KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 5,431 First & Second Division Assistant Posts
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced a massive recruitment notification for 5,431 vacancies across various Karnataka Government departments, boards, and corporations. The recruitment drive covers First Division Assistant (FDA) and Second Division Assistant (SDA) positions under both the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC – 4,233 posts) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK – 1,198 posts) regional cadres. Eligible graduates and 12th/PUC passouts can submit their online applications on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in from 30th October 2026 to 25th November 2026, with the written examinations scheduled across January 2027.
📌 KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Exam Name | Karnataka FDA & SDA Competitive Recruitment Examination 2026 |
| Posts | First Division Assistant (FDA) & Second Division Assistant (SDA) |
| Cadres | Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) & Kalyana Karnataka (KK) |
| Pay Scale | SDA: ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 | FDA: ₹44,425 – ₹83,700 + Allowances |
| Total Vacancies | 5,431 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Karnataka (State Secretariats, District Collectorates & Boards) |
📅 Important Dates
- Official Notification Release: 29 October 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 30 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 25 November 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Last Date for Online Fee Payment: 26 November 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Compulsory Kannada Language Exam: 8 January 2027
- Competitive Written Exam Dates: 9, 10, 16, and 17 January 2027
💰 Application Fee
The application fee must be remitted online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI:
- General Merit (GM) and Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: ₹750/-
- SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen & Third Gender: ₹500/-
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): ₹250/-
🎯 Age Limit (as on 25/11/2026)
The age criteria reflect the state government’s one-time 5-year upper age relaxation:
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age (General Merit): 40 Years
- Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 43 Years
- SC / ST / Category-1: 45 Years
- Ex-Servicemen / PwD: Additional relaxations as per Karnataka Civil Services Rules.
🎓 Educational Qualification
- First Division Assistant (FDA – 2,726 Posts): Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent. Special posts in finance/accounts require B.Com / BBA / BBM, while computer-assisted posts require recognized computer diplomas.
- Second Division Assistant (SDA – 2,705 Posts): Passed 2nd PUC (Pre-University Course) / 10+2 / CBSE / ICSE or a recognized equivalent 3-year Diploma awarded by the Technical Education Board. Accounts SDA posts require 2nd PUC in Commerce with Accountancy.
- Language Requirement: Adequate proficiency in the Kannada language (Candidates who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC must clear the Compulsory Kannada Test of 150 marks).
📊 Vacancy Details
- Total Vacancies: 5,431 Posts
- Cadre and Post Distribution:
- Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) – FDA (Degree Level): 2,163 Posts
- Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) – SDA (PUC Level): 2,070 Posts
- Kalyana Karnataka (KK) – FDA (Degree Level): 563 Posts
- Kalyana Karnataka (KK) – SDA (PUC Level): 635 Posts
🧪 Selection Process
- Stage 1 (Qualifying): Compulsory Kannada Language Examination (150 Marks, minimum 50 qualifying marks) for candidates who did not pass Kannada at the 10th standard.
- Stage 2 (Competitive Written Exam): Offline OMR-based Objective Examination comprising Paper 1 (Language) and Paper 2 (General Knowledge) of 100 marks each.
- Stage 3: Document Verification of academic certificates, caste/income claims, and Kalyana Karnataka local eligibility certificates.
- Stage 4: Final Merit compilation based strictly on the aggregate score of Paper 1 and Paper 2.
📚 Exam Pattern
The competitive written examination comprises 2 objective papers with a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect response:
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Kannada OR General English (Candidate’s Choice) | 100 | 100 | 1.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Knowledge (Indian Polity, Karnataka History & Geography, Science, Current Affairs) | 100 | 100 | 1.5 Hours |
| Total Competitive Score | 200 | 200 | 3 Hours | |
🖥️ How to Apply
- Visit the official KEA recruitment portal at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- Click on “Recruitment” and select FDA & SDA Recruitment 2026 (Advt. Dated 29.10.2026).
- Register by providing your mobile number, email address, and personal details to generate an Application ID.
- Log in to fill out post choices (FDA / SDA), academic qualification percentages, and cadre selection (RPC or KK).
- Upload clear digital copies of your passport photograph, signature, 10th marks memo, and Degree / PUC certificates.
- Pay the application fee online through the payment gateway before 26th November 2026.
- Submit your completed application form and print a copy of the final e-acknowledgment for verification purposes.
🔗 Important Links
👉 https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Apply Online on KEA Portal
👉 https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Download Official Notification PDF
👉 https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>KEA Official Website
📈 Why Apply?
- Mega State Recruitment: Over 5,400 ministerial cadre vacancies in Karnataka state government departments and civic boards.
- Lucrative Pay & Allowances: Revised Karnataka pay scale reaching up to ₹83,700 for FDA and ₹67,600 for SDA, along with Dearness Allowance and HRA.
- Promotional Progression: Clear civil service promotional ladder from SDA to FDA, Section Officer, and Assistant Secretary.
❓ FAQs
Q. What is the last date to apply for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
Online applications close on 25th November 2026, and fee payment can be completed up to 26th November 2026.
Q. What are the exam dates announced by KEA?
Written examinations will be held on 8, 9, 10, 16, and 17 January 2027.
Q. Can 12th pass students apply for SDA posts?
Yes, candidates who have passed 2nd PUC (12th Standard) or equivalent are fully eligible for Second Division Assistant posts.
🏁 Conclusion
The KEA FDA & SDA Recruitment 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for intermediate and graduate aspirants seeking permanent state administrative careers across Karnataka. Complete your registration and submit your application on https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea well before the 25th November 2026 deadline.
