KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: 5,431 Vacancies Announced, 12th Pass and Graduates Can Apply-Check Last Date.The wait is over for candidates looking for government jobs in Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced 5,431 vacancies for First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA) and several other posts in different government departments, boards and corporations.
The recruitment notification was released on 29 October 2026, and the online application process began on 30 October. Both graduates and candidates who have completed their 2nd PUC may find suitable opportunities in this recruitment, depending on the post-specific eligibility conditions.
The vacancies are divided between the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) local cadre. The recruitment also includes positions such as Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor, Gram Panchayat Secretary and other departmental posts.
Candidates interested in applying should complete their online forms by 25 November 2026. The last date for payment of the application fee is 26 November 2026. Before starting the application, it is important to check the correct notification because the qualifications and local-cadre conditions vary from one post to another.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: Highlights
| Recruitment Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Recruitment Name | KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 |
| Notification Date | 29 October 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 5,431 |
| Main Posts | FDA, SDA, Accounts Assistant, Warden and Others |
| Recruitment Cadres | RPC and Kalyana Karnataka |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Begins | 30 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 November 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 26 November 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027, as applicable |
| Selection Process | Competitive Examination and Document Verification |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
5,431 Vacancies: How Are the Posts Distributed?
One of the major highlights of this recruitment is the number of opportunities available across different qualification levels. KEA has announced vacancies for degree-level and PUC-level positions under two separate cadres.
Here is the complete vacancy distribution:
| Recruitment Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Degree-Level Non-Technical Posts – RPC | 2,163 |
| PUC-Level Non-Technical Posts – RPC | 2,070 |
| FDA Posts – Kalyana Karnataka | 563 |
| SDA Posts – Kalyana Karnataka | 635 |
| Total | 5,431 |
Out of the total vacancies, 4,233 are under the RPC cadre, while 1,198 are under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
The recruitment is not limited to FDA and SDA positions alone. Candidates may also find vacancies in accounts, rural development, hostel administration and other departments.
Which Posts Can Candidates Apply For?
The KEA recruitment covers several types of government positions. The major posts mentioned in the recruitment material include:
- First Division Assistant (FDA)
- Second Division Assistant (SDA)
- Accounts Assistant
- Gram Panchayat Secretary
- Rural Development Assistant Grade-I
- Second Division Accounts Assistant
- Warden and Hostel Supervisor
- Junior Engineer (Civil)
- Other equivalent departmental posts
The qualification and pay scale are different for different positions. Therefore, candidates should check the detailed vacancy notification before choosing a post.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Candidates should keep the following dates in mind so they do not miss the application deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 29 October 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 30 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 |
| Written Examination | 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027 |
The January examination dates cover different recruitment groups. Candidates should check their individual examination schedule and admission ticket for the exact date, session and examination centre.
Who Can Apply? Check Educational Qualification
The educational requirement depends on the position. In general, FDA vacancies are meant for degree holders, while several SDA vacancies are open to candidates who have passed 2nd PUC or an equivalent examination.
For FDA Posts: Candidates generally need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification prescribed for the particular post.
For SDA Posts: Candidates generally need to have passed 2nd PUC or an accepted equivalent qualification. Certain recognised qualifications, including specified Class 12, NIOS, ITI/JOC and diploma qualifications, may also be accepted under the applicable rules.
For Other Posts: Some positions require additional qualifications. Technical, accounts, computer-related and supervisory posts may have specific educational or professional requirements.
A degree or 12th-pass certificate does not automatically make a candidate eligible for every vacancy. It is better to check the qualification mentioned against the exact post before submitting the form.
Kalyana Karnataka Cadre Eligibility
Candidates applying under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre must satisfy the local-cadre conditions mentioned in the relevant notification.
The required local eligibility and supporting certificates should be checked carefully. Candidates who do not meet these conditions should not select the KK cadre simply because vacancies are available.
KEA FDA SDA Age Limit 2026
The minimum age required for this recruitment is 18 years. The upper age limit depends on the candidate’s category.
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 40 Years |
| 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B | 43 Years |
| SC, ST and Category-1 | 45 Years |
The General Merit age limit includes the one-time five-year relaxation referred to in the supplied recruitment information for 2026.
Candidates should check the age calculation date and applicable relaxation rules in their respective notification. Additional provisions may apply to certain special categories.
Application Fee: How Much Will You Have to Pay?
The application fee is different for various categories. Candidates should select the correct category while filling out the form because the fee includes both the application charge and processing fee.
| Category | Application Fee | Processing Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Merit, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B | ₹500 | ₹250 | ₹750 |
| SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen and Third Gender | ₹250 | ₹250 | ₹500 |
| Differently-Abled (PwD) | Nil | ₹250 | ₹250 |
The fee payment facility is available up to 26 November 2026. Candidates should confirm the final amount displayed on the official portal before making payment.
KEA FDA SDA Salary 2026
The salary offered under this recruitment depends on the post and department. Degree-level assistant positions generally carry a higher pay scale than several PUC-level positions, while specialised and supervisory posts may have their own salary structure.
