FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 is a major government job opportunity for candidates seeking administrative and clerical positions in Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced recruitment for 5,431 vacancies across various Karnataka government departments, boards and corporations.

The recruitment covers First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA) and other equivalent Group C positions. The vacancies are divided into graduate-level and PUC-level categories under the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadres.

The online application process reportedly started on 30 October 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications up to 25 November 2026, while the last date for fee payment is 26 November 2026.

Candidates interested in these government jobs should carefully read the relevant notification before applying. The recruitment includes different posts with different educational qualifications, so applicants must select the correct category and cadre.

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Overview

FDA and SDA Vacancy 2026 Details

KEA has announced a total of 5,431 vacancies through four recruitment notifications covering graduate-level and PUC-level posts under the RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.

The reported vacancy distribution is given below.

The graduate-level category includes FDA and equivalent positions, while the PUC-level category includes SDA and equivalent positions.

Apart from FDA and SDA, the recruitment covers other departmental positions. Depending on the notification, these may include Accounts Assistant, Warden, Hostel Supervisor and other non-technical posts.

Candidates should download the relevant notification to check the exact department-wise and post-wise vacancy distribution.

What Is FDA and SDA?

Before applying, candidates should understand the difference between FDA and SDA positions.

First Division Assistant (FDA)

FDA stands for First Division Assistant. It is an administrative position generally associated with government offices and departments.

The main responsibilities of an FDA may include:

• Maintaining official files and documents.
• Preparing reports and correspondence.
• Managing departmental records.
• Assisting senior officers with administrative work.
• Processing applications and official documents.
• Supporting routine office operations.
• Handling data entry and documentation tasks.

FDA-level recruitment generally requires a recognised bachelor’s degree, although the exact qualification may differ for equivalent posts.

Second Division Assistant (SDA)

SDA stands for Second Division Assistant. It is generally an entry-level clerical and administrative position in government offices.

The responsibilities may include:

• Maintaining office registers.
• Assisting with documentation.
• Entering and updating information.
• Handling files and records.
• Supporting administrative staff.
• Managing routine clerical work.
• Assisting with departmental correspondence.

SDA-level recruitment generally covers candidates with a 2nd PUC or equivalent qualification, subject to the requirements of the particular post.

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification

The educational qualification depends on the position selected by the candidate.

FDA Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for FDA-level and equivalent graduate-level positions generally need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

However, some equivalent positions may require a specific degree, diploma or subject combination. Applicants should check the individual post requirements before submitting their applications.

SDA Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for SDA-level and equivalent PUC-level positions generally need to have passed 2nd PUC or an equivalent recognised examination.

The exact educational requirements may differ for certain departmental posts.

Other Posts

Some positions included in the recruitment may require specialised educational qualifications. For example, an Accounts Assistant or another technical or departmental position may have additional subject-specific requirements.

Therefore, candidates should not assume that one qualification makes them eligible for every post included in the recruitment.

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

The age limit is an important eligibility condition. The reported general age requirements for this recruitment are as follows:

The minimum age is reported as 18 years.

Age relaxation and the date used to calculate a candidate’s age must be checked in the applicable official notification. Candidates should also verify whether any special relaxation provisions apply to their category.

Do not submit an application based only on an age calculation from an unofficial website.

RPC and Kalyana Karnataka Cadre Explained

The KEA recruitment includes vacancies under two important cadres: Residual Parent Cadre and Kalyana Karnataka.

Residual Parent Cadre (RPC)

RPC refers to the Residual Parent Cadre. These vacancies are intended for recruitment under the applicable Karnataka state cadre arrangements.

Candidates applying under RPC should read the relevant notification to understand the reservation rules, eligibility conditions and available posts.

Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Cadre

The Kalyana Karnataka cadre covers vacancies under the special local-cadre provisions applicable to the designated region.

Candidates seeking reservation or other benefits under this cadre must satisfy the applicable local eligibility requirements and provide the prescribed supporting documents.

Applicants should carefully select the appropriate cadre while completing the online application. The eligibility conditions for RPC and KK recruitment may differ.

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Application Fee

The reported application fee structure is given below.

The fee structure includes the applicable processing fee. Candidates should verify their category, fee exemption and payment instructions in the official notification before making payment.

The application fee should be paid only through the authorised KEA application portal.

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection process is based on the competitive examination and other verification requirements prescribed by KEA.

1. Competitive Written Examination

Eligible candidates must appear for the competitive examination applicable to their selected recruitment category.

The examination assesses candidates’ language knowledge, general awareness and other subjects specified in the recruitment rules.

2. Kannada Language Test

A Kannada language test is included in the recruitment process. Candidates should check the notification for the qualifying requirements, applicable exemptions and other instructions.

3. Document Verification

Candidates who qualify in the required examination stages may be called for document verification.

They must produce original documents to establish their educational qualifications, age, category and other eligibility conditions.

The final selection will be based on the applicable recruitment rules, examination performance, reservation provisions and verification of eligibility.

FDA and SDA Exam Pattern 2026

The reported examination structure includes three papers.

The compulsory Kannada paper is reported as a qualifying language paper. Candidates should carefully check the official notification for the minimum qualifying marks, exemptions and the way examination scores are used for merit preparation.

Negative marking may apply to objective papers. The applicable penalty and other examination instructions should be verified from the official examination rules.

