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New Vacancy 2026
GSSSB Horticulture Assistant 2026 Notification, Online Form & Exam Date
GSSSB Horticulture Assistant Vacancy 2026 provides a golden opportunity for aspirants seeking stable government jobs. Interested candidates can apply online for the posts after verifying the official eligibility criteria, age limit, and educational qualifications. Ensure you track the application deadlines and stay updated with the latest GSSSB Horticulture Assistant 2026 recruitment news for a smooth registration process.
To crack the GSSSB Horticulture Assistant 2026 exam, understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern is mandatory. Aspirants should focus on strategic planning and rigorous time management for each selection phase. Boosting your speed through online mock tests and regular practice is the key to securing a high score in this competitive recruitment. For premium study material and practice sets, follow the expert curated resources on toppersexam.com.
To crack the GSSSB Horticulture Assistant 2026 exam, understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern is mandatory. Aspirants should focus on strategic planning and rigorous time management for each selection phase. Boosting your speed through online mock tests and regular practice is the key to securing a high score in this competitive recruitment. For premium study material and practice sets, follow the expert curated resources on toppersexam.com.
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GSSSB Horticulture Assistant Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern
GSSSB Horticulture Assistant Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern, Exam Date 2026
Detail Information about GSSSB has published notification 2026 for the recruitment of Horticulture Assistant vacancies. Those Candidates who are Interested to the following vacancy and completed all Eligibility Criteria can read the Notification & Apply Online. In this page we provide the Complete Syllabus of this Recruitment with Latest Update Exam Pattern and the Exam Date also.
GSSSB Horticulture Assistant Syllabus 2026 - Overview
| Organization Name | Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB) |
| Post Name | Horticulture Assistant (Bagayat Madadnish), Class-3 |
| No of Posts | 100 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Category | Syllabus and Exam Pattern |
| Salary | Rs. 26,000/- Per Month |
| Official Website | gsssb.gujarat.gov.in |
GSSSB Horticulture Assistant Syllabus 2026
Part A Syllabus :
(1) Reasoning & Data Interpretation: (30 Questions, 30 Marks) :
1. Coding-Decoding
2. Blood Relation
3. Problem on Age and Height
4. Direction Knowledge
5. Clock and Calendar
6. Venn Diagram
7. Rank and Position
8. Arithmetic Progression
9. Logical Sequence of Words
10. Insert the missing Character
11. Word, Numerical and General Analogy
12. Picture Based General Logical Questions (Visual
reasoning)
13. Probability
14. Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables) and Data
Sufficiency
15. Symmetry
16. Mathematical Operations
17. Mathematical modeling
18. Proofs in Mathematics
19. Logical and Mathematical Analytical Ability
20. Statement and Prediction
(2) Quantitative Aptitude: (30 Questions, 30 Marks) :
1. Number System
2. LCM and HCF
3. Percentage and Partnership
4. Profit-Loss
5. Simple and Compound Interest
6. Ratio and Proportion
7. Time and Work, Wages and chain rule
8. Time, Speed and Distance
9. Average, Mean, Mode and Median
10. Brackets and Expansions
11. Square and Square Roots, Cube and Cube Roots, Exponents
12. Polynomials and Factorisation
13. Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables and Quadratic Equations
14. Area, Surface Area and Volume (Square, Rectangle, Triangle, Circle, Cube, Cuboid, Cylinder, Cone, Hemisphere, Sphere)
15. Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry
(3) Constitution of India: (10 Questions, 10 Marks) :
1. Concept of Political Science
2. Preamble of the Constitution
3. Fundamental values of Democracy, Nationalism and Secularism, Right and Citizenship
4. Indian Constitution Framing and Characteristics
5. Fundamental Rights, Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy
6. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary in India at Union and State Level
7. Government at Local Level: Institutions of Local Self-Government
8. Nature of Party System in India
9. Elections in India
10. Indian Democracy: Challenges and Response
11. Development and Democracy
(4) Current Affairs: (10 Questions, 10 Marks)
1. Current events of state, national and international importance
(5) Comprehension: (Gujarati {5 marks} & English {5 marks}) (10 Questions, 10 Marks)
1.To assess comprehension, interpretation and inference skills
A paragraph given with set of question on the basis of paragraph
Or statement and assertion type question can be asked
Part B Questions and Its Applications related to Technical Qualification :
1. Fruit Science (20 Marks) :
(A) Fundamentals of Horticulture Economic importance and classification of horticultural crops and their culture and nutritive value, area and production, exports and imports, fruit and vegetable zones of India and of different states, nursery management practices, soil and climate, vegetable gardens, nutrition and
kitchen garden and other types of garden, principles, planning and layout, management of orchards, planting systems and planting densities. Production and practices for fruit, vegetable and floriculture crops, nursery techniques and their management. Principles and methods of pruning and training of fruit crops, types and use of growth regulators in horticulture, water management, weed management, fertility management in horticultural crops, cropping systems, intercropping, multi-tier cropping, mulching, bearing habits, factors influencing the fruitfulness and unfruitfulness. Rejuvenation of old orchards, top working, frame working, principles of organic farming.
(B) Plant Propagation and Nursery Management:-
Propagation: Need and potentialities for plant multiplication, sexual and asexual methods of propagation, advantages and disadvantages. Seed dormancy (scarification & stratification) internal and external factors, types of seed germination, methods for breaking seed dormancy, nursery techniques, apomixes mono embrony, polyembrony, chimera & bud sport. Propagation Structures: Mist chamber, humidifiers, greenhouses, glasshouses, cold frames, hot heds, polyhouses, nursery tools, containers, media and implements, use of growth regulators in seed and vegetative propagation, methods and techniques of
cutting, layering, grafting and buiding physiological & bio chemical basis of routing, factors influencing rooting of cuttings and layering, graft incompatibility. Anatomical studies of bud union, selection and maintenance of mother trees, collection of scion wood stick, scion-stock relationship, and their influences, bud wood certification, techniques of propagation through specialized organs like bulb, rhizome, corm, runners, suckers, etc. Micro-propagation and Micro-grafting. establishment of nursery-site selection, planning and lay out of nursery area, types of nursery, different types of bed, pre-sowing treatments, methods of seed sowing, pricking, watering, weeding, hoeing, fertilization, shading, root culturing technique, lifting windows, g. ding, packing, storage and transportation. Hai dening of plants in nursery, Nursery registration act. Insect/pest/disease control in nursery
(C) Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops :
Growth and development-definitions, components, photosynthetic productivity, leaf area index (LAI) optimum LAI in horticultural crops, canopy development,
different stages of growth, growth curves, growth analysis in horticultural crops. Plant bioregulators-auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ethylene inhibitors and retardants, basic functions, biosynthesis, role in crop growth and development, propagation, flowering, fruit setting, fruit thinning, fruit development, fruit drop, and fruit ripening. Flowering-factors affecting flowering, physiology of flowering, photoperiodism-long day, short day and day neutral plants, vernalisation and its application in horticulture, pruning and training physiological basis of training and pruning source and sink relationship, translocation of assimilates. Physiology of seed development and maturation, seed dormancy and bud dormancy, causes and breaking methods in horticultural crops Physiology of fruit growth and development, fruit setting, factors affecting fruit set and development, physiology of ripening of fruits, climacteric and non-climacteric fruits
(D) Tropical and Subtropical Fruits :
Horticultural classification of fruits including genome classification. Horticultural zones of India, detailed study of area, production and export potential, varieties,
climate and soil requirements, propagation techniques, planting density and systems, after care, training and pruning. Management of water, nutrient and weeds, special horticultural techniques including plant growth regulators, their solution preparation and use in commercial orchards. Physiological disorders. Post-harvest technology, harvest indices. harvesting methods, grading, packaging and storage of the following crops. Mango, banana, grapes, citrus, papaya, sapota, guava, pineapple, jackfruit, avocado, mangosteen, litchi, carambola, durian and passion fruit. Bearing in mango and citrus, causes and control measures of special production problems, alternate and irregular bearing overcome, control measures. Seediness and kokkan disease in banana, citrus decline and casual factors and their management. Bud forecasting in grapes, sex expression and seed production in papaya, latex extraction and crude papain production, economics of production.
