KEA SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 5,431 Assistant Posts

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bangalore has released the official recruitment notification for 5,431 First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA), and equivalent administrative positions across various state departments, boards, and corporations. The online registration portal opened on October 30, 2026 and remains accessible until November 25, 2026 on the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The offline OMR-based competitive written examination is scheduled for January 2027.

Eligible candidates seeking ministerial and clerical appointments in Karnataka can review cadre allocations, educational criteria, pay scales, and application procedures below.

KEA SDA FDA Recruitment 2026 Overview

| Parameter | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Recruitment Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bangalore | | Exam Name | KEA FDA and SDA Competitive Examination 2026 | | Total Vacancies | 5,431 Posts | | Cadres Covered | Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Local Cadre | | Posts Offered | First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA) | | Application Mode | Online Only | | Online Application Start Date | October 30, 2026 | | Last Date to Apply Online | November 25, 2026 | | Last Date for Fee Payment | November 26, 2026 | | Examination Date | January 2027 (Tentative) | | Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |

Important Dates for Candidates

KEA operates on a strict timeline for document submissions and fee reconciliations. Candidates should note these key milestones:

• Official Notification Release Date: October 29, 2026
• Online Application Window Opens: October 30, 2026
• Last Date for Online Registration: November 25, 2026
• Last Date for Online Fee Payment: November 26, 2026
• Admit Card Issuance: First week of January 2027
• Written Examination: Mid-January 2027

Cadre-Wise Vacancy Breakdown

The 5,431 positions are divided into two educational cadres: Degree-level FDA posts and Pre-University Course (PUC) level SDA posts. Vacancies are split between the Residual Parent Cadre (non-HK region) and the Kalyana Karnataka cadre (Article 371-J reservation).

First Division Assistant (FDA) and Equivalent

• Residual Parent Cadre (RPC): 2,163 posts
• Kalyana Karnataka (KK): 563 posts
• Subtotal FDA Openings: 2,726 posts

Second Division Assistant (SDA) and Equivalent

• Residual Parent Cadre (RPC): 2,070 posts
• Kalyana Karnataka (KK): 635 posts
• Subtotal SDA Openings: 2,705 posts

Total Combined Vacancies: 5,431 Posts

Vertical quotas apply for General Merit, SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. Horizontal quotas are reserved for Kannada Medium, Rural Study, Women, Ex-Servicemen, and Persons with Disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria and Age Limits

Applicants must verify their educational qualifications and age limits as prescribed under Karnataka Civil Services rules.

Educational Qualifications

• First Division Assistant (FDA): Candidates must hold a regular Bachelor Degree in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, or Engineering from a recognized university.
• Second Division Assistant (SDA): Candidates must have passed the 2nd PUC (Class 12) examination conducted by the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka, or an equivalent board recognized by the state.
• Kannada Language Knowledge: Candidates must know how to read, write, and speak Kannada. Those who did not study Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC or 10th standard must pass the Compulsory Kannada Language Examination conducted by KEA.

Age Limit and Relaxations

Age limits are assessed based on the application closing date:

• General Merit (GM): 18 to 40 years
• Category 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B (OBC): 18 to 43 years
• SC, ST, and Category-1: 18 to 45 years
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Ex-Servicemen: Additional relaxation as per Karnataka Government standing orders

Salary Scale and Allowances

Selected candidates are placed in regular state government pay matrices:

• First Division Assistant (FDA): Rs 27,650 to Rs 52,650 per month basic pay.
• Second Division Assistant (SDA): Rs 21,400 to Rs 42,000 per month basic pay.
• Additional Allowances: Monthly emoluments include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) categorized by city tier, and medical reimbursement under state health plans.

Selection Process and Exam Pattern

Selection is based entirely on merit in the competitive written examination, followed by certificate verification.

Written Examination Structure

The written test is conducted offline using OMR sheets:

• Paper 1: Compulsory Kannada Language (Descriptive, 150 Marks, 90 minutes). Mandatory for candidates who did not study Kannada in SSLC. Qualifying mark is 50 out of 150. Marks do not count towards the merit ranking.
• Paper 2: General English or General Kannada (Objective MCQs, 100 Marks, 90 minutes). Tests grammar, vocabulary, sentence structuring, and comprehension.
• Paper 3: General Knowledge (Objective MCQs, 100 Marks, 90 minutes). Tests Indian Constitution, Karnataka history and geography, current national events, Indian economy, general science, and mental ability.

Every incorrect answer in Papers 2 and 3 attracts a negative penalty of 0.25 marks. Final merit is determined using the aggregate score of Papers 2 and 3 (out of 200 marks).

Application Fee Details

The application fee is payable online through the KEA payment portal:

• General Merit, Category 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B: Rs 750
• SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen, and Third Gender: Rs 500
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: Rs 250

Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable under all conditions.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Select the Recruitment tab from the main navigation bar.
3. Click on the link for FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Online Application.
4. Read the detailed notification instructions and click New Registration.
5. Enter your Aadhaar number, name, active mobile number, and email address to generate login credentials.
6. Log into the candidate portal and select the cadre (RPC, Kalyana Karnataka, or both) and posts (FDA, SDA, or both) you are applying for.
7. Fill out personal details, educational qualifications, reservations claimed, and Kannada study details.
8. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and relevant category or rural study certificates.
9. Pay the application fee via net banking, UPI, credit card, or debit card.
10. Preview all entered data carefully, submit the form, and download the final application receipt for your records.

Official Portal and Important Links

• KEA Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
• KEA Recruitment Portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
• Authority Address: Karnataka Examinations Authority, 18th Cross, Sampige Road, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru - 560012, Karnataka

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the last date to apply for KEA FDA and SDA 2026?

The online registration window closes on November 25, 2026. Online fee payments are accepted until November 26, 2026.

How many total vacancies are announced under KEA 2026?

A total of 5,431 vacancies are announced: 2,726 posts for First Division Assistant (FDA) and 2,705 posts for Second Division Assistant (SDA).

What is the educational qualification for the FDA post?

Applicants for First Division Assistant must hold a Bachelor Degree from a recognized university.

Can 12th pass candidates apply for the SDA post?

Yes. Candidates who have passed 2nd PUC (Class 12) or equivalent from a recognized board are eligible to apply for Second Division Assistant posts.

What is the upper age limit for General category applicants?

The maximum age limit for General Merit candidates is 40 years. OBC candidates can apply up to 43 years, and SC/ST/Category-1 candidates up to 45 years.

Is there negative marking in the KEA written test?

Yes. There is a negative marking deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in Papers 2 and 3.