Quick answer: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released notifications dated 29 October 2026 for 5,431 posts, mainly First Division Assistant (FDA) and Second Division Assistant (SDA) along with related posts such as Accounts Assistant, Warden and Hostel Supervisor, across Karnataka government departments. Graduates can apply for degree-level posts and 2nd PUC (Class 12) pass candidates for PUC-level posts. Online applications run from 30 October to 25 November 2026 (fee by 26 November) at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Exams are scheduled for January 2027.
This is one of the largest state government clerical recruitments of 2026. FDA and SDA posts are permanent state government jobs with regular pay scales, allowances, pension benefits and job security, which is why they attract lakhs of applicants. The notifications are split into the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) local cadre, so check which one applies to you.
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
| Recruiting body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Notification date | 29 October 2026 |
| Total posts | 5,431 |
| Main posts | First Division Assistant, Second Division Assistant, Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor and others |
| Apply online | 30 October 2026 to 25 November 2026 |
| Fee payment last date | 26 November 2026 |
| Exam dates | 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027 (depending on post) |
| Official website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Vacancy Breakdown
| Level and cadre | Posts |
|---|---|
| Degree-level posts, Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 2,163 |
| PUC-level posts, Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 2,070 |
| Degree-level posts, Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 563 |
| PUC-level posts, Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 635 |
| Total | 5,431 |
Degree-level posts total 2,726 and PUC-level posts total 2,705. Department-wise and category-wise vacancies are listed in the four official notifications.
Eligibility
Educational qualification
- Degree-level posts (including FDA): a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
- PUC-level posts (including SDA): 2nd PUC / Class 12 or a recognised equivalent.
- Some posts require specific subjects, computer or professional qualifications, or experience. Check your post in the notification.
- Kalyana Karnataka posts require local-cadre eligibility with the prescribed certificate.
Age limit
| Category | Maximum age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 40 years |
| Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 years |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | 45 years |
The minimum age is 18 years. Additional relaxations apply for some groups as per Karnataka government rules.
Pay Scales
Pay depends on the specific post. The pay scales listed for this recruitment include:
| Post level | Pay scale |
|---|---|
| PUC-level assistant posts (such as SDA) | ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 |
| Degree-level assistant posts (such as FDA) | ₹44,425 – ₹83,700 |
| Certain specialised / supervisory posts | ₹49,050 – ₹92,500 |
| Certain higher-pay posts | ₹54,175 – ₹99,400 or post-specific scales |
On top of basic pay, state government employees receive dearness allowance, house rent allowance and other allowances, so take-home pay is higher than the starting basic. Confirm the exact scale for your post in the official notification.
Application Fee
- ₹750: General Merit and categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B
- ₹500: SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen and other eligible reserved categories
- ₹250: eligible special-concession categories, such as PwD
Selection Process
- Competitive written examination (offline OMR-based)
- Merit-based shortlisting
- Document verification
- Final selection as per post-wise and category-wise rules
Objective papers carry negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Kannada language ability is assessed as part of the scheme. Check the paper-wise pattern for your post in the official notification.
How to Apply
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea and open the FDA/SDA 2026 recruitment link.
- Read the notification for your cadre (RPC or KK) and level (degree or PUC).
- Register with your mobile number and email, then fill in personal, educational and reservation details.
- Upload your photograph, signature and required certificates.
- Pay the fee online by 26 November 2026.
- Submit and download the completed application.
The Fine Print
- Kannada matters. Karnataka government posts require knowledge of Kannada.
- Kalyana Karnataka reservation requires a valid local-cadre certificate.
- Check post-specific rules. Some posts need extra qualifications or experience.
- Apply early. With thousands of posts, the portal is likely to be busy near the deadline.
Is It Worth Applying?
Yes, for eligible Karnataka candidates. FDA and SDA posts offer permanent government employment, structured pay with allowances, and promotion prospects. Competition will be heavy, so start revising general knowledge, Kannada, English and aptitude now, using previous KEA and KPSC FDA/SDA papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts are in KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
5,431 posts across degree-level and PUC-level categories in the RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.
What is the last date to apply?
25 November 2026, with fee payment allowed until 26 November 2026.
Can 12th pass candidates apply?
Yes, for PUC-level posts such as Second Division Assistant.
When is the exam?
KEA has scheduled exams on 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027, depending on the post.
What is the age limit?
18 to 40 years for General Merit, with higher limits of 43 for 2A/2B/3A/3B and 45 for SC/ST/Category-1.
Official source: Karnataka Examinations Authority FDA/SDA recruitment notifications dated 29 October 2026, at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Always confirm details in the official notification before applying. This site is not affiliated with KEA or the Government of Karnataka and never charges any fee for job information.