KEA SDA FDA Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released its official notification for the direct recruitment of First Division Assistant (FDA) and Second Division Assistant (SDA) posts to fill vacancies in its remaining basic cadre. Eligible candidates who have completed their Degree or PUC (12th) can apply online through the KEA official portal. Interested candidates can check the complete details including vacancy, eligibility, age limit, salary, selection process, and application details below before applying online.
KEA SDA & FDA Quick Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | First Division Assistant (FDA) & Second Division Assistant (SDA) |
| Total Vacancies | 06 |
| Notification Status | Released (19.05.2026) |
| Job Location | Karnataka State |
| Online Application Start Date | 20.05.2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 03.06.2026 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Total Vacancies of KEA SDA FDA Recruitment 2026
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| First Division Assistant (FDA) | 02 |
| Second Division Assistant (SDA) | 04 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 06 |
Post-wise & Category-wise Vacancies
Here is the complete breakdown of the 6 vacancies officially announced by KEA based on reservations:
| Post Name | SC | ST | General Merit | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Division Assistant (FDA) | 01 | 01 | 02 | |
| Second Division Assistant (SDA) | 01 | 01 | 02 | 04 |
Educational Qualifications & Age Restrictions
Before applying, ensure you meet the strict criteria set by the KEA.
Educational Qualification (As of Application Date):
- First Division Assistant (FDA): Must possess a Degree from a legally established University in India or an equivalent qualification.
- Second Division Assistant (SDA): Must possess a PUC (12th Class) or equivalent qualification. Equivalent qualifications include CBSE/ICSE Class 12, NIOS, 3-year Diploma, and JOC (for specific conditions).
Age Rules & Restrictions:
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: The government has provided a one-time upper age limit relaxation of 5 years. The revised maximum age limits are:
- General Merit (GM): 40 Years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 43 Years
- SC, ST, Category-1: 45 Years
- Extra Age Relaxations: Additional age limit extensions apply for Ex-Servicemen, Persons with Disabilities (10 years), Widows (10 years), and Bonded Laborers (10 years) as per rules.
KEA SDA & FDA Application Fee ( Charges)
- General Merit and Other Categories (2A/2B/3A/3B): Rs. 750/- (Rs. 500 Application fee + Rs. 250 Processing fee)
- SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender: Rs. 500/- (Rs. 250 Application fee + Rs. 250 Processing fee)
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Rs. 250/- (Processing fee only)
- Payment Mode: Online only (Note: Fees once paid will not be refunded).
Salary, Perks, and Allowances
Candidates selected for these posts will receive pay scales according to the 2024 revised state pay scales:
| Post Name | Pay Scale (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| First Division Assistant (FDA) | 44,425 – 83,700/- |
| Second Division Assistant (SDA) | 34,100 – 67,700/- |
(Note: Selected candidates will be on a probation period of 2 years and will fall under the National Pension System (NPS). KGID and PF facilities are not available).
The Selection Process Of KEA SDA & FDA
Selection is based on a Competitive Examination conducted offline via OMR sheets at test centers in Bengaluru, Dharwad, and Kalaburagi.
- Compulsory Kannada Language Exam: A 150-mark multiple-choice paper where you must score a minimum of 50 marks to qualify. (Note: Candidates who studied Kannada as 1st/2nd language in SSLC or passed the KPSC/KEA mandatory Kannada test previously are exempt).
- Paper-1 (General Knowledge): 100 Marks, 2 Hours duration. Covers Current Affairs, Indian/Karnataka History & Geography, Constitution, General Science, etc., with slight variations in syllabus depth between FDA and SDA levels.
- Paper-2 (Language & Computer): 100 Marks, 2 Hours duration. Covers General Kannada, General English, and Computer Knowledge.
Steps- to Fill KEA SDA & FDA Online Form
To ensure your application isn’t rejected, follow this exact sequence:
- Step 1: Visit the official KEA website (https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/).
