KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has conducted the 2026 recruitment process for Village Administrative Officer (VAO) posts under the Revenue Department of Karnataka. The recruitment is also associated with the designation Village Accountant or Grama Aadalitha Adhikari in recruitment-related notices.
A total of 572 vacancies were announced under two categories: 505 posts under the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and 67 posts under the Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) local cadre. The recruitment attracted candidates seeking government employment in Karnataka, particularly those who have completed their Pre-University Course (PUC) or an equivalent qualification.
The application window has closed, and the recruitment process has moved to the examination and subsequent stages. Candidates should now focus on the latest KEA notifications, examination updates, answer keys, results, and further instructions rather than relying on outdated application announcements.
In this article, you will find the important details about KEA VAO Recruitment 2026, including vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limits, salary, selection procedure, examination schedule, important links, and frequently asked questions.
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Department | Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Post Name | Village Administrative Officer (VAO) / Village Accountant |
| Total Vacancies | 572 |
| RPC Vacancies | 505 |
| Kalyana-Karnataka Vacancies | 67 |
| Notification Date | 10 July 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Extended Application Deadline | 20 August 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | PUC or an equivalent recognised qualification, subject to the official notification |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Pay Scale | ₹34,100–₹67,600 |
| RPC Competitive Examination | 4 October 2026 |
| KK Competitive Examination | 25 October 2026 |
| Official Website | KEA Official Website |
| Recruitment Information | KEA Recruitment Portal |
The recruitment details and dates above are based on information published for the 2026 recruitment cycle. Candidates should refer to the latest official notification for category-specific conditions, examination instructions, and subsequent updates.
Latest Update on KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
KEA issued recruitment notifications in July 2026 for Village Administrative Officer posts under the RPC and Kalyana-Karnataka categories. The application period was subsequently extended, with the revised closing date reported as 20 August 2026.
As of 19 October 2026, the application window has closed. The RPC competitive examination was held on 4 October 2026, while the KK competitive examination is scheduled for 25 October 2026.
Candidates should check the appropriate recruitment section on the official KEA website for the latest answer-key notices, result announcements, examination instructions, and any additional requirements.
Do not assume that a new application window is open simply because older recruitment pages still display an application link. Any further opportunity to apply would need to be confirmed through an official KEA notification.
KEA VAO Vacancy 2026: Category-Wise Posts
KEA announced 572 Village Administrative Officer vacancies under two recruitment categories.
| Recruitment Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 505 |
| Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) Local Cadre | 67 |
| Total | 572 |
The RPC vacancies were distributed across multiple districts, while the KK vacancies were designated for the applicable local cadre.
The district-wise distribution, reservation arrangements, and applicable eligibility conditions may differ between the two notifications. Candidates should check the relevant official notification rather than relying on a combined vacancy table alone.
The distinction between RPC and KK is important because candidates must meet the conditions specified for the cadre under which they applied. The applicable local reservation and eligibility requirements should be verified in the official recruitment documents.
Educational Qualification for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
Candidates applying for the VAO posts were required to satisfy the educational qualifications stated in the recruitment notification.
The general qualification reported for this recruitment is Second PUC, or Class 12, or an equivalent qualification recognised under the applicable rules.
Candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- The qualification must be recognised under the applicable recruitment rules.
- Candidates should check whether their educational qualification meets the specific conditions in the notification.
- Any required educational certificates must be available for verification.
- Candidates should follow the notification regarding the date by which the qualification must have been obtained.
- Additional conditions, if applicable to a category or cadre, must also be satisfied.
Meeting the educational qualification alone does not guarantee selection. Candidates must also meet the age, reservation, documentation, and examination requirements specified by KEA.
Age Limit for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
The recruitment notification specifies minimum and maximum age requirements. The reported age limits for the 2026 recruitment are shown below.
| Category | Reported Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B | 43 years |
| SC, ST and Category-1 | 45 years |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
The exact age calculation date and the conditions for claiming age relaxation must be confirmed from the official notification.
Candidates should not calculate eligibility based only on their current age. The date specified in the notification determines how age is assessed for recruitment purposes.
Applicants claiming relaxation must provide the appropriate supporting documents during the prescribed stage of verification.
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: Salary and Pay Scale
The reported pay scale for the Village Administrative Officer posts is ₹34,100 to ₹67,600.
The salary a selected candidate receives may depend on the applicable service rules, pay structure, allowances, deductions, and other government provisions.
| Salary Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Village Administrative Officer |
| Reported Pay Scale | ₹34,100–₹67,600 |
| Employer | Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Allowances | As applicable under government rules |
| Actual Take-Home Salary | Depends on applicable allowances and deductions |
The pay scale should not be confused with the exact monthly take-home salary. The amount credited to an employee may differ depending on the appointment terms and applicable deductions.
Candidates should refer to the official notification and relevant Karnataka government service rules for authoritative salary information.
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
The following table summarises the major dates reported for the recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Original Notification | 10 July 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 11 July 2026 |
| Original Application Deadline | 30 July 2026 |
| Extended Application Deadline | 20 August 2026 |
| Extended Fee Payment Deadline | Check the applicable official extension notice |
| RPC Competitive Examination | 4 October 2026 |
| Provisional Answer-Key Publication | 6 October 2026, as reported for RPC |
| RPC Answer-Key Objection Deadline | 8 October 2026, as reported |
| KK Competitive Examination | 25 October 2026 |
| Further Result and Selection Updates | To be confirmed through KEA notices |
The schedule may differ between the RPC and KK categories. Candidates should use the relevant official recruitment page for their category and check any revised timetable published by KEA.
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
The selection process is governed by the official recruitment notification. Candidates should read the applicable rules carefully because the requirements may vary by cadre or category.
The recruitment process includes a competitive examination, and candidates must follow any applicable Kannada Language Test instructions and subsequent selection requirements.
