KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 has opened one of the biggest state government job drives in South India. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has notified 5,431 posts including First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA), Accounts Assistant, Warden and Hostel Supervisor across various Karnataka government departments and boards. The online application window is open from 30 October to 25 November 2026.
This article explains everything about KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: vacancies, eligibility, age limit, pay scale, fee, exam dates, selection and how to apply online.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Posts | FDA, SDA, Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor and others |
| Total Vacancies | 5,431 |
| Qualification | 2nd PUC (12th) for PUC-level posts; Degree for degree-level posts |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 years (General Merit), relaxation for reserved categories |
| Application Dates | 30 October to 25 November 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027 |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 29 October 2026 |
| Online application starts | 30 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 25 November 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment | 26 November 2026 |
| Written exams | 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027 (category-wise) |
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The vacancies of KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 are divided into degree-level and PUC-level posts, and into the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) region.
| Level | Cadre | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Degree level | Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 2,163 |
| PUC level | Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 2,070 |
| Degree level | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 563 |
| PUC level | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 635 |
| Total | 5,431 |
Kalyana Karnataka posts are reserved for candidates holding a valid Article 371(J) certificate from the Kalyana Karnataka region. All other eligible candidates compete for RPC posts.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
Save these cards for a quick look at the key facts of KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
- PUC-level posts (including SDA): Pass in 2nd PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Karnataka government.
- Degree-level posts (including FDA): A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- Some posts need specific subjects (for example, commerce for accounts posts), professional qualifications or computer knowledge. Check the post-wise details in the notification.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 years |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | 45 years |
The minimum age is 18 years. Additional relaxation applies to persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen and other groups as per Karnataka rules.
Kannada Language
Karnataka state government posts generally require knowledge of Kannada, and candidates who did not study Kannada as a language in school may have to pass a Kannada language test conducted by the authority. Read the notification for the exact rule that applies to KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
Posts under KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 follow the Karnataka State pay scales. The notification lists several pay scales depending on the post:
| Post Type | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|
| Various PUC-level assistant posts (including SDA) | 34,100 – 67,600 |
| Various degree-level assistant posts (including FDA) | 44,425 – 83,700 |
| Certain specialised or supervisory posts | 49,050 – 92,500 |
| Certain higher-pay posts | 54,175 – 99,400 or post-specific scales |
On top of basic pay, employees get Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance where applicable, medical benefits and pension benefits as per Karnataka government rules. Check the exact scale for each post in the official notification.
Application Fee for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and non-concessional categories | ₹750 |
| Eligible reserved categories | ₹500 |
| Special concession categories | ₹250 |
The exact category-wise fee mapping is given in the notification. Pay the fee online before 26 November 2026. Applications without fee payment will not be considered.
Selection Process for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
Selection for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 is based mainly on a written competitive examination conducted by KEA. Generally, the process involves:
- Written examination: Objective type papers covering general knowledge, general Kannada, general English and post-related subjects, depending on the post.
- Provisional selection list: Prepared on the basis of marks and reservation rules.
- Document verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates.
- Final selection list and appointment: Issued by the respective departments or boards.
The papers and syllabus differ for PUC-level and degree-level posts. Download the syllabus from the KEA website for the post you are applying for.
How to Apply Online for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
- Visit the KEA website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- Open the recruitment section and click on the FDA/SDA and other posts recruitment 2026 link.
- Register with your name, mobile number, email and date of birth.
- Log in and fill in personal details, reservation category, educational qualifications and post preferences.
- Upload your photograph and signature in the required size and format.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the application.
Documents Required
- SSLC marks card (date of birth proof)
- 2nd PUC marks card or degree certificate and marks cards
- Caste and income certificate for reservation
- Kalyana Karnataka (371J) certificate, if applying for KK posts
- Rural candidate, Kannada medium and other reservation certificates, if applicable
- Disability or ex-servicemen certificate, if applicable
- Aadhaar card
Difference Between FDA and SDA
The two main posts in KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 are First Division Assistant and Second Division Assistant. Both are clerical posts in Karnataka government offices, but they differ in qualification, pay and responsibility.
| Point | FDA | SDA |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Degree | 2nd PUC / Class 12 |
| Level | Degree-level post | PUC-level post |
| Pay | Higher scale | Lower scale |
| Work | Handles files, notes and drafts, supervises SDAs | Handles basic office work, typing, records and dispatch |
| Promotion | Superintendent and above | FDA after required service |
Degree holders are eligible for both levels, so they can apply for FDA and SDA posts if the notification allows it. This increases their chances of selection under KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026.
