Are you looking for a rewarding career opportunity as a Horticulture Development Officer in Punjab? The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has announced the recruitment for 101 HDO posts for the year 2025. This comprehensive job description provides detailed insights into the eligibility criteria, application process, salary structure, selection procedure, vacancy details, and important dates. Whether you are a graduate or postgraduate in horticulture or agriculture, this guide will help you understand everything you need to apply successfully for these coveted positions.
PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025 Overview
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has issued an official notification for the recruitment of Horticulture Development Officers (HDO) in Punjab. Here is a quick summary of the key details:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) |
| Post Name | Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) |
| Total Number of Posts | 101 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 44,900/- (Pay Matrix Level as per government norms) |
| Advertisement No. | 20256 |
| Qualification | B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Horticulture/ Agriculture from recognized universities |
| Age Limit | 18 to 37 years |
| Start Date for Online Application | 17-10-2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 14-11-2025 |
| Official Website | ppsc.gov.in |
PPSC HDO Vacancy Details 2025
Category-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Total No. of Posts | Reserved for Women |
|---|---|---|
| General | 38 | 11 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Punjab | 10 | 03 |
| Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 07 | 04 |
| 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 (Others) Ex-Serviceman/LDESM | 3 | 0 |
| Scheduled Castes (Others) Sports Person | 1 | 0 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs, Punjab | 7 | 5 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs Ex-Serviceman/LDESM | 4 | 0 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs Sports Persons | 1 | 0 |
| Backward Classes Punjab | 11 | 4 |
| Backward Classes Ex-Serviceman/LDESM | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 101 | 34 |
Eligibility Criteria for PPSC HDO 2025
Candidates interested in applying must fulfill the following educational and language requirements:
Educational Qualification
- Possess a B.Sc. in Agriculture with a minimum of 50% marks, with Horticulture as an elective subject or Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) in Horticulture.
- Alternatively, possess a B.Sc. in Horticulture from a recognized university or institution.
- Must have passed Matriculation (10th standard) with Punjabi as a compulsory or elective subject or any equivalent examination in Punjabi, as specified by the Punjab Government.
Age Limit & Relaxations
The age limit for applicants is as follows:
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (as of 01-01-2025) | 18 Years | 37 Years | Up to 45 years for Punjab Government employees, employees of Boards/Corporations/Commissions, and Central/State Government employees. |
| Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes, Punjab | 18 Years | 42 Years | Relaxation up to 42 years for SC/ST and Backward Classes. |
| Ex-Servicemen of Punjab Domicile | Variable (deduct period of service) | Maximum 45 years | |
| Widows, Divorcees, Women Candidate | 18 Years | Up to 42 years | |
| Persons with Disabilities (PWD) | 18 Years | 47 Years | Relaxed up to 47 years for PWD candidates. |
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category:
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Ex-Serviceman, EWS, PWD, Lineal Descendants (LDESM) of Punjab | Rs. 500 |
| Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Backward Classes (Punjab) | Rs. 750 |
| All Other Categories | Rs. 1500 |
Selection Process
The selection process includes a written examination followed by an interview. Here are the details:
Written Competitive Examination
| Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Horticulture & Related Subjects | 120 | 480 |
Interview
After qualifying the written exam, candidates will be called for an interview round carrying a total of 60 marks. The interview assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and knowledge related to horticulture.
Total Marks & Duration
- Total Exam Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Total Marks (Written + Interview): 540
How to Apply for PPSC HDO 2025
Candidates must apply **only online** through the official PPSC website. Follow the steps below:
Application Submission Steps
- Visit the official PPSC website: ppsc.gov.in
- Navigate to the “Recruitments” section and locate the notification for HDO 2025.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link provided for HDO posts.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate details including personal information, educational qualifications, experience, and category.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature as per the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee using the available online payment modes.
- Review all entered information carefully before final submission, as modifications are not permitted after submission.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference.
**Important:** Ensure all data entered is correct; categories once selected are final and cannot be changed later.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- Starting Date for Online Application: 17-10-2025
- Last Date for Submission of Application: 14-11-2025 by 11:59 PM
Useful Links & Resources
FAQs about PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025
1. When does the online application process commence for PPSC HDO 2025?
Ans: The online application process starts on 17-10-2025.
2. When is the last date to apply online?
Ans: The deadline for online submission is 14-11-2025.
3. What educational qualifications are required?
Ans: A B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Horticulture or Agriculture from a recognized university.
4. What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
Ans: 37 Years (relaxations applicable as per category).
5. How many vacancies are available this year?
Ans: A total of 101 vacancies for Horticulture Development Officers.
For further details, applicants are encouraged to visit the official PPSC website and stay connected via official notifications and updates.