(E) Plantation Crops, Spices and Condiments :
Plantation crops: Scope and importance, area and production, uses, industrial importance Cultivation practices of different plantation crops, Soil and climate, varieties, propagation methods, planting systems, mulching, shade regulation, weed and water management, training and pruning, nutrition, soil management, liming practices, tipping practices, top working, harvesting, post-harvest handling and processing, packaging and marketing, yield and economics of (1) coconut, (2)
areca nut, (3) cashew nut, (4) coffee, (5) tea. Information in tabular form of oil palm, cocoa and rubber. Spices and Condiments: Scope and importance, area and production, uses. Classification. Cultivation practices: soil and climate, propagation and methods of planting. Nutritional management, irrigation, weeds control, mulching and cover cropping, shade regulation. Harvesting, post-harvest technology. Crops (1) Black pepper (2) Ginger (3) Turmeric (4) Cumin (5) Fenugreek (6) Coriander (7) Fennel. Short information on crops (in tabular form): curry leaf, dill, vanilla, thyme, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove.
(F) Watershed Management and Dry Land Horticulture :
Rainfed horticulture, importance and scope of arid and semi-arid zones of India, Watershed Management Dry land farming- introduction and definition, Management of land and water-the basic resources, Climate of arid regions and their classification including rainfall pattern, Activities of Research Centers of dry land horticulture Problems of crop production in dry (arid) zones, Existing pattern of land use in dry region in low rainfall area, Drought occurrence, types and management strategies for drought, Soil erosion by wind and water- factors affecting on it, Techniques for soil and soil moisture conservation, Fertilizer application to dry land horticultural crops-organic, inorganic, bio fertilizers, Efficient horticultural crops for dry land and their special features for adaptationber, aonla, custard apple, jamun, wood apple, bael, pomegranate, caronda, date palm, phalsa, fig, gunda (Cordia) etc. Post harvest handling of arid fruits.
2. Vegetable Science (20 Marks)
(A) Fundamentals of Vegetable Production :
Definition of vegetable; economic, nutritive and aesthetic value of vegetable; area, production and productivity in India, Methods of classification of vegetables and their relative merits and demerits, types of vegetable growing and vegetable forcing structures; effect of temperatures, photo-period, light, relative humidity on vegetable production; organic farming, nutrients essential for plant growth, chemicals and bio-fertilizers and their response; irrigation and water requiremats; crop rotation, crop succession, Inter-and mixed cropping, weed control, mulching, different pests, diseases and their control measures; role of plant growth substances, vegetable seed production, harvesting storage, grading and marketing of vegetables.
(B) Tropical and Subtropical Vegetables :
Area, production, economic importance and export potential of tropical and subtropical vegetable crops, Description of varieties and hybrid, climate and soil requirements, seed rate, preparation of field, nursery practices; transplanting of vegetable crops and planting for directly sown/transplanted vegetable crops, spacing, planting systems, water and weed management; nutrient management and deficiencies, use of chemicals and growth regulators, Cropping systems, harvest, yield and seed production, Economic cultivation of tropical and subtropical vegetable crops, post-harvest handling and storage, Marketing of tomato, brinjal, chillies, okra, amaranthus, cluster beans, cowpea, Indian bean, snap bean, cucurbits, moringa, curry leaf, portulaca, basella, elephant foot yam, yams and tania
(C) Cool Season Vegetable Crops :
Importance of cool season vegetables crops in nutrition and economy, area, production, export potential, varieties, origin, climate and soil, production technologies, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, radish, spinach, beetroot, onion, garlic, Sprouting, broccoli, brussels! sprouts, leek, potato, sweet potato, pea, asparagus, knol-khol, lettuce, turnip, red cabbage and chinese cabbage.
(D) Vegetable Seed Production and Certification :
General principles of seed production, seed production of different classes of seed, important vegetable crops with special emphasis on land requirements,
isolation distance, planting ratio, rouging, time of harvesting, and post harvest management, packing and storage, Planting material, quality attributes and
characters of good quality seed, seed testing network in India, seed sampling, germination test and its evaluation, viability test, grow out test, seed health,
reporting of seed testing result, Seed certification, objectives and concepts,
phases of seed certification, field inspection, general and minimum seed
certification standards.
3. Floriculture & Landscape Architecture (20 Marks)
(A) Introductory Floriculture :
Definition, scope and importance of floriculture, Propagation methods in
ornamental plants, Potting media and its properties, Classification, growing
practices, uses of annuals and herbaceous perennial, shrubs, climbers, trees,
bulbous ornamentals, indoor plants, succulents and cacti, Flower arrangement
and its importance, drying techniques of flower and its arrangement, Bonsai
culture, Art of making bonsai.
(B) Ornamental Horticulture :
History, scope of gardening, aesthetic values, Classification and identification of landscape plant materials, Gardens in India, types of gardens, Landscaping,
historical background, definition, basic principles and basic components. Principles of gardening, garden components, adornments, lawn making, methods
of designing rockery, water garden, etc. Special types of gardens, their walkpaths, bridges, constructed features. Special types of gardens, trees, their design, values in landscaping, propagation, planting shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Importance, design values, propagation, planting, cultural operations constraints and post-harvest practices of climbers and creepers, palms, ferns, grasses and cacti succulents, Bio-aesthetic planning, definition, need, round country planning, urban planning and planting avenues, schools, villages, beautifying railway stations, dam sites, hydroelectric stations, colonies, river banks, planting material for play grounds. Vertical gardens, roof gardens, Parks and public gardens.
(C) Cultivation of Commercial Flowers :
Definition, scope and importance of commercial floriculture. Classification of commercial flowers,1. Annuals, 2. Herbaceous perennial, 3. Ornamental Bulbs, 4. Shrubs and climbers, 5. Trees Cultivation practices and post harvest handling of open field commercial flower crops 1. Rose, 2 Spider Lily, 3. Jasmine, 4. Marigold, 5. Tuberose , 6. Golden rod, 7. Gladiolus, 8. Gaillardia, 9. Chrysanthemum, 10. China aster
(D) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants :
Origin, Area, Production, Importance and uses. Cultivation: Varieties, climate and soil, Propagation planting, After care, Manuring and Fertilization, pruning and
Training, Harvesting and processing of the following: Medicinal Plants: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gugal (Commiphora wightii), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivillianum), Long Piper (Piper longum), Kariyatu (Andrographis paniculata), Isabgul (Plantago ovata), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Kunvar Pathu (Aloevera), Satavari (Asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Centella asiatica), Jethimadh (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Vidari kand (Dioscorea bulbifera). Description, properties and use of locally available wild medicinal plants in tabular form: Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Barmasi (Catharanthus roseus),
Chanothi (Abrus precatorius), Bhoi Ringni (Solanum xanthocarpum), Sabjo-damro (Ocimum sp), Kuvech (Mucuna prurita), Ardusi (Adhatoda vasaca), Neem
(Azadirachta indica), Aghedo, Apamarg (Achyranthus aspera), Satodi (Boerhavia diffusa), Charoli (Buchnania lanzan), Simlo (Bombax ceiba), Harde (Terminalia
chebula), Behda (Terminalia belerica), Kesudo (Butea monosperma), Arni (Cerodendum phlomoides), Shankhpuspi (Convolvulus arvensis), Vaivarno
(Crataeva religiosa), Dhaturo (Datura innoxa), Salparni (Desmodium gangaticum), Safed Bhangro (Eclipta alba), Mamejvo (Enicostemma hyssopifolium), Upalsri
(Hemidesmus indicus), Akharo (Astercantha longifolia), Tetu (Oroxylum indicum), Safed Chitrak (Plumbago zylanica), Bavchi (Psorelea corilifolia) Dodi (Laptodenia reticulata) and Betel vine (Piper betel). Aromatic Plants: (Tabular Form) Citronella Cymbopogon nardus, Lemon grass Cymbopogon citratus, Palma rosa
Cymbopogon martinii, Geranium Pelargonium graveolens, Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides, Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus, Mint Mentha arvensis, Venilla Vanilla spp., Rose (Desi Gulaab- Rosa bourboniana), (Damask Rose- Rosa damascene) Jasmine, Patchauli and Tuberose Polianthes tuberosa.
