The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), Bhopal, has announced a significant recruitment opportunity for the position of Agriculture Extension Officer (Krishi Vistar Adhikari) under the Group-2 Sub Group-1 combined recruitment test for 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill 2,784 executive posts in the Directorate of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh . The official notification was released on 2 July 2026, with the online application process commencing on 3 July 2026 and continuing until 17 July 2026 .
This recruitment presents a golden opportunity for agriculture graduates seeking government employment in Madhya Pradesh. The post of Agriculture Extension Officer is a Class III executive position carrying a pay scale of Rs. 25,300 to Rs. 80,500 per month . The selected candidates will play a crucial role in the state’s agricultural development by working at the grassroots level to disseminate modern farming techniques, provide technical guidance to farmers, and implement various government agricultural schemes.
The recruitment process will be conducted through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) scheduled to commence from 2 August 2026 . The examination will be held in two shifts across various exam centres in Madhya Pradesh. Candidates are advised to read the official notification thoroughly before applying and complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Scheme Overview and Key Statistics
The MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer Recruitment 2026 is a comprehensive selection drive with specific parameters that candidates must understand before applying. Here is a detailed overview of the recruitment:
Overview Table:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Board | Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), Bhopal |
| Exam Name | Group-2 Sub Group-1 Krishi Vistar Adhikari Recruitment Test 2026 |
| Post Name | Agriculture Extension Officer (Krishi Vistar Adhikari) |
| Post Code | 01 |
| Total Vacancies | 2,784 |
| Department | Directorate of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Madhya Pradesh |
| Type of Post | Executive (Karyapalik), Class III |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Dates | 3 July 2026 to 17 July 2026 |
| Application Correction | 3 July 2026 to 22 July 2026 |
| Exam Date | From 2 August 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 25,300 – 80,500 |
| Job Location | Madhya Pradesh |
| Official Website | esb.mp.gov.in |
Category-wise Vacancy Distribution:
| Category | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 1,126 |
| EWS | 444 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 316 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 122 |
| Other Backward Class (OBC) | 776 |
| Grand Total | 2,784 |
Important Dates at a Glance:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification (Rulebook) Released | 2 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 3 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17 July 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 3 July 2026 to 22 July 2026 |
| Admit Card (TAC) Release | Before the exam |
| Exam Start Date | From 2 August 2026 (Sunday) |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfil the eligibility criteria prescribed by MPESB for the Agriculture Extension Officer post. The eligibility requirements cover educational qualifications, age limit, and other conditions that must be met on or before the application deadline.
Educational Qualification:
- Essential Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture from a recognized university or institution
- Completion Date: The degree must be fully completed on or before the date of submitting the online application. Candidates acquiring the degree after the application date will not be considered eligible
- Marksheet Details: The marksheet number, marks obtained, and maximum marks of the qualifying degree must be entered in the online form
Age Limit (as on 1 January 2026):
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age (All Candidates) | 18 years |
| Unreserved (Open direct recruitment) | 40 years |
| MP domicile SC / ST / OBC candidates | 45 years |
| Women candidates of MP (reserved and unreserved) | 45 years |
| MP Government / Corporation / Board employees, Home Guards, Divyangjan (PwD) | 45 years |
| EWS candidates | 40 years (no age relaxation for EWS) |
| Contract (Samvida) employees and Rule-14 priority categories | Up to 55 years (as per applicable relaxation rules) |
Additional Eligibility Conditions:
- Citizenship: The candidate must be a citizen of India. Nepal citizens may be eligible subject to the certificate required under MP Civil Services Recruitment Rules, 1961
- Employment Office Registration: Live registration in an Employment Office of Madhya Pradesh is mandatory for all applicants
- Domicile Status: Candidates who are not domiciles of Madhya Pradesh can apply only against Unreserved (Open) posts and will not get any fee concession, reservation, or age relaxation
- Aadhaar Mandatory: Aadhaar registration is mandatory, and the Aadhaar must be unlocked at the time of biometric verification
- Children Restriction: A candidate having more than two children, where one child is born on or after 26 January 2001, is not eligible for appointment
- Marriage Age: Candidates who married before the legal age (18 years for women, 21 years for men) are not eligible for appointment
Online Application Process
The application process for MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer Recruitment 2026 is fully online. Candidates must follow the steps below to submit their applications successfully. The application window is open from 3 July 2026 to 17 July 2026 .
