The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has cancelled the written examinations for the positions of Agriculture Officers (AO) and Assistant Agriculture Officers (AAO). The exams were originally slated for August 8 and 9, 2026. KEA Executive Director H Prasanna confirmed this decision in a statement released on Friday.

This cancellation follows significant protests from agriculture students across Karnataka, who raised concerns regarding the eligibility criteria for these recruitment exams. Specifically, students have objected to a recent policy that permits graduates holding degrees in Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) to apply for these agriculture-related positions.

Student Protests Against Eligibility Criteria

A number of students from the University of Agricultural Sciences, particularly those based at the Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra (GKVK) campus in Bengaluru, have voiced their discontent. They argue that the recruitment process should be limited to candidates with degrees in agriculture, asserting that the current broadening of eligibility undermines the qualifications of agriculture graduates.

These protests have gained traction, leading students to demand a reconsideration of the policy that expands eligibility to non-agricultural graduates. They contend that allowing BE and BTech graduates to compete for these roles dilutes the integrity of agricultural education and the posts in question.

As discontent among students escalated, the matter was brought to the attention of Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. On August 4, agriculture students had a meeting with the chief minister, during which they took the opportunity to present their grievances regarding the existing recruitment rules.

Government Response and Future Examination Plans

Following discussions with the students, Chief Minister Shivakumar announced a temporary postponement of the examination, stating that the government would take the students’ concerns into consideration. He expressed his commitment to addressing the matters in a fair and sensitive manner.

As of now, it remains uncertain when the examinations for the Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer positions will be rescheduled or whether the eligibility criteria will be altered before a new timetable is set. Prior to the announcement of the cancellation, approximately 18,299 candidates had been registered to take part in the examination.

KEA had been reviewing its preparations leading up to the scheduled dates, indicating that logistical arrangements were in place. However, the unfolding events and student protests necessitated a reassessment of the recruitment process.

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