(E) Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops :
Definition and Principles of protected cultivation, Scope and importance of protected cultivation in India, Types of green house and its design, Environmental control: heating and cooling system, Growing media, fertigation and nutrient management. Cultivation practices of important horticultural crops rose, gerbera,
carnation, anthurium, orchids, capsicum, tomato, muskmelon, cucumber and strawberry. Pest and disease management in green house, Harvesting and post harvest handling of poly house produce.
4. Post-harvest Technology (20 Marks) :
(A) Fundamentals of Post-harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops :
Definition, scope and importance of post harvest technology, Chemical composition of fruits, climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. Maturity standards. Physiological and biochemical changes during ripening of fruits and vegetables. Grading and Sorting, methods of storage. Packing and transportation. Pre and
post harvest treatments of horticultural crops. Hastening and delaying of ripening process of fruits and vegetables. Norms and certification for processed products.
(B) Fundamentals of food and nutrition :
Food and its function, physico-chemical properties of foods, food preparation techniques. Nutrition, relation of nutrition to good health. Energy: definition,
determination of energy requirements, food energy and total energy needs of the body. Carbohydrates: functions, source, requirements, digestion, absorption and
utilization. Protein: functions, sources, requirements, digestion, absorption, essential and non-essential amino acids, quality of proteins, PER/NPR/NPU, supplementary value of proteins and deficiency. Lipids: functions, sources, requirements, digestion, absorption and utilization, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, deficiency. Mineral nutrition: macro and micro-minerals, function, utilization, requirements, sources, effects of deficiency. Vitamins (of water soluble and fat-soluble vitamins): functions, sources, effects of deficiency, requirements. Balanced diet: recommended dietary allowances for various age groups, common
disorders associated due to malnutrition in population. Food Additives, adulterants and contaminants.
(C) Preservation anr Value Addition of Horticultural Crops :
Preservation of fruits and vegetables. Principles of different preservatives. Importance of preservation in national economy. Factors affecting the microbial deterioration of fruits and vegetables. Principles and methods of preservation of fruits and vegetables. Importance and scope of value addition in horticultural crops. Value addition in different fruits, vegetables and flowers crops.
5. Natural Resource Management (10 Marks) :
(A) Introductory Agronomy :
Agronomy definition scope and its role in crop production, Classification of field crops, Essential plant nutrients, Irrigation and drainage, Cropping systems, Soil and its management, Tillage and its importance, Weeds and their control.
(B) Fundamentals of Soil Science :
Composition of earth crust, soil as a natural body major components, Eluviations and alleviations formation of various soils, Physical parameters; texture definition,
methods of textural analysis, stocks law, assumption, limitations, textural classes, use ofextural triangle; absolute specific gravity/particle density, definition, apparent specific gravity/bulk density factors influencing, field bulk density. Relation between BD (bulk density), PD practical problems, Pore space definition, factors affecting capillary and non-capillary porosity, soil colour definition, its significance, colour variable, value hue and chroma. Munsellcolour chart, factors
influencing, parent material, soil moisture, organic matter, soil structure, definition, classification, clay prism like structure, factors influencing genesis of
soil structure, Soil air, air capacity, composition, factors influencing, amount of air space, soil air renewal, soil temperature, sources and distribution of heat, factors
influencing, measurement, chemical properties, soil colloids, soil water, forms, hygroscopic, capillary and gravitational, soil moisture constants, hygroscopic coefficient, wilting point, field capacity, maximum "water holding capacity, energy concepts, PF scale, measurement, classification, Management of Soil Crusting, Soil Compaction and Soil Compression. Soil Biology benefits and harmful effects.
(C) Manures and Fertilizers :
Manure: Definition and properties classification, Sulky organic manures (FYM, Biocompost, vermicompost) Preparation nature preserving nutrients availability of
nutrients residual effect. Concentrated manures (Oil cakes, bone meal), Green manures different green manure crops suitability to soils characters - decomposability-C:N ratio- nutrient availability advantages and disadvantages, Bio-gas plants utilization of biogas slurry as manure, Fertilizers: Classification N, P and K fertilizers, soluble and liquid fertilizers-composition Properties-itability to soils and crops, Need for secondary and micro nutrient fertilizers, Bio-fertilizers Azolla, Blue Green Algae, Rhizobium, Azatobacter, Phosphobacterium, Methods of application of fertilizers to crops Factors affecting efficient use of fertilizers.
(D) Water Management in Horticultural Crops :
Importance of water, water resources in India, Area of different crops under irrigation, function of water for plant growth, effect of moisture stress on crop growth, Available and unavailable soil moisture distribution of soil moisture water budgeting rooting characteristics moisture extraction pattern, Water requirement of horticultural crops -lysimeter studies Plant water potential climatological approach use of pan evaporimeter factor for crop growth stages critical stages of crop growth for irrigation. Irrigation scheduling - different approaches methods of irrigation surface and sub-surface pressurized methods viz., sprinkler and drip irrigation, their suitability, merits and limitations, fertigation, economic use of irrigation water, Water management problem, soils quality of irrigation water, irrigation management practices for different soils and crops. Layout of different irrigation systems, drip, sprinkler, Layout of underground pipeline system.
(E) Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management :
Introduction to soil fertility and productivity factors affecting, Essential plant nutrient elements-functions, deficiency systems, transformations and availability, Acid, calcareous and salt affected soils -characteristics and management, Role of microorganisms in organic matter- decomposition - humús formation, Importance
of C:N ratio and pH in plant nutrition, Integrated plant nutrient management, Soil fertility evaluation methods, critical limits of plant nutrient elements and hunger signs, NPK fertilizers: composition and application methodology, luxury consumption, nutrient interactions, deficiency symptoms, toxicity symptoms and remedies, visual diagnosis.
(F) Agro-meteorology and Climate Change :
Agricultural Meteorology Introduction, definition of meteorology, scope and practical utility of Agricultural meteorology. Composition and structure of atmosphere and definition of weather and climate, aspects involved in weather and climate, atmospheric temperature, soil temperature, solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, atmospheric humidity, evaporation and transpiration, monsoons, rainfall, clouds, drought.. Climate change-causes. Global warming causes and remote sensing. Effect of climate change on horticulture Past and future changes in greenhouse gases within the atmosphere. Sources and sinks for greenhouse gases. Plants sense and respond to changes in CO2 concentration.. plant development affected by growth in elevated CO2. Methodology for studying effect of CO2. Increased temperature and plants in tropical/sub-tropical climateseffect on growing season, timing of flowering, duration of fruit development and impacts on crop yields and potential species ranges, interaction of temperature with other abiotic/biotic stress. Mitigation strategies and prospects for genetic manipulation of crops to maximize production in the future atmosphere. Heat unit concept; Air circulation: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. Air masses and fronts. Stability and instability of atmosphere, Adiabatic process. Agro-climatic zones of India and Gujarat.
(G) Farm Power Machinery, Soil Survey and Conservation :
Farm power and mechanization, Engine terminology and related numerical, Tractors-type of tractors and their components and power transmission system, Economics of tractor operation, Energy sources introduction, classification, energy from biomass Types of biogas plants- constructional details, biogas
production and its utilization. Wind energy-types of wind mills and use of wind mills, Liquid bio fuels, bio diesel and ethanol from agricultural produce and its production & uses, Introduction and principles of survey, measurement of distance, correction of error in length and area due to incorrect chain, Cross staff survey, compass and plane table survey, Lavelling by collimation and rise and fall method, Mechanics of soil erosion, type of erosion, practices to control soil erosion, Soil conservation structure
6. Plant Protection (10 Marks)
(A) Introductory Entomology :
Introduction to phylum arthropoda, Importance of Insecta, Insect dominance, Definition, division and scope of entomology, Comparative account of external morphology-types of mouth parts, antennae, legs, wings and genetalia, Types of larvae and pupa, Classification of insects up to orders and families of economic importance and their distinguished characters, Beneficial insects (predators, parasites and parasitoids), Productive insects (lac insect, silk worms and honey bees), Methods of insect control, Classification of insecticides, Concept of integrated pest management, economic threshold levels.
