PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Recruitment 2025 – 101 Posts, Salary ₹44,900, Eligibility, Syllabus & Apply Online
Overview of PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Recruitment 2025
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has released the official notification for the recruitment of 101 posts of Horticulture Development Officer (Group-A) in the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab. The online application process has already begun on the official PPSC website, and candidates can apply until 14 November 2025 (11:59 PM).
This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for candidates holding degrees in B.Sc or M.Sc (Horticulture) to join the Punjab Government as Group-A officers. The detailed notification includes information about eligibility, pay scale, selection process, syllabus, exam pattern, and category-wise reservation.
- Organization: Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)
- Post Name: Horticulture Development Officer (Group-A)
- Total Vacancies: 101
- Pay Scale: ₹44,900/- per month (Level-7)
- Job Location: Punjab
- Application Mode: Online
- Official Website: ppsc.gov.in
Number of Vacancies & Reservation Details
The total number of vacancies for the PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Recruitment 2025 is 101. These include reserved seats for various categories such as General, SC, BC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, Sports Persons, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
| Category | Total Posts | Reserved for Women |
|---|---|---|
| General | 38 | 11 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10 | 3 |
| Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 7 | 4 |
| Scheduled Castes (Others), Punjab | 7 | 4 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs, Punjab | 7 | 5 |
| Backward Classes, Punjab | 11 | 4 |
| Persons with Disabilities (Locomotor) | 5 | 2 |
| Sports Persons, Punjab | 2 | 1 |
| Freedom Fighter Category | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 101 | 34 |
Note: The number of posts may be increased or decreased by the Government before completion of the selection process.
PPSC HDO Salary and Pay Scale 2025
The post of Horticulture Development Officer (Group-A) carries an initial pay of ₹44,900 per month under Pay Matrix Level-7 as per the Punjab Civil Services Rules. During the probation period of 3 years, selected candidates will receive a fixed emolument equal to the minimum pay without any allowances.
This competitive salary structure, along with other government benefits and job security, makes this an attractive career option in Punjab’s Horticulture Department.
PPSC HDO Eligibility Criteria 2025 (Education, Punjabi, Age Limit)
Candidates applying for the PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Recruitment 2025 must satisfy the following eligibility conditions on or before the last date of application (14 November 2025, 11:59 PM). Meeting the eligibility is mandatory for appearing in the competitive examination and final selection.
Educational Qualification (Degree Requirements)
- Degree Path A: B.Sc. Agriculture (minimum 50% marks) with Horticulture as an elective subject or with an Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) in Horticulture; or B.Sc. Horticulture from a recognized University/Institution.
- AND a M.Sc. Horticulture degree from a recognized University/Institution.
Punjabi Language Requirement
The candidate must have passed Matriculation with Punjabi as a compulsory/elective subject (or an equivalent Punjabi language exam notified by Punjab Government). Special provisions apply for specified defence categories as per rules (detailed in the official notice).
Age Limit (as on 01-01-2025)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 37 years
Age Relaxation (Category-Wise)
| Category | Upper Age Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Govt./Boards/Corporations/Commissions/Authorities employees; All State/Central Govt. employees : upto 45 years | ||
| Scheduled Castes (Punjab) / Backward Classes (Punjab) Upto 42 years | ||
| Ex-Servicemen (Punjab Domicile) : Deduct service period from actual age; if result ≤ max age + 3 years → eligible | ||
| Widows, Divorcees & Certain Other Categories of Women: As per Punjab Govt. instructions | ||
| Persons with Disabilities (Punjab) upto 47 years of age |
Note: Detailed definitions for EWS, SC, BC, ESM/LDESM, Sports, PwD, women categories and required certificates are given in the official notification. Candidates must select the correct category with due diligence; category changes are not permitted after submission.
How to Apply Online for PPSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025
Follow this step-by-step process to submit the PPSC HDO online form on ppsc.gov.in. Keep scanned copies of your photo, signature, and documents handy. Pay the fee online only.
- Visit the official PPSC website → open the Horticulture Development Officer (Group-A) recruitment page.
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID; note your registration details.
