The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced a major recruitment drive for 4,699 technical and non-technical government vacancies across multiple state departments. This presents a significant opportunity for job seekers with qualifications ranging from PUC to degree level to secure positions in the Karnataka government sector.

Overview

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), an autonomous body under the Government of Karnataka, has received approval to fill a total of 4,699 vacancies across various state government departments. The recruitment encompasses both technical and non-technical positions, with the official notification expected to be released in September 2026 .

This recruitment drive has been designed to cater to candidates with diverse educational backgrounds, including those with PUC, Diploma, and Degree qualifications. The competitive examinations are tentatively scheduled for November and December 2026 .

Important Dates

Based on official announcements, the following schedule is expected:

KEA officials have confirmed that the competitive examinations will be conducted in November and December 2026 . However, the exact application timeline will be confirmed once the detailed notification is published.

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Vacancy Details

The total of 4,699 vacancies is distributed across three educational qualification levels. Additionally, posts are reserved under the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) quota as per Article 371(J) of the Constitution.

Qualification-Wise Breakup

Department-Wise Major Vacancies

The following are some of the key positions available at the Degree level :

Note: The Hans India reported the number at 4,744 vacancies (2,421 degree, 2,062 PUC, and 261 technical) and mentioned that more departments may be added subsequently .

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

Based on KEA’s announcement, the age limits are as follows :

• Minimum Age: 18 years for all categories .

Educational Qualification

Candidates with the following qualifications are eligible to apply, depending on the specific post :

• Degree Level Posts (2,421): Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

• PUC Level Posts (2,062): Candidates must have completed Class 12 / PUC or equivalent from a recognized board.

• Diploma Level Technical Posts (216): Candidates must possess a Diploma in the relevant technical field from a recognized institution.

Detailed qualification requirements for each post will be provided in the official notification.

Other Requirements

• Knowledge of Kannada is generally required for state government positions.

• Candidates must meet any additional requirements specified for their chosen post.

Application Fee

The application fee details are yet to be announced by KEA. Based on previous KEA recruitment patterns, the fee structure is expected to be:

• General, OBC, and Category 2A/2B/3A/3B: Higher fee (likely around ₹500-₹750)

• SC, ST, Category-1: Concessional fee or exemption

Salary / Pay Scale

The salary for selected candidates will be as per Karnataka State Government norms, varying by post. For reference, previous KEA recruitments offered the following pay scales:

• Degree Level Posts: Expected pay scale around ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 (similar to Group-C positions) .

• PUC Level Posts: Salary as per government norms for the specific post.

Selection Process

The selection process is expected to consist of the following stages :

1. Written Examination: A competitive written exam conducted in November-December 2026 .

2. Mandatory Kannada Language Test: A qualifying test for candidates who have not studied Kannada at the school level.

3. Document Verification: Verification of educational and category certificates.

4. Interview (if applicable): Some positions may require an interview round, though the official notification will provide clarity .

Exam Pattern

While the specific exam pattern will be released with the official notification, KEA recruitments generally follow this structure:

• Type: Objective Multiple Choice Questions .

• Negative Marking: Usually applicable (often 0.75 marks deducted per wrong answer) .

• Minimum Qualifying Marks: Often 35% for all categories .

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before applying:

• Valid email ID and mobile number for communication.

• Recent passport-size photograph.

• Scanned copy of signature.

• Class 10, PUC, Degree, or Diploma certificates.

• Category certificate (SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B) if applicable.

• Kannada Medium or Rural study certificate (if claiming reservation).

• PwBD certificate (if applicable).

How to Apply Online

Follow these steps once the online application window opens:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the KEA official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea .

2. Register: Complete the registration process by providing your basic details, email, and mobile number.

3. Fill the Application Form: Enter your personal, educational, and contact details accurately.

4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and certificates in the prescribed format.

5. Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.

6. Submit and Print: Review all details carefully before final submission. Print the confirmation page for future reference.

Important: Once submitted, applications may not be editable. Verify all information carefully before final submission.

Important Links

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the total number of vacancies for KEA Recruitment 2026?

The total number of vacancies is 4,699 across degree, PUC, and diploma levels .

Q2. When will the official notification be released?

The official notification is expected to be released in September 2026 .

Q3. When will the written examination be conducted?

The examinations are tentatively scheduled for November and December 2026 .

Q4. What is the application process for KEA Recruitment 2026?

Applications must be submitted online through the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea .

Q5. What qualifications are required for these posts?

Eligibility varies by post. Positions are available for candidates with PUC, Diploma, and Degree qualifications .

Q6. What is the age limit for general category candidates?

The maximum age for general category candidates is 35 years, with relaxations for reserved categories .

Q7. Are there technical posts in this recruitment?

Yes, there are 216 diploma-level technical posts available .

Q8. What is the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) quota?

Under Article 371(J), a certain number of posts are reserved for candidates from the Kalyana Karnataka region .

Q9. Is there a negative marking in the exam?

Yes, based on previous KEA recruitments, negative marking is applicable (0.75 marks deducted per wrong answer) .

Q10. Where can I find the official notification when released?

The official notification will be available on the KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea .