1. Important Dates & Recruitment Timeline
The National Horticulture Board (NHB) recruitment for technical posts like Senior Horticulture Officer (SHO) is typically organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These exams follow a multi-stage selection process to ensure high-quality technical expertise.
| Event | Expected Timeline (2026 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | May – June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 2026 |
| Stage I: Computer Based Test (CBT) | September 2026 |
| Stage II: Descriptive Paper | November 2026 |
2. Key Positions & Salary Structure
While NHB recruits for various levels, the Senior Horticulture Officer is the most common direct recruitment post.
| Post Name | Classification | Pay Scale (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Horticulture Officer | Group 'B' | Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) |
| Deputy Director | Group 'A' | Level-11 (₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700) |
| Technical Assistant | Group 'C' | Level-2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) |
3. Educational & Age Eligibility
For Senior Horticulture Officer (SHO):
- Education: Graduate in Agriculture / Horticulture / Food Technology / Post-Harvest Technology / Agricultural Economics from a recognized university.
- Age Limit: Maximum 30 years (General). Relaxations of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC apply.
- Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India.
4. NTA Selection Process & Detailed Pattern
The selection for SHO involves a rigorous two-stage examination conducted by NTA to evaluate both aptitude and deep technical knowledge.
| Stage | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Computer Based Test (MCQ) | 150 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Stage II | Descriptive Paper (Subjective) | 100 Marks | 2 Hours |
Stage I Syllabus Breakdown:
- Horticulture (60 Qs): Production, Breeding, Pests, and Technology.
- General Studies (30 Qs): Current Affairs, Indian History, and Science.
- English Comprehension (30 Qs): Vocabulary, Grammar, and Reading.
- Quantitative & Mental Ability (30 Qs): Arithmetic, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
5. How to Apply Online
- Visit the NTA Recruitment portal: recruitment.nta.nic.in.
- Search for "Filling Up of Positions in the National Horticulture Board" and click on the 2026 Registration link.
- Create your account and upload required documents (Photo, Signature, and Degree).
- Pay the application fee (typically ₹1000 for General; ₹500 for SC/ST/Women).
- Download and print the final Confirmation Page for future reference.
Official Website: nhb.gov.in
