The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released a new recruitment notification for the year 2026-27, inviting applications for the posts of First Division Assistant (FDA) and Second Division Assistant (SDA). This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who are searching for stable government jobs in Karnataka with attractive salaries and career growth.
According to the official notification, a total of 6 vacancies are available under different reservation categories. Candidates who have completed PUC or a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution are eligible to apply depending on the post. Interested and eligible applicants can submit their applications online through the official KEA recruitment portal.
The online application process started on 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply is 03 June 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the registration process before the deadline to avoid technical issues at the last moment.
Overview of KEA Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Examinations Authority has announced recruitment for FDA and SDA positions in various departments. These posts are highly sought after because they offer job security, respectable salaries, and opportunities for promotion within government service.
Recruitment Highlights
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Names | First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA) |
| Total Vacancies | 6 Posts |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Starting Date to Apply | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 03 June 2026 |
| Official Department | Karnataka Government |
Total Number of Vacancies
The recruitment notification includes a total of six vacancies divided between FDA and SDA posts.
Vacancy Distribution
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| First Division Assistant (FDA) | 2 Posts |
| Second Division Assistant (SDA) | 4 Posts |
| Total | 6 Posts |
The reservation system has been followed while distributing the vacancies among different categories.
FDA Reservation Details
Out of the 2 FDA posts:
- 1 post is reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates
- 1 post is allocated to General Merit candidates
SDA Reservation Details
Out of the 4 SDA posts:
- 1 post is reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates
- 1 post is reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates
- 2 posts are allocated to General Merit candidates
This distribution ensures equal opportunities for candidates belonging to various social categories as per Karnataka Government rules.
Educational Qualification Required
Candidates must meet the required educational qualifications before applying for the posts.
Qualification for FDA Posts
Applicants who wish to apply for the First Division Assistant (FDA) post must possess:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Or an equivalent qualification recognized by the government
Candidates from arts, commerce, science, management, and other educational streams are eligible if they hold a valid degree certificate.
Qualification for SDA Posts
Candidates applying for the Second Division Assistant (SDA) post should have:
- Passed PUC (Pre-University Course)
- Or possess an equivalent qualification from a recognized education board
Students who have completed higher secondary education can apply for SDA positions.
Age Limit Details
Applicants must satisfy the prescribed age criteria as of 03 June 2026.
Minimum and Maximum Age
| Criteria | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 40 Years |
Candidates who fall within the above age group are eligible to submit applications.
Age Relaxation Rules
The Karnataka Government provides age relaxation benefits for reserved category candidates.
Category-Wise Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 3 Years |
| SC/ST and Category-1 | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service period + 3 Years |
Eligible candidates should provide valid category certificates while applying online.
Application Fee Details
Candidates must pay the prescribed application fee through online payment methods such as debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen, Third Gender | ₹500 |
| General and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | ₹750 |
| Persons with Disabilities | ₹250 |
Applications without successful fee payment will not be considered valid.
Salary Structure for KEA SDA and FDA Posts
One of the biggest attractions of this recruitment is the excellent salary package offered by the Karnataka Government.
FDA Salary
Candidates selected for the FDA post will receive a salary ranging between:
₹44,425 to ₹83,700 per month
SDA Salary
Candidates selected for the SDA post will receive a salary ranging between:
₹34,100 to ₹67,600 per month
Apart from the basic salary, selected employees may also receive government allowances, medical benefits, pension-related benefits, and other facilities according to Karnataka Government rules.
Required Documents for Online Application
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before beginning the online application process.
List of Important Documents
- Degree marks card
- PUC marks card
- Degree certificate
- Residential certificate
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Passport-size photograph
- Candidate’s signature
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-servicemen certificate (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents required by KEA
All scanned copies should be clear and uploaded in the specified format and size.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online
Candidates can follow the instructions below to successfully submit their online application.
How to Apply for KEA SDA and FDA Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official website of the Karnataka Examinations Authority.
Step 2: Open Recruitment Section
On the homepage, click on the recruitment section and select the SDA/FDA Recruitment 2026 notification.
Step 3: Complete Registration
New users must complete the registration process by entering:
- Name
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Basic personal information
After registration, candidates will receive login credentials.
Step 4: Login to the Portal
Use the generated user ID and password to log in to the application portal.
Step 5: Fill Application Form
Enter all required details carefully, including:
- Personal information
- Educational qualification
- Address details
- Reservation category
- Communication details
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Educational certificates
- Identity proof
- Other necessary documents
Step 7: Pay Application Fee
Pay the applicable fee through online payment modes.
Step 8: Final Submission
Review the entire application carefully before clicking the submit button.
Candidates are advised to take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Selection Process for SDA and FDA Posts
The selection of candidates will be conducted through multiple stages.
1. Competitive Examination
Eligible applicants will first appear for a competitive written examination.
The examination centers are expected to be conducted in cities such as:
- Bengaluru
- Dharwad
- Kalaburagi
Negative Marking
Candidates should note that:
- 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer
Therefore, applicants must answer carefully during the examination.
2. Kannada Language Test
After the written examination, candidates may have to appear for a Kannada language test.
However, candidates who studied Kannada as either:
- First language
- Second language
during SSLC or PUC may receive exemption from this stage.
Important Dates
Candidates should remember all important deadlines related to the recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 03 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 04 June 2026 (Before 4 PM) |
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Why This Recruitment is a Good Opportunity
Government job aspirants across Karnataka are showing strong interest in this recruitment for several reasons.
Key Benefits
Stable Government Career
FDA and SDA positions offer long-term job security and financial stability.
Attractive Salary
The salary package is competitive and includes additional government allowances.
Promotion Opportunities
Employees may receive promotions and departmental growth opportunities based on performance and seniority.
Work-Life Balance
Government jobs often provide better work-life balance compared to many private-sector jobs.
Social Respect
Working in a government department carries prestige and recognition in society.
Preparation Tips for Competitive Exam
Candidates preparing for the KEA SDA and FDA examination should focus on smart preparation strategies.
Study Suggestions
Understand the Syllabus
Carefully review the official syllabus and exam pattern before starting preparation.
Practice Previous Question Papers
Solving previous year papers can improve time management and understanding of important topics.
Improve General Knowledge
Candidates should regularly read current affairs, Karnataka-related topics, and general awareness materials.
Focus on Kannada and English
Language sections often play an important role in scoring well.
Take Mock Tests
Online mock tests help candidates evaluate their preparation level and identify weak areas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
Many candidates make errors while submitting online applications. Avoid the following mistakes:
- Uploading unclear documents
- Entering incorrect personal details
- Paying the wrong application fee
- Waiting until the last date
- Submitting incomplete forms
Always double-check the information before final submission.
Final Words
The KEA SDA and FDA Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking Karnataka government jobs. With good salaries, career growth, and job stability, these positions are expected to attract a large number of applicants across the state.
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should apply online before 03 June 2026 and begin preparing seriously for the competitive examination. Proper preparation, accurate application submission, and timely action can improve the chances of securing one of these government positions.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly visit the official KEA website for updates regarding hall tickets, examination schedules, and further announcements related to the recruitment process.