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online:
Step 1: Visit the official MPESB website at esb.mp.gov.in or the MP Online portal at mponline.gov.in
Step 2: Open the application link for “Group-2 Sub Group-1 Krishi Vistar Adhikari Recruitment Test 2026”
Step 3: Read the rulebook and eligibility conditions carefully before starting the form
Step 4: Fill in the online application form with:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, gender, etc.)
- Aadhaar number/VID
- Permanent body identification marks
- Photo ID details
- Educational qualification details (marksheet number, marks obtained, and maximum marks)
- Employment registration number
Step 5: Upload the required documents in JPG format:
- Recent colour photograph (white background, not older than three months, with the candidate’s name and date of photograph printed on it)
- Scanned signature (short signatures only; signatures in capital letters or multiple signatures are not accepted)
- Handwriting sample (two lines in the candidate’s own handwriting, in the prescribed format)
Step 6: Select four exam city preferences in order of priority
Step 7: Pay the application fee through credit card, debit card, net banking, or an authorised MP Online kiosk
Step 8: Submit the form, note down the application number, and keep a printout of the application and fee receipt safely
Application Fee Details:
| Category | Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) candidates | Rs. 500 |
| SC / ST / OBC / EWS / Divyangjan (MP domicile only) | Rs. 250 |
| Direct Recruitment – Backlog posts | No fee |
| MP Online portal fee (via kiosk) | Rs. 60 |
| MP Online portal fee (registered citizen user) | Rs. 20 |
| Correction fee | Rs. 20 per correction + Rs. 40 portal fee |
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
The selection for the Agriculture Extension Officer post will be made through a single online written examination followed by document verification. There is no interview for this recruitment .
Selection Process:
- Online Written Exam (CBT): Objective-type paper of 200 marks conducted by MPESB
- Merit List and Waiting List: MPESB prepares a post-wise merit list; a waiting list of 15% of the total posts remains valid for one year or until the next exam result, whichever is earlier
- Document Verification: Certificates are verified by the Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Department, not by MPESB
- Appointment: Appointment orders are to be issued within a maximum of three months from the date of the selection list
Exam Pattern:
The MPESB AEO exam will be conducted in online mode. Here is the detailed exam pattern :
| Section | Topics | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | General Knowledge, Hindi, English, Mathematics, Logical Ability, Science, and Computer Knowledge | 100 | 100 |
| Section B | Subject-Specific Agriculture/Horticulture | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Key Exam Details:
- Exam Duration: 3 hours per shift
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect response
- Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- Unreserved (UR): 50% marks
- SC / ST / OBC / EWS / Divyangjan: 40% marks (after 10% relaxation)
- Normalization: If the exam is held in multiple shifts, results are prepared using the Normalised Equi-Percentile (NEP) scaling technique
Exam Schedule (2 August 2026):
| Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Shift 2 | 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates for the Agriculture Extension Officer post will receive an attractive salary package with allowances as per government norms .
Pay Structure:
- Pay Scale: Rs. 25,300 – 80,500 (Class III)
- Grade: Executive (Karyapalik) post
Probation Period Stipend:
As per the MP General Administration Department circular dated 12 December 2019, a stipend is paid during the probation period instead of the full pay scale :
- First year: 70% of the minimum of the pay scale (approximately Rs. 17,710 per month)
- Second year: 80% of the minimum of the pay scale (approximately Rs. 20,240 per month)
- Third year: 90% of the minimum of the pay scale (approximately Rs. 22,770 per month)
After successful completion of the probation period, the regular pay in the scale of Rs. 25,300 – 80,500, along with admissible allowances, is paid .
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA) as per government rates
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Medical benefits
- Pension benefits
- Job security and career growth opportunities
Exam Preparation Strategy
To succeed in the MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer examination, candidates need a well-planned preparation strategy covering both general knowledge and subject-specific topics.
Section-wise Preparation Tips:
Section A (General Knowledge, Hindi, English, Mathematics, Reasoning, Science, Computer):
- Current Affairs: Read newspapers, watch news, and follow government portals
- Hindi & English: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension
- Mathematics: Practice speed and accuracy with quantitative aptitude questions
- Reasoning: Solve puzzles, syllogisms, and analytical questions
- Science: Study basic physics, chemistry, and biology concepts
- Computer: Basic computer knowledge and applications
Section B (Subject-Specific Agriculture):
- Study all topics covered in your Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture
- Focus on: Soil Science, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agricultural Economics, etc.