The supplied recruitment information mentions these pay ranges:
| Post Category | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Various PUC-Level Assistant Posts | ₹34,100–₹67,600 |
| Various Degree-Level Assistant Posts | ₹44,425–₹83,700 |
| Certain Specialised/Supervisory Posts | ₹49,050–₹92,500 |
| Certain Higher-Pay Posts | ₹54,175–₹99,400 or other notified scales |
These are pay scales, not fixed monthly in-hand salaries. The actual amount received will depend on the post, applicable allowances and deductions. Candidates should refer to the individual vacancy details for the exact scale.
How Will Candidates Be Selected?
Getting shortlisted for the KEA recruitment will depend on performance in the prescribed competitive examination and the verification of eligibility documents.
The selection process broadly involves:
- Written Examination: Candidates must appear for the competitive examination prescribed for their selected recruitment category.
- Merit and Shortlisting: Candidates will be considered according to their examination performance and applicable recruitment rules.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted applicants must produce their original certificates and other supporting documents.
- Final Selection: The final selection will be made after checking merit, eligibility and the required documents.
The examination structure and paper requirements should be checked in the relevant notification, as the recruitment includes different categories and posts.
KEA FDA SDA Exam Pattern 2026
The supplied recruitment information describes an offline OMR-based examination. One of the published recruitment summaries gives the general structure as follows:
| Paper | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 Hours |
The examination covers subjects prescribed for the relevant recruitment category, including General Knowledge and language-related components. Candidates should check the detailed paper-wise syllabus and instructions in their applicable notification before beginning preparation.
Is There Negative Marking?
The supplied recruitment information mentions a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the objective examination, subject to the applicable question-paper instructions.
Candidates should be careful while marking answers on the OMR sheet and read the examination instructions before attempting the paper.
KEA FDA SDA Exam Date 2027
Candidates should start preparing for the examination well in advance. KEA has listed the following dates for the recruitment examinations in January 2027:
- 8 January 2027
- 9 January 2027
- 10 January 2027
- 16 January 2027
- 17 January 2027
These dates relate to different recruitment groups. The exact date and session applicable to each candidate will be confirmed through the official examination schedule and admission ticket.
How to Apply Online for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
Candidates can submit their applications through the official KEA website. The process is online, but applicants should first identify the correct notification for their qualification and cadre.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the KEA official website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Open the recruitment section.
- Find the FDA SDA recruitment notifications dated 29 October 2026.
- Choose the relevant category: RPC Degree-Level, RPC PUC-Level, KK Degree-Level or KK PUC-Level.
- Read the notification and check your eligibility.
- Open the online application form and complete the registration process.
- Enter your personal and educational details carefully.
- Select the eligible post and cadre as instructed.
- Upload your photograph, signature and required certificates.
- Check the application form for errors.
- Submit the form before 25 November 2026.
- Pay the application fee by 26 November 2026.
- Download and save the submitted application and payment receipt.
Do not rush through the form. A mistake in your category, qualification or cadre details could cause problems during document verification.
Documents to Keep Ready Before Applying
To avoid last-minute problems, candidates should arrange the necessary documents before opening the application form.
- Class 10/SSLC certificate and marksheet
- 2nd PUC/Class 12 certificate, wherever applicable
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and marksheets, for degree-level posts
- Technical or professional qualification certificates, if required
- Caste and category certificate, wherever applicable
- Income certificate, if required
- Kalyana Karnataka local-cadre certificate, if applicable
- Ex-Serviceman or disability certificate, where applicable
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Valid photo identity proof
- Other post-specific documents
The final document list should be checked against the instructions for the selected recruitment category.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| KEA Official Website | Click Here |
| Online Application | Visit KEA Portal |
| FDA RPC Notification | Check the official recruitment section |
| FDA Kalyana Karnataka Notification | Check the official recruitment section |
| SDA RPC Notification | Check the official recruitment section |
| SDA Kalyana Karnataka Notification | Check the official recruitment section |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies have been announced under KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
A total of 5,431 vacancies have been announced across RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.
2. When did the KEA FDA SDA application process start?
The online application process started on 30 October 2026.
3. What is the last date to submit the application form?
Candidates can submit their online applications up to 25 November 2026.
4. What is the last date for fee payment?
The last date for payment of the application fee is 26 November 2026.
5. Can 12th-pass candidates apply for this recruitment?
Yes. Candidates who have passed 2nd PUC or an accepted equivalent qualification can apply for eligible PUC-level posts, subject to the specific requirements.
6. Is graduation compulsory for FDA posts?
A Bachelor’s degree is generally required for FDA-level posts. However, candidates should check the exact qualification for their selected vacancy.
7. What is the maximum age limit?
The maximum age is 40 years for General Merit, 43 years for categories 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and 45 years for SC, ST and Category-1 candidates.
8. What is the application fee for General Merit candidates?
The total application fee for General Merit candidates is ₹750.
9. When will the KEA FDA SDA examination take place?
The listed examination dates are 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027. The date applicable to each candidate will depend on the recruitment schedule.
10. What is the selection process?
Candidates will be selected through a competitive examination followed by document verification and final selection under the applicable rules.
11. Where can I apply for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
Applications are submitted through the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
12. Are RPC and Kalyana Karnataka vacancies covered by separate notifications?
Yes. KEA has issued separate notifications for the RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres. Candidates should select the correct notification after checking the eligibility and local-cadre conditions.
