The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially released the notification for 23 Agriculture Development Officer (Job-Trainee) Group-A positions under the Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh. Published on 25 September 2026, this recruitment drive invites eligible candidates to submit their applications online until 22 October 2026, 11:59 PM. These openings include specific backlog vacancies reserved for the Wards of Ex-Servicemen. Applicants should thoroughly review the eligibility criteria, fee structure, selection methodology, and exam pattern outlined in this guide.
Review the essential highlights of the HPPSC ADO 2026 recruitment cycle, including available vacancies, application guidelines, salary details, and crucial submission deadlines in the summary below.
Official HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 Notification
The HPPSC ADO 2026 notification acts as the definitive document for all recruitment conditions regarding the Agriculture Development Officer role. Labeled as Advertisement No. 63/9-2026, dated 25 September 2026, it details the vacancy breakdown, candidate eligibility, examination structure, and service requirements. Candidates are advised to consult the official PDF provided below to ensure full compliance with the application instructions.
Download Official HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
HPPSC ADO Vacancy 2026 Details
The HPPSC has announced a total of 23 Agriculture Development Officer (Job-Trainee) vacancies within the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department. Please note that these identified vacancies represent backlog positions reserved specifically for designated categories as per the official recruitment notice.
| Category |
No of Post |
| UR (Ward of Ex-Servicemen): |
19 posts |
| SC of HP (Ward of Ex-Servicemen): |
3 posts |
| OBC of HP (Ward of Ex-Servicemen): |
1 post |
| Total: |
23 posts |
How to Apply Online for HPPSC ADO 2026
The online application window for HPPSC ADO recruitment opened on 25 September 2026. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the official HPPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal. All forms must be submitted by 22 October 2026, 11:59 PM. Ensure you have your supporting documents scanned and ready before initiating the registration process.
Apply Online: HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 Official Portal
HPPSC ADO 2026 Application Fee Structure
Please refer to the following breakdown regarding the application fee requirements for the HPPSC ADO 2026 recruitment drive.
| Category |
Application Fee |
| All Categories |
₹600 |
| All Genders |
₹600 |
| Mode of Payment |
Online |
| Fee Refund |
Non-Refundable |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for HPPSC ADO Recruitment
Follow these simple steps to successfully complete your HPPSC ADO application and ensure your entry is processed correctly:
- Visit the official HPPSC website www.hppsc.hp.gov.in
- Go to the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) section.
- Find the Agriculture Development Officer (Job-Trainee) recruitment link.
- Read the detailed advertisement and instructions carefully.
- Complete the registration process and generate your login credentials.
- Log in and fill in the required personal, educational and other details.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable examination fee through the available online payment mode.
- Check all the details entered in the application form carefully.
- Submit the application form before the last date.
- Download and save the confirmation page/application form for future reference.
HPPSC ADO Eligibility Criteria 2026
To be considered for the Agriculture Development Officer position, candidates must fulfill the mandatory educational qualifications, age restrictions, and residential requirements by the application closing date. Detailed eligibility guidelines can be found below.
| Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
| Post |
Agriculture Development Officer (Job-Trainee), Group-A |
| Educational Qualification |
4-year B.Sc. Agriculture degree and M.Sc. Agriculture with at least 2nd Class |
| Desirable Qualification |
M.Sc. Agriculture with 1st Class or above |
| Age Limit |
18 to 45 years |
| Age Calculation Date |
1 January 2026 |
| Age Relaxation |
5 years for Bonafide Himachali candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, WFF and Persons with Disabilities categories, subject to prescribed conditions |
| Other Requirement |
Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and suitability for appointment under the conditions prevailing in the state |
| Qualification Cut-off |
Required qualification must be possessed by the closing date of the application |
HPPSC ADO 2026 Selection Process
The selection framework for this role comprises a written examination followed by a Personality Test. The Commission reserves the right to determine whether candidates will proceed directly to the Personality Test or participate in the written examination based on the total number of applications received.
The written examination structure is as follows:
- Objective Type Screening Test
- Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Personality Test
HPPSC ADO Exam Pattern 2026
Should a written exam be administered, it will consist of two distinct papers conducted in separate sessions on the same day. Paper I focuses on an objective-type screening, while Paper II is a descriptive Subject Aptitude Test.
Paper I: Objective-Type Screening Test
| Subject |
Marks |
| General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh |
30 |
| National and International Affairs |
30 |
| Hindi |
20 |
| English |
20 |
| Total |
100 |
- Duration: 1 hour
- Paper I is conducted through CBT/offline screening mode as prescribed by the Commission.
Paper II: Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT)
| Paper |
Marks |
Duration |
| Subject Aptitude Test (Descriptive) |
120 |
3 Hours |
HPPSC ADO Minimum Qualifying Marks 2026
The descriptive Subject Aptitude Test is evaluated out of 120 marks. Candidates must meet the defined minimum threshold to remain eligible for the next stage of recruitment.
| Category |
Minimum Qualifying Marks |
| General |
45% |
| Reserved Categories |
40% |
HPPSC ADO Syllabus 2026 Overview
The HPPSC ADO 2026 assessment covers both the Objective Type Screening Test and the descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT).
Syllabus for HPPSC ADO Paper 1
- General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh
- General Knowledge of National and International Affairs
- Knowledge of Hindi Language
- Knowledge of English Language
Syllabus for HPPSC ADO Paper 2
- Subject Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Descriptive-type examination
- The detailed Paper II syllabus is uploaded separately by HPPSC.
HPPSC ADO Salary 2026
Under the Job-Trainee Scheme, selected Agriculture Development Officers will receive fixed monthly emoluments of ₹29,500 during their initial training period.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Post |
Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) |
| Pay/Emoluments |
₹29,500 per month |
| Appointment |
Job-Trainee Scheme |
| Department |
Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh |
| Group |
Group-A |