(B) Fundamentals of Plant Pathology :
Introduction, Classification of plant diseases, symptoms, signs, and related terminology, Parasitic causes of plant diseases (fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasma, protozoa, algae & nematodes), their characteristics and classification, Non-parasitic causes of plant diseases, Infection process, survival and dispersal of plant pathogens, Principles and methods of plant disease management, Integrated plant disease management, Classification of disease controlling chemicals (copper and sulphur based fungicides, systemic fungicides, bio-control agents, nematicides and bactericides)
(C) Pest and Disease Management of Horticultural Crops Theory :
Pest: Marks of identification, biology, nature of damage, and management strategies of pest of vegetable crops viz...tomato, brinjal, okra, chilli, cabbage, cauliflowe., onion, garlic, potato, turmeric, cucurbitaceous vegetables, tuber crops; fruits crop viz., mango, sapota, citrus, banana, pomegranate, custard
apples aonla, ber and guava; flower crops viz., rose, marigold, chrysanthemum, spider lily, tuberose.
Disease: Symptoms, mode of spread and survival, favourable weather conditions and managements of vegetable crops viz., tomato, brinjal, okra, chilli, cabbage, cauliflower, onion, garlic, potato, turmeric, cucurbitaceous vegetables, tuber crops; fruits crop viz., mango, sapota, citrus, banana, pomegranate, custard apple, aonla, ber and guava; flower crops viz., rose, marigold, chrysanthemum, spider lily, tuberuse
7. Basic Science (10 Marks) :
(A) Introductory Botany
Introduction to Botany and general classification of plants. Parts of a typical flowering plant. Morphology of root, stem, leaf and flower. Structure and types of plant tissues. Internal structure of Dicot and Monocot Stems, Roots and a typical Leaf. Significance of life cycle with special reference to alternation of generations in Chlamydomonas, Rhizopus, Funaria, Adiantum, Pinus and a flowering plant. Importance of plants in relation to environments.
(B) Introductory Microbiology :
History and Scope of Microbiology, The discovery of micro-organism, spontaneous generation theory, germ theory of diseases, microbial effect on organic and inorganic matter, Development of microbiology in India and composition of microbial world, Microscopy and Specimen Preparation, The bright field
microscope, fixation, dyes and simple staining, differential staining, Difference between prokaryotic and eucaryotic cells, Procaryotic cell structure and functions, Types of culture media and pre-cultur techniques, Microbial growth in models of bacterial, yeast and mycelial growth curve, Measurement of bacterial growth, General properties of viruses and brief description of bacterophages, General principle of bacterial genetics, DNA as genetic material, Antibiosis, symbiosis, intramicrobial and extra-microbial association
(C) Principles of Genetics and Cytogenetics :
Historical background of genetics, theories and hypothesis. Physical basis of heredity, cell reproduction, mitosis, meiosis and its significance, Gametogenesis and syngamy in plants, Mendelian genetics-Mendel's principles of heredity, deviation from Mendelian inheritance, pleiotropy, threshold characters, codominance, penetrance and expressivity, Chromosome theory of inheritance, gene interaction, Modification of monohybrid and dihybrid rations, Genetic code, chemical basis of heredity, structure of DNA and its replication, Evidence to prove DNA and RNA as genetic material, Mutations and their classification, Chromosomal aberrations, changes in chromosome structure and number.
(D) Introductory Crop Physiology :
Water relations in plants: role of water in plant metabolism, osmosis, imbibition, diffusion, water potential and its components, measurement of water potential in plants, absorption of water, mechanisms of absorption, ascent of sap. Stomata, structure, distribution, classification, mechanisms of opening and closing of stomata, osmotic pressure, guttation, transpiration, methods and mechanism, factors affecting transpiration. Different types of stresses: water, heat and cold tolerance, mechanism of tolerance. Plant nutrition: essentiality, mechanism of absorption, role in plant metabolism, Photosynthesis, importance of photosynthesis, Structure and function of chloroplast, dark and light reactions, CO, fixation, biological nitrogen fixation, C3, C4 and CAM, advantages of C4 pathway, photorespiration and its implications. Factors affecting the photosynthesis. Respiration, glycolysis, TCA cycle and Electron transport chain, ATP synthesis and factors affecting the respiration.
(E) Environmental Science :
Environment: introduction, definition and importance. Components of environment interactions with organisms. Global and Indian environment past and present status. Environmental pollution and pollutants. Air, water, food, soil, noise pollution sources, causes and types. Smog, acid rain, global warming, ozone hole, eutrophication, sewage and hazardpis waste management. Impact of different pollutions on humans, organisms and environment. Introduction to biological magnification of toxins. Deforestation forms and causes, relation to environment. Prevention and control of pollution technological and sociological measures and solutions indian and global efforts. India, international and voluntary agencies for environmental conservation mandates and activities. International conferences. conventions and summits major achievements. Environmental policy and legislation in India. Introduction to environmental impact assessment. Causes of environmental degradation-socio-economic factors. Human population growth and lifestyle.
(F) Elementary Plant Biochemistry :
Carbohydrates. Occurrence classification and structure, isomerism, optical activity, reducing property, reaction with acids and alkalis, ozone formation. Lipids Classification, important fatty acids and triglycerides, essential fatty acids. Physical and chemical control of oils. their rancidity, phospholipids, types and importance Plant pigments structure and function of chlorophyll and carotenoids, Proteins: Classification, function and solubility, amino acids classification and structure, essential amino acids, properties of amino acids, color reactions, amphoteric nature and isomerism; structure of proteins. primary, secondary,
tertiary and quaternary properties, Enzymes: Classification and mechanism of action; factors affecting enzyme action, co-factors and coenzymes. Vitamins and minerais as co-enzymes/co-Factors. Carbohydrate metabolism glycolysis and TCAcycle
8. Social Science (10 Marks) :
(A) Introductory Extension Education :
Definition, need and principles of Extension Education. -Latest trends in Agriculture. Extension Teaching methods and classification according to use and form (only)-Detail studies of different teaching methods-Poster, leaflet, flash card. Method demonstration, result demonstration and field trip. CommunicationMeaning and importance of communication-Elements of communicationCommunication skills, verbal, writing, correspondence skill. Concept of KVK, ATMA, Kisan call centre and ATIC.
(B) Social and Farm Forestry :
Forest influences on climate, soil, conditions, floods, erosion, human health and recreation. Social Forestry concept, need, objectives and scope of social forestry.
Different tree species suitable for fuel, fodder, timber and their cultivation: Subabul, Sesbania, Eucalyptus, casuariana, neem, babul, teak, Sisso, Bamboo, Tamarind, Soapnut, Sandalwood. Farm Forestry Definition, scope and objectives. Need for shelter belts and wind breaks, Design criteria, characteristics of tree
species for Farm Forestry. Types of Farm Forestry -Commercial and noncommercial Farm forestry, Scope and limitations role of multipurpose trees in farm forestry. Agro-forestry Definition, need and scope objectives and benefits of agro-forestry classification of agro-forestry systems, choice of tree species
suitable for agro-forestry. Forest Products-Major and minor Forest products.
