| The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) issued four notifications on 29 October 2026 for First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA) and related posts across Karnataka government departments, boards and corporations. |
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Recruitment name | KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 |
| Notification date | 29 October 2026 |
| Posts | FDA, SDA, Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor, computer-related and other posts |
| Total vacancies | 5,431 |
| Cadres | Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) |
| Qualification | 2nd PUC (12th pass) for SDA-level; Bachelor’s degree for FDA-level; post-specific for others |
| Age limit | 18 to 40 years (General), with relaxation for reserved categories |
| Salary | Rs. 34,100 to Rs. 99,400 pay scales, depending on post |
| Mode of application | Online |
| Selection | Written exam and document verification |
| Job location | Karnataka |
| Official website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
The four notifications cover different cadres and qualification levels, so check the one that matches your qualification and local-cadre status before applying.
KEA FDA SDA 2026 Important Dates
The last date to apply online is 25 November 2026, and fees can be paid until 26 November 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 29 October 2026 |
| Online application starts | 30 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 25 November 2026 |
| Last date to pay fee | 26 November 2026 |
| Written exam | 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027 (post-wise schedule) |
The exact date, session and centre for each post group will be printed on the admission ticket.
KEA FDA SDA Vacancy 2026
The 5,431 vacancies split almost evenly between degree-level (FDA) and PUC-level (SDA) posts, and mostly sit in the Residual Parent Cadre.
| Recruitment group | RPC | Kalyana Karnataka | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree-level (FDA and equivalent) | 2,163 | 563 | 2,726 |
| PUC-level (SDA and equivalent) | 2,070 | 635 | 2,705 |
| Total | 4,233 | 1,198 | 5,431 |
Department-wise and category-wise vacancy statements are in each notification PDF. Use the one for your cadre and qualification level.
KEA FDA SDA Eligibility 2026
Qualification depends on the post: 2nd PUC for SDA-level, a Bachelor’s degree for FDA-level, and post-specific requirements for the rest.
Educational qualification
| Post group | Qualification |
|---|---|
| SDA and equivalent PUC-level posts | 2nd PUC (12th pass) or recognised equivalent |
| FDA and equivalent degree-level posts | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, or equivalent |
| Accounts Assistant | Commerce or accountancy qualification, depending on post |
| Warden / Hostel Supervisor | Relevant degree or qualification specified for the post |
| Computer-related posts | Prescribed qualification plus computer training or certificate |
A general degree does not automatically qualify you for every FDA-level post, and 2nd PUC does not suit every SDA-level post. Some posts need specific subjects or extra qualifications.
Age limit
Minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age depends on category:
| Category | Maximum age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 years |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | 45 years |
Extra relaxations, including a one-time relaxation and special-category relaxations, follow Karnataka Civil Services recruitment rules as stated in the notification.
Kalyana Karnataka cadre
KK posts carry separate local-cadre reservation and eligibility conditions. Read the KK notification and keep your local-cadre certificates ready before claiming this benefit.
KEA FDA SDA Application Fee and Salary
Fees are Rs. 750, Rs. 500 or Rs. 250 by category, and pay scales run from Rs. 34,100 to Rs. 99,400 depending on the post.
Application fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and other non-concessional categories | Rs. 750 |
| Eligible reserved categories | Rs. 500 |
| Eligible special-concession categories | Rs. 250 |
Pick the correct category in the online form and pay the amount the KEA portal shows, by 26 November 2026.
Salary (notified pay scales)
| Post level | Pay scale |
|---|---|
| PUC-level assistant posts (SDA) | Rs. 34,100 – 67,600 |
| Degree-level assistant posts (FDA) | Rs. 44,425 – 83,700 |
| Certain specialised / supervisory posts | Rs. 49,050 – 92,500 |
| Certain higher-pay posts | Rs. 54,175 – 99,400 or other post-specific scale |
These are pay scales, not fixed take-home pay. Allowances and deductions change the in-hand amount.
