The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has officially announced the PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025, offering 101 vacancies for the post of Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) under the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab. This recruitment drive presents an excellent opportunity for graduates and postgraduates in Agriculture and Horticulture to secure a prestigious Group-A position in the state government.
This recruitment is not just about filling posts—it’s a career-defining opportunity for young professionals passionate about advancing the horticulture sector in Punjab, a state known for its agricultural excellence. Through this recruitment, the government aims to strengthen its focus on modern horticultural practices, crop diversification, and sustainable development in the region.
PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025 Summary
Before diving deeper, let’s take a quick look at the important highlights of PPSC Horticulture Development Officer Recruitment 2025 including key dates, vacancies, eligibility, and application details.
| Organization | Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) |
| No. of Vacancies | 101 |
| Qualification Required | B.Sc Agriculture / B.Sc Horticulture / M.Sc Horticulture |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Age Limit | 18 – 37 years (Relaxation applicable) |
| Pay Scale | ₹44,900/- per month |
| Start Date to Apply Online | 17 October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 November 2025 |
| Official Website | ppsc.gov.in |
Vacancy and Post Details
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has released a total of 101 vacancies for the Horticulture Development Officer (Group-A) post. The vacancies are distributed across different categories, ensuring representation for various sections of society.
Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Total Posts | Reserved for Women |
|---|---|---|
| General | 38 | 11 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Punjab | 10 | 03 |
| Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 07 | 04 |
| Wards of Freedom Fighter, Punjab | 01 | 00 |
| Sports Persons, Punjab | 02 | 01 |
| Persons with Disabilities (76-C Category) | 05 | 02 |
| Scheduled Castes (Others), Punjab | 07 | 04 |
| SC (Others) Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 03 | 00 |
| SC (Others) Sports Person, Punjab | 01 | 00 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs, Punjab | 07 | 05 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 04 | 00 |
| Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikh, Sports Persons, Punjab | 01 | 00 |
| Backward Classes Punjab | 11 | 04 |
| Backward Classes Ex-Serviceman/LDESM, Punjab | 04 | 00 |
| Total | 101 | 34 |
This well-structured distribution highlights the Punjab Government’s commitment to inclusivity and fair representation.
Eligibility Criteria for PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025
The eligibility for PPSC Horticulture Development Officer 2025 is based on academic qualifications, language proficiency, and age limit. Candidates must carefully ensure they meet all conditions before applying.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for the post of HDO, a candidate must:
- Hold a B.Sc. Agriculture degree with a minimum of 50% marks, with Horticulture as an elective subject or as part of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) in Horticulture; OR
- Have completed a B.Sc. Horticulture degree from a recognized university/institution; OR
- Possess a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Horticulture from a recognized university/institution.
Additionally, candidates must have passed Matriculation with Punjabi as one of the compulsory or elective subjects or an equivalent examination.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 37 years
Age Relaxation:
- Punjab Govt Employees: Up to 45 years
- SC/BC of Punjab: Up to 42 years
- Ex-Servicemen (Punjab Domicile): Age relaxation as per service period
- Widows, Divorcees & Certain Other Women: Up to 42 years
- Persons with Disabilities: Up to 47 years
Salary / Pay Scale
Selected candidates for PPSC HDO Recruitment 2025 will receive a fixed pay of ₹44,900/- per month as per the pay matrix level set by the Punjab Government.
Along with the salary, employees will also receive additional benefits such as:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Medical benefits and pension schemes as per state norms
This salary structure ensures financial stability and growth opportunities in the public sector, making it one of the most attractive horticulture-based jobs in the region.
Selection Process
The PPSC HDO Selection Process 2025 comprises two major stages:
- Written Competitive Examination
- Interview
Stage 1: Written Competitive Examination
- Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper-based)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 120 Objective-type questions
- Total Marks: 480
- Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Stage 2: Interview
Candidates qualifying the written exam will be invited for a personal interview, carrying a total of 60 marks.
Final Merit List
The final merit list will be prepared based on total marks obtained in both stages:
- Written Exam: 480 marks
- Interview: 60 marks
- Total: 540 marks
Candidates are advised to prepare comprehensively, focusing on both subject knowledge and general awareness.
Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Candidates must apply online only through the official PPSC portal. Here’s a simplified guide:
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to https://ppsc.gov.in
Step 2: Access Recruitment Link
Click on “Apply for HDO Recruitment 2025” under the latest announcements section.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
- Enter personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Fill in educational qualifications accurately.
- Upload your photo and signature as per the prescribed format.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Use the online payment gateway to pay the required application fee based on your category.
Step 5: Submit and Print
After verifying all details, submit the form and download/print a copy for future reference.
Important Tip:
Once submitted, no changes can be made in the application form. Hence, candidates must double-check all details before final submission.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Ex-Servicemen, EWS, PWD, LDESM (Punjab) | ₹500/- |
| SC/ST & Backward Classes (Punjab) | ₹750/- |
| All Other Categories | ₹1500/- |
Also Read: NTPC Mining (NML) Recruitment 2025 | Apply Online for 21 Executive & Assistant Mine Surveyor Posts
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | https://ppsc.gov.in |
Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification thoroughly before applying to avoid mistakes during submission.
