UPSSSC AGTA Syllabus 2026, Subject Wise Details

Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) conducts the Assistant Graded Technical Assistant (AGTA) examination for candidates aiming to work in agricultural technical roles. A thorough understanding of the syllabus ensures targeted preparation and boosts performance. The UPSSSC AGTA syllabus includes Agriculture, Computer and IT Concepts, and Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge.

UPSSSC AGTA Syllabus 2026

Agriculture is the core section with 70 marks, covering crop science, soil management, plant breeding, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics.

Crop Science

This section covers fundamental aspects of crop production and management, crucial for agricultural roles.

• Crop Classification and Production:

• Classification of crops.

• Production techniques and agronomic practices for major cereals, pulses, oilseeds, millets, spices, fruits, flowers, and vegetables, especially those significant to Uttar Pradesh.

• Post-Harvest Management: Principles of preservation and processing.

• Farming Systems:

• Types of farming and cropping systems.

• Principles of crop production and different types of cropping (e.g., intercropping).

• Natural farming, its importance, and social/economic uses.

• Organic farming.

• Seed Science:

• Importance, types, methods, and principles of seed production and seed treatment.

• Objectives of seed treatment.

• Crop Protection:

• Importance of crop protection.

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

• Equipment and chemicals used in crop protection.

• Identification and management strategies for major insect pests and crop diseases.

• Storage: Principles of storage and factors affecting agricultural produce.

Biotechnology, Plant Breeding, and Crop Physiology

This area focuses on scientific advancements applied to agricultural improvement.

• Agricultural Biotechnology: Importance, principles, and applications of biotechnology in agriculture.

• Genetics and Plant Breeding: Principles and applications of genetics and plant breeding.

• Crop Physiology: General physiological processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration.

Soil and Water Management

Understanding soil health and efficient water use is vital for sustainable agriculture.

• Soil Science:

• Soil properties, formation, and types.

• Soil erosion and prevention methods.

• Essential plant nutrients in soil: importance and deficiency disorders.

• Nutrient Management:

• Fertilizer classification, nutrient content, and application methods.

• Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).

• Organic manures and their benefits.

• Soil microbiology: role of microorganisms.

• Soil sampling methods.

• Water Management:

• Irrigation methods.

• Basic concepts of drainage.

• Watershed management.

• Environmental Aspects: Pollution and environmental conservation.

Agriculture Extension

This section deals with disseminating agricultural knowledge and schemes to farmers.

• Principles:

• Principles of rural development.

• Principles and methods of agricultural extension.

• Training goals and types.

• Programs and Schemes: Rural development programs and government (state and central) schemes for farmer upliftment.

Agriculture Economics and Schemes

This covers the economic aspects and policies influencing agriculture.

• Economic Contribution: Contribution of Uttar Pradesh through agricultural activities.

• Agricultural Policy:

• Agricultural reforms.

• Concepts related to import and export in agriculture.

• Agricultural planning.

• Statistics and Economics: Principles of agricultural statistics and the utility of agricultural economics.

• Market Dynamics: Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and agricultural marketing.

Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science

Focuses on livestock management and allied agricultural activities.

• Livestock Management:

• Breeds used in animal husbandry.

• Nutrition management for animals.

• Animal breeding: objectives and methods.

• Milk production and distribution.

• Allied Agricultural Activities: Poultry farming, beekeeping, fish farming, and sericulture.

• Animal Health: Major diseases of animals: symptoms and diagnosis.

Computer and IT Concepts

This section assesses fundamental and advanced IT knowledge relevant to modern agriculture.

• Computer Fundamentals: History, introduction, and applications of computers, World Wide Web (WWW), hardware, software, input/output devices, Internet protocols, IT gadgets (printers, tablets, mobiles), Email IDs and operations, MS Word and Excel processing.

• Advanced IT Concepts: Financial digital tools and applications, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data processing, Deep learning, and machine learning.

Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge (UP GK)

Questions in this section cover various facets of Uttar Pradesh.

• History and Culture: History, culture, art, festivals, folk dances, literature, regional languages, heritage, and social customs of Uttar Pradesh.

• Geography and Environment: Geographical landscape, environment, natural resources, climate, and soil of Uttar Pradesh.

• Economy and Agriculture: Economy and agriculture of Uttar Pradesh.

UPSSSC AGTA Exam Pattern

UPSSSC AGTA examination consists of a single paper. Candidates must carefully note the structure and marking scheme to strategize their preparation effectively.

• Total Questions: 100

• Total Marks: 100

• Exam Type: Single paper with three distinct sections.

• Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)

• Negative Marking: 1/4th of the assigned marks for each incorrect answer.

Sectional Breakdown:

Previous Year Analysis

Previous year questions indicate that the UPSSSC AGTA exam demands a good depth of understanding across topics. Questions often require a deep understanding of concepts rather than surface-level knowledge.

• Crop Science: Expect questions on nutrient functions, crop classification (often matching-type), specific pests (e.g., Gandhi Bug), horticulture storage, cropping systems, irrigation methods, weed management, and plant growth regulators. Knowledge of fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops is also important.

• Biotechnology: Questions have included topics like Bacillus thuringiensis, biopesticides, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) concepts, plant defense mechanisms, stress tolerance, and foundational genetics (e.g., Father of Genetics). Seed testing methods like progeny tests are also relevant.

• Soil and Water Management: Important topics include soil erosion and sampling methods (e.g., the zigzag method), watershed approaches, the role of nutrients in soil fertility, and various types of erosion.

• Agriculture Extension & Economics: Questions often focus on various government schemes, their launch years, and initiatives like e-NAM and MSP. A comprehensive understanding of agricultural schemes, extension methodologies, and economic principles is expected.

• Animal Husbandry: Common questions involve animal diseases and different animal breeds.

• Computer and IT: Focus areas include digital agriculture, e-NAM, and digitization in the agricultural sector.

Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge: Specific questions directly related to various aspects of Uttar Pradesh are consistently asked.