Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog has announced a targeted recruitment drive with 38 vacancies for Horticulture Extension Officer positions across the state. This initiative forms part of Advertisement No. 03/2025 and presents a significant career opportunity for agriculture and horticulture graduates seeking government employment in Himachal Pradesh. Candidates must possess relevant educational qualifications and meet specific age criteria to be considered for these positions that play a vital role in advancing the state’s horticultural development.
HPRCA Horticulture Extension Officer recruitment 2025 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) |
| Total Vacancy | 38 Posts |
| Post Name | Horticulture Extension Officer |
| Education Requirement | B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture or B.Sc. in Agriculture with Horticulture specialization |
| Age Limit | 18-45 years as on 01/01/2025 |
| Salary Level | As per HPCS (RP) Rules, 2022 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 18th August 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 27th August 2025 |
| Online Application End Date | 30th September 2025 |
| Examination Date | To be announced |
| Post Name | Vacancy | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|---|
| Horticulture Extension Officer | 76 | Education: Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or Agriculture from a recognized university. Age Limit: Candidates should be between 18 and 45 years. Age relaxation for reserved categories will be as per government norms. Salary: The pay scale is approximately Rs. 43,200 to Rs. 83,000 per month, inclusive of allowances as per HPRCA regulations. |
Post-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Vacancies | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 14 | SC (BPL) | 02 |
| General (EWS) | 06 | OBC (UR) | 08 |
| General (WFF) | 01 | OBC (BPL) | 02 |
| SC (UR) | 05 | Total | 38 |
HPRCA Laboratory Assistant, Statiscal Assistant and Other Recruitment 2025 Vacancy Details | ||
| Post Name | Total | Education Qualification |
| Proof Reader | 02 | Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent from a recognized University/ Board. |
| Copy Holder | 01 | Should have passed 10+2 Examination or its equivalent from a recognized Board/ University. |
| Offset Operator | 02 | 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized University/Board of School Education. |
| Photo Type Setter Operator | 05 | 10+2 from recognized Board of School Education. Provided that the candidate must have passed matriculation and 10+2 from any School/ Institution situated within Himachal Pradesh. |
| Plate Maker | 01 | 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized Board of School Education/University. |
| Fly Boy (Offset) | 03 | Matriculation from a recognized Board of School Education. |
| Horticulture Extension Officer | 38 | Should have passed four year’s B.Sc. (Horticulture) Degree or its equivalent from recognized University. |
| Laboratory Assistant | 02 | 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or its equivalent |
| Statistical Assistant | 03 | B.Com. or B.Sc.(Non-Medical)/B.A. with Economics/ Mathematics/ Statistics as one of the subjects or its equivalent from recognized University. |
| Medical Laboratory Technician G-II | 19 | 10+2 in Science from a recognized Board of School Education. BMLT |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility framework for candidates seeking appointment as Horticulture Extension Officer encompasses specific educational qualifications, prescribed age parameters, and remuneration structure conforming to government service norms. Educational requirements mandate completion of B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture or an equivalent qualification with specialization in Horticulture from a recognized institution. The age limit spans from 18 to 45 years calculated as of January 1, 2025, with standard relaxations applicable for reserved categories as per Himachal Pradesh government regulations. Selected candidates will receive compensation aligned with the established pay matrix under HPCS (RP) Rules, 2022, ensuring competitive remuneration packages commensurate with their responsibilities.
Important Links
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | hprca.hp.gov.in |
| Full Notification | here |
| Online Application Portal | Opens August 27, 2025 Application Link |
| Career Section | www.hprca.hp.gov.in/careers |
Educational Qualification Requirements
Prospective candidates must possess a Bachelor of Science degree with specific horticultural focus to qualify for the Horticulture Extension Officer position. The essential educational criteria include:
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture from a recognized university
- OR B.Sc. in Agriculture with specialization in Horticulture
- Degree must be obtained from an institution recognized by the Agricultural Universities or equivalent accredited bodies
- Provisional degree certificates are acceptable during application
- Candidates awaiting final results are ineligible to apply
- Documentation verification will occur during the document verification stage
The selection committee will scrutinize academic credentials to ensure candidates possess foundational knowledge in plant science, crop management, and pest control methodologies essential for field operations.
Age Limit Details
The age parameter for HPRCA Horticulture Extension Officer recruitment establishes minimum and maximum thresholds with specific provisions:
- Minimum age requirement: 18 years
- Maximum age limit: 45 years as of January 1, 2025
- Age relaxation provisions exist for reserved categories:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 5 years
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 5 years
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 3 years
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 10 years
- Ex-servicemen: As per government norms
Age calculation will strictly follow the cutoff date of January 1, 2025, and candidates must provide valid proof of age through birth certificates, educational records, or other government-issued identification documents during verification.