FDA and SDA Full Form and Difference
FDA stands for First Division Assistant and SDA for Second Division Assistant. Both are clerical and administrative posts in Karnataka government offices.
| Particular | FDA | SDA |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Higher clerical / administrative | Entry-level clerical |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent | 2nd PUC (12th pass) or equivalent |
| Typical work | File processing, documentation, correspondence, coordination | Data entry, record keeping, filing, office support |
| Pay | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Career path | Higher in the clerical ladder | Promotion to higher administrative posts possible |
Exact duties, pay and qualifications vary by department and post, so confirm them in the notification.
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
Selection is through an offline OMR written exam followed by document verification.
- Written exam for the chosen recruitment group.
- Merit list and shortlisting by exam marks under the applicable rules.
- Document verification of qualification, ID, reservation and local-cadre certificates.
- Final selection under post-wise and category-wise rules.
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 hours |
Papers cover General Knowledge and language components as set in the notification. Each wrong answer carries a penalty of 0.25 marks. Exams are planned for 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027.
How to Apply Online for KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026
Apply on the KEA portal before 25 November 2026 and pay the fee by 26 November 2026.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- Open the recruitment section for the notifications dated 29 October 2026.
- Choose your group: RPC Degree-level, RPC PUC-level, KK Degree-level or KK PUC-level.
- Download and read the detailed notification.
- Register and enter personal details exactly as in your certificates.
- Fill in qualification, reservation and local-cadre details.
- Select your eligible post or preferences as the portal instructs.
- Upload photograph, signature and documents in the required format.
- Review everything, then submit by 25 November 2026.
- Pay the fee by 26 November 2026 and save the confirmation.
Documents required
- SSLC / Class 10 certificate (date of birth proof)
- 2nd PUC / Class 12 certificate
- Degree certificate and marksheets (degree-level posts)
- Professional or computer qualification certificates, where required
- Caste and income certificates, if claiming reservation
- Kalyana Karnataka local-cadre documents, where applicable
- Ex-serviceman, disability or other special-category certificates, if applicable
- Recent photograph and signature
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply online | KEA official website |
| RPC degree-level (FDA) notification, 2,163 posts | Notification PDF |
| RPC PUC-level (SDA) notification, 2,070 posts | Notification PDF |
| Kalyana Karnataka degree-level notification, 563 posts | Notification PDF |
| Kalyana Karnataka PUC-level notification, 635 posts | Notification PDF |
KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Question How many vacancies are there in KEA FDA SDA Recruitment 2026?
Answer There are 5,431 vacancies: 2,163 RPC degree-level, 2,070 RPC PUC-level, 563 KK degree-level and 635 KK PUC-level posts.
Question What is the last date to apply?
Answer The last date to apply online is 25 November 2026, and the fee must be paid by 26 November 2026.
Question Can 12th pass candidates apply for KEA SDA posts?
Answer Yes. Candidates with 2nd PUC (Class 12) or a recognised equivalent can apply for eligible PUC-level posts, subject to post-wise requirements.
Question What is the qualification for KEA FDA posts?
FDA and equivalent degree-level posts generally need a recognised Bachelor’s degree. Some posts also need specific subjects, professional qualifications or computer knowledge.
Question What is the age limit?
Answer Minimum 18 years. Maximum is generally 40 years for General Merit, 43 for Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and 45 for SC, ST and Category-1, subject to notified rules.
Question What is the application fee?
Rs. 750, Rs. 500 or Rs. 250, depending on category and concession rules.
Question What is the selection process?
Answer A written OMR exam followed by document verification and final selection under the applicable rules.
Question When is the KEA FDA SDA exam?
Answer The schedule includes 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2027. The date for you depends on your recruitment group and paper.
Question Are RPC and Kalyana Karnataka vacancies the same?
Answer No. They have separate vacancy lists and reservation rules, so check the notification for your cadre.
