SDA FDA Recruitment 2026 Apply Online: The SDA FDA Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for 5,431 vacancies across various Karnataka Government departments, boards and corporations. The recruitment drive includes First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA) and other equivalent Group C positions under the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadres.

This recruitment is an opportunity for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, 2nd PUC or other prescribed qualifications to apply for government positions in Karnataka. KEA has issued four separate notifications covering graduate-level and PUC-level vacancies under the two cadres.

The online application process started on 30 October 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until 25 November 2026. The last date for payment of the application fee is 26 November 2026.

Candidates should carefully select the correct recruitment notification according to their educational qualification and cadre. This article covers vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limits, salary, application fees, selection process, examination dates and the online application procedure.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Overview

The recruitment covers different departments, boards and corporations. The post-wise requirements and reservation conditions are explained in the four separate notifications released by KEA. Jagran Josh+2

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details

A total of 5,431 vacancies have been announced under the RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.

The vacancies are divided into graduate-level and PUC-level positions.

What Are RPC and Kalyana Karnataka Cadres?

Candidates should understand the difference between these two recruitment categories before applying.

1. Residual Parent Cadre (RPC)

The Residual Parent Cadre covers vacancies in the general recruitment category across Karnataka. Candidates should check the eligibility and reservation conditions specified for the RPC positions.

2. Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Cadre

The Kalyana Karnataka cadre covers posts reserved under the applicable local-cadre provisions for the specified region. Candidates claiming eligibility under this cadre must satisfy the relevant local reservation and certificate requirements.

Choosing the wrong cadre can affect an applicant’s eligibility. Therefore, candidates should read the corresponding notification carefully before completing the application.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Post Details

The recruitment includes several administrative, clerical, accounts and other equivalent Group C positions.

Some of the major post categories include:

• First Division Assistant (FDA)
• Second Division Assistant (SDA)
• Accounts Assistant
• Warden
• Hostel Supervisor
• Other equivalent non-technical and departmental positions

The exact posts and department-wise vacancy distribution vary across the four notifications.

Candidates should not assume that every post is available under all four recruitment categories. The official notification for the selected cadre and educational level provides the applicable post list.

What Is the Difference Between FDA and SDA?

Candidates frequently search for FDA and SDA recruitment together, but these positions have different educational requirements and responsibilities.

First Division Assistant (FDA)

A First Division Assistant generally performs administrative and clerical duties in government offices. The responsibilities may include maintaining official records, preparing reports, handling files, processing documents and assisting departmental officers.

FDA-level recruitment generally requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or another qualification specifically prescribed for the relevant post.

Second Division Assistant (SDA)

A Second Division Assistant generally performs clerical and administrative support work. Duties may include data entry, maintaining registers, preparing correspondence, handling documents and supporting routine office operations.

SDA-level recruitment generally requires 2nd PUC or an equivalent qualification, subject to the conditions of the relevant advertisement.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Educational Qualification

The educational qualification depends on the post and recruitment category.

1. FDA Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for FDA-level positions generally need:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
• An equivalent qualification accepted under the relevant recruitment rules.
• Any additional qualification specified for a particular department or post.

Some specialised positions may require a specific degree, subject combination or professional qualification.

Applicants should check the individual post requirements rather than assuming that every graduate qualification is accepted.

2. SDA Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for SDA-level positions generally need:

• 2nd PUC or Class 12 from a recognised board.
• An equivalent qualification accepted under Karnataka Government rules.
• Any additional qualification specified in the relevant notification.

Candidates with qualifications from boards such as CBSE, ICSE or other recognised institutions should check the equivalence conditions mentioned in the notification.

3. Other Group C Posts

Some positions included in the recruitment may have additional educational or technical requirements.

For example, certain accounts, computer-related or supervisory posts may require a particular subject background, computer qualification, diploma or relevant certificate.

Candidates should download the correct notification and confirm the post-specific eligibility before applying.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Age Limit

The age requirements are specified according to the candidate’s category and the applicable recruitment rules.

The commonly reported age limits for this recruitment are:

The recruitment includes applicable age-relaxation provisions, subject to the official notification and relevant Karnataka Government rules.

Candidates should verify the prescribed date for calculating age and any special relaxation before applying.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Salary Details

The salary depends on the post, department and applicable pay scale.

The recruitment covers different pay levels for PUC-level and graduate-level positions.

These are reported pay-scale ranges, not guaranteed monthly take-home salaries. Actual earnings may include admissible allowances and deductions according to the applicable service rules.

Candidates should check the exact pay scale against the post name in the official notification.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Application Fee

The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category.

The reported fee structure is:

Candidates should confirm the applicable fee in the relevant notification and online payment portal. Payment must be completed before the specified fee-payment deadline.

The last date for fee payment is 26 November 2026.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Selection Process

The selection process is based on the competitive examination and subsequent verification of eligibility documents.

The major stages are explained below.

