PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025 Apply Online 101 Posts
PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025 Apply Online 101 Posts
Introduction
About
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) conducts various recruitment examinations for Group-A and Group-B posts in Punjab State Government departments. The Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) post is a prestigious opportunity under the Department of Horticulture, focusing on sustainable crop production and promotion of scientific horticultural practices in the state.
Job Overview
| Recruitment Authority | Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) |
| Total Vacancies | 101 |
| Advt. No. | 20256 |
| Job Location | Punjab |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 44,900/- (Pay Matrix Level) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | ppsc.gov.in |
| Start Date to Apply | 17 October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 November 2025 |
Punjab PSC HDO Notification 2025
Vacancy Details
| Category | Total Posts | Posts Reserved for Women |
|---|---|---|
| General | 38 | 11 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10 | 3 |
| Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 7 | 4 |
| Wards of Freedom Fighters, Punjab | 1 | 0 |
| Sports Persons, Punjab | 2 | 1 |
| Persons with Disabilities (Locomotive Disability–76-C) | 5 | 2 |
| Scheduled Castes (Others), Punjab | 7 | 4 |
| Scheduled Castes Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 3 | 0 |
| Scheduled Castes Sports Persons, Punjab | 1 | 0 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs, Punjab | 7 | 5 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 4 | 0 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs Sports Persons, Punjab | 1 | 0 |
| Backward Classes, Punjab | 11 | 4 |
| Backward Classes Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 101 | 34 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification:
- Should possess a B.Sc. (Agriculture) degree (minimum 50% marks) with Horticulture as an elective subject or Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) in Horticulture / B.Sc. (Horticulture) from a recognized university or institution.
- OR possess an M.Sc. (Horticulture) degree from a recognized university or institution.
- Should have passed Matriculation Examination with Punjabi as one of the compulsory or elective subjects or any other equivalent examination.
- Age Limit (as on 01-01-2025): 18 to 37 years. Age relaxation is applicable as per Punjab Government norms:
- Punjab Govt Employees/Boards/Corporations – up to 45 years
- SC/BC candidates – up to 42 years
- Widows, Divorcees, and certain women – up to 42 years
- Persons with Disabilities – up to 47 years
- Ex-servicemen – as per service rules
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/BC of Punjab State | Rs. 750/- |
| Ex-Serviceman, EWS, PWD, LDESM (Punjab only) | Rs. 500/- |
| All Other Categories | Rs. 1500/- |
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 Questions (480 Marks) |
| Interview | 60 Marks |
| Total | 540 Marks |
Note: The exam will be pen and paper-based (OMR Sheet) with a duration of two hours. Each question carries 4 marks.
How to Apply
- Visit the official website: ppsc.gov.in
- Click on “Apply for HDO Recruitment 2025.”
- Register yourself and fill out the online application form carefully.
- Upload scanned documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page.
Important Links
Preparation Tips
- Study the detailed PPSC HDO syllabus thoroughly, focusing on horticultural practices and crop management.
- Revise B.Sc./M.Sc. Agriculture core topics – Soil Science, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, and Entomology.
- Prepare Punjab-specific agricultural policies and government schemes.
- Focus on current horticultural developments and technologies.
- Practice MCQs from previous PPSC agriculture-related exams.
- Keep short notes of crop varieties, diseases, and fertilizers.
- Revise general knowledge, environment, and current affairs daily.
- Work on time management during mock tests.
- Study plant breeding and genetics concepts in depth.
- Understand irrigation techniques and organic farming trends.
Recommended Books
- General Agriculture: Nem Raj Sunda & Arun Katyayan
- Horticulture: B. Singh – Introductory Horticulture
- Plant Pathology: R.S. Mehrotra & Ashok Aggarwal
- Objective Agriculture: S.R. Kantwa & R.K. Sharma
- Agronomy: A. Kumar – Principles of Agronomy
- Current Affairs: Pratiyogita Darpan / Chronicle
- Punjab GK: Manorama Yearbook / Punjab GK by Arihant
- Plant Physiology: Taiz and Zeiger
- General Science: NCERT Class 6–10 Science Books
- Previous Year Papers: PPSC Agriculture Solved Papers by Kiran
FAQs – PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025
Q1: How many total HDO posts are there in the Punjab PSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
A: A total of 101 posts.
Q2: What is the last date to apply online for the Punjab PSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
A: 14 November 2025.
Q3: What is the educational qualification required?
A: B.Sc (Agriculture) with Horticulture as elective or M.Sc (Horticulture).
Q4: What is the salary of the Punjab PSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
A: Rs. 44,900/- per month (Pay Matrix Level).
Q5: What is the age limit for the Punjab PSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
A: 18 to 37 years (as on 01-01-2025).
Q6: What is the selection process for the Punjab PSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
A: Written Exam (480 marks) + Interview (60 marks).
Q7: What is the exam duration for the Punjab PSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025?
A: Two hours (OMR-based).
Q8: Can candidates from other states apply?
A: Yes, but knowledge of Punjabi up to Matric level is mandatory.
Q9: Is there negative marking?
A: Not mentioned in the notification.
Q10: How can I apply for the Punjab PSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025 Exam?
A: Apply online through the official website ppsc.gov.in before 14 November 2025.