Job Profile and Work Life
FDA and SDA employees are the backbone of every government office. They maintain files, prepare notes and drafts, handle public applications, keep accounts and registers, and support officers in day-to-day administration. The working hours are generally fixed, from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with Sundays and public holidays off. Postings can be in taluk offices, district offices, directorates, boards and corporations across Karnataka. Many employees prefer these jobs because of the stable routine and good work-life balance.
Preparation Strategy for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
The exam dates in January 2027 give you about ten weeks to prepare. That is enough time if you follow a clear plan:
- Weeks 1–3: Cover General Knowledge basics: Indian history, Karnataka history, geography, Indian Constitution, economy and general science.
- Weeks 4–5: Focus on General Kannada and General English grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
- Weeks 6–7: Study post-related subjects such as accounts, computer basics or other topics in your syllabus.
- Weeks 8–9: Solve previous KEA and KPSC FDA/SDA papers and take full mock tests.
- Week 10: Revise notes, current affairs of the last eight months and weak areas only.
Important Topics for General Knowledge
- History of Karnataka: Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire, Mysore Wodeyars and the unification movement
- Geography of Karnataka: districts, rivers, dams, forests, wildlife and agriculture
- Indian Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Parliament, state legislature and Panchayati Raj
- Economy: budget basics, banking, Karnataka welfare schemes
- General science and computer awareness
- Current events in Karnataka, India and the world
Can Kerala Candidates Apply for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
Many Malayali job seekers live and work in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru, so this is a common question. Karnataka state government recruitment usually has a few important conditions for candidates from other states:
- Reservation benefits such as category reservation, rural and Kannada medium quotas and Kalyana Karnataka reservation are only for eligible Karnataka candidates. Others compete in the General Merit category.
- Knowledge of Kannada is required for state government jobs. A Kannada language test may be compulsory for candidates who did not study Kannada in school.
- The exam papers include General Kannada, which can be difficult for non-Kannada speakers.
If you are comfortable reading and writing Kannada, you can consider applying. Otherwise, Kerala candidates may prefer central government jobs or Kerala PSC posts. See our guides on Kerala PSC Notifications and Central Govt Jobs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the wrong cadre: Apply for Kalyana Karnataka posts only if you hold a valid 371(J) certificate.
- Wrong reservation details: Claim a reservation only if you have a valid certificate issued before the last date.
- Missing post preferences: Select all posts you are willing to accept, in the order you prefer.
- Incorrect photo and signature: Follow the size and format given in the notification exactly.
- Leaving fee payment to the last day: Payment gateways can fail near the deadline.
Exam Day Tips
Download the admit card as soon as KEA releases it. Reach the centre at least one hour early with the admit card and an original photo ID. Electronic devices are not allowed. Read every question carefully, especially in General Kannada and General English, where small grammar details matter. Manage your time so that you can attempt all the questions you know well first, then return to the difficult ones.
Why KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 Is a Great Chance
With 5,431 posts, KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 is one of the largest clerical recruitments in Karnataka in recent years. It is open to both PUC and degree holders, offers good pay scales, stable working hours and promotion opportunities, and covers a wide range of departments. If you meet the eligibility conditions and are comfortable with Kannada, do not miss this opportunity.
Who Should Apply for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
This recruitment suits a wide range of candidates. You should seriously consider applying if:
- You have passed 2nd PUC or graduation and want a permanent state government job in Karnataka.
- You are comfortable working in Kannada, which is the official administrative language of the state.
- You prefer office work with fixed hours over field or shift-based jobs.
