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KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 5,431 Group C Posts at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in - Official Recruitment Notification Banner
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KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 5,431 Group C Posts at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Post Date: 30 Oct 2026•Last Updated: 2 Nov 2026•Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)•Karnataka

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the official recruitment notification for 5,431 Group C vacancies including First Division Assistant (FDA) and Second Division Assistant (SDA) posts under Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Cadre. Eligible 12th pass and graduate candidates can apply online from 30 October to 25 November 2026 at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Quick Recruitment OverviewKarnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Recruitment BodyKarnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Post NameFirst Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA) & Other Group C Vacancies
Total Vacancies5,431 Posts
Educational Qualification2nd PUC / 12th Pass (SDA), Bachelor's Degree (FDA)
Age Limit18 to 40 Years (As on 25 November 2026)
Pay Scale / Salary₹34,100 – ₹83,700 per month (Group C Pay Scale)
Job LocationKarnataka
Application Start Date30 Oct 2026
Last Date to Apply25 Nov 2026
Exam DateTo Be Announced (Expected Jan/Feb 2027)
Official Portalhttps://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Important Dates Schedule

Official Recruitment Notification Released
29 October 2026
Online Application Registration & Fee Payment StartsActive Now
30 October 2026 (11:00 AM)
Last Date for Online Application SubmissionClosing Date
25 November 2026 (11:59 PM)
Last Date for Online Application Fee PaymentFee Last Date
26 November 2026 (11:59 PM)
Compulsory Kannada Language Test DateUpcoming
To Be Announced by KEA
Competitive Written Examination DateExam Date
Expected January/February 2027

Application Fee Details

General Merit (GM), Category 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B₹750 (Application Fee: ₹500 + Processing Fee: ₹250)
SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen & Third Gender₹500 (Application Fee: ₹250 + Processing Fee: ₹250)
Differently-Abled (PwD) Candidates₹250 (Processing Fee Only – Application Fee Exempted)

Payment Mode: Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards, or UPI.

Age Limit & Relaxation Criteria

• Minimum Age: 18 Years

• Maximum Age: 40 Years

Age Relaxation: Upper age limit of 40 years for General Merit includes 5 years general relaxation. Candidates belonging to Category 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B receive relaxation up to 43 years, while SC, ST, and Category-1 candidates are eligible up to 45 years. Ex-servicemen and PwD candidates receive relaxations as per Karnataka Civil Services rules.

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) : Post Wise Vacancy & Eligibility Details

Check comprehensive post-wise educational eligibility criteria, pay scales, and tentative vacancies (Total: 5,431 Posts).

Post NamePay Scale / LevelTotal VacanciesEligibility & Educational Qualification
First Division Assistant (FDA) – Degree Level Non-Technical (RPC)Group C (₹44,425 – ₹83,700)2,163 PostsBachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University in India established by law. Specific commerce degrees (B.Com) for Accounts Assistant posts.
Second Division Assistant (SDA) – PUC Level Non-Technical (RPC)Group C (₹34,100 – ₹67,700)2,070 PostsPassed 2nd PUC (Class 12th) Examination conducted by the Karnataka Pre-University Education Board or 3-year Diploma or equivalent qualification recognized by the state government.
First Division Assistant (FDA) – Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Article 371-J)Group C (₹44,425 – ₹83,700)563 PostsBachelor's Degree from a recognized university. Candidates must possess a valid Article 371(J) Local Cadre Eligibility Certificate for Kalyana Karnataka region.
Second Division Assistant (SDA) – Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Article 371-J)Group C (₹34,100 – ₹67,700)635 PostsPassed 2nd PUC (Class 12th) or equivalent from a recognized board. Must hold valid Article 371(J) Eligibility Certificate issued by the competent Assistant Commissioner.

Post-Wise Pay Scale & Estimated In-Hand Salary

According to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix with applicable DA, HRA, and Transport Allowances.

Post NamePay Matrix LevelBasic Pay ScaleEstimated Monthly In-Hand Salary
First Division Assistant (FDA / Senior Assistant)Karnataka State Pay Matrix Group C₹44,425 – ₹83,700/-Starting Basic ₹44,425 + DA + HRA (10% to 30% by city category) + CCA ~ Monthly Gross ₹58,000 – ₹65,000/- (Net in-hand approx ₹52,000 – ₹58,000/-)
Second Division Assistant (SDA / Junior Assistant)Karnataka State Pay Matrix Group C₹34,100 – ₹67,700/-Starting Basic ₹34,100 + DA + HRA (10% to 30%) + CCA ~ Monthly Gross ₹44,000 – ₹50,000/- (Net in-hand approx ₹39,000 – ₹44,000/-)

KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 Examination Scheme & Pattern

Detailed breakdown of examination stages, question distribution, marks, and scoring schemes.

