Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

🏛️ Organization Overview

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) is the primary institution responsible for agricultural education and research in the state of Kerala. Established as a statutory body, it operates under the State Ministry of Agriculture. The university plays a pivotal role in developing sustainable agricultural practices, crop improvement, and soil management strategies specific to the tropical climate of the region. Its mission extends beyond academics to include massive outreach programs for farmers, ensuring knowledge transfer directly to the fields.

With over 30 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and multiple research stations, KAU is a hub of innovation. The university is recognized for its significant contributions to food security and rural development. For job seekers, a career at KAU offers the prestige of working in a leading government institute, coupled with the satisfaction of contributing to the agrarian economy of Kerala.

💼 Key Job Profiles

Candidates targeting KAU recruitment in 2026 should prepare for the following evergreen roles. These positions are frequently notified based on retirements and expansion of departments.

1. Assistant Professor (Agriculture/ Horticulture): Duties: Conducting undergraduate and postgraduate classes, guiding research scholars, publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals, and managing departmental labs. Requires NET/ARS/SET qualification or Ph.D. as per UGC norms.
2. Subject Matter Specialist (SMS): Duties: Working at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to demonstrate new farming technologies, conduct training programs for farmers, and compile feedback on technology adoption. Requires a Master's degree in the specific agricultural discipline.
4. Junior Assistant / Clerk: Duties: Handling administrative tasks, managing official correspondence, maintaining student records, and assisting in finance/establishment sections. Proficiency in Malayalam and English typing is usually required.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

The salary structure at KAU follows the Kerala State Government Pay Scale rules (Modified AICTE/UGC scales for faculty).

• Faculty Pay Scale: Assistant Professors are typically placed in Level-10 of the pay matrix, starting with a basic pay of ₹ 56,100. Including House Rent Allowance (HRA) and other perks, the gross salary can range from ₹ 85,000 to ₹ 1,10,000 per month depending on place of posting.
• Non-Technical/Admin Pay Scale: Staff are recruited in Level-1 to Level-8, with gross salaries ranging from ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 70,000 per month.
• Perks & Benefits: Employees enjoy benefits such as the Kerala Government Pension Scheme (NPS), medical facilities for self and family, university accommodation (subject to availability), travel allowances, and annual increments. Faculty members are also eligible for research grants and sabbatical leave for higher studies.

🎯 Selection Process

The recruitment process for KAU is rigorous to ensure the selection of the most competent candidates. The standard workflow is as follows:

1. Online Application: Candidates must register via the KAU recruitment portal and fill out the detailed application form uploading necessary documents.
2. Scrutiny of Applications: The university screening committee verifies eligibility criteria (Qualification, Age, Experience). Ineligible applications are rejected without intimation.
3. Written Examination: For non-faculty posts and some technical positions, an OMR-based or Computer Based Test (CBT) is conducted. The paper usually covers General Knowledge, English, Malayalam, and Subject-specific knowledge.
4. Practical/Skill Test: For positions like Junior Assistant or Stenographer, a typing test or computer proficiency test is conducted, which is qualifying in nature.
5. Interview: A Selection Committee conducts interviews for Faculty and higher-grade technical posts. For faculty, a demonstration lecture is often mandatory.
6. Final Rank List: Based on the combined scores (Written + Interview), a final rank list is prepared, which remains valid for a minimum period (usually one year).

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack KAU Exams

1. Focus on Local Agriculture: Unlike national level exams, KAU papers often feature questions specific to Kerala’s agriculture (e.g., crops like Tapioca, Coconut, Rubber). Revise state-specific agricultural practices and soil types.

2. Master Malayalam: For admin and clerical roles, proficiency in Malayalam typing and grammar is crucial. For faculty roles, the ability to teach in Malayalam (mixed with English) is highly valued by the interview board.

3. Current Affairs & History: General Knowledge sections frequently ask about Kerala history, geography, and current events related to agriculture and environment.

4. Standard UGC/ICAR Syllabus: Faculty aspirants should stick strictly to the ICAR and UGC NET syllabus for their subject. Prepare a teaching demonstration script well in advance.