The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 notification for 5,431 vacancies in various Karnataka Government departments, boards and organisations. The recruitment drive includes First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA), Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor and other equivalent non-technical posts.
KEA has issued four separate recruitment notifications covering the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadres. The vacancies are divided into degree-level and PUC-level posts. Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree, 2nd PUC qualification or other prescribed qualifications can apply for the posts for which they are eligible.
The online application process started on 30 October 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official KEA website up to 25 November 2026. The last date for payment of the application fee is 26 November 2026.
Candidates should carefully read the relevant notification before applying because educational qualifications, post preferences, local-cadre conditions and reservation rules differ across the four recruitment groups.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Recruitment Name | KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 |
| Post Names | FDA, SDA and Other Equivalent Posts |
| Other Posts | Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor and Others |
| Total Vacancies | 5,431 |
| Recruitment Cadres | RPC and Kalyana Karnataka |
| Notifications | Four |
| Notification Date | 29 October 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 |
| Examination Month | January 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
KEA FDA SDA Vacancy 2026 – Total 5,431 Posts
KEA has announced 5,431 vacancies under four recruitment categories. The vacancies are distributed between degree-level and PUC-level non-technical posts under the RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.
Cadre-Wise and Qualification-Wise Vacancy Details
| S. No. | Recruitment Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Degree-Level Non-Technical Posts – RPC | 2,163 |
| 2 | PUC-Level Non-Technical Posts – RPC | 2,070 |
| 3 | Degree-Level Posts – Kalyana Karnataka | 563 |
| 4 | PUC-Level Posts – Kalyana Karnataka | 635 |
| Total | 5,431 |
Qualification-Level Vacancy Distribution
| Qualification Level | RPC | Kalyana Karnataka | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree-Level | 2,163 | 563 | 2,726 |
| PUC-Level | 2,070 | 635 | 2,705 |
| Total | 4,233 | 1,198 | 5,431 |
The detailed department-wise, post-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution is provided in the four separate recruitment notifications. Candidates should refer to the relevant PDF rather than relying only on the summary table.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 – Post Details
The recruitment includes different administrative, accounts, residential-institution and departmental assistant positions.
Some of the advertised post categories include:
| Post Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Administrative Posts | First Division Assistant (FDA) |
| PUC-Level Assistant Posts | Second Division Assistant (SDA) and equivalent posts |
| Accounts Posts | Accounts Assistant and related posts |
| Residential Institution Posts | Warden, Hostel Supervisor and related posts |
| Departmental Posts | Various equivalent non-technical posts |
The exact post names and vacancies differ across the four notifications. Candidates should check the post-wise vacancy list in their selected RPC or KK notification.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 29 October 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 25 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 |
| Kannada Language Test | 8 January 2027 |
| KK Degree-Level Examination | 9 January 2027 |
| RPC Degree-Level Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| KK PUC-Level Examination | 16 January 2027 |
| RPC PUC-Level Examination | 17 January 2027 |
Candidates should check their individual notification and subsequent KEA examination announcements for the exact paper, date, session and reporting time applicable to their post.
Educational Qualification for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
The educational qualification depends on the post and recruitment category. Broadly, the vacancies are divided into degree-level and PUC-level posts.
1. Degree-Level Posts
Candidates applying for degree-level positions generally need a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification prescribed for the particular post.
Some specialised posts may require additional subject-specific, professional or technical qualifications.
2. PUC-Level Posts
Candidates applying for PUC-level positions generally need to have passed 2nd PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent qualification recognised under the relevant recruitment rules.
3. Specialised and Departmental Posts
Certain posts, including accounts-related, computer-related and supervisory positions, may require additional qualifications or certificates.
Important: Having a degree or 2nd PUC qualification alone does not make a candidate eligible for every post. The prescribed qualification for the specific post in the relevant official notification must be satisfied.
Age Limit for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
Candidates must satisfy the minimum and maximum age conditions prescribed in the applicable recruitment notification.
The age limit and relaxation may differ according to the recruitment rules and category.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General Merit | As prescribed in the notification |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B | Applicable relaxation as per rules |
| SC/ST and Category-1 | Applicable relaxation as per rules |
| Other Eligible Categories | As per Karnataka Government rules |
Candidates should check the age calculation date, upper age limit and category-wise relaxation in the relevant official PDF. Do not use a general age limit for all four recruitment categories without checking the individual notification.
