NHB Senior Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026: Full Exam Guide & Preparation Strategy
Secure a prestigious Group B post in National Horticulture Board. Qualify Objective CBT + Descriptive Paper. Focus on horticulture science, schemes, post-harvest tech & agriculture development. Expected 20–40 vacancies.
1. Exam Overview: The 2026 Reality
Key Update (Feb 2026): Notification usually released in Q1–Q2. Apply online at nhb.gov.in or through NTA portal (nhbrec.ntaonline.in when active). Selection purely merit-based: Written Exam (Objective + Descriptive) → Document Verification → Medical. Age limit typically 18–30/35 years with relaxations. Opportunity to work on national horticulture missions, cold chain projects, market linkages & farmer welfare schemes across India.
2. Detailed Selection Process & Exam Pattern
| Stage | Details | Questions / Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I – Objective Test (CBT) | Multiple Choice Questions covering Horticulture core + General Awareness + Reasoning + English | 150 Questions / 150 Marks | 120–150 Minutes |
| Stage II – Descriptive Paper | Long/short answers, precis, essay, case studies on horticulture topics, schemes, problems & solutions | 100–150 Marks | 120–180 Minutes |
| Document Verification | Original degree certificates, caste/PwD proof, ID, experience (if any) | Qualifying | - |
| Medical Examination | Standard government medical fitness check | Qualifying | - |
Note: Negative marking usually applicable in Objective paper (e.g., +1 correct, –0.25 wrong – confirm in notification). Final merit list prepared by combining both written stages. No interview in recent recruitments.
3. Eligibility & Important Criteria
Educator's Tip: Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture / Agriculture / Post-Harvest Technology / Floriculture / Pomology / Vegetable Science / Agricultural Economics or equivalent from a recognized university. Age: 18–30 years (relaxation: SC/ST 5 yrs, OBC 3 yrs, PwD 10 yrs, Ex-Servicemen as per rules). Indian citizen. Some notifications allow Master's degree holders preference or higher age limit. No experience required for entry level. Always verify exact educational qualifications, subject combinations & age calculation date in the official notification on nhb.gov.in.
4. Section-Wise Preparation Strategy
Horticulture Core (Major Weightage)
Fruits, Vegetables, Floriculture, Spices, Plantation crops, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants. Focus: Propagation, cultivation practices, pest & disease management, high-density planting, protected cultivation, organic farming. Revise ICAR handbooks & NHB publications.
Post-Harvest Technology & Value Addition
Grading, packaging, storage, cold chain, ripening, processing (juice, jam, dehydration), supply chain, export standards (APEDA, FSSAI). Study NHB schemes like MIDH, NHB subsidy programs.
General Studies + Reasoning + English
Current affairs (agri & horti schemes, budget, NEP in agriculture), Indian economy, geography (horti zones), basic reasoning (series, analogy), comprehension, grammar. Read Yojana/Kurukshetra agri issues.
5. 90-Day Intensive Preparation Plan
- Days 1–30: Strengthen core horticulture – Complete standard books (Handbook of Horticulture – ICAR, NHB manuals). Make notes on schemes (MIDH, NHM, PMKSY). Revise Class 11–12 Biology basics.
- Days 31–60: Intensive practice – Solve 100–150 MCQs daily (previous papers + mock tests). Cover post-harvest, pest management, current agri news. Start descriptive answer writing (1–2 questions daily).
- Days 61–90: Full syllabus revision + mocks – Take 2 full-length CBT mocks weekly + 1 descriptive paper. Revise weak topics, NHB schemes, recent horti developments. Practice precis & essay on topics like “Cold Chain in India” or “Doubling Farmer Income through Horticulture”.
6. Job Profile, Career Growth & Perks
Contribute directly to Atmanirbhar Bharat in horticulture – help farmers increase income through better practices & market access.
7. Final Documentation Checklist
- ✅ Graduation Degree & Marksheets (all semesters)
- ✅ Age proof (10th certificate)
- ✅ Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) if applicable
- ✅ Recent passport photos & scanned signature
- ✅ Valid ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
- ✅ Experience certificate (if any – not mandatory)
- ✅ Domicile / other documents as per notification
