UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 – 6 Posts Open
UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through Advertisement No. 07/2026. A total of 6 vacancies are announced for the post of Joint Director (Crops Development Directorate) under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The pay scale is Level 12 (₹78,800–₹2,09,200) as per 7th Pay Commission. The last date to apply online is 17 July 2026 at 18:00 hrs at upsconline.nic.in. This is one of the most prestigious sarkari naukri opportunities for M.Sc Agriculture and Agriculture Engineering graduates in 2026. Read the complete eligibility, salary, duties, and online application guide here at agrijob.in — Latest Official Notification Released!

Table of Contents
UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 07/2026 |
| Vacancy No. | 26060701227 |
| Post Name | Joint Director (Crops Development Directorate) |
| Department | Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India |
| Total Vacancies | 06 (Six) |
| Reservation | UR-05, ST-01 (PwBD-01 — D/HH Category) |
| Pay Scale / Level | Pay Level 12 — ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 per month (7th CPC) |
| Essential Qualification | M.Sc Agriculture / B.E. Agricultural Engineering + 3 years experience |
| Application Mode | Online Only — upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| Application Opens | 27 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 July 2026 at 18:00 Hrs |
| Interview Date | To be intimated separately by UPSC |
| Job Location | New Delhi / All India (Central Govt. Post) |
| Official Portal | upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Who Should Apply for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026?
The UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is a senior central government position ideal for experienced agriculture professionals. This is one of the best govt job opportunities in the agriculture sector for 2026 — check your fit below:
- Candidates holding an M.Sc degree in Agriculture — in subjects such as Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Entomology, Nematology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture Botany, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, Seeds Science and Technology, or Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry — from a recognised university
- Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognised university — this is an alternate essential qualification
- Candidates with minimum 3 years of experience in the area of production, productivity, planning, development, or extension in food or cash crops — specifically oilseeds, jute, cotton, sugarcane, pulses, wheat, coarse cereals, or rice — in a government/semi-government organisation, PSU, autonomous body, recognised research institute, or agricultural university
- Candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) category — 1 vacancy is reserved for ST; experience relaxation may apply at UPSC’s discretion
- Candidates with PwBD disabilities (Deaf / Hard of Hearing — D/HH category) — 1 vacancy out of 6 is reserved for PwBD candidates with 40% and above benchmark disability in D/HH category
- Candidates with a Doctorate degree in the relevant agriculture subjects — this is a desirable qualification that gives extra preference
- Candidates with administrative experience (2 years desirable) and experience in writing technical crop reports (5 years desirable)
Salary and Pay Details for UPSC Joint Director Crops 2026
The UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is a central government Group A gazetted post with an excellent pay package as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. This is one of the highest-paying agriculture sector govt jobs available in 2026:
- Pay Matrix Level: Level 12 as per 7th Central Pay Commission
- Basic Pay Range: ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 per month
- Gross Salary (Approximate): ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,50,000+ per month including DA, HRA, and other allowances (based on posting city and current DA rates)
- DA (Dearness Allowance): As per Central Government rules — revised quarterly
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): 8–27% of basic pay depending on city classification (X, Y, Z)
- Transport Allowance: As per Central Government norms
- Other Benefits: Medical facilities, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), GPF, NPS pension, Group Insurance, official residence (if available)
- Job Type: Permanent Central Government Gazetted Group A Service — high job security
This pay package makes the UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 one of the most attractive government agriculture jobs in India in 2026. The combined salary, allowances, and benefits package is significantly higher than most private sector agriculture jobs at equivalent seniority levels.
UPSC Joint Director Crops 2026 – Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Posts | UR | ST | PwBD | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Director (Crops Development Directorate) | 06 | 05 | 01 | 01 (D/HH) | Level 12 |
| Total | 06 | 05 | 01 | 01 |
PwBD Reservation Details: Of the 6 vacancies, 1 is reserved for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates. The PwBD reservation applies to Deaf (D) and Hard of Hearing (HH) categories with 40% and above disability. The PwBD suitability also extends to Low Vision (LV), One Leg Affected (OL), and One Arm Affected (OA) — though reservation is only for D/HH. This new vacancy for 2026 is a key opportunity for agriculture professionals seeking central government employment.