Stage 1: Compulsory Kannada Language Test (Qualifying Paper)
Mode: Offline Pen & Paper (Descriptive / Conventional)Duration: 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours)
Subject / ModuleNo. of QuestionsMaximum Marks
Translation from English to Kannada & Kannada to English2 Questions30
Precis Writing & Summary Drafting1 Question30
Kannada Grammar (Vyakarana), Sandhi, Samasa & Sentence FormationShort Answer40
Vocabulary, Idioms, Proverbs & UsagesShort Answer30
Short Essay on Socio-Economic or Cultural Karnataka Theme1 Essay20
⚠️ Negative Marking: Not Applicable (Descriptive format)

• Qualifying Benchmark: Minimum 50 marks out of 150 marks (35%) is mandatory.

• Exemption: Candidates who have studied Kannada as First Language, Second Language, or Optional Subject in Class 10th / SSLC or 12th / PUC are exempt from appearing in this test.

Stage 2: Competitive Written Examination (Merit Ranking - 200 Marks)
Mode: Offline OMR-Based Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)Duration: 180 Minutes (90 Minutes per Paper)
Subject / ModuleNo. of QuestionsMaximum Marks
Paper 1: General Knowledge, Indian History, Karnataka Heritage, Indian Polity & Current Affairs100100
Paper 2: General English / General Kannada & Computer Knowledge Fundamentals100100
⚠️ Negative Marking: 0.25 Marks deducted for each incorrect answer (1/4th negative deduction)

• Final selection merit is computed strictly out of 200 aggregate marks in Paper 1 and Paper 2.

• Candidates can choose between General English or General Kannada for Section A of Paper 2.

• Computer Knowledge section in Paper 2 covers basic hardware, Windows operating system, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and internet literacy.

Selection Process Stages

  • 1Stage 1: Compulsory Kannada Language Qualifying Examination (50/150 marks for non-exempted aspirants)
  • 2Stage 2: Competitive Written Examination consisting of Paper 1 (GK - 100 Marks) and Paper 2 (Language & Computer - 100 Marks)
  • 3Stage 3: Publication of Cadre-Wise and Category-Wise Provisional Merit List on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
  • 4Stage 4: Document Verification (DV) of Original Certificates in order of merit
  • 5Stage 5: Final Selection List publication and Departmental Cadre Allotment

How to Apply Online for Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)

  1. 1Visit the official Karnataka Examinations Authority web portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  2. 2Click on the 'Recruitment' tab and select 'GPC FDA SDA Recruitment 2026' or navigate to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/login.
  3. 3Click on 'New Registration' and input your basic details, mobile number, and active email address.
  4. 4Log in using your generated application number and password to access the online application dashboard.
  5. 5Choose your recruitment cadre: Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) or Kalyana Karnataka (KK) as per eligibility.
  6. 6Fill in personal, educational, caste, rural, and Kannada medium details carefully.
  7. 7Upload clear scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and requisite certificates adhering to KEA format guidelines.
  8. 8Pay the applicable application and processing fees online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
  9. 9Review all entries thoroughly before clicking 'Final Submit' and print at least two hard copies of the submitted application form for future reference.

Documents Required for Application

  • SSLC / Class 10th Marks Card (Proof of Date of Birth & Kannada language study)
  • 2nd PUC / Class 12th Marks Card & Passing Certificate (For SDA posts)
  • Bachelor's Degree Passing Certificate & Year-Wise/Semester-Wise Marks Sheets (For FDA posts)
  • Valid Caste & Income Certificate (Form-D for SC/ST, Form-E for Cat-1, Form-F for 2A/2B/3A/3B)
  • Article 371(J) Eligibility Certificate (Form-A / Form-B issued by Assistant Commissioner for Kalyana Karnataka posts)
  • Rural Reservation Certificate (Forms 1 & 2 counter-signed by BEO if claiming rural quota)
  • Kannada Medium Study Certificate (1st to 10th standard instruction proof if claiming Kannada medium quota)
  • Valid Government Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport)
  • Recent Passport Size Colour Photographs (White background) & Scanned Signature in black ink
Official Karnataka State Recruitment Drive 2026

KEA Announces 5,431 First & Second Division Assistant Vacancies

In one of Karnataka's largest public sector recruitment notifications of the year, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has invited online applications for 5,431 Group C positions. The recruitment encompasses First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA), Accounts Assistant, Warden, and other administrative roles across diverse state government directorates and boards.