- Upload Photo & Signature in the prescribed format and size; submit to proceed.
- Open the Fee Payment page and click Pay Now. Choose an available online payment mode and complete the transaction. You’ll receive confirmation by SMS/email; you can also download the payment receipt.
- Re-login if needed to verify payment status; use the “Verify Status” link in case of pending transactions.
- Fill the complete Online Application Form: Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth, Category, Qualifications, Experience (if any), Punjabi qualification, etc. Verify every field before final submit — edits are not allowed after submission.
- Submit the form and save/print the final application for records. Do not send a hard copy to PPSC at this stage. Keep soft/hard copies ready for scrutiny whenever asked.
- Sports Person (Punjab): Email your valid Sports Gradation Certificate to hdoppsc2025@gmail.com or submit by hand on or before 14-11-2025.
- Persons with Disabilities (Punjab): Email your PwD Certificate and relevant annexures to hdopwd2025@gmail.com or submit by hand on or before 14-11-2025. For assistance: 0175-5014832, 0175-5014833.
Documents to Keep Ready (for Scrutiny/Verification)
- Matriculation/Higher Secondary certificate (Date of Birth proof) & Punjabi language proof
- Relevant B.Sc/B.Sc (Hort.) and M.Sc (Hort.) Degree & DMCs
- Punjab Residence certificate (as applicable for reserved categories including female candidates who applied in General)
- Category certificates: SC/BC/EWS/ESM/LDESM/Sports/PwD (as applicable) in the prescribed formats
- Experience certificate (if applicable)
- ESM documents: Date of enrolment, date of release/discharge, reason of release/discharge
- Any certificate supporting age relaxation or fee concession claims
- Proof of being a government employee (if applicable)
- Apply well before the last date to avoid server congestion.
- Use the same name and details across all documents.
- Double-check category selection: fee, age relaxation and reservation depend on it and cannot be changed later.
- Save a PDF print of your form and payment receipt for future reference.
For general queries: 0175-5014843, 5014826, 5014847, 5014849 |
Email: hdoppsc2025@gmail.com
For technical issues (form/fee): 0175-5014822 |
Email: enquiry@ppsc.gov.in, technicalhelp.ppsc@gmail.com
PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Selection Process 2025
The selection process for PPSC Horticulture Development Officer (Group-A) 2025 consists of two major stages:
- Written Competitive Examination – 480 Marks
- Interview – 60 Marks
The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined marks obtained by candidates in both the written examination and interview. The written exam will test both domain knowledge (Horticulture) and general aptitude.
Written Examination Scheme
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject-related (Horticulture) | 90 | 360 | MCQ (Objective) |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 10 | 40 | MCQ |
| General Mental Ability, Logical Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude | 10 | 40 | MCQ |
| Punjabi Language | 10 | 40 | MCQ |
| Total | 120 | 480 | - |
Exam Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Medium: English only
Negative Marking: 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. Unanswered questions will not attract negative marking.
Interview (60 Marks)
Candidates securing the minimum qualifying marks will be called for an interview (in a 2:1 ratio of the number of posts). The interview assesses communication skills, confidence, subject knowledge, and suitability for the role.
PPSC HDO Exam Syllabus 2025 (Detailed)
The syllabus for the Horticulture Development Officer Exam 2025 is divided into four parts: Part-A (Subject), Part-B (GK), Part-C (Aptitude), and Part-D (Punjabi). Below is the detailed breakdown.
