HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026: 23 Agriculture Development Officer Posts for Wards of Ex-Servicemen

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has announced 23 backlog posts of Agriculture Development Officer (ADO), Group-A, as Job Trainees in the Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh (Advertisement No. 63/9-2026, dated 25.09.2026). All 23 posts are reserved for Wards of Ex-Servicemen. Selected candidates get a fixed Rs 29,500 per month during the job-trainee period. Online applications and fee payment close on 22 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.

HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 – Highlights

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply

Dependent sons, daughters and wives of Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh who hold B.Sc. (Agriculture) under a four-year programme and M.Sc. (Agriculture) in at least second class can apply. The engagement follows the HP Government scheme for job trainees on a fixed amount (Notification No. Per(AP)-C-B(15)-3/2024 dated 19 July 2025). Unmarried daughters must also give an undertaking that they are unmarried and dependent on their father.

Educational Qualification

• Essential: B.Sc. (Agriculture) under a four-year degree programme and M.Sc. (Agriculture) in 2nd Class, from a college/university recognised by the State/Central Government or ICAR.
• Desirable: M.Sc. (Agriculture) in 1st Class or above; knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and suitability for the conditions of the state.

Age Limit

The age limit is 18 to 45 years as on 01.01.2026. A 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit is available only to bonafide SC/ST/OBC/WFF/PwD candidates of Himachal Pradesh, and only where a post is reserved for that category. Age relaxation for HP Government employees and Ex-Servicemen of HP follows government instructions. Only the date of birth in the Matriculation certificate is accepted.

Application Fee

Pay online by Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI or another digital mode by 22 October 2026, 11:59 PM. The fee is not refundable.

📱 Download NaukriPatra App

Salary

Selection Process

• Stage 1 – Paper-I: One-hour objective screening test (CBT or offline) of 100 marks: GK of Himachal Pradesh (30), National and International Affairs (30), Hindi (20) and English (20). There is negative marking of 0.25 marks, including for blank answers – mark option ‘E’ if you want to skip a question.
• Paper-II: Three-hour descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) of 120 marks, held on the same day. Minimum pass marks are 45% for General and 40% for reserved categories.
• Stage 2 – Personality Test: 30 marks, at the Commission’s office in Shimla. Minimum pass marks are 40% (12) for General and 30% (9) for reserved categories.
• Final merit is based on SAT marks (120) plus Personality Test marks (30). If there are 6 or fewer eligible candidates per post, all may be called directly for the Personality Test.

Documents Required

• Matriculation certificate (age proof)
• B.Sc. (Agriculture) and M.Sc. (Agriculture) degrees with mark sheets of all years
• Bonafide Himachali certificate
• Ward of Ex-Servicemen Dependent Certificate and attested affidavit about no prior rehabilitation in the family
• SC/OBC certificate of HP in the prescribed format (for reserved posts)
• NOC from employer (for candidates in regular government service)
• Recent photograph and signature

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Go to the HPPSC website http://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc and click “Apply Online”.
2. Open “One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations” and register as a new user, or log in if you are already registered.
3. Choose Advertisement No. 63/9-2026 (Agriculture Development Officer) from the list of live advertisements.
4. Select the correct category (Ward of Ex-Servicemen) and upload all required documents.
5. Pay the Rs 600 fee online, submit the form before 22 October 2026, 11:59 PM, and keep a copy.

Why You Should Apply

This is a Group-A officer post in the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department, and all 23 seats are reserved for wards of ex-servicemen, which narrows the competition. It is a good entry point for agriculture postgraduates from Himachal who want a government career in the state.

Preparation Tips

• Study Himachal Pradesh general knowledge thoroughly – it carries 30 marks in Paper-I.
• Download the Paper-II SAT syllabus from the HPPSC website and revise core agriculture subjects from your B.Sc. and M.Sc.
• Practise descriptive answer writing within time limits for the 3-hour SAT.
• Remember that blank answers also carry negative marking; use option ‘E’ to skip.
• Get your Ward of Ex-Servicemen certificate and affidavit ready early.

Important Links

FAQs – HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026

Q1. How many ADO posts has HPPSC announced?

23 backlog posts: 19 UR, 3 SC of HP and 1 OBC of HP, all for Wards of Ex-Servicemen.

Q2. Who can apply for these posts?

Only Wards of Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh (dependent sons, daughters and wives) with the required qualification.

Q3. What qualification is required?

B.Sc. (Agriculture) under a four-year programme and M.Sc. (Agriculture) in 2nd class from a recognised college/university.

Q4. What is the pay during the job-trainee period?

A fixed Rs 29,500 per month.

Q5. What is the age limit?

18 to 45 years as on 01.01.2026, with relaxation for eligible HP categories.

Q6. What is the application fee?

A uniform fee of Rs 600 for all candidates.

Q7. What is the last date to apply?

22 October 2026, 11:59 PM, for both the application and the fee.

Q8. Is there negative marking in the screening test?

Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong, multiple or blank answer in Paper-I.