Conducted by: Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC)
Year: 2015
Subject: Agriculture
Paper Code: 63/2015
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Maximum Marks: 100
Medium: English

Key Topics Covered

The examination encompasses various topics, including but not limited to:

• Crop Production: Agronomic classification of crops, crop yield contributing characters, vegetative propagation in field crops, methods of sowing/planting, tillage types, and crop production of cereals, tuber crops, forage crops, pulses, and oilseeds.

• Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry: Soil formation, soil physical properties, soil texture, soil consistency, soil crusting, bulk density, particle density, soil compaction, soil color, soils of India, soil colloids, ion exchange, soil pH, soil acidity, saline, sodic, and calcareous soils, soil organic matter, carbon cycle, soil biology, soil fertility evaluation, and problem soils of Kerala.

• Crop Protection: Integrated pest and disease management, biocontrol agents, pheromones, insect growth regulators, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, and their formulations.

• Plantation Crops, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Cultivation practices, propagation methods, and production technologies for crops such as coconut, arecanut, oil palm, rubber, cashew, tea, coffee, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and various medicinal and aromatic plants.

• Horticulture: Production and management of warm season and cool vegetables, fruit crops, ornamental and flowering plants, gardening and landscaping, and post-harvest management of major horticultural crops.

• Agricultural Economics: Basic concepts of agricultural economics, agricultural marketing, market structure, marketing mix, and market segmentation.

• Agricultural Extension: Extension education, extension programme planning, extension systems in India, rural development programmes, community development, rural leadership, extension teaching methods, sociology and rural sociology, management in extension, participatory approaches, entrepreneurship in agriculture, communication, and transfer of technology in agriculture.

Preparation Tips

To excel in the KPSC Agriculture Examination, consider the following preparation strategies:

• Understand Core Concepts: Focus on grasping the fundamental principles of agriculture, as the exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

• Practice Previous Papers: Regularly solving previous years' question papers helps familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improves time management skills.

• Refer to Standard Textbooks: Utilize textbooks and reference materials that cover the syllabus comprehensively.

• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest developments and research in the field of agriculture.

• Join Study Groups: Engaging with peers in study groups can provide diverse perspectives and enhance understanding.

  Click the below link to download PDF format of Kerala PSC Previous Question Paper of  Agriculture Examination