Karnataka postpones Agriculture Officers’ recruitment exam after student protests

The Karnataka government has temporarily postponed the recruitment examination for Agricultural Officers and Assistant Agricultural Officers, following student protests. The decision was announced on August 6, after agriculture students expressed concerns about the inclusion of graduates from non-agriculture courses in the eligibility criteria.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge met with the protesting students on August 4, assuring them that the matter would be reviewed and a suitable decision made. However, the students persisted in their protests, gathering at Freedom Park to voice their opposition. On August 5, Kharge visited the protest site, and later announced on social media that a special committee of experts would be established to submit its report within 15 days.

Based on the committee's findings, necessary changes to the cadre and recruitment rules will be implemented. The examination, originally scheduled for August 8 and 9, has been postponed until further notice.