Understanding Cadre Segregation: Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) vs. Kalyana Karnataka (KK)

KEA has published four separate official notification gazettes categorizing vacancies by educational level and constitutional jurisdiction. Applicants must select their cadre carefully based on domicile and eligibility:

Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) – 4,233 Posts

Covers non-Kalyana Karnataka districts across Southern, Central, Coastal, and Northern regions (including Bengaluru Urban/Rural, Mysuru, Belagavi, Shivamogga, Mangaluru, Tumakuru, and Hassan).

  • Graduate Level (FDA / Accounts): 2,163 Posts
  • PUC Level (SDA / Junior Assistant): 2,070 Posts
  • Open to all eligible Karnataka domicile candidates.

Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Article 371-J) – 1,198 Posts

Reserved specifically for local candidates belonging to the seven backward districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region under constitutional provision Article 371-J (Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara).

  • Graduate Level (FDA): 563 Posts
  • PUC Level (SDA): 635 Posts
  • Requires valid 371(J) Local Cadre Eligibility Certificate.

Official KEA Notification Gazette Documents & Direct PDF Links

Candidates are strongly advised to download the official English notification PDF corresponding to their applied post and cadre before filling out the online application:

Cadre & Qualification Level Post Details Vacancies Official Document
FDA (Graduate-level), RPC Residual Parent Cadre Degree-level posts 2,163 Download PDF
SDA (PUC-level), RPC Residual Parent Cadre 12th/PUC posts 2,070 Download PDF
FDA (Graduate-level), Kalyana Karnataka Article 371(J) Degree-level posts 563 Download PDF
SDA (PUC-level), Kalyana Karnataka Article 371(J) 12th/PUC posts 635 Download PDF

Job Profile, Nature of Duties & Department Allocation

First Division Assistant (FDA / Senior Assistant)

FDAs function as supervisory ministerial officers handling intricate file notings, drafting government communications, inspecting administrative records, reviewing budget estimates, and scrutinizing citizen applications under departmental schemes.

Second Division Assistant (SDA / Junior Assistant)

SDAs manage day-to-day clerical functions including inward/outward file dispatch, computerized data management on Karnataka state e-governance systems (e-Office, Khajane II, Seva Sindhu), and direct interaction with the public.

Critical Instructions & Best Practices for Online Application

1
Aadhaar Authentication & Demographic Matching: Ensure your name, parentage, and date of birth match your Aadhaar card and Class 10th certificate exactly to avoid e-KYC mismatch errors during registration.
2
Article 371-J Certification: Candidates claiming Kalyana Karnataka local quota must ensure their 371(J) certificate (Form A or B) has been issued by the competent Assistant Commissioner before the closing date.
3
Fee Payment Confirmation: Do not exit the payment portal abruptly. Verify that your application status shows "Payment Completed" and note down the bank reference transaction ID for records.

Important Direct Links

Apply Online (Registration & Login)
Click Here
Official Department Website
Visit Official Portal
FDA Notification PDF (Graduate-level, RPC Cadre)
Download PDF
SDA Notification PDF (PUC-level, RPC Cadre)
Download PDF
FDA Notification PDF (Graduate-level, Kalyana Karnataka Cadre)
Download PDF
SDA Notification PDF (PUC-level, Kalyana Karnataka Cadre)
Download PDF
KEA FDA SDA 2026 Online Application Portal
Click Here
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Frequently Asked Questions – Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)

A total of 5,431 Group C vacancies have been announced by KEA, including 2,163 Degree-level (FDA) posts and 2,070 PUC-level (SDA) posts under RPC, along with 563 FDA posts and 635 SDA posts under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
Official Source & Verification Disclaimer

Source: Official recruitment advertisement issued by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).

Candidates must carefully review all eligibility criteria, educational certificates, reservation policies, and guidelines directly in the official notification before submitting their application.

Yuva Result State Recruitment Desk

Senior Karnataka State Government Exam Analyst

Reviewed & Fact Checked