1. Competitive Written Examination
The competitive examination is a key stage of the recruitment process. Candidates must follow the examination instructions and attend the examination according to the schedule issued for their category.
For candidates who have already appeared, the next step is to check official answer-key and result announcements.
2. Kannada Language Test
Candidates should check the relevant notification for the Kannada Language Test requirement, including who must appear, the applicable date, and the qualifying conditions.
KEA published a Kannada Language Test notification during the 2026 recruitment cycle. Applicants should consult the latest official notice to determine the requirements applicable to their candidature.
3. Document Verification
Candidates who progress to document verification may be required to present proof of educational qualification, age, category, local-cadre eligibility, and other details requested by the authority.
The exact documents and verification schedule should be taken from the official notice.
4. Final Selection
Final selection depends on the recruitment rules, examination performance, eligibility, reservation provisions, document verification, and any other applicable conditions.
Candidates should not treat an answer-key score or an unofficial expected cutoff as confirmation of selection. The final outcome must be established through official KEA announcements.
How to Check KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Updates?
Since the application window has closed, candidates should regularly check the official website for updates relevant to their recruitment category.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the KEA official website.
- Locate the recruitment section for Village Administrative Officer or VAO posts.
- Select the relevant RPC or KK recruitment page.
- Open the latest notification, answer-key notice, examination schedule, or result announcement.
- Read the instructions carefully and note any deadlines.
- Download and save the relevant document for future reference.
Candidates should also keep their application details, registration information, and examination records accessible. These details may be required when checking updates or completing subsequent recruitment formalities.
Important Links for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
Use the following links to access recruitment information and official updates.
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| KEA Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| VAO Recruitment Notifications | Visit KEA |
| RPC Recruitment Information | KEA Official Website |
| Kalyana-Karnataka Recruitment Information | KEA Official Website |
| Answer-Key and Objection Notices | KEA Official Website |
| Examination Schedule and Instructions | KEA Official Website |
| Results and Further Recruitment Updates | KEA Official Website |
The KEA website may display separate recruitment pages for RPC and KK. Select the appropriate category and use the latest notice available on that page. Avoid relying on old application links or third-party pages when confirming current recruitment status.
Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready
Candidates who progress to further stages should keep their original documents and any required copies organised.
Depending on the official instructions and individual circumstances, the following may be required:
- Educational qualification certificates and marks cards.
- Proof of date of birth.
- Application form and registration details.
- Examination-related documents or admission ticket.
- Caste or category certificate, where applicable.
- Income or other reservation-related certificates, where required.
- Local-cadre eligibility documents, where applicable.
- Valid identity proof.
- Any additional documents specifically requested by KEA.
This is a general preparation list, not a substitute for the official document-verification checklist. Candidates must follow the exact requirements in the applicable notification.
FAQ
What is KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 is the Karnataka Examinations Authority recruitment process for Village Administrative Officer posts under the Karnataka Revenue Department. The posts are also referred to as Village Accountant or Grama Aadalitha Adhikari in recruitment-related information.
How many vacancies were announced under KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 572 vacancies were announced: 505 under the Residual Parent Cadre and 67 under the Kalyana-Karnataka local cadre.
What is the educational qualification for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
The reported general educational qualification is PUC, Class 12, or an equivalent recognised qualification. Candidates must verify the exact conditions in the official notification.
What is the age limit for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
The reported minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age varies by category, with reported limits of 40 years for General Merit, 43 years for categories 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and 45 years for SC, ST and Category-1 candidates. The official notification determines the applicable age calculation and relaxation rules.
What is the salary for a Village Administrative Officer?
The reported pay scale is ₹34,100–₹67,600. Actual salary and take-home pay depend on applicable service rules, allowances, and deductions.
What was the last date to apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
The application deadline was extended to 20 August 2026. The application window is now closed, unless KEA publishes a new official notice reopening it.
When was the KEA VAO 2026 examination held?
The RPC competitive examination was held on 4 October 2026. The KK competitive examination is scheduled for 25 October 2026. Candidates should check the official KEA website for any revised schedule or further instructions.
Where can I check the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 result?
Visit the KEA official website and open the relevant VAO recruitment section. Check the latest result announcement for your cadre.
Is the Kannada Language Test part of the recruitment process?
KEA published a Kannada Language Test notification during the recruitment cycle. Candidates should read the applicable notice to confirm whether they must appear and what conditions apply to them.
Can I still apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
The application period has closed. Candidates should not assume applications are open unless KEA publishes a new official notice.
What documents may be required during verification?
Documents may include educational certificates, proof of age, application details, category certificates, local-cadre eligibility records, identity proof, and any other documents specified in the official notification.
Where can I find the official KEA VAO notification?
Visit https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and locate the appropriate VAO recruitment section. The official notification contains the authoritative eligibility conditions, vacancy details, selection rules, and instructions.
Conclusion
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 announced 572 Village Administrative Officer vacancies under Karnataka’s Revenue Department, divided between 505 RPC posts and 67 Kalyana-Karnataka posts. The recruitment attracted candidates with PUC or equivalent qualifications who were seeking government employment in Karnataka.
The application window has closed, the RPC examination was held on 4 October 2026, and the KK examination is scheduled for 25 October 2026. Candidates should now concentrate on the latest official notifications, answer-key updates, examination requirements, results, and subsequent selection stages.
For reliable information, visit the KEA official website and select the recruitment page applicable to your cadre. Read each notification carefully, keep your documents ready, and follow the instructions issued by the authority.
Candidates should rely on official KEA notices for final confirmation of examination schedules, results, eligibility, and selection decisions. This is the safest way to remain informed throughout the remaining stages of KEA VAO Recruitment 2026.










