APPSC Horticulture Officer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Post Name | Horticulture Officer |
| Exam Mode | OMR-based Objective Type |
| Papers | Qualifying Paper (English & Telugu), Paper-I (General Studies & Mental Ability), Paper-II & Paper-III (Horticulture) |
| Total Questions | 450 |
| Total Marks | 450 |
| Duration | 450 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Horticulture Officer Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies & Mental Ability | 150 | 150 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-II | Horticulture-I (Degree Standard) | 150 | 150 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-III | Horticulture-II (Degree Standard) | 150 | 150 Minutes | 150 |
| Total | 450 | 450 Minutes | 450 |
1. Paper-I: General Studies and Mental Ability
- Current affairs (National and International)
- General Science and its applications to day-to-day life
- Social, economic, and political history of modern India with a focus on Andhra Pradesh
- Indian polity and governance
- Mental ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation
- Sustainable development and environmental protection
2. Paper-II and Paper-III: Core Horticulture Topics
- Orchard layout
- Principles of plant propagation
- Nursery management
- Zone-wise cultivation systems
- Cultivation practices, origin, and distribution of major fruit crops
- Crop management of Citrus, Banana, Guava, Mango, Pineapple, and Grapes
- Production technology of solanaceous crops (Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli)
- Cucurbits
- Leguminous vegetables
- Cole crops (Cabbage, Cauliflower)
- Root crops and leafy vegetables
- Bio-aesthetic planning and landscaping architecture for public and private institutions
- Protected cultivation systems
- Greenhouse design and cladding materials
- Environmental controls for high-value crops
- Photosynthesis (C3 and C4 pathways)
- Respiration and evaporation
- Role of hormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene) in dormancy, fruit set, and shelf-life extension
- Production, processing, and oil distillation of crops like Ashwagandha, Aloe, Turmeric, and Ginger
- Pepper, Coconut, Cashew, Coffee, Tea, and Rubber
- Life cycles and diagnostic symptoms of major pest and disease infestations
- Integrated pest and disease management practices