Salary Structure
Horticulture Extension Officers will receive compensation based on the established government pay scale under HPCS (RP) Rules, 2022. The salary package includes:
- Basic pay aligned with Level as per HPCS (RP) Rules, 2022
- Dearness Allowance calculated on current rates
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on posting location
- Transport Allowance for official duties
- Medical benefits and insurance coverage
- Retirement benefits including provident fund and pension
- Additional allowances as per government notifications
The comprehensive compensation structure provides financial stability and growth opportunities through regular pay revisions and promotion prospects within the horticulture department.
Examination Pattern and Syllabus
The selection process incorporates a written examination designed to assess candidates’ subject knowledge and aptitude. The examination framework includes:
Exam Structure
| Component | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Knowledge & Aptitude | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | Subject-specific (Horticulture) | 100 | 2 hours |
Detailed Syllabus Topics
General Knowledge Section:
- Current events of national importance
- Indian history and cultural heritage
- Geography of India with special reference to Himachal Pradesh
- Indian polity and governance
- Economic development in agriculture sector
- Environmental ecology and biodiversity
Horticulture Subject Section:
- Principles of horticulture and plant propagation
- Fruit cultivation techniques (Pome, Stone, Subtropical fruits)
- Vegetable production systems
- Flower and ornamental plant cultivation
- Post-harvest management and value addition
- Pest and disease management in horticultural crops
- Soil science and water management
- Modern technologies in horticulture
The examination follows an objective multiple-choice format with negative marking for incorrect responses. Candidates must achieve minimum qualifying marks in each paper to proceed to subsequent selection stages.
Online Application Process
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Visit official HPRCA website at hprca.hp.gov.in
Step 2: Navigate to Current Openings section
Step 3: Locate Advertisement No. 03/2025 for Horticulture Extension Officer
Step 4: Read the complete notification carefully
Step 5: Click on the online application link
Step 6: Register with valid email ID and mobile number
Step 7: Complete profile creation with personal details
Step 8: Fill educational information with percentage/marks
Step 9: Upload required documents:
- Scanned photograph (JPEG, <200 KB)
- Signature (JPEG, <100 KB)
- Educational certificates
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Age proof document
Step 10: Preview application form for accuracy
Step 11: Submit application and note registration ID
Step 12: Take printout for future reference
Candidates must ensure all information entered matches supporting documents exactly. Corrections after final submission may not be permitted.
Admit Card and Examination Schedule
The admit card serves as mandatory entry documentation for the examination hall. Key information includes:
- Admit card availability: Approximately 2 weeks before examination date
- Download process: Through candidate login portal on HPRCA website
- Required details: Registration ID and date of birth
- Mandatory documents to carry: Admit card and valid photo ID
The examination schedule will be notified through official channels with specific time slots and venue details. Candidates must report to examination centers well in advance with all required documentation.
Answer Key and Result Processing
The assessment and result declaration follows a structured timeline:
- Provisional answer key release: Within 7 days of examination
- Objection window period: 3-5 days for candidate submissions
- Final answer key publication: After resolving valid objections
- Result declaration: Approximately 30 days after examination
- Merit list preparation: Based on final scores after verification
- Document verification schedule: Communicated to shortlisted candidates
Candidates can access answer keys and results through their personalized login portals on the official HPRCA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many total vacancies are available for Horticulture Extension Officer?
A: There are 38 vacancies distributed across various reservation categories as specified in the official notification.
Q: What is the educational qualification required?
A: Candidates must possess B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture or B.Sc. in Agriculture with Horticulture specialization from a recognized institution.
Q: Is there an age relaxation for reserved categories?
A: Yes, standard age relaxations apply for SC, ST, OBC, and other eligible categories as per Himachal Pradesh government rules.
Q: When does the online application process begin?
A: The online application portal opens on August 27, 2025, as per the official notification.
Q: What documents are required during application?
A: Required documents include educational certificates, age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), recent photograph, and signature in specified formats.
Q: How is the examination structured?
A: The examination consists of two papers: General Knowledge & Aptitude (100 marks) and Subject-specific Horticulture (100 marks), each with a 2-hour duration.
Q: Can final year students apply for this position?
A: No, candidates must have completed their qualifying degree before the application deadline; final year students are ineligible.
Q: Where can I find the official notification PDF?
A: The complete notification PDF is available on the HPRCA official website under the Current Openings section.
Q: What is the examination mode?
A: The examination will be conducted in offline mode as a written test at designated centers across Himachal Pradesh.
This recruitment opportunity provides a valuable pathway for horticulture professionals to contribute to agricultural advancement in Himachal Pradesh while securing stable government employment. Prospective candidates should prepare thoroughly using the provided syllabus guidelines and ensure timely submission of applications through the official portal.