Eligibility and Qualification for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026

Carefully read the following eligibility criteria before applying for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 — candidates must meet both the educational qualification AND experience requirements:
Essential Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold ONE of the following qualifications:
- Option A — M.Sc in Agriculture: Master’s Degree in any of the following subjects from a recognised university or institute:
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Extension
- Agronomy
- Entomology
- Nematology
- Genetics and Plant Breeding
- Agriculture Botany
- Plant Biotechnology
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Physiology
- Seeds Science and Technology
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Option B — B.E. Agricultural Engineering: Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from a recognised university or institute
Essential Experience Requirement
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in the area of production, productivity, planning, development, or extension in the following food or cash crops:
- Oilseeds | Jute | Cotton | Sugarcane | Pulses | Wheat | Coarse Cereals | Rice
- Experience must be gained in a Government organisation, Semi-Government organisation, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), Autonomous Body, Recognised Research Institute, or Agricultural University
- Private sector experience is NOT counted towards the essential experience requirement
Desirable Qualifications
- Doctorate (Ph.D.): Doctorate in any of the fields/subjects as prescribed in the essential educational qualification above — gives strong preference in interview
- 5 Years Technical Report Writing: Five years of experience in writing technical reports on the above-listed crops
- 2 Years Administrative Experience: Two years of administrative/managerial experience in a relevant organisation
Note I: Qualifications are relaxable at the discretion of UPSC for reasons recorded in writing for otherwise well-qualified candidates. Note II: Experience qualification is relaxable for ST candidates at UPSC’s discretion if insufficient ST candidates with required experience are available.
Key Duties and Responsibilities of Joint Director (Crops) 2026
The UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is for a senior technical officer who will be responsible for overseeing India’s crop development programmes. The key duties and responsibilities as per the official notification are:
- Monitor Macro Mode Agriculture Schemes: Monitor the schemes of Macro Mode of Agriculture under the work plan of the department
- Technical Support to Extension Agencies: Provide technical support to extension agencies with respect to specific crops as and when required
- Trend Analysis: Study and analyse trends in weather, crop area, production and productivity, as well as transport, marketing, and prices of crops
- Data and Records Management: Build up relevant records and data for the assigned crops — maintain comprehensive crop databases
- Liaison with State Governments: Maintain liaison with various State Governments and other development agencies on Crop Development Programmes
- Monitor Varietal Diversification: Monitor the schemes on Varietal Diversification and cereal crops and popularisation of recently evolved crop technology
- Input and Extension Monitoring: Monitor the availability of agricultural inputs and extension services across states
- Reporting: Prepare periodic reports on weather, crop prospects, storage, processing, movement, and prices of crops in the States

Selection Process for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026
The selection process for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is through Recruitment by Selection (not competitive examination). The updated selection process for 2026 involves:
- Online Application: Submit the online application at upsconline.nic.in/ora/ before 17 July 2026, 18:00 hrs with all required details, documents, and certificates uploaded
- Preliminary Screening / Short-listing: UPSC will conduct a computer-based preliminary screening of all online applications to shortlist candidates on the basis of educational qualifications, experience, and other criteria as per the advertisement
- Interview / Personality Test: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview/personality test at UPSC’s office. The date for the interview will be intimated separately — candidates must bring a printout of their online application and all original documents
- Final Selection: Final selection will be based on interview performance, academic credentials, experience, and desirable qualifications (Ph.D., technical report writing, administrative experience)
- Medical Examination: Finally selected candidates may be required to clear a medical fitness examination as per Central Government service rules
- Appointment: Appointment letters issued by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare after UPSC recommendation
How to Apply Online for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026
Follow these complete steps to successfully submit your online application for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 before the last date, 17 July 2026 at 18:00 Hrs. Apply Before 17 July 2026 — this closing date is firm and will not be extended:
- Visit the official UPSC Online Application Portal: upsconline.nic.in/ora/
- Account Creation (if new): Create an account on the portal — a Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated which is common for all UPSC recruitments
- Universal Registration: Complete the Universal Registration form with personal details — this is a one-time process and the URN remains constant for all future UPSC applications
- Common Application Form (CAF): Fill up the Common Application Form with all personal, educational, and experience details — this can be done anytime and is common for all UPSC recruitments
- Post-Specific Application: Fill up the post-specific form for Vacancy No. 26060701227 (Joint Director, Crops Development Directorate) — this module is available only during the notification period (27 June – 17 July 2026)
- Upload all required documents in the prescribed format: educational certificates, experience certificates, category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD), photograph, signature, and Aadhaar card (strongly recommended as ID proof)
- Candidates are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as the ID document for seamless verification and authentication on the portal
- Review all entered details carefully — wrong information may lead to rejection through computer-based shortlisting and possible debarment by UPSC
- Submit the application before 17 July 2026, 18:00 Hrs — note your URN (permanent) and Application Number (post-specific) for future communication with UPSC
- Print a copy of the online application and preserve it — shortlisted candidates will be required to bring this printout along with original documents to the UPSC interview
For more UPSC and central government agriculture jobs, browse agrijob.in Agriculture Jobs and Latest Govt Jobs 2026. Join our Telegram channel for instant government job alerts.