(C) Economics and Marketing :
Nature and scope of economics, definition and concepts, divisions of economics, economic systems, approaches to the study of economics, Consumption theory of
consumer behaviour, laws of consumption, classification of goods, Wants their characteristics and classification, utility and its measurement, cardinal and ordinal, law of diminishing marginal: utility, law of equi-marginal utility, in difference curve and its properties, consumer equilibrium, Theory of demand, demand schedule and curve, market demand, Law of supply, supply schedule and curve elasticities, Price, income and cross elasticities, Engels law of family expenditure consumers surplus. Theory of firm, factors of production-land and its characteristics, labour and division of labour, theories of population. Capital and
its characteristics - classification and capital formation, cost concepts, Market equilibrium, Marketing definition Marketing Process Need for marketing, Role of
marketing, Marketing functions, Classification of markets Identification of various marketing channels, Price spread Marketing Efficiency Integration -Constraints in marketing of horticultural/agricultural produce, Market intelligence
9. Current Trends and Recent Advancements in the Above Fields.
(1) Reasoning & Data Interpretation: (30 Questions, 30 Marks) :
1. Coding-Decoding
2. Blood Relation
3. Problem on Age and Height
4. Direction Knowledge
5. Clock and Calendar
6. Venn Diagram
7. Rank and Position
8. Arithmetic Progression
9. Logical Sequence of Words
10. Insert the missing Character
11. Word, Numerical and General Analogy
12. Picture Based General Logical Questions (Visual
reasoning)
13. Probability
14. Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables) and Data
Sufficiency
15. Symmetry
16. Mathematical Operations
17. Mathematical modeling
18. Proofs in Mathematics
19. Logical and Mathematical Analytical Ability
20. Statement and Prediction
(2) Quantitative Aptitude: (30 Questions, 30 Marks) :
1. Number System
2. LCM and HCF
3. Percentage and Partnership
4. Profit-Loss
5. Simple and Compound Interest
6. Ratio and Proportion
7. Time and Work, Wages and chain rule
8. Time, Speed and Distance
9. Average, Mean, Mode and Median
10. Brackets and Expansions
11. Square and Square Roots, Cube and Cube Roots, Exponents
12. Polynomials and Factorisation
13. Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables and Quadratic Equations
14. Area, Surface Area and Volume (Square, Rectangle, Triangle, Circle, Cube, Cuboid, Cylinder, Cone, Hemisphere, Sphere)
15. Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry
(3) Constitution of India: (10 Questions, 10 Marks) :
1. Concept of Political Science
2. Preamble of the Constitution
3. Fundamental values of Democracy, Nationalism and Secularism, Right and Citizenship
4. Indian Constitution Framing and Characteristics
5. Fundamental Rights, Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy
6. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary in India at Union and State Level
7. Government at Local Level: Institutions of Local Self-Government
8. Nature of Party System in India
9. Elections in India
10. Indian Democracy: Challenges and Response
11. Development and Democracy
(4) Current Affairs: (10 Questions, 10 Marks)
1. Current events of state, national and international importance
(5) Comprehension: (Gujarati {5 marks} & English {5 marks}) (10 Questions, 10 Marks)
1.To assess comprehension, interpretation and inference skills
A paragraph given with set of question on the basis of paragraph
Or statement and assertion type question can be asked
Part B Questions and Its Applications related to Technical Qualification :
1. Fruit Science (20 Marks) :
(A) Fundamentals of Horticulture Economic importance and classification of horticultural crops and their culture and nutritive value, area and production, exports and imports, fruit and vegetable zones of India and of different states, nursery management practices, soil and climate, vegetable gardens, nutrition and
kitchen garden and other types of garden, principles, planning and layout, management of orchards, planting systems and planting densities. Production and practices for fruit, vegetable and floriculture crops, nursery techniques and their management. Principles and methods of pruning and training of fruit crops, types and use of growth regulators in horticulture, water management, weed management, fertility management in horticultural crops, cropping systems, intercropping, multi-tier cropping, mulching, bearing habits, factors influencing the fruitfulness and unfruitfulness. Rejuvenation of old orchards, top working, frame working, principles of organic farming.
(B) Plant Propagation and Nursery Management:-
Propagation: Need and potentialities for plant multiplication, sexual and asexual methods of propagation, advantages and disadvantages. Seed dormancy (scarification & stratification) internal and external factors, types of seed germination, methods for breaking seed dormancy, nursery techniques, apomixes mono embrony, polyembrony, chimera & bud sport. Propagation Structures: Mist chamber, humidifiers, greenhouses, glasshouses, cold frames, hot heds, polyhouses, nursery tools, containers, media and implements, use of growth regulators in seed and vegetative propagation, methods and techniques of
cutting, layering, grafting and buiding physiological & bio chemical basis of routing, factors influencing rooting of cuttings and layering, graft incompatibility. Anatomical studies of bud union, selection and maintenance of mother trees, collection of scion wood stick, scion-stock relationship, and their influences, bud wood certification, techniques of propagation through specialized organs like bulb, rhizome, corm, runners, suckers, etc. Micro-propagation and Micro-grafting. establishment of nursery-site selection, planning and lay out of nursery area, types of nursery, different types of bed, pre-sowing treatments, methods of seed sowing, pricking, watering, weeding, hoeing, fertilization, shading, root culturing technique, lifting windows, g. ding, packing, storage and transportation. Hai dening of plants in nursery, Nursery registration act. Insect/pest/disease control in nursery
(C) Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops :
Growth and development-definitions, components, photosynthetic productivity, leaf area index (LAI) optimum LAI in horticultural crops, canopy development,
different stages of growth, growth curves, growth analysis in horticultural crops. Plant bioregulators-auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ethylene inhibitors and retardants, basic functions, biosynthesis, role in crop growth and development, propagation, flowering, fruit setting, fruit thinning, fruit development, fruit drop, and fruit ripening. Flowering-factors affecting flowering, physiology of flowering, photoperiodism-long day, short day and day neutral plants, vernalisation and its application in horticulture, pruning and training physiological basis of training and pruning source and sink relationship, translocation of assimilates. Physiology of seed development and maturation, seed dormancy and bud dormancy, causes and breaking methods in horticultural crops Physiology of fruit growth and development, fruit setting, factors affecting fruit set and development, physiology of ripening of fruits, climacteric and non-climacteric fruits
(D) Tropical and Subtropical Fruits :
Horticultural classification of fruits including genome classification. Horticultural zones of India, detailed study of area, production and export potential, varieties,
climate and soil requirements, propagation techniques, planting density and systems, after care, training and pruning. Management of water, nutrient and weeds, special horticultural techniques including plant growth regulators, their solution preparation and use in commercial orchards. Physiological disorders. Post-harvest technology, harvest indices. harvesting methods, grading, packaging and storage of the following crops. Mango, banana, grapes, citrus, papaya, sapota, guava, pineapple, jackfruit, avocado, mangosteen, litchi, carambola, durian and passion fruit. Bearing in mango and citrus, causes and control measures of special production problems, alternate and irregular bearing overcome, control measures. Seediness and kokkan disease in banana, citrus decline and casual factors and their management. Bud forecasting in grapes, sex expression and seed production in papaya, latex extraction and crude papain production, economics of production.
(E) Plantation Crops, Spices and Condiments :
Plantation crops: Scope and importance, area and production, uses, industrial importance Cultivation practices of different plantation crops, Soil and climate, varieties, propagation methods, planting systems, mulching, shade regulation, weed and water management, training and pruning, nutrition, soil management, liming practices, tipping practices, top working, harvesting, post-harvest handling and processing, packaging and marketing, yield and economics of (1) coconut, (2)
areca nut, (3) cashew nut, (4) coffee, (5) tea. Information in tabular form of oil palm, cocoa and rubber. Spices and Condiments: Scope and importance, area and production, uses. Classification. Cultivation practices: soil and climate, propagation and methods of planting. Nutritional management, irrigation, weeds control, mulching and cover cropping, shade regulation. Harvesting, post-harvest technology. Crops (1) Black pepper (2) Ginger (3) Turmeric (4) Cumin (5) Fenugreek (6) Coriander (7) Fennel. Short information on crops (in tabular form): curry leaf, dill, vanilla, thyme, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove.
(F) Watershed Management and Dry Land Horticulture :
Rainfed horticulture, importance and scope of arid and semi-arid zones of India, Watershed Management Dry land farming- introduction and definition, Management of land and water-the basic resources, Climate of arid regions and their classification including rainfall pattern, Activities of Research Centers of dry land horticulture Problems of crop production in dry (arid) zones, Existing pattern of land use in dry region in low rainfall area, Drought occurrence, types and management strategies for drought, Soil erosion by wind and water- factors affecting on it, Techniques for soil and soil moisture conservation, Fertilizer application to dry land horticultural crops-organic, inorganic, bio fertilizers, Efficient horticultural crops for dry land and their special features for adaptationber, aonla, custard apple, jamun, wood apple, bael, pomegranate, caronda, date palm, phalsa, fig, gunda (Cordia) etc. Post harvest handling of arid fruits.
2. Vegetable Science (20 Marks)
(A) Fundamentals of Vegetable Production :
Definition of vegetable; economic, nutritive and aesthetic value of vegetable; area, production and productivity in India, Methods of classification of vegetables and their relative merits and demerits, types of vegetable growing and vegetable forcing structures; effect of temperatures, photo-period, light, relative humidity on vegetable production; organic farming, nutrients essential for plant growth, chemicals and bio-fertilizers and their response; irrigation and water requiremats; crop rotation, crop succession, Inter-and mixed cropping, weed control, mulching, different pests, diseases and their control measures; role of plant growth substances, vegetable seed production, harvesting storage, grading and marketing of vegetables.
(B) Tropical and Subtropical Vegetables :
Area, production, economic importance and export potential of tropical and subtropical vegetable crops, Description of varieties and hybrid, climate and soil requirements, seed rate, preparation of field, nursery practices; transplanting of vegetable crops and planting for directly sown/transplanted vegetable crops, spacing, planting systems, water and weed management; nutrient management and deficiencies, use of chemicals and growth regulators, Cropping systems, harvest, yield and seed production, Economic cultivation of tropical and subtropical vegetable crops, post-harvest handling and storage, Marketing of tomato, brinjal, chillies, okra, amaranthus, cluster beans, cowpea, Indian bean, snap bean, cucurbits, moringa, curry leaf, portulaca, basella, elephant foot yam, yams and tania
(C) Cool Season Vegetable Crops :
Importance of cool season vegetables crops in nutrition and economy, area, production, export potential, varieties, origin, climate and soil, production technologies, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, radish, spinach, beetroot, onion, garlic, Sprouting, broccoli, brussels! sprouts, leek, potato, sweet potato, pea, asparagus, knol-khol, lettuce, turnip, red cabbage and chinese cabbage.
(D) Vegetable Seed Production and Certification :
General principles of seed production, seed production of different classes of seed, important vegetable crops with special emphasis on land requirements,
isolation distance, planting ratio, rouging, time of harvesting, and post harvest management, packing and storage, Planting material, quality attributes and
characters of good quality seed, seed testing network in India, seed sampling, germination test and its evaluation, viability test, grow out test, seed health,
reporting of seed testing result, Seed certification, objectives and concepts,
phases of seed certification, field inspection, general and minimum seed
certification standards.
3. Floriculture & Landscape Architecture (20 Marks)
(A) Introductory Floriculture :
Definition, scope and importance of floriculture, Propagation methods in
ornamental plants, Potting media and its properties, Classification, growing
practices, uses of annuals and herbaceous perennial, shrubs, climbers, trees,
bulbous ornamentals, indoor plants, succulents and cacti, Flower arrangement
and its importance, drying techniques of flower and its arrangement, Bonsai
culture, Art of making bonsai.
(B) Ornamental Horticulture :
History, scope of gardening, aesthetic values, Classification and identification of landscape plant materials, Gardens in India, types of gardens, Landscaping,
historical background, definition, basic principles and basic components. Principles of gardening, garden components, adornments, lawn making, methods
of designing rockery, water garden, etc. Special types of gardens, their walkpaths, bridges, constructed features. Special types of gardens, trees, their design, values in landscaping, propagation, planting shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Importance, design values, propagation, planting, cultural operations constraints and post-harvest practices of climbers and creepers, palms, ferns, grasses and cacti succulents, Bio-aesthetic planning, definition, need, round country planning, urban planning and planting avenues, schools, villages, beautifying railway stations, dam sites, hydroelectric stations, colonies, river banks, planting material for play grounds. Vertical gardens, roof gardens, Parks and public gardens.
(C) Cultivation of Commercial Flowers :
Definition, scope and importance of commercial floriculture. Classification of commercial flowers,1. Annuals, 2. Herbaceous perennial, 3. Ornamental Bulbs, 4. Shrubs and climbers, 5. Trees Cultivation practices and post harvest handling of open field commercial flower crops 1. Rose, 2 Spider Lily, 3. Jasmine, 4. Marigold, 5. Tuberose , 6. Golden rod, 7. Gladiolus, 8. Gaillardia, 9. Chrysanthemum, 10. China aster
(D) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants :
Origin, Area, Production, Importance and uses. Cultivation: Varieties, climate and soil, Propagation planting, After care, Manuring and Fertilization, pruning and
Training, Harvesting and processing of the following: Medicinal Plants: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gugal (Commiphora wightii), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivillianum), Long Piper (Piper longum), Kariyatu (Andrographis paniculata), Isabgul (Plantago ovata), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Kunvar Pathu (Aloevera), Satavari (Asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Centella asiatica), Jethimadh (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Vidari kand (Dioscorea bulbifera). Description, properties and use of locally available wild medicinal plants in tabular form: Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Barmasi (Catharanthus roseus),
Chanothi (Abrus precatorius), Bhoi Ringni (Solanum xanthocarpum), Sabjo-damro (Ocimum sp), Kuvech (Mucuna prurita), Ardusi (Adhatoda vasaca), Neem
(Azadirachta indica), Aghedo, Apamarg (Achyranthus aspera), Satodi (Boerhavia diffusa), Charoli (Buchnania lanzan), Simlo (Bombax ceiba), Harde (Terminalia
chebula), Behda (Terminalia belerica), Kesudo (Butea monosperma), Arni (Cerodendum phlomoides), Shankhpuspi (Convolvulus arvensis), Vaivarno
(Crataeva religiosa), Dhaturo (Datura innoxa), Salparni (Desmodium gangaticum), Safed Bhangro (Eclipta alba), Mamejvo (Enicostemma hyssopifolium), Upalsri
(Hemidesmus indicus), Akharo (Astercantha longifolia), Tetu (Oroxylum indicum), Safed Chitrak (Plumbago zylanica), Bavchi (Psorelea corilifolia) Dodi (Laptodenia reticulata) and Betel vine (Piper betel). Aromatic Plants: (Tabular Form) Citronella Cymbopogon nardus, Lemon grass Cymbopogon citratus, Palma rosa
Cymbopogon martinii, Geranium Pelargonium graveolens, Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides, Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus, Mint Mentha arvensis, Venilla Vanilla spp., Rose (Desi Gulaab- Rosa bourboniana), (Damask Rose- Rosa damascene) Jasmine, Patchauli and Tuberose Polianthes tuberosa.
(E) Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops :
Definition and Principles of protected cultivation, Scope and importance of protected cultivation in India, Types of green house and its design, Environmental control: heating and cooling system, Growing media, fertigation and nutrient management. Cultivation practices of important horticultural crops rose, gerbera,
carnation, anthurium, orchids, capsicum, tomato, muskmelon, cucumber and strawberry. Pest and disease management in green house, Harvesting and post harvest handling of poly house produce.
4. Post-harvest Technology (20 Marks) :
(A) Fundamentals of Post-harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops :
Definition, scope and importance of post harvest technology, Chemical composition of fruits, climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. Maturity standards. Physiological and biochemical changes during ripening of fruits and vegetables. Grading and Sorting, methods of storage. Packing and transportation. Pre and
post harvest treatments of horticultural crops. Hastening and delaying of ripening process of fruits and vegetables. Norms and certification for processed products.
(B) Fundamentals of food and nutrition :
Food and its function, physico-chemical properties of foods, food preparation techniques. Nutrition, relation of nutrition to good health. Energy: definition,
determination of energy requirements, food energy and total energy needs of the body. Carbohydrates: functions, source, requirements, digestion, absorption and
utilization. Protein: functions, sources, requirements, digestion, absorption, essential and non-essential amino acids, quality of proteins, PER/NPR/NPU, supplementary value of proteins and deficiency. Lipids: functions, sources, requirements, digestion, absorption and utilization, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, deficiency. Mineral nutrition: macro and micro-minerals, function, utilization, requirements, sources, effects of deficiency. Vitamins (of water soluble and fat-soluble vitamins): functions, sources, effects of deficiency, requirements. Balanced diet: recommended dietary allowances for various age groups, common
disorders associated due to malnutrition in population. Food Additives, adulterants and contaminants.
(C) Preservation anr Value Addition of Horticultural Crops :
Preservation of fruits and vegetables. Principles of different preservatives. Importance of preservation in national economy. Factors affecting the microbial deterioration of fruits and vegetables. Principles and methods of preservation of fruits and vegetables. Importance and scope of value addition in horticultural crops. Value addition in different fruits, vegetables and flowers crops.
5. Natural Resource Management (10 Marks) :
(A) Introductory Agronomy :
Agronomy definition scope and its role in crop production, Classification of field crops, Essential plant nutrients, Irrigation and drainage, Cropping systems, Soil and its management, Tillage and its importance, Weeds and their control.
(B) Fundamentals of Soil Science :
Composition of earth crust, soil as a natural body major components, Eluviations and alleviations formation of various soils, Physical parameters; texture definition,
methods of textural analysis, stocks law, assumption, limitations, textural classes, use ofextural triangle; absolute specific gravity/particle density, definition, apparent specific gravity/bulk density factors influencing, field bulk density. Relation between BD (bulk density), PD practical problems, Pore space definition, factors affecting capillary and non-capillary porosity, soil colour definition, its significance, colour variable, value hue and chroma. Munsellcolour chart, factors
influencing, parent material, soil moisture, organic matter, soil structure, definition, classification, clay prism like structure, factors influencing genesis of
soil structure, Soil air, air capacity, composition, factors influencing, amount of air space, soil air renewal, soil temperature, sources and distribution of heat, factors
influencing, measurement, chemical properties, soil colloids, soil water, forms, hygroscopic, capillary and gravitational, soil moisture constants, hygroscopic coefficient, wilting point, field capacity, maximum "water holding capacity, energy concepts, PF scale, measurement, classification, Management of Soil Crusting, Soil Compaction and Soil Compression. Soil Biology benefits and harmful effects.
(C) Manures and Fertilizers :
Manure: Definition and properties classification, Sulky organic manures (FYM, Biocompost, vermicompost) Preparation nature preserving nutrients availability of
nutrients residual effect. Concentrated manures (Oil cakes, bone meal), Green manures different green manure crops suitability to soils characters - decomposability-C:N ratio- nutrient availability advantages and disadvantages, Bio-gas plants utilization of biogas slurry as manure, Fertilizers: Classification N, P and K fertilizers, soluble and liquid fertilizers-composition Properties-itability to soils and crops, Need for secondary and micro nutrient fertilizers, Bio-fertilizers Azolla, Blue Green Algae, Rhizobium, Azatobacter, Phosphobacterium, Methods of application of fertilizers to crops Factors affecting efficient use of fertilizers.
(D) Water Management in Horticultural Crops :
Importance of water, water resources in India, Area of different crops under irrigation, function of water for plant growth, effect of moisture stress on crop growth, Available and unavailable soil moisture distribution of soil moisture water budgeting rooting characteristics moisture extraction pattern, Water requirement of horticultural crops -lysimeter studies Plant water potential climatological approach use of pan evaporimeter factor for crop growth stages critical stages of crop growth for irrigation. Irrigation scheduling - different approaches methods of irrigation surface and sub-surface pressurized methods viz., sprinkler and drip irrigation, their suitability, merits and limitations, fertigation, economic use of irrigation water, Water management problem, soils quality of irrigation water, irrigation management practices for different soils and crops. Layout of different irrigation systems, drip, sprinkler, Layout of underground pipeline system.
(E) Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management :
Introduction to soil fertility and productivity factors affecting, Essential plant nutrient elements-functions, deficiency systems, transformations and availability, Acid, calcareous and salt affected soils -characteristics and management, Role of microorganisms in organic matter- decomposition - humús formation, Importance
of C:N ratio and pH in plant nutrition, Integrated plant nutrient management, Soil fertility evaluation methods, critical limits of plant nutrient elements and hunger signs, NPK fertilizers: composition and application methodology, luxury consumption, nutrient interactions, deficiency symptoms, toxicity symptoms and remedies, visual diagnosis.
(F) Agro-meteorology and Climate Change :
Agricultural Meteorology Introduction, definition of meteorology, scope and practical utility of Agricultural meteorology. Composition and structure of atmosphere and definition of weather and climate, aspects involved in weather and climate, atmospheric temperature, soil temperature, solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, atmospheric humidity, evaporation and transpiration, monsoons, rainfall, clouds, drought.. Climate change-causes. Global warming causes and remote sensing. Effect of climate change on horticulture Past and future changes in greenhouse gases within the atmosphere. Sources and sinks for greenhouse gases. Plants sense and respond to changes in CO2 concentration.. plant development affected by growth in elevated CO2. Methodology for studying effect of CO2. Increased temperature and plants in tropical/sub-tropical climateseffect on growing season, timing of flowering, duration of fruit development and impacts on crop yields and potential species ranges, interaction of temperature with other abiotic/biotic stress. Mitigation strategies and prospects for genetic manipulation of crops to maximize production in the future atmosphere. Heat unit concept; Air circulation: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. Air masses and fronts. Stability and instability of atmosphere, Adiabatic process. Agro-climatic zones of India and Gujarat.
(G) Farm Power Machinery, Soil Survey and Conservation :
Farm power and mechanization, Engine terminology and related numerical, Tractors-type of tractors and their components and power transmission system, Economics of tractor operation, Energy sources introduction, classification, energy from biomass Types of biogas plants- constructional details, biogas
production and its utilization. Wind energy-types of wind mills and use of wind mills, Liquid bio fuels, bio diesel and ethanol from agricultural produce and its production & uses, Introduction and principles of survey, measurement of distance, correction of error in length and area due to incorrect chain, Cross staff survey, compass and plane table survey, Lavelling by collimation and rise and fall method, Mechanics of soil erosion, type of erosion, practices to control soil erosion, Soil conservation structure
6. Plant Protection (10 Marks)
(A) Introductory Entomology :
Introduction to phylum arthropoda, Importance of Insecta, Insect dominance, Definition, division and scope of entomology, Comparative account of external morphology-types of mouth parts, antennae, legs, wings and genetalia, Types of larvae and pupa, Classification of insects up to orders and families of economic importance and their distinguished characters, Beneficial insects (predators, parasites and parasitoids), Productive insects (lac insect, silk worms and honey bees), Methods of insect control, Classification of insecticides, Concept of integrated pest management, economic threshold levels.
(B) Fundamentals of Plant Pathology :
Introduction, Classification of plant diseases, symptoms, signs, and related terminology, Parasitic causes of plant diseases (fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasma, protozoa, algae & nematodes), their characteristics and classification, Non-parasitic causes of plant diseases, Infection process, survival and dispersal of plant pathogens, Principles and methods of plant disease management, Integrated plant disease management, Classification of disease controlling chemicals (copper and sulphur based fungicides, systemic fungicides, bio-control agents, nematicides and bactericides)
(C) Pest and Disease Management of Horticultural Crops Theory :
Pest: Marks of identification, biology, nature of damage, and management strategies of pest of vegetable crops viz...tomato, brinjal, okra, chilli, cabbage, cauliflowe., onion, garlic, potato, turmeric, cucurbitaceous vegetables, tuber crops; fruits crop viz., mango, sapota, citrus, banana, pomegranate, custard
apples aonla, ber and guava; flower crops viz., rose, marigold, chrysanthemum, spider lily, tuberose.
Disease: Symptoms, mode of spread and survival, favourable weather conditions and managements of vegetable crops viz., tomato, brinjal, okra, chilli, cabbage, cauliflower, onion, garlic, potato, turmeric, cucurbitaceous vegetables, tuber crops; fruits crop viz., mango, sapota, citrus, banana, pomegranate, custard apple, aonla, ber and guava; flower crops viz., rose, marigold, chrysanthemum, spider lily, tuberuse
7. Basic Science (10 Marks) :
(A) Introductory Botany
Introduction to Botany and general classification of plants. Parts of a typical flowering plant. Morphology of root, stem, leaf and flower. Structure and types of plant tissues. Internal structure of Dicot and Monocot Stems, Roots and a typical Leaf. Significance of life cycle with special reference to alternation of generations in Chlamydomonas, Rhizopus, Funaria, Adiantum, Pinus and a flowering plant. Importance of plants in relation to environments.
(B) Introductory Microbiology :
History and Scope of Microbiology, The discovery of micro-organism, spontaneous generation theory, germ theory of diseases, microbial effect on organic and inorganic matter, Development of microbiology in India and composition of microbial world, Microscopy and Specimen Preparation, The bright field
microscope, fixation, dyes and simple staining, differential staining, Difference between prokaryotic and eucaryotic cells, Procaryotic cell structure and functions, Types of culture media and pre-cultur techniques, Microbial growth in models of bacterial, yeast and mycelial growth curve, Measurement of bacterial growth, General properties of viruses and brief description of bacterophages, General principle of bacterial genetics, DNA as genetic material, Antibiosis, symbiosis, intramicrobial and extra-microbial association
(C) Principles of Genetics and Cytogenetics :
Historical background of genetics, theories and hypothesis. Physical basis of heredity, cell reproduction, mitosis, meiosis and its significance, Gametogenesis and syngamy in plants, Mendelian genetics-Mendel's principles of heredity, deviation from Mendelian inheritance, pleiotropy, threshold characters, codominance, penetrance and expressivity, Chromosome theory of inheritance, gene interaction, Modification of monohybrid and dihybrid rations, Genetic code, chemical basis of heredity, structure of DNA and its replication, Evidence to prove DNA and RNA as genetic material, Mutations and their classification, Chromosomal aberrations, changes in chromosome structure and number.
(D) Introductory Crop Physiology :
Water relations in plants: role of water in plant metabolism, osmosis, imbibition, diffusion, water potential and its components, measurement of water potential in plants, absorption of water, mechanisms of absorption, ascent of sap. Stomata, structure, distribution, classification, mechanisms of opening and closing of stomata, osmotic pressure, guttation, transpiration, methods and mechanism, factors affecting transpiration. Different types of stresses: water, heat and cold tolerance, mechanism of tolerance. Plant nutrition: essentiality, mechanism of absorption, role in plant metabolism, Photosynthesis, importance of photosynthesis, Structure and function of chloroplast, dark and light reactions, CO, fixation, biological nitrogen fixation, C3, C4 and CAM, advantages of C4 pathway, photorespiration and its implications. Factors affecting the photosynthesis. Respiration, glycolysis, TCA cycle and Electron transport chain, ATP synthesis and factors affecting the respiration.
(E) Environmental Science :
Environment: introduction, definition and importance. Components of environment interactions with organisms. Global and Indian environment past and present status. Environmental pollution and pollutants. Air, water, food, soil, noise pollution sources, causes and types. Smog, acid rain, global warming, ozone hole, eutrophication, sewage and hazardpis waste management. Impact of different pollutions on humans, organisms and environment. Introduction to biological magnification of toxins. Deforestation forms and causes, relation to environment. Prevention and control of pollution technological and sociological measures and solutions indian and global efforts. India, international and voluntary agencies for environmental conservation mandates and activities. International conferences. conventions and summits major achievements. Environmental policy and legislation in India. Introduction to environmental impact assessment. Causes of environmental degradation-socio-economic factors. Human population growth and lifestyle.
(F) Elementary Plant Biochemistry :
Carbohydrates. Occurrence classification and structure, isomerism, optical activity, reducing property, reaction with acids and alkalis, ozone formation. Lipids Classification, important fatty acids and triglycerides, essential fatty acids. Physical and chemical control of oils. their rancidity, phospholipids, types and importance Plant pigments structure and function of chlorophyll and carotenoids, Proteins: Classification, function and solubility, amino acids classification and structure, essential amino acids, properties of amino acids, color reactions, amphoteric nature and isomerism; structure of proteins. primary, secondary,
tertiary and quaternary properties, Enzymes: Classification and mechanism of action; factors affecting enzyme action, co-factors and coenzymes. Vitamins and minerais as co-enzymes/co-Factors. Carbohydrate metabolism glycolysis and TCAcycle
8. Social Science (10 Marks) :
(A) Introductory Extension Education :
Definition, need and principles of Extension Education. -Latest trends in Agriculture. Extension Teaching methods and classification according to use and form (only)-Detail studies of different teaching methods-Poster, leaflet, flash card. Method demonstration, result demonstration and field trip. CommunicationMeaning and importance of communication-Elements of communicationCommunication skills, verbal, writing, correspondence skill. Concept of KVK, ATMA, Kisan call centre and ATIC.
(B) Social and Farm Forestry :
Forest influences on climate, soil, conditions, floods, erosion, human health and recreation. Social Forestry concept, need, objectives and scope of social forestry.
Different tree species suitable for fuel, fodder, timber and their cultivation: Subabul, Sesbania, Eucalyptus, casuariana, neem, babul, teak, Sisso, Bamboo, Tamarind, Soapnut, Sandalwood. Farm Forestry Definition, scope and objectives. Need for shelter belts and wind breaks, Design criteria, characteristics of tree
species for Farm Forestry. Types of Farm Forestry -Commercial and noncommercial Farm forestry, Scope and limitations role of multipurpose trees in farm forestry. Agro-forestry Definition, need and scope objectives and benefits of agro-forestry classification of agro-forestry systems, choice of tree species
suitable for agro-forestry. Forest Products-Major and minor Forest products.
(C) Economics and Marketing :
Nature and scope of economics, definition and concepts, divisions of economics, economic systems, approaches to the study of economics, Consumption theory of
consumer behaviour, laws of consumption, classification of goods, Wants their characteristics and classification, utility and its measurement, cardinal and ordinal, law of diminishing marginal: utility, law of equi-marginal utility, in difference curve and its properties, consumer equilibrium, Theory of demand, demand schedule and curve, market demand, Law of supply, supply schedule and curve elasticities, Price, income and cross elasticities, Engels law of family expenditure consumers surplus. Theory of firm, factors of production-land and its characteristics, labour and division of labour, theories of population. Capital and
its characteristics - classification and capital formation, cost concepts, Market equilibrium, Marketing definition Marketing Process Need for marketing, Role of
marketing, Marketing functions, Classification of markets Identification of various marketing channels, Price spread Marketing Efficiency Integration -Constraints in marketing of horticultural/agricultural produce, Market intelligence
9. Current Trends and Recent Advancements in the Above Fields.
GSSSB Horticulture Assistant Exam Pattern 2026
Duration : 180 Minutes
Negative Marking : 0.25
Exam Date 2026 : Notified Soon
Starting Date of Application Form : 03rd August 2026
Last Date of Application Form : 17th August 2026
Total Post : 100
Negative Marking : 0.25
| Parts | Subject | No.of Question | Marks |
| Part A | Reasoning & Data Interpretation | 30 | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | |
| Constitution of India, Current Affairs & Comprehension | 30 | 30 | |
| Part B | Questions and Its Applications related to Technical Qualification | 120 | 120 |
| Total | 210 | 210 |
Exam Date 2026 : Notified Soon
Starting Date of Application Form : 03rd August 2026
Last Date of Application Form : 17th August 2026
Total Post : 100
GSSSB Horticulture Assistant Exam Free Online Test Series
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5. 1000 (+) GK MCQ with Answer PDF Book in English.
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Subjectwise
Subjectwise / Sectional Mock Test - MCQs / Important Questions & Previous Year Papers
FAQs
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