GPSC Deputy Director Horticulture Recruitment 2026

Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) is hiring for 1 post of Deputy Director of Horticulture, Class-1 under the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department. If you have a Ph.D. in Horticulture with 3 years experience or a Post Graduate degree in Horticulture with 5 years experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 19 May 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 67,700 to Rs. 2,08,700 per month (Pay Matrix Level-11) — one of the highest pay levels in the Gujarat state service.

GPSC Deputy Director of Horticulture Class-1 Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) has released Advt. No. 13/2026-27 for the post of Deputy Director of Horticulture, Class-1, under the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. The post falls under the Directorate of Horticulture and is a senior Class-1 Gazetted Officer position. This recruitment is open to all eligible candidates (no disability reservation for this post).

Who Can Apply?

You must meet one of the two qualification streams below, along with the additional requirements:

Stream A - Ph.D. with 3 Years Experience

• Qualification: Ph.D. degree in any branch of Horticulture from a recognised Agriculture / Horticulture University in India.
• Experience: About 3 years on a post not below the rank of Horticulture Officer, Class II, in the Gujarat Horticulture Service under the Directorate of Horticulture; OR 3 years separate or combined experience in Horticulture Research, Horticulture Extension Service, Horticulture Education or Horticulture Engineering in Government / PSU / Board / Corporation / University / KVK / ICAR Institutes on an equivalent post.

Stream B - Post Graduate with 5 Years Experience

• Qualification: Second class Post Graduate degree in any branch of Horticulture from a recognised Agriculture / Horticulture University in India.
• Experience: About 5 years on a post not below the rank of Horticulture Officer, Class II, in the Gujarat Horticulture Service; OR 5 years separate or combined experience in the field of Horticulture Research, Extension, Education or Engineering in Government / PSU / Board / Corporation / University / KVK / ICAR Institutes on an equivalent post.

Other Requirements

• Basic knowledge of computer application as per Gujarat Civil Services Rules, 1967.
• Adequate knowledge of Gujarati or Hindi or both.
• You must be a citizen of India.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 42 years as on the last date of application (19 May 2026).
• Minimum age: 20 years (as per general GPSC norms).
• Age Relaxation:
  • Women candidates (Unreserved/General) of Gujarat origin: 5 years
  • SC / ST / SEBC / EWS of Gujarat origin: 5 years
  • SC / ST / SEBC / EWS Women of Gujarat origin: 10 years (max 45 years)
  • Ex-Servicemen: Length of military service + 3 years
  • Physically Disabled candidates: 10 years (max 45 years)
  • Gujarat Government employees: If experience is prescribed as qualification, upper age limit does not apply.

Salary

• Pay Matrix: Rs. 67,700 - Rs. 2,08,700 (Level-11) under the 7th Pay Commission.
• Plus Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and other allowances as per Gujarat Government rules.
• This is a Class-1 Gazetted Officer post with the prestige and perks of a senior state government role.

Application Fee

• General (Unreserved) category: Rs. 100 + applicable postal charges (post office) OR Rs. 100 + service charges (online).
• Gujarat State SC / ST / SEBC / EWS / PwD / Ex-Servicemen: No fee.
• Reserved category candidates from other states: Have to pay the application fee.

Selection Process

The selection is a two-stage Direct Recruitment process:

1. Preliminary Examination (300 marks, 180 minutes): Part-A General Studies — 100 questions for 100 marks. Part-B Concerned Subject (Horticulture) — 200 questions for 200 marks. The exam is objective (MCQ) based and usually conducted in Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad.
2. Interview (100 marks): Candidates who clear the prelim with at least 15% marks will be called for interview. Number called for interview = 10 candidates for 1 post.

Final merit (Weighted Marks): Prelim marks (out of 300) x 50/300 + Interview marks (out of 100) x 50/100 = Total Weighted Marks (out of 100). Effectively, 50% weightage of Prelim + 50% weightage of Interview.

How to Apply

1. Go to the GPSC online application portal at gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in.
2. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR), if not done already.
3. Fill in the online application form for Advt. No. 13/2026-27.
4. Upload your photograph, signature and required documents.
5. Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
6. Submit the form and take a printout for your records.
7. Do not send physical copies of the application to the Commission. Documents must be uploaded online at gpsc-iass.gujarat.gov.in when called for scrutiny.
8. Online application window: 05 May 2026 (13:00 hrs) to 19 May 2026 (23:59 hrs).

Important Dates

• Advertisement Number: 13/2026-27
• Online Application Start: 05 May 2026, 13:00 hrs
• Last Date to Apply Online: 19 May 2026, 23:59 hrs
• Tentative Prelim Exam Date: 26 July 2026
• Tentative Concerned Subject Test: 18 August 2026
• Result: Within 10 working days after the last date of interview

• Plan and supervise horticulture development programmes across Gujarat
• Guide implementation of fruit, vegetable, floriculture and plantation schemes
• Monitor research projects, demonstration trials and extension activities
• Coordinate with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR institutes and Agriculture Universities
• Train Horticulture Officers and field staff on modern horticulture techniques
• Prepare technical reports and policy notes for the Department
• Promote farmer welfare and adoption of best horticultural practices in the state