The Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative, Government of Jharkhand, has announced recruitment for 7 Crop Protectors under Advertisement No. 01/2026-27. This offline recruitment is open to eligible candidates with 10th pass qualification and mandatory crop protection training. The monthly honorarium is ₹11,851, and applications must be received by 30 November 2026 at 5 PM via registered or speed post.
Overview
Jharkhand's Agriculture Department is seeking motivated individuals to serve as Crop Protectors at Plant Protection Centres across seven blocks in Sahebganj district. This is a significant opportunity for candidates from SC/ST/OBC and unreserved categories to contribute to agricultural development and pest management in the state. The role requires supporting extension activities, monitoring crop health, and assisting farmers with crop protection advice. Candidates must be willing to undergo mandatory training and work in a field-based environment.
This is a contract-based honorarium position designed to fill critical gaps in agricultural pest management services. The recruitment process emphasizes merit based on academic qualification and training credentials, making it accessible to candidates with secondary education background.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Advertisement | 6 November 2026 |
| Age Cut-off Date | 30 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (receipt by post) | 30 November 2026, 5 PM |
Vacancy Details
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 3 |
| Unreserved (UR) | 4 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 0 |
| Total | 7 |
Eligibility
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Matric or Secondary (10th standard) examination or equivalent. The most critical requirement is completion of a mandatory minimum 5-day training course in crop protection. This training should ideally be from a recognized agricultural institution or government-approved centre.
Age Limit: The maximum age limit is calculated as on 30 November 2026 and varies by category:
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) – Male | 35 years |
| Unreserved (UR) – Female | 38 years |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) – Male and Female | 40 years |
Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories benefit from age relaxation. Female candidates in the UR category also receive a 3-year age concession. Ensure your age calculation is accurate on the cut-off date.
Selection Process & Merit Calculation
Selection is entirely merit-based, calculated out of a total of 100 marks. The scoring methodology is transparent and performance-driven:
| Component | Calculation Method | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | 10th percentage × 0.5 (max 50) + 12th percentage × 0.1 (max 10) + Graduation percentage × 0.1 (max 10) | 70 |
| Training | First 5-day training = 15 marks; 1 additional mark per day beyond five days (max 15) | 30 |
| Total Merit Score | 100 |
This scoring system rewards both academic performance and training credentials. Candidates with higher percentage scores in 10th and additional training days will score better. If you have completed training beyond 5 days, attach certificates for all training programs to maximize your marks.
Salary & Benefits
Selected Crop Protectors will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹11,851. This is a contract-based position and does not carry the full benefits of a permanent government employee. The honorarium is paid on a monthly basis upon satisfactory performance.
How to Apply
- Obtain the Application Form: Download the application form from the Sahebganj district website or print it directly from the official notification PDF (Advertisement No. 01/2026-27).
- Fill the Application Form: Complete all sections of the form carefully using black or blue pen. Provide accurate information regarding your name, father's name, date of birth, category, address, educational qualifications, and contact details. Any false information may lead to rejection and debarment.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather photocopies of the following documents: (a) Proof of age such as birth certificate, school admission certificate, or passport; (b) 10th standard (Matric) pass certificate; (c) 12th standard pass certificate (if available); (d) Graduation certificate (if applicable); (e) Caste/Category certificate issued by the competent authority (if applying under SC/ST/OBC); (f) Certificate(s) of crop protection training mentioning the duration and dates.
- Assemble Your Application Package: Arrange all documents in order and affix them securely to the application form. Do not use staples that may damage the documents. Use proper adhesive or clips.
- Address the Envelope: Write the envelope address as: District Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative, Sahebganj, Jharkhand. Mark the envelope clearly with "Application for Crop Protectors – Advertisement No. 01/2026-27".
- Send via Postal Service: Dispatch your application envelope via registered post or speed post only. Do not send by ordinary post. Obtain the receipt and tracking number for your records.
- Ensure Timely Receipt: Your application must reach the District Agriculture Officer's office by 30 November 2026 at 5 PM. The date of receipt on the postal receipt is what matters, not the date of sending. Apply well in advance to avoid delays.
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF – Sahebganj Crop Protectors Advertisement No. 01/2026-27
- Sahebganj District Website – Application Form and Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum education required to apply?
A: You must have passed 10th standard (Matric/Secondary) or equivalent examination. Additionally, you must complete or possess a certificate of mandatory 5-day crop protection training from a recognized source before applying.
Q: What are the exact age limits for each category?
A: As on 30 November 2026: Unreserved Male candidates up to 35 years; Unreserved Female up to 38 years; Scheduled Tribe (all) up to 40 years. If you fall within these limits on the cut-off date, you are eligible.
Q: How much monthly honorarium will I receive?
A: Selected Crop Protectors will earn ₹11,851 per month as honorarium. This is a contract-based position and does not include other government employee benefits.
Q: What is the deadline and how do I submit my application?
A: The last date to apply is 30 November 2026 at 5 PM (receipt deadline). You must send your completed offline application via registered post or speed post to the District Agriculture Officer, Sahebganj. Do not send by ordinary post.
Q: How many Crop Protector positions are available and for which categories?
A: A total of 7 Crop Protector posts are available: 3 reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates and 4 for Unreserved (UR) candidates. No posts are reserved for EWS category in this recruitment.
Q: Where will selected Crop Protectors work?
A: Selected candidates will be posted to Plant Protection Centres located across seven blocks of Sahebganj district. You may be assigned to any of these blocks based on operational requirements.
Merit-Making Tip
To maximize your merit score, ensure you have the highest possible percentage in your 10th class examination (since it carries 0.5 multiplier). If you have completed additional training days beyond the mandatory 5 days, attach all training certificates. Each additional day of recognized crop protection training adds 1 mark, up to a maximum of 15 marks total for training.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, including dates, eligibility criteria, selection method, and application procedures, on the official notification PDF and Sahebganj district website before submitting their application. Sarkari Spot is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with the Jharkhand Agriculture Department or any government body.