The Karnataka Examinations Authority has opened applications for 5,431 First Division Assistant, Second Division Assistant and equivalent posts across state departments. Apply online between 30 October 2026 and 25 November 2026 and pay the fee by 26 November 2026. Exams are planned for January 2027.
Updated 31 October 2026
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official portal | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea (Karnataka Examinations Authority) |
| Helpline | KEA helpdesk numbers listed on the KEA website; KEA office, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru |
| Fee | ₹750 for General Merit and 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B; ₹500 for SC, ST, Category-1, ex-servicemen and third gender; ₹250 for persons with disabilities |
| Deadline | Apply by 25 November 2026; pay fee by 26 November 2026 |
| Documents | SSLC (for date of birth), 2nd PUC or degree certificate, caste and income certificate, Kalyana Karnataka certificate if claiming KK quota, photo and signature |
| Exam dates | 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027 (as announced by KEA) |
How many posts are there and where?
KEA notified the recruitment on 29 October 2026. The 5,431 posts are split into two cadres:
| Cadre | FDA and degree-level posts | SDA and PUC-level posts |
|---|---|---|
| Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 2,163 | 2,070 |
| Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 563 | 635 |
| Total | 2,726 | 2,705 |
The posts are spread across 33 departments, boards and corporations. Besides FDA and SDA, there are equivalent posts like accounts assistants, wardens and hostel supervisors. Each post's department and number is in the notification PDF on the KEA site.
RPC or KK: which one should I apply for?
• Kalyana Karnataka (KK) posts are reserved under Article 371(J) for people from the Kalyana Karnataka region: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari and Vijayanagara. You need a 371(J) eligibility certificate from the Assistant Commissioner.
• Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) posts are open to eligible candidates from across Karnataka, including people from the KK region.
If you have a valid KK certificate, you can usually apply in both, but read the notification carefully since separate applications and fees may be needed.
Who can apply? Qualification and age
| Post level | Minimum qualification |
|---|---|
| FDA and degree-level posts | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| SDA and PUC-level posts | 2nd PUC or an equivalent like CBSE/ICSE Class 12, NIOS, a two-year ITI/JOC or a three-year diploma, as accepted in the rules |
| Technical posts | The relevant diploma prescribed for the post |
Age limit:
| Category | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit | 18 | 40 |
| 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 18 | 43 |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | 18 | 45 |
The upper limits include a one-time relaxation for this round, as reported. Check the cut-off date for age in the notification.
What does the exam look like?
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Compulsory Kannada | Descriptive | 150 | 90 minutes |
| Paper 2 | General English or General Kannada | Objective, 100 questions | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Paper 3 | General Knowledge | Objective, 100 questions | 100 | 90 minutes |
The objective papers carry negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. In past rounds, the compulsory Kannada paper was a qualifying paper and some candidates who studied Kannada at SSLC level were exempt. Check the 2026 notification for the exact exemption rules before you skip preparing for it.
How should I prepare in the time left?
From the last date of 25 November 2026 to the first exam day on 8 January 2027, you have about six weeks after applying. A simple plan:
• Weeks 1 and 2: Go through the syllabus in the notification. Solve one old FDA or SDA paper from KPSC or KEA to see where you stand.
• Weeks 3 and 4: General Knowledge daily. Focus on Karnataka history, geography, the Constitution, state schemes and current affairs from the last 12 months.
• Week 5: General English or Kannada grammar, comprehension and vocabulary. Practise under time.
• Week 6: Full mock tests with negative marking. Learn to skip questions you're unsure about, since a wrong answer costs a quarter mark.
Keep the Kannada descriptive paper in mind too. Practise letter writing, essays and translation, even if you think you're comfortable in the language.
How do I apply, step by step?
1. Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea and open the Group-C FDA and SDA recruitment 2026 link for RPC or KK.
2. Read the notification PDF fully. Note the post code you want.
3. Register with your name, date of birth, mobile number and email.
4. Fill the form: personal details, qualification, category, reservation claims, KK status.
5. Upload your photo and signature in the size given.
6. Pay the fee online by 26 November 2026.
7. Download and save the filled application.
Fill it carefully. Errors in category or reservation claims are hard to fix later and can cost you the post during document verification.
What happens after the exam?
Selected candidates are called for document verification with originals. Your marks, category certificate, KK certificate and qualification are checked. Then KEA publishes a provisional and final selection list, and the departments issue appointment orders.
Real-life examples
Example 1, a B.Com graduate in Hubballi. Shwetha is 26 and from the General Merit category. She applies for FDA posts under RPC and pays ₹750 on 3 November 2026.
Example 2, a PUC pass-out in Kalaburagi. Mallikarjun, 22, from SC, has a 371(J) certificate. He applies for SDA posts under KK and pays ₹500.
Example 3, a diploma holder in Mysuru. Kiran has a three-year diploma. He checks the notification to confirm it counts as equivalent to PUC for the SDA posts he wants.
Common doubts candidates have
Can I apply for both FDA and SDA? Generally, yes, if you meet the qualification for each. A graduate can usually apply for SDA posts too. Check the notification for whether you need separate applications.
I'm in my final year of degree. Can I apply for FDA? Usually you must hold the qualification by the last date for applications, 25 November 2026. If your results aren't out by then, you may not be eligible for FDA posts, but you may still qualify for SDA with your PUC.
Will there be an interview? No. Selection for these posts is based on the written exam and document verification.
Documents checklist
☐ SSLC mark sheet for date of birth
☐ 2nd PUC or degree certificate and mark sheets
☐ Caste and income certificate, if claiming reservation
☐ 371(J) Kalyana Karnataka certificate, if applying for KK
☐ Rural, Kannada medium or other reservation certificates, if applicable
☐ Recent photo and signature scan
☐ Aadhaar and an active mobile number
Final reminder
Apply by 25 November 2026 and pay by 26 November 2026. Don't wait for the last two days when the site slows down. For other Karnataka services, see our guide to Karnataka's Janasevaka doorstep certificates. You can also check who represents your area on NetaSampark's Karnataka page, and read about Karnataka's MPs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for KEA FDA and SDA 2026?
25 November 2026. The fee must be paid by 26 November 2026.
How many posts are there?
5,431 in total: 4,233 under the Residual Parent Cadre and 1,198 under Kalyana Karnataka.
What is the age limit for General Merit candidates?
18 to 40 years for General Merit, 43 for 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 45 for SC, ST and Category-1.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the objective papers.
When is the exam?
KEA has announced 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027. Check the admit card for your exact date.
Sources
• Karnataka Examinations Authority
• KEA on X, 29 October 2026: FDA and SDA recruitment notification
• Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Karnataka