- You are already preparing for KPSC Group C, bank clerk or SSC CHSL exams. The general knowledge and language preparation overlaps a lot.
- You want a job with steady promotions, pay revisions and pension benefits.
Promotion Path After Joining
Candidates selected as SDA through KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 can be promoted to FDA after completing the prescribed years of service and passing departmental exams. FDAs can then move up to Superintendent or Office Manager, and further to Gazetted Assistant and other supervisory posts depending on the department. Employees who clear the Karnataka departmental examinations on accounts and administration usually get faster promotions. Over a full career, many clerical staff reach senior administrative positions.
Previous Year Papers: Why They Matter
KEA and KPSC have conducted FDA and SDA exams several times in the past. The pattern of general knowledge, General Kannada and General English questions has remained fairly stable. Solving at least the last five years of question papers helps you understand which topics are repeated, how tricky the language questions are, and how much time you need per question. Try to solve each paper in a timed setting and then go through the solutions in detail. Note down every question you got wrong and revise these notes weekly. This one habit can add many marks to your final score in KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026.
How to Prepare General Kannada and General English
Language papers decide the final rank for many candidates because the general knowledge scores are often close. For General Kannada, revise sandhi, samasa, vibhakti, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, proverbs and comprehension. Read a Kannada newspaper every day to improve vocabulary. For General English, focus on grammar rules, error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, one-word substitution and reading comprehension. Short daily practice sessions work better than long weekly ones.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once the application window for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 closes, KEA will process all applications and publish any notices about corrections, if allowed. Admit cards are usually released on the KEA website a week or two before the exam. After the exams in January 2027, KEA publishes provisional answer keys and invites objections. Final answer keys and the provisional selection lists follow, and then document verification is held. Selected candidates receive appointment orders from the concerned departments. Keep your login details safe and check the KEA website regularly.
Simple 10-Week Timetable
| Week | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Indian and Karnataka history, Indian polity |
| 3 | Geography of India and Karnataka, economy |
| 4 | General science and computer awareness |
| 5–6 | General Kannada and General English grammar |
| 7 | Post-related subjects and mental ability |
| 8–9 | Previous year papers and full mock tests |
| 10 | Revision and current affairs |
Can degree holders apply for SDA posts in KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
Yes. A degree is a higher qualification than 2nd PUC, so graduates can usually apply for PUC-level posts as well, subject to the rules in the notification.
Finally, remember that consistency matters more than long study hours. Even two focused hours every day, combined with weekly mock tests and regular revision, can put you ahead of thousands of candidates who study without a plan. Stay calm, trust your preparation and give your best on exam day.
Important Links
- Apply online: KEA official website
- More state jobs: State Govt Jobs 2026
- All latest vacancies: Latest Govt Jobs 2026
FAQs on KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
What is the last date for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online is 25 November 2026, and the fee can be paid until 26 November 2026.
How many posts are there in KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
A total of 5,431 posts, including 2,726 degree-level and 2,705 PUC-level posts across the RPC and KK cadres.
What is the qualification for SDA?
A pass in 2nd PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent qualification.
What is the qualification for FDA?
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
When is the KEA FDA SDA exam?
The exams are scheduled on 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027, depending on the post category.
What is the age limit?
18 to 40 years for General Merit, up to 43 years for Categories 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and up to 45 years for SC, ST and Category-1.
Is there an interview?
No interview is mentioned for these clerical posts. Selection is based on the written examination and document verification.
Is Kannada compulsory for these posts?
Knowledge of Kannada is essential for Karnataka state government jobs. Candidates who did not study Kannada as a language up to the prescribed level may need to pass a Kannada language test. Check the notification for the exact condition.
Where will the exam be held?
The exams will be conducted at centres across Karnataka. The exact centre will be printed on your admit card.
Can I edit my application after submission?
KEA sometimes opens a short correction window after the last date. If it does, only certain fields can be changed. Fill the form carefully the first time to avoid problems.
Disclaimer: Details of KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 are compiled from the KEA notification and reliable sources. Saja Jobs is not a recruitment agency. Always check the official KEA website before applying.