Application Fee
The application fee must be paid according to the candidate’s category and the applicable recruitment notification.
Different recruitment summaries report different fee concessions. Therefore, candidates should use the fee table displayed in the official KEA application and the relevant notification before making payment.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit | Check official notification |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B | Check official notification |
| SC/ST/Category-1 | Check official notification |
| Eligible special categories | Check official notification |
The fee payment deadline is 26 November 2026. Candidates should save the payment receipt after successful payment.
Salary for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
The salary depends on the post, department and applicable Karnataka Government pay scale.
The recruitment includes different levels of assistant, accounts, supervisory and departmental positions. Therefore, there is no single salary applicable to all 5,431 vacancies.
Candidates should check the pay scale mentioned against their preferred post in the relevant official notification. Allowances and other service benefits will be governed by the applicable government rules.
KEA FDA SDA Selection Process 2026
The selection process is based on the prescribed competitive examination and subsequent recruitment formalities.
The expected stages include:
- Kannada Language Test: Candidates required to appear for the Kannada Language Test must qualify according to the applicable rules.
- Competitive Written Examination: Candidates appear for the prescribed examination for their recruitment category and post.
- Merit Preparation: KEA prepares merit according to the applicable examination and recruitment rules.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original educational, category and other supporting documents.
- Final Selection: Final selection is made according to merit, reservation, eligibility and the applicable recruitment rules.
Candidates should read the selection provisions in their specific notification because the requirements may differ between posts and cadres.
KEA FDA SDA Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates should follow the examination pattern prescribed for their particular recruitment notification.
The examination schedule covers degree-level and PUC-level recruitment groups separately. The Kannada Language Test is also scheduled separately.
The detailed subjects, marks, duration, question type, negative marking and qualifying conditions should be checked in the relevant official notification.
| Examination Group | Scheduled Date |
|---|---|
| Kannada Language Test | 8 January 2027 |
| KK Degree-Level Examination | 9 January 2027 |
| RPC Degree-Level Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| KK PUC-Level Examination | 16 January 2027 |
| RPC PUC-Level Examination | 17 January 2027 |
Candidates should not assume that the same examination pattern applies to every post.
How to Apply Online for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the Karnataka Examinations Authority website by following these steps:
- Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Open the Recruitment or Notifications section.
- Find the recruitment notifications dated 29 October 2026.
- Identify the correct recruitment group:
- RPC Degree-Level
- RPC PUC-Level
- Kalyana Karnataka Degree-Level
- Kalyana Karnataka PUC-Level
- Download and read the relevant notification carefully.
- Open the corresponding online application link.
- Complete registration using the required personal details.
- Log in to the application portal.
- Enter educational qualifications, category and other required information.
- Select the post or preferences according to the application instructions.
- Upload the photograph, signature and other required documents.
- Review all details carefully.
- Submit the application before 25 November 2026.
- Pay the prescribed application fee by 26 November 2026.
- Download and print the final application form and payment receipt.
Candidates should ensure that the selected recruitment category and educational qualification match the notification under which they are applying.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before filling out the online application:
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Aadhaar card or other valid identity proof.
- SSLC/10th marks card.
- 2nd PUC/12th marks card, where applicable.
- Bachelor’s Degree certificate and marks cards, where applicable.
- Caste/category certificate, if applicable.
- Rural candidate certificate, if claiming applicable reservation.
- Kannada medium certificate, if applicable.
- Kalyana Karnataka local-cadre eligibility documents, where required.
- Disability certificate, if applicable.
- Other documents specified in the relevant recruitment notification.
The exact document list and upload format should be checked in the application instructions.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 – Important Instructions
- KEA has issued four separate recruitment notifications for 5,431 vacancies.
- Candidates must select the correct RPC or Kalyana Karnataka recruitment category.
- Degree-level and PUC-level posts have different educational requirements.
- Post-specific qualifications must be checked before applying.
- Local-cadre eligibility and reservation conditions may apply to KK vacancies.
- Candidates must provide accurate category and educational information.
- The application deadline is 25 November 2026.
- The fee payment deadline is 26 November 2026.