Part-A: Horticulture Subject (90 Questions – 360 Marks)
- Fruit crops and recommended varieties for different agro-climatic zones of Punjab
- Nursery production and propagation techniques
- Soil management, irrigation and fertigation practices
- Post-harvest handling, processing, storage, and value addition
- Pest, disease, and weed management in horticultural crops
- Production technology of vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants
- Seed production and protected cultivation techniques
- Role of horticulture in diversification and sustainability of agriculture
- Innovations in canopy and crop management
Part-B: General Knowledge & Current Affairs (10 Questions – 40 Marks)
- Indian History, especially Indian Freedom Movement
- Punjab History (14th century onwards)
- Indian Polity, Constitution, and Governance
- Economy of India & Punjab
- Science, Technology, and Environmental issues
- Important National & International Current Affairs
Part-C: General Mental Ability, Logical Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude (10 Questions – 40 Marks)
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Basic arithmetic (numbers, percentages, ratios, averages)
- Quantitative aptitude and data interpretation
- Graphical data analysis (charts, tables, and spreadsheets)
Part-D: Punjabi Language (10 Questions – 40 Marks)
- ਅਰਥਕ ਅਤੇ ਪਵਰੋਧਾਰਥਕ ਸ਼ਬਦ
- ਸ਼ੁੱਧ–ਅਸ਼ੁੱਧ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਜੋੜ
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਖਾਣ ਅਤੇ ਮਿਹਾਵਰੇ
- ਪਦਾਂ ਦੇ ਭੇਦ, ਅਗੇਤਰ ਅਤੇ ਪਿਛੇਤਰ
- ਵਿਆਕਰਣ ਅਤੇ ਵਾਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਚਨਾ
- ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਮੇਲੇ, ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਸਭਿਆਚਾਰ
- ਅਣਪੜ੍ਹੇ ਪੈਰਿਆਂ ’ਤੇ ਆਧਾਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਨ
Marking System and Cut-Off Rules
- Correct Answer: +4 Marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 Mark
- Unanswered: 0 Mark
Candidates must score at least 40% marks (35% for SC/BC) in the written test to qualify for the interview. Final selection will be based on the total of written + interview marks (out of 540).
Exam Centre & Admit Card
Exam centres will be allotted across Punjab. The exact centre name and roll number will be available on the Admit Card, which can be downloaded from the PPSC website. A public notice for downloading admit cards will be published prior to the exam.
PPSC HDO Application & Examination Fee 2025
The application fee for PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Recruitment 2025 must be paid online only through debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee once paid is non-refundable.
| Category | Application Charges | Examination Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-Servicemen, EWS, PwD & LDESM (Punjab) | ₹500 | Nil | ₹500 |
| Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Backward Classes (Punjab) | ₹500 | ₹250 | ₹750 |
| All Other Categories | ₹500 | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
At the time of document scrutiny, candidates claiming fee concessions must produce a valid category certificate. Those failing to do so will be treated as general category applicants.
PPSC HDO Important Dates 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | 17 October 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 18 October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 November 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Deadline to Submit Sports/PwD Certificates | 14 November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced on PPSC website |
| Written Examination Date | To be notified soon |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the salary of PPSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
The initial salary for the post is ₹44,900 per month (Level-7) as per the 7th Pay Commission. During the 3-year probation period, candidates receive a fixed emolument equal to the minimum pay without allowances.
2. What is the last date to apply for PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025?
The last date to apply online for PPSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025 is 14 November 2025 (11:59 PM). No offline applications will be accepted.
3. What are the educational qualifications for PPSC HDO 2025?
Candidates must possess B.Sc. Agriculture (with Horticulture) or B.Sc. Horticulture along with M.Sc. Horticulture from a recognized university, and must have passed Matric with Punjabi.
4. How many vacancies are available for PPSC HDO 2025?
The Punjab Public Service Commission has announced a total of 101 vacancies for the Horticulture Development Officer (Group-A) post under the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab.
5. What is the exam pattern for PPSC HDO 2025?
The written exam comprises 120 MCQs (480 marks) covering Horticulture, GK, Reasoning, and Punjabi. Each question carries 4 marks, and there is 1 mark negative marking. The interview carries 60 marks.
6. How can I apply for PPSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
Visit the official PPSC website, register online, fill the form carefully, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit. No hard copy is needed at this stage.
Conclusion: A Golden Career Opportunity in Punjab Horticulture Sector
The PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Recruitment 2025 offers a prestigious opportunity to serve in the Government of Punjab with an attractive salary and secure career. Candidates with a passion for agriculture, horticulture, and public service should not miss this chance. Apply before the deadline and begin preparation early using the official syllabus and previous papers.
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