The Karnataka Examinations Authority opened forms on October 30, 2026 for 5,431 FDA SDA posts. These posts sit in 33 state departments. Forms close on November 25. Written exams run on five days in January 2027.
KEA put out the notice on October 30, 2026. H Prasanna is the Executive Director of KEA.
The exam has slipped. Written exams were first planned for November and December 2026. New dates now fall in January 2027.
FDA means First Division Assistant. SDA means Second Division Assistant. Karnataka’s entrance tests and job exams both run through KEA.
The post count grew too. A September plan counted 4,744 posts. That plan sits 687 short of the new count.
How many FDA SDA posts has KEA notified?
The notice lists 2,726 FDA posts and 2,705 SDA posts. That makes 5,431. These posts cover 33 departments of the Karnataka government.
| Cadre | FDA posts | SDA posts |
|---|---|---|
| Residual parent cadre | 2,163 | 2,070 |
| Kalyana Karnataka cadre | 563 | 635 |
| Total | 2,726 | 2,705 |
The September plan listed 2,421 graduate posts and 2,062 PUC posts. It also counted 261 technical posts.
Why the exam moved to January 2027
Written exams were first prepared for November and December 2026. The Bengaluru Live reported that plan on September 1, 2026, quoting H Prasanna.
The exam dates are January 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2027. ETV Bharat reported that KEA will not change them.
Papers are checked after the exam. A result date is not out yet.
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How one KEA application covers several departments
One form and one fee now cover several departments. The Bengaluru Live reported this from the notice.
Posts that need the same degree share one exam. Not every post gets the same paper.
Some candidates can carry old details across. That covers applicants for Village Administrative Officer, Land Surveyor, Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer posts.
Old users log in with their username and password. New users must finish an Aadhaar check in the form.
Karnataka began this one-time registration in January 2025. Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar launched the portal, Deccan Herald reported.
Kalyana Karnataka se hoon, mere liye kitne post hain?
The Kalyana Karnataka cadre holds 1,198 of the 5,431 posts. That count is 563 FDA posts and 635 SDA posts. Everything else sits in the residual parent cadre.
How KEA will allot a post after the result
You pick your department and post choices after the result. A mock allotment follows, run by KEA.
Choices can be changed after that mock round. A provisional list comes first. The final list follows.
You get one post only. Merit and reservation decide it. Choice order is read next.
The paper is objective, with negative marking. There is no interview, The Federal Karnataka reported.
Who is eligible and what the exam paper covers
FDA needs a degree from a recognised Indian university. SDA needs a second PUC pass.
PUC is Karnataka’s pre-university course. It runs for the two years after Class 10.
The paper covers general knowledge, the Constitution, computers and current affairs. General Kannada or English is also tested.
You must apply online, on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Offline forms are not taken.
What CampusFeed could not confirm
The fee is not settled here. Sakshi Education puts the general merit fee at Rs 750.
Rs 500 is the figure for SC, ST, Category-1, ex-servicemen and third gender. Candidates with a disability pay Rs 250 on the same reading.
No second source matched those figures. Check the fee on the notice before you pay.
Reports differ on the age limit. The Federal Karnataka puts the general ceiling at 35 years. ETV Bharat and Sakshi Education put it at 40.
CampusFeed could not open the KEA portal on November 1, 2026. The notice number stays unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for the KEA FDA SDA posts?
The last date to apply for the KEA FDA SDA posts is November 25, 2026. The fee can be paid until November 26, 2026. You must apply online, on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Offline forms are not taken at any stage.
When is the FDA SDA written exam?
The FDA SDA written exam falls on January 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2027. Written exams were first planned for November and December 2026. ETV Bharat reported that KEA will not change the January dates.
Can one application cover more than one department?
One KEA form and one fee now cover several departments, The Bengaluru Live reported from the notice. Posts that need the same degree share one exam. Candidates who applied earlier for Village Administrative Officer or Land Surveyor posts can carry those details across.
Who can apply for an SDA post in Karnataka?
An SDA post in Karnataka needs a second PUC pass or an equal pass. PUC runs for the two years after Class 10. An FDA post needs a degree from a recognised Indian university. Reports differ on the age ceiling.
How many of the 5,431 posts go to the Kalyana Karnataka cadre?
The Kalyana Karnataka cadre holds 1,198 of the 5,431 posts. That count is 563 FDA posts and 635 SDA posts. Everything else sits in the residual parent cadre, which carries 2,163 FDA posts and 2,070 SDA posts.
Last verified: November 1, 2026
Disclaimer: Dates, fees, cutoffs and eligibility can change without notice. Check with KEA before you act.