1. Written Competitive Examination

Candidates must appear for the examination conducted by KEA. The examination is intended to assess general knowledge, language ability and other subjects prescribed for the relevant recruitment category.

The examination schedule and subject requirements are provided through the official notification and subsequent KEA instructions.

2. Kannada Language Requirement

Candidates should carefully check the Kannada language requirements mentioned in the notification.

Where a Kannada language test or prescribed Kannada qualification is applicable, candidates must satisfy the relevant conditions. Applicants from outside Karnataka should not assume that they are automatically exempt.

3. Merit List and Shortlisting

KEA prepares the merit list according to the prescribed examination and recruitment rules.

Candidates who meet the qualifying requirements and fall within the relevant consideration zone may be shortlisted for the next stage.

4. Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates must produce original documents to establish their eligibility.

These may include:

• Educational qualification certificates.
• Date-of-birth proof.
• Category and reservation certificates.
• Local-cadre eligibility documents, where applicable.
• Kannada language qualification documents, where required.
• Other post-specific certificates.

5. Final Selection

The final selection is made according to examination performance, reservation rules, document verification and the applicable recruitment conditions.

Candidates should regularly check the official KEA website for examination instructions, results and verification schedules.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Exam Date

The competitive examination is scheduled across multiple dates in January 2027.

The exact examination date, shift and paper allocation for each recruitment category should be checked in the official KEA examination schedule and admit card instructions. Candidates should not assume that every applicant will appear on all five dates. PW Live+1

How to Apply Online for SDA FDA Recruitment 2026?

Candidates who satisfy the eligibility requirements can submit their applications through the official Karnataka Examinations Authority website.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official KEA website at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
2. Open the recruitment or latest notifications section.
3. Find the SDA, FDA and other Group C recruitment notifications dated 29 October 2026.
4. Identify the correct category: RPC Degree-Level, RPC PUC-Level, Kalyana Karnataka Degree-Level or Kalyana Karnataka PUC-Level.
5. Download and read the relevant notification PDF.
6. Open the online application link provided by KEA.
7. Complete the candidate registration process.
8. Log in using your registration credentials.
9. Enter your personal and educational details.
10. Select the applicable recruitment category and eligible post preferences.
11. Provide category, reservation and local-cadre details, where applicable.
12. Upload the photograph, signature and required certificates.
13. Review all information carefully.
14. Submit the application form.
15. Pay the prescribed application fee before the deadline.
16. Download and save the submitted application confirmation.

Candidates should ensure that their application information matches their original documents. Incorrect category selection, inaccurate educational details or invalid certificates can create problems during document verification.

Documents Required for SDA FDA Online Application

Before applying, candidates should prepare the required documents.

Commonly required documents include:

• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Scanned signature.
• Aadhaar card or another valid identity document.
• Class 10 marksheet and certificate.
• 2nd PUC/Class 12 marksheet, where applicable.
• Graduation marksheets and degree certificate, for FDA-level posts.
• Category certificate, if applicable.
• Income and caste certificates, where required.
• Kalyana Karnataka local-cadre certificate, if claiming eligibility under that cadre.
• Kannada language qualification documents, where applicable.
• PwBD certificate, if applicable.
• Ex-Servicemen certificate, if applicable.
• Active mobile number and email address.

The online application portal may specify the permitted file formats and file sizes. Candidates should follow those instructions.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Before submitting the application, keep the following points in mind:

1. Download the correct notification according to your educational qualification.
2. Select the correct cadre: RPC or Kalyana Karnataka.
3. Check the post-specific educational qualification.
4. Verify the age limit and applicable relaxation.
5. Confirm the category and reservation conditions.
6. Read the Kannada language requirements carefully.
7. Upload clear and valid documents.
8. Check the application details before final submission.
9. Pay the fee before 26 November 2026.
10. Save the application form and payment receipt.
11. Follow the official KEA website for examination and admit card updates.

Candidates should avoid relying on unofficial application links or individuals who promise guaranteed selection.

SDA FDA Recruitment 2026: Important Links

The following links are useful for candidates who want to download the notification, access the application portal and check recruitment updates.

KEA has released separate notifications for the four recruitment categories. Candidates should open the official recruitment page and download the relevant PDF for their cadre and qualification level.

FAQ about SDA FDA Recruitment 2026 Apply Online

Conclusion

The SDA FDA Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for candidates seeking administrative and Group C government positions in Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority has announced 5,431 vacancies across different departments, boards and corporations under the RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree can explore the eligible FDA-level positions, while those with 2nd PUC or equivalent qualifications can check the SDA-level vacancies. However, the educational requirements, reservation conditions and post availability differ across the four recruitment notifications.

The online application process began on 30 October 2026, and candidates can submit their forms until 25 November 2026. The fee-payment deadline is 26 November 2026.

Interested applicants should download the correct official notification, check their eligibility and complete the online application through the KEA website. Regularly follow the official portal for examination instructions, admit cards, results and document verification updates.