- Keep the application confirmation and payment receipt safely.
- Check the official website for examination admission tickets, corrigenda and further instructions.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
KEA has released four separate notifications for the recruitment. Candidates should download the PDF corresponding to their qualification level and cadre.
| Notification | Vacancy Group | Official PDF |
|---|---|---|
| RPC Degree-Level | 2,163 Posts | Download RPC FDA Notification |
| RPC PUC-Level | 2,070 Posts | Check KEA Recruitment Section |
| KK Degree-Level | 563 Posts | Check KEA Recruitment Section |
| KK PUC-Level | 635 Posts | Check KEA Recruitment Section |
If a direct PDF does not open, visit the official KEA website and locate the recruitment notification dated 29 October 2026.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | KEA Official Website |
| RPC Degree-Level Notification | Download PDF |
| RPC PUC-Level Notification | Open KEA Recruitment Section |
| KK Degree-Level Notification | Open KEA Recruitment Section |
| KK PUC-Level Notification | Open KEA Recruitment Section |
| Examination Updates | KEA Official Website |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are announced under KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
A total of 5,431 vacancies have been announced under four recruitment notifications covering RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.
2. What is the full form of FDA?
FDA stands for First Division Assistant.
3. What is the full form of SDA?
SDA stands for Second Division Assistant.
4. Which organisation conducts the FDA SDA recruitment?
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the recruitment.
5. When was the KEA FDA SDA notification released?
The recruitment notifications were released on 29 October 2026.
6. When did the online application process start?
The online application process started on 30 October 2026.
7. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to submit the online application is 25 November 2026.
8. What is the last date for fee payment?
The last date for application fee payment is 26 November 2026.
9. What is the total number of RPC vacancies?
There are 4,233 reported vacancies under the RPC cadre, including 2,163 degree-level and 2,070 PUC-level posts.
10. How many vacancies are available under Kalyana Karnataka?
There are 1,198 reported vacancies under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre, including 563 degree-level and 635 PUC-level posts.
11. What is the educational qualification for FDA posts?
Candidates generally require a Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent qualification prescribed for the particular post.
12. What is the educational qualification for SDA posts?
Candidates generally require 2nd PUC (12th Pass) or an equivalent qualification prescribed for the particular post.
13. Can candidates with a degree apply for PUC-level posts?
Candidates must follow the qualification and eligibility conditions of the specific post. A higher qualification does not automatically establish eligibility for every post.
14. Are all 5,431 vacancies for FDA and SDA posts only?
No. The recruitment includes FDA, SDA, Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor and other equivalent departmental posts.
15. What is the age limit for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
The applicable age limit depends on the recruitment rules and category. Candidates should check the relevant notification for the age calculation date and relaxation.
16. What is the application fee?
The applicable fee depends on the candidate’s category and the relevant notification. Candidates should confirm the exact amount on the official application portal before payment.
17. What is the selection process?
Selection is based on the prescribed competitive examination, merit preparation and document verification, along with any applicable language test or other requirement.
18. Is there a Kannada Language Test?
A Kannada Language Test is included in the announced examination schedule for 8 January 2027. Candidates should check the notification for the qualifying conditions and exemptions, if any.
19. When will the KEA FDA SDA examination be conducted?
The announced examination schedule includes 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027, depending on the recruitment group.
20. When is the RPC degree-level examination?
The RPC degree-level examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
21. When is the Kalyana Karnataka degree-level examination?
The KK degree-level examination is scheduled for 9 January 2027.
22. When is the RPC PUC-level examination?
The RPC PUC-level examination is scheduled for 17 January 2027.
23. When is the Kalyana Karnataka PUC-level examination?
The KK PUC-level examination is scheduled for 16 January 2027.
24. Can candidates from outside Karnataka apply?
Candidates should check the relevant notification for domicile, local-cadre, Kannada language and reservation conditions. Eligibility cannot be assumed to be identical for RPC and KK posts.
25. Where can candidates download the KEA FDA SDA notification PDF?
Candidates can visit the official KEA website at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and download the relevant notification dated 29 October 2026.
26. Where can candidates apply online?
Applications are submitted through the official Karnataka Examinations Authority website.
27. Will KEA release an admit card?
Candidates should check the official KEA website for admission-ticket and examination-related announcements.