HPSC ADO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025 – Full Details for Exam Preparation, also important books list

HPSC ADO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025

Haryana ADO Recruitment 2025, announcing 785 vacancies for the post of Agricultural Development Officer (Administrative Cadre), Group-B. This is a major opportunity for agriculture graduates, with applications being accepted from August 5 to August 25, 2025.

Success in this competitive exam hinges on a clear understanding of the HPSC ADO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the selection process, as outlined in Advertisement No. 17/2025, providing you with the essential information needed to start your preparation effectively.

HPSC ADO Recruitment 2025: Key Highlights

Here is a quick overview of the HPSC ADO Recruitment 2025, giving you all the essential information at a glance. All details are based on the official advertisement (Advt. No. 17/2025) released by the commission.

Particulars
Details
Recruiting Body
Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC)
Post Name
Agricultural Development Officer (Administrative Cadre), (Group-B) 
Advertisement No.
17/2025 
Total Vacancies
785
Application Start Date
05.08.2025 
Application End Date
25.08.2025 (up to 05:00 PM)
Fee Deposition End Date
25.08.2025 (up to 05:00 PM)
Essential Qualification
Degree in B.Sc (Honours) in Agriculture from a recognized university 
Age Limit
18 to 42 years as on 01.07.2025
Pay Scale
Functional Pay Level - 6 (₹35400-112400)
Official Website
hpsc.gov.in

Download detailed notification of Haryana ADO.

HPSC ADO Exam Pattern 2025: Understanding the Selection Process

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has outlined a clear yet flexible selection process for the recruitment of the Agricultural Development Officer (ADO). Candidates must understand that the final pattern can be decided by the Commission depending on the number of applications received. The information below is strictly based on the official advertisement (Advt. No. 17/2025).

As per the notification, the recruitment process generally consists of three stages:

  1. Screening Test

  2. Subject Knowledge Test

  3. Interview

Two Possible Pathways for the Exam:

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Pathway 1: Screening Test + Subject Knowledge Test + Interview

  • Stage 1 – Screening Test: If the number of applicants is large, the Commission may conduct a screening test to shortlist candidates. The main purpose of this test is to filter candidates for the next stage.

  • Stage 2 – Subject Knowledge Test: Candidates who clear the screening test will be called for this exam. This test is designed to evaluate the candidate’s expertise and knowledge in the field of Agriculture (B.Sc. Agriculture).

  • Stage 3 – Interview: Candidates who qualify in the Subject Knowledge Test will be called for the final stage, which is the interview.

Pathway 2: Subject Knowledge Test + Interview (Without Screening Test)

The Commission also reserves the right to directly conduct the

Subject Knowledge Test and Interview without holding a preliminary Screening Test. In this scenario, all eligible candidates would directly appear for the Subject Knowledge Test.

Important Note:

Candidates must be aware that the official notification only provides an outline of the exam pattern. The following specific details have not yet been released:

  • The total marks for each paper.

  • The duration (time limit) for each exam.

  • The type of questions (Objective/MCQ or Subjective/Descriptive).

  • Details on whether there will be any negative marking.

Previous Year's Main Written Test Pattern: Expected

SubjectNo. of QuestionsMaximum Marks
Part A: Agriculture8080
Part B: General Studies & General Awareness2020
Total100100

HPSC ADO Syllabus: In-Depth Topics for the Main Written Test

Important Note: The syllabus detailed below is based on the previous HPSC ADO recruitment examination. It is the most reliable guide available for preparation. However, all candidates are advised to cross-reference this with the official syllabus for the 2025 recruitment, which will be published by HPSC on its website, www.hpsc.gov.in.

The syllabus is divided into two parts, just like the exam pattern

Part A: Syllabus for Agriculture (Weightage: 80 Questions)

This section is designed to test the core technical knowledge of the candidate based on the B.Sc. (Honours) in Agriculture curriculum.

  • Agronomy:

    • Principles of Agronomy, crop ecology, and geography.

    • Field crops (especially those relevant to Haryana): Kharif and Rabi crops.

    • Weed Management, Irrigation Management, and Water Management techniques.

    • Dryland Agriculture and Sustainable Agriculture practices.

  • Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry:

    • Fundamentals of soil science, soil formation, soil classification.

    • Soil fertility, soil health, and essential plant nutrients.

    • Manures, chemical fertilisers, and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).

    • Problematic soils (saline, alkaline) and their reclamation methods.

  • Genetics and Plant Breeding:

    • Principles of Genetics and Cytogenetics.

    • Principles of Plant Breeding, breeding methods for crop improvement.

    • Seed Technology, production, and certification.

  • Plant Pathology & Nematology:

    • Fundamentals of Plant Pathology.

    • Major diseases of field crops and horticultural crops and their management.

    • Integrated Disease Management (IDM).

  • Entomology:

    • Fundamentals of Entomology.

    • Major insect pests affecting crops and their management strategies.

    • Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and the role of beneficial insects.

  • Agricultural Economics:

    • Principles of Agricultural Economics, farm management, production economics.

    • Agricultural finance, agricultural marketing, and farmer co-operatives.

