2026, a structured 60-day study plan is the most reliable route to reaching the safe score target. The key insight from cutoff analysis is to treat Computer & IT (15 marks) and UP General Knowledge (20 marks) as equally important to core agriculture — these 35 marks are the rank differentiator that most candidates neglect. Scoring 30+ out of 35 in these two sections while maintaining 47+ in Core Agriculture is a highly achievable path to the General safe score of 75+ marks.
| Phase / Days | Focus Area | Daily Action Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 – 30 | Theory and Concept Building | Agriculture core: 4–5 hours daily. Computer and UP GK: 1.5 hours daily. Build all foundational concepts in Crop Science (25 marks), Soil Management (15 marks), and Biotechnology (10 marks) before transitioning to heavy practice. |
| Days 31 – 45 | Topic-wise MCQ Practice | Solve topic-specific MCQs for each section. Review incorrect answers within 1 hour. Revise weak areas and summarize key UP government agricultural scheme data and statistics. |
| Days 46 – 55 | Past Papers and Exam Simulation | Practice with past UP AGTA question papers under strict 2-hour exam conditions. Analyze mock test performance immediately after. Refine negative-marking strategy and controlled attempt volume. |
| Days 56 – 60 | Final High-Yield Revision | Review revision notes, agricultural statistics, UP Krishi Vibhag schemes, and Computer basics. Avoid starting large new topics. Consolidate marks in the 3 highest-scoring sections for maximum gain. |
Frequently Asked Questions – UP AGTA Cutoff 2026
What is the expected UP AGTA cutoff 2026 for General category?
The expected UP AGTA cutoff 2026 for General (UR) category is between 65 and 72 marks out of 100. Recruitment analysts recommend aiming for a safe score of 75+ marks to guard against normalization shifts and district-wise merit list variation. This projection is based on an approximately 90:1 competition ratio for 2,759 posts.
What is the UP AGTA cutoff 2026 for OBC category?
The expected UP AGTA cutoff 2026 for OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates is between 55 and 63 marks out of 100. A safe score of 65+ marks is recommended to ensure selection with a reliable buffer, given the high density of OBC applicants expected in this cycle.
When is the UP AGTA 2026 exam date?
The UP AGTA Main Written Examination 2026 is officially scheduled for August 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (2 hours), as confirmed in the UPSSSC examination calendar 2026. Candidates should visit the UPSSSC official website for admit card release and schedule updates.
How many vacancies are there in UP AGTA 2026?
UPSSSC has announced 2,759 total vacancies under Advertisement No. 06-Exam/2026 — comprising General 1,692, OBC 573, EWS 275, SC 213, and ST 6 posts. This is 687 fewer posts than the 2024 cycle’s 3,446 vacancies, which is a key driver of the higher projected 2026 cutoffs.
What is the salary for UP AGTA after selection?
Selected UP AGTA 2026 candidates receive a Pay Level-4 salary of Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100 per month under the 7th Pay Commission. With DA, HRA, and other state allowances, the gross monthly package is approximately Rs. 42,000 to Rs. 52,000, and the in-hand take-home is approximately Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 45,000 depending on posting location.
What was the actual UP AGTA 2025 DV stage cutoff?
In the 2025 cycle (Advt. 07-Exam/2024), the document verification stage cutoff was 28.25 marks for General, OBC, EWS, and SC categories, and 4.00 marks for ST. This reflected a broad shortlisting of 22,256 candidates for 3,446 posts. The actual final selection cutoff was significantly higher, estimated at 62–68 marks for General candidates after narrowing to exact vacancy count.
Is there negative marking in UP AGTA 2026?
Yes. The UP AGTA 2026 exam applies a negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer. With 100 MCQs in 2 hours, randomly guessing on 20 questions costs 5 marks in penalties. Attempting 85–90 questions with 88%+ accuracy is the recommended strategy to safely cross the 75+ marks General safe score target.
What is the eligibility for UP AGTA 2026?
Candidates must hold a B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, or Home and Community Science degree from a UGC-recognised university, along with a valid UPSSSC PET 2025 scorecard with a positive normalized score. Age limit is 21 to 40 years as on July 1, 2026. Application fee is Rs. 25 for all categories. Candidates with zero or negative normalized PET scores are excluded from the selection process.
Last Updated: June 2026. This guide is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest UP AGTA cutoff 2026 updates, admit card notifications, and merit list announcements.
