KEA FDA, SDA Recruitment 2026: 5,431 Karnataka Government Posts, Apply by 25 November
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The Karnataka Examinations Authority has issued four notifications for 5,431 FDA, SDA and other non-technical posts in Karnataka government departments. Online applications opened on 30 October 2026 and close on 25 November 2026.
At a glance
| Organisation | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
|---|---|
| Last date | 25 November 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Total posts | 5,431 |
| Break-up | Degree-level RPC 2,163; PUC-level RPC 2,070; FDA (Kalyana Karnataka) 563; SDA (Kalyana Karnataka) 635 |
| Qualification | Degree for FDA and degree-level posts; 2nd PUC or equivalent for SDA and PUC-level posts |
| Age limit | 18 to 40 (GM), 43 (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B), 45 (SC, ST, Category-1) |
| Fee | Rs 750 (GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B); Rs 500 (SC, ST, Cat-1, ex-servicemen, third gender); Rs 250 (PwD) |
| Exam | Two 100-mark OMR papers of 2 hours each; 0.25 negative marking |
| Selection | Written exam, Kannada Language Test (if not exempt), document verification |
Important dates
| Notifications issued | 29 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | 30 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 25 November 2026 |
| Last date to pay fee | 26 November 2026 |
Details
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) published four recruitment notifications on 29 October 2026 for a total of 5,431 posts: 2,163 degree-level non-technical posts and 2,070 PUC-level non-technical posts under the residual parent cadre (RPC), plus 563 First Division Assistant (FDA) and 635 Second Division Assistant (SDA) posts in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
FDA and other degree-level posts need a bachelor's degree; SDA and other PUC-level posts need 2nd PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent. You must be at least 18. The upper age limit is 40 for General Merit, 43 for categories 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and 45 for SC, ST and Category-1.
The fee, including a Rs 250 processing fee, is Rs 750 for General Merit and categories 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B; Rs 500 for SC, ST, Category-1, ex-servicemen and third-gender candidates; and Rs 250 for candidates with disabilities. Pay depends on the post, starting from the Rs 34,100 to 67,600 scale for SDA and PUC-level posts and Rs 44,425 to 83,700 for FDA and degree-level posts.
Selection is through an offline OMR-based written exam of two 100-mark papers, each lasting two hours: Paper 1 on General Knowledge, and Paper 2 on General Kannada, General English and computer knowledge. A quarter of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer. Candidates who are not exempt must also pass a qualifying Kannada Language Test, followed by document verification. These details come from published summaries of the notices, so confirm them in the official KEA notifications.
How to apply
- Read the notification for the post group you want on the KEA website.
- Register on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and fill in the application.
- Upload your photo, signature and certificates.
- Pay the fee by 26 November 2026 and submit the form by 25 November 2026.
- Save a copy of the submitted application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for KEA FDA and SDA 2026?
25 November 2026. The fee can be paid until 26 November 2026.
How many posts are there?
5,431 in total across four notifications, including 563 FDA and 635 SDA posts in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
What is the qualification for FDA and SDA?
A bachelor's degree for FDA and degree-level posts, and 2nd PUC or equivalent for SDA and PUC-level posts.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the written papers.
Books for this exam
Choose a book for the topics you need to strengthen. Buying a book is optional; you can continue using our free practice resources.
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Lucent's General Knowledge
By Lucent
A commonly used reference for General knowledge. Check it against your syllabus and the editions your institution prescribes before buying.
Find on Amazon ↗Indian Polity
By M. Laxmikanth
A commonly used reference for Polity. Check it against your syllabus and the editions your institution prescribes before buying.
Find on Amazon ↗Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
By R. S. Aggarwal
An option for chapter-based arithmetic practice. Pair selected exercises with timed previous-year papers for your exam.
Find on Amazon ↗A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
By R. S. Aggarwal
A commonly used reference for Reasoning. Check it against your syllabus and the editions your institution prescribes before buying.
Find on Amazon ↗Links open Amazon search results in a new tab. Check the edition, language, seller, price and delivery details on Amazon before ordering.
This post is a plain-language summary prepared by Pratiyogita Kosh from public information. We are not the conducting body. Please verify all dates, eligibility and fees on the official website before you apply.