- Practice previous year question papers and mock tests
Recommended Resources:
- Textbooks from your graduation course
- MPESB official syllabus and rulebook
- Online mock tests and practice papers
- Agricultural extension books and study materials
Important Guidelines for Exam Day:
- Carry the admit card (Test Admit Card – TAC) downloaded from esb.mp.gov.in with Part 2 entries duly filled
- Bring original photo ID: Voter ID, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, or Passport
- Carry a black ballpoint pen
- Mobile phones, calculators, log tables, digital watches, sunglasses, electronic devices, cheat sheets, etc. are strictly prohibited in the examination hall
Important Links and Official Resources
Having access to correct official resources is crucial for successful application and status tracking. Here are all the essential links, helpline numbers, and official portals for the MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer Recruitment 2026.
Official Websites:
| Portal Name | URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| MPESB Official Website | https://esb.mp.gov.in/ | Main portal for recruitment |
| MP Online Portal | https://mponline.gov.in/ | Online application submission |
| MPESB E-Complaint | complaint.esb@mp.gov.in | Grievance redressal |
Helpline Numbers:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| MPESB Toll-Free | 18002337899 |
| MPESB Office | +91-755-2578801-02 |
Important Government Notifications:
| Document | Source | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| MPESB Group-2 Sub Group-1 Agriculture Extension Officer Rulebook | esb.mp.gov.in | Official recruitment notification |
| Application Form Link | mponline.gov.in | Online application submission |
| Correction Window Link | esb.mp.gov.in | Application modifications |
Admit Card Download:
- Admit cards will be available for download from www.esb.mp.gov.in using the online application number
- Admit cards will NOT be sent by post
Result and Updates:
- Results will be declared on the official MPESB website
- Objections on question paper/answers can be filed online within 3 days of link upload
- Fee for objection: Rs. 150 per question/answer objection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the online application process for MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer Recruitment 2026 start?
The online application process will start on 3 July 2026 and continue until 17 July 2026 . Candidates are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
What is the total number of vacancies for MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer posts?
A total of 2,784 vacancies have been announced under the Group-2 Sub Group-1 Agriculture Extension Officer Recruitment 2026 . The category-wise distribution is: UR – 1,126, EWS – 444, SC – 316, ST – 122, and OBC – 776 .
What is the educational qualification required for MPESB AEO posts?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture from a recognized university or institution . The degree must be fully completed on or before the date of submitting the online application .
What is the age limit for MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer Recruitment?
The minimum age is 18 years, and the maximum age is 40 years for Unreserved candidates (as on 1 January 2026). MP domicile SC/ST/OBC candidates, women candidates, government employees, home guards, and Divyangjan candidates can avail of relaxation up to 45 years .
What is the application fee for MPESB AEO Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is Rs. 500 for General/Unreserved candidates and Rs. 250 for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Divyangjan candidates with MP domicile . Additionally, MP Online portal fees apply: Rs. 60 for kiosk applications and Rs. 20 for registered citizen user login .
When will the MPESB AEO examination be conducted?
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be conducted from 2 August 2026 onwards in two shifts . The first shift will be from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the second shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM .
What is the selection process for MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer posts?
The selection process consists of an online written examination followed by document verification. There is no interview . A merit list and waiting list (15% of total posts) will be prepared based on exam performance .
What is the exam pattern for MPESB AEO Recruitment 2026?
The exam consists of 200 objective-type questions for a total of 200 marks. Section A covers General Knowledge, Hindi, English, Mathematics, Logical Ability, Science, and Computer Knowledge (100 marks). Section B covers subject-specific Agriculture/Horticulture questions (100 marks) .
What is the pay scale for MPESB Agriculture Extension Officer?
The selected candidates will receive a pay scale of Rs. 25,300 to Rs. 80,500 per month . During the probation period, stipend is paid at 70% (first year), 80% (second year), and 90% (third year) of the minimum pay scale .
How can I make corrections to my application form?
The application correction window is open from 3 July to 22 July 2026. Correction fee is Rs. 20 per correction, plus a portal fee of Rs. 40 for each correction made during the correction window .