Important Dates for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. 07/2026 Published | June 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 27 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17 July 2026 at 18:00 Hrs |
| Eligibility Determination Date | 17 July 2026 (Closing date) |
| Computer-Based Shortlisting | After closing date |
| Interview / Personality Test Date | To be intimated separately by UPSC |
| Final Selection | As per UPSC schedule |
Important Links for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply Online — UPSC ORA Portal | upsconline.nic.in/ora/ — Apply Here |
| Official UPSC Website | upsc.gov.in — UPSC Official Site |
| Ministry of Agriculture (Authority) | agricoop.nic.in — Dept. of Agriculture |
| India Government Portal | india.gov.in |
| More Agriculture Govt Jobs | Latest Agriculture Jobs on agrijob.in |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Govt Jobs 2026 on agrijob.in |
| Join Telegram for Instant Alerts | Join @agrijob_in on Telegram |
Frequently Asked Questions about UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026
What is UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026?
UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is an official central government job notification released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through Advertisement No. 07/2026 (Vacancy No. 26060701227) for 6 posts of Joint Director in the Crops Development Directorate, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The last date to apply online is 17 July 2026 at 18:00 hrs at upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
What is the salary for UPSC Joint Director Crops 2026?
The pay scale for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is Pay Level 12 — ₹78,800 to ₹2,09,200 per month as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. In addition to basic pay, candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, medical benefits, LTC, NPS pension, and other Central Government service perks — making this one of the highest-paying government agriculture jobs in India for 2026.
What is the eligibility for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026?
Essential qualification: Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Entomology, Nematology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture Botany, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, Seeds Science and Technology, or Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from a recognised university; OR Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering. Plus minimum 3 years of experience in production, productivity, planning, development, or extension in food/cash crops (oilseeds, jute, cotton, sugarcane, pulses, wheat, coarse cereals, rice) in a government or recognised institution.
How many vacancies are there in UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026?
There are 6 (six) vacancies for the post of Joint Director (Crops Development Directorate) in UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026. The reservation breakdown is: UR-05 (Unreserved — 5 posts), ST-01 (Scheduled Tribe — 1 post), and PwBD-01 (1 vacancy out of 6 reserved for Deaf/Hard of Hearing category with 40% and above benchmark disability).
What is the last date to apply for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is 17 July 2026 at 18:00 Hrs (6:00 PM). Applications must be submitted online at upsconline.nic.in/ora/ before this deadline. The closing date is also the eligibility determination date — all qualifications and experience will be counted as of 17 July 2026. Apply Before 17 July 2026 — do not wait!
What is the selection process for UPSC Joint Director Crops 2026?
The selection process for UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is Recruitment by Selection — not a competitive written examination. The process involves: online application → computer-based preliminary shortlisting by UPSC → Interview/Personality Test for shortlisted candidates at UPSC office → final selection based on interview performance and overall candidature → appointment by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
What are the duties of Joint Director (Crops) 2026?
The Joint Director (Crops) under UPSC Joint Director Crops Recruitment 2026 is responsible for: monitoring Macro Mode Agriculture schemes; providing technical support to extension agencies; analysing crop area, production, productivity, and price trends; maintaining crop data and records; liaising with State Governments on Crop Development Programmes; monitoring Varietal Diversification schemes; overseeing input and extension service availability; and preparing periodic reports on weather, crop prospects, storage, processing, and prices across states.
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