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Exam Dates

The recruitment examination is scheduled for January 2027, with different dates for the respective cadres and educational qualification levels.

The reported schedule is given below.

Candidates should confirm their examination date, reporting time, examination centre and paper schedule through the official KEA website and their admit card. Any revised timetable issued by KEA will take precedence over previously published schedules.

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 Salary

The salary for FDA, SDA and equivalent positions depends on the department, post, pay scale and applicable Karnataka government service rules.

FDA-level and SDA-level positions may have different pay structures. Equivalent posts included in the recruitment may also carry separate pay scales.

The salary package may include:

• Basic pay.
• Dearness allowance.
• House rent allowance, where applicable.
• Other admissible government allowances.
• Benefits available under the relevant service rules.

Candidates should refer to the post-wise salary information in the official notification. The salary of one position should not be assumed to apply to every post covered by the recruitment.

How to Apply Online for FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026

Candidates who satisfy the eligibility requirements can apply online through the KEA website.

Follow these general steps:

Step 1: Visit the KEA Official Website

Open the Karnataka Examinations Authority website:

https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea

Step 2: Find the Recruitment Notification

Locate the FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 section. Check the four relevant notifications covering graduate-level and PUC-level posts under RPC and Kalyana Karnataka.

Step 3: Read the Notification

Download the correct notification and carefully check the educational qualification, age limit, category requirements, vacancy details and application instructions.

Step 4: Complete Registration

Register on the application portal using the information requested by KEA. Keep your mobile number and email address accessible.

Step 5: Fill Out the Application Form

Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, category information and other required particulars accurately.

Step 6: Select the Correct Cadre and Post

Choose the appropriate recruitment category and cadre according to your eligibility. Carefully check whether you are applying for a graduate-level or PUC-level position.

Step 7: Upload Required Documents

Upload your photograph, signature, certificates and other documents in the prescribed format.

Step 8: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the applicable fee using the authorised payment facility. Save the payment receipt for future reference.

Step 9: Review and Submit

Review all details before submitting the form. Incorrect information may cause problems during document verification.

Step 10: Download the Application Form

After successful submission, download and save the application confirmation page. Keep it safe until the recruitment process is completed.

Important Dates for FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026

Candidates are advised to complete their applications before the last date rather than waiting until the final day.

Documents Required for FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026

Applicants should keep the following documents ready:

1. Aadhaar card or another valid identity document.
2. SSLC or 10th standard certificate.
3. 2nd PUC certificate, where applicable.
4. Bachelor’s degree certificate, where applicable.
5. Educational mark sheets.
6. Caste or category certificate, if applicable.
7. Kalyana Karnataka eligibility documents, if applicable.
8. Recent passport-size photograph.
9. Scanned signature.
10. Other certificates required for the selected post.

Candidates should ensure that their certificates are valid and issued by the appropriate authorities.

Preparation Tips for FDA and SDA Examination 2026

Candidates should prepare systematically to improve their performance in the competitive examination.

Understand the syllabus: Download the official syllabus and identify the subjects and topics included in the examination.

Prepare Kannada: Give special attention to Kannada language preparation, particularly if you need to appear for the compulsory language test.

Study General Knowledge: Prepare Indian history, geography, the Constitution, Karnataka-related general knowledge, current affairs and other relevant topics.

Practise English or General Kannada: Work on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and other language topics according to your selected paper.

Attempt mock tests: Regular mock tests can help improve speed, accuracy and time management.

Revise regularly: Prepare short notes and revise important topics frequently.

Check official updates: Follow KEA announcements for admit cards, examination instructions, answer keys and results.

Important Links for FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026

Candidates should visit the KEA website to access the four relevant notification PDFs:

• FDA Graduate-Level Recruitment – RPC.
• FDA Graduate-Level Recruitment – Kalyana Karnataka.
• SDA PUC-Level Recruitment – RPC.
• SDA PUC-Level Recruitment – Kalyana Karnataka.

The notification PDFs contain the detailed vacancy distribution, post-wise eligibility requirements, reservation rules, fee instructions and examination details.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Before submitting an application, candidates should remember the following points:

• Read the correct notification carefully.
• Confirm your educational qualification for the selected post.
• Check the age limit and applicable category relaxation.
• Select the correct RPC or Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
• Verify all personal and educational details.
• Upload documents according to the prescribed specifications.
• Pay the application fee through the official portal.
• Save the application form and payment receipt.
• Follow KEA announcements for examination updates.
• Do not trust individuals promising guaranteed selection in exchange for money.

FAQ about FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026

Conclusion

FDA and SDA Recruitment 2026 is a significant opportunity for candidates seeking Karnataka government jobs in administrative and clerical departments. With 5,431 reported vacancies across graduate-level and PUC-level categories, the KEA recruitment covers First Division Assistant, Second Division Assistant and several equivalent Group C positions.

Candidates should carefully check the four recruitment notifications, identify the correct educational qualification and cadre, and submit their applications through the official KEA website before 25 November 2026. The examination schedule is reported for January 2027, so applicants should begin preparing for the Kannada language test and competitive examination.

Most importantly, verify all vacancy, age, fee and examination details directly from the official notification. A careful application and consistent preparation can help candidates move forward confidently in the recruitment process.