- Step 2: Click on the specific link provided for this recruitment and read all instructions carefully before starting.
- Step 3: Fill in your details. Ensure all information is 100% accurate.
- Step 4: Upload your documents. You must upload a recently scanned passport-size photograph (JPEG format, 50KB to 200KB) and your signature (JPEG format, 50KB to 70KB). Applications missing these will be rejected.
- Step 5: Pay the required fee online and download a printed copy of your application and fee challan for future reference.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 19.05.2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20.05.2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | 03.06.2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 04.06.2026 (up to 4:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be notified later on the website |
KEA SDA & FDA Exam Pattern
Here is the detailed exam pattern for both the First Division Assistant (FDA) and Second Division Assistant (SDA) posts, based on the official notification.
First Division Assistant (FDA) Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject / Topics | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper-2 | Language & Computer: General Kannada, General English, and Computer Knowledge. | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
Second Division Assistant (SDA) Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject / Topics | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper-2 | Language & Computer: General Kannada, General English, and Computer Knowledge. | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
Compulsory Kannada Language Test (Common for both)
If you are not exempted, you must take this qualifying test.
| Subject | Question Type | Maximum Marks | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Kannada | Multiple Choice | 150 | 50 |
Important Rules for the Exam:
- Qualifying Marks: You must score a minimum of 35% overall in the competitive examination to be eligible for selection.
- Negative Marking: For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
5th Option Rule: The OMR sheet will have a 5th circle. If you do not know the answer, you must shade this 5th circle. If you leave a question completely blank without shading the 5th option, 0.25 marks will still be deducted.
Important Notes to Know
- The Strict Negative Marking & 5th Option Rule: For every incorrect response, 0.25 (one-fourth) marks will be deducted. Furthermore, the OMR sheet has a 5th option/circle. If you do not know an answer and leave a question completely unshaded, 0.25 marks will still be deducted. You must also score a minimum of 35% overall to qualify for selection.
- Valid Identity Proofs: On exam day, you must bring your downloaded admission ticket alongside a valid original government ID. Accepted proofs include PAN Card, Driving License, [Aadhaar Redacted], Passport, Voter ID, or a Govt Employee ID. Without this, you will not be permitted inside the center.
- No Edits Allowed: Once submitted, KEA will not allow any changes, edits, or corrections to the application form under any circumstances. Ensure absolute accuracy before submission.
Direct Official Links Of KEA FDA Recruitment 2026
| Names | Links |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| Apply Online | Click here to Apply |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here to Download PDF |
| Join our Telegram | Click here to Join |
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FAQs – KEA SDA & FDA Recruitment 2026
1. Is there negative marking in the KEA SDA & FDA examination?
Yes. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. Also, if you do not attempt a question and fail to shade the 5th OMR option, 0.25 marks will be penalized.
2. What is the minimum qualifying score for the competitive exam?
Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% marks in the competitive examination to be eligible for the selection process.
3. Is the Kannada Language Test compulsory for everyone?
The 150-mark Kannada exam is compulsory, and you must score at least 50 marks. However, if you passed Kannada as a 1st or 2nd language in SSLC or previously passed the KPSC/KEA Kannada test, you are exempted.
4. Can I make corrections to my application form after submitting it?
No. Once the application is submitted, KEA does not allow modifications or corrections to any information at any stage.
5. How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
A total of 06 vacancies have been announced (02 for FDA and 04 for SDA)
6. Are degrees obtained through distance education without UGC approval accepted for the FDA post?
No. According to the official notification, degrees obtained through distance education or open universities that do not have the approval of the UGC will not be considered valid for this recruitment
7. Is there a probationary period for the candidates selected for the KEA SDA & FDA posts?
Yes, candidates selected through direct recruitment for both the First Division Assistant (FDA) and Second Division Assistant (SDA) posts will be on a mandatory probationary period of two years.
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