  • Agricultural Extension Education:

    • Principles and methods of agricultural extension.

    • Key government schemes and programs related to farmer welfare (Central and State).

    • Rural sociology and communication skills.

  • Horticulture:

    • Cultivation practices for major fruit, vegetable, plantation, and flower crops.

    • Post-harvest technology and management of horticultural produce.

Part B: Syllabus for General Studies & General Awareness (Weightage: 20 Questions)

This section assesses the candidate’s general knowledge and awareness of their surroundings.

  • General Awareness: Current events of national and international importance, major sports events, awards, and honors.

  • General Science: Basic concepts from Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences relevant to everyday observations.

  • History: History of India with a focus on the Indian National Movement.

  • Geography: Indian and World Geography.

  • Indian Polity & Economy: Indian Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, and key features of the Indian Economy.

  • Haryana-Specific Knowledge: History, geography, economy, culture, major policies, and current affairs of Haryana.

How to Prepare for the HPSC ADO Exam: Your Roadmap to Success

So, you’ve decided to go for the HPSC ADO post. That’s a fantastic move! It’s a great career path. But looking at the competition and the syllabus, the big question is: where do you even begin? It can feel a bit overwhelming, right?

Don’t worry. You don’t need to study 18 hours a day. What you need is a smart plan. Let’s break down how you can tackle this exam without losing your mind.

First, Know Your Battlefield: The Syllabus and Pattern

Before you even touch a book, just sit with the exam pattern and syllabus for a bit. Really look at it. You’ll immediately notice that Agriculture is the absolute king here, making up 80% of the paper. This is great news! It means you know exactly where to put most of your energy. The other 20% is General Studies, which is important for your final score, but it’s the supporting actor, not the hero.

Winning the Main Game: Nailing the Agriculture Section (Part A)

This is your core mission. Get this right, and you’re most of the way there.

  • Go Back to Basics: Dust off your B.Sc. Agriculture graduation books. Seriously, they are your bible for this exam. All those fundamentals you learned are about to pay off big time.

  • Become a Note-Taking Ninja: Don’t just read—actively make notes. Use highlighters, create flowcharts, whatever works for you. When it’s time to revise, these short notes will be a lifesaver.

  • Think Like a Haryana Local: Don’t just study general agriculture. Think specifically about Haryana. What are its major crops? What are the soil issues? What government schemes are active there? This local touch will give you a serious edge.

Don’t Forget the Easy Wins: Scoring in General Studies (Part B)

Think of this section as bonus points that will push your rank up. You don’t need to become a history professor, just be smart.

  • Get One Good Book: A standard GK book like Lucent’s is more than enough for the static parts (History, Polity, Geography, etc.).

  • Haryana GK is a Must: Grab a dedicated book for Haryana GK. Questions from here are a certainty.

  • Stay in the Loop: Read a newspaper or follow a good news app daily. This will take care of your current affairs.

The Real Game-Changer: Practice, Practice, Practice!

This is the part that separates the serious candidates from the rest.

  • Hunt Down the 2022 Paper: The HPSC ADO paper from 2022 is floating around online. Find it, download it, and solve it like a real exam. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the examiner’s mind. You’ll understand exactly what kind of questions they ask.

  • Befriend Mock Tests: Once you’ve covered a good chunk of the syllabus, start taking mock tests. They do two things: they show you where you’re weak, and they teach you how to manage time and handle the pressure of the exam hall.

The key is consistency. A few focused hours every day are far better than one panicked 12-hour session. You’ve got this!

Best book list for HPSC Agriculture development officer

Book Title
Author/Publisher
Availability
A Competitive Book of Agriculture
Nem Raj Sunda
Fundamentals of Agriculture (Vol. 1 & 2)
Arun Katyan
Objective Agriculture
S.R. Kantwa
Principles of Agronomy
T. Yellamanda Reddy & G.H. Sankara Reddi
Introductory Soil Science
D.K. Das
Plant Breeding: Principles and Methods
B.D. Singh
Textbook of Plant Pathology
P.D. Sharma
A Textbook of Entomology
H.S. Bhamrah
General Knowledge
Lucent's Publication
Animal husbandry
adda

Conclusion of HPSC ADO exam pattern and syllabus 2025

In conclusion, the Haryana ADO Recruitment 2025 is a golden opportunity. Success hinges on a smart strategy: master the HPSC ADO exam pattern and syllabus 2025 with a strong focus on agriculture, and thoroughly practice according to the HPSC ADO exam pattern. Stay consistent in your efforts, as your hard work will surely pay off. For all official updates, always refer to the HPSC website. All the best!

 Click to Join Our Free WhatsApp Group and YouTube for Agriculture Updates!
Get daily updates, free study material, and the latest schemes, and connect with other agriculture students. 

Click here for different exam syllabi.

Latest Syllabus
 Download Here
IBPS Agriculture Filed Officer
NABARD GRADE A
Food Corporation of India (FCI)
RAEO
RHEO
Food Inspector
IFFCO AGT
MP PAT
UPSSSC AGTA

Related post

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top