KEA Recruitment 2026 – 4744 Posts Pay Scale Job Profile and Facility

KEA recruitment 2026 is the largest single-cycle government job drive announced in Karnataka this year. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) published notification No. ED/KEA/14/NEV/2026 on August 31, 2026, covering 4,744 technical and non-technical vacancies across more than 50 state government departments. This guide is for every graduate, PUC pass, and diploma holder in Karnataka who wants a permanent state government job with a secure salary, DA, HRA, and NPS pension — and needs to know the complete pay scale, exact job profile, and all facilities before applying.

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The drive covers three broad tiers: 2,421 degree-level non-technical posts (Accounts Assistants, First Grade Assistants, Commercial Tax Inspectors, Wardens), 2,062 PUC-level non-technical posts (Second Grade Assistants, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, Junior Accounts Assistants), and 261 diploma-level technical posts (Junior Engineers Civil, Assistant Town Planners). Detailed notifications are being issued through September 2026, with written examinations planned for November and December 2026. This article explains every vacancy, the salary for each post type, the actual daily job profile, and every facility a selected candidate will receive.

What Is KEA Recruitment 2026 and Why Does It Matter?

KEA Recruitment 2026 is the large-scale direct recruitment drive announced by the Karnataka Examinations Authority to fill 4,744 vacancies in Karnataka state government departments through competitive written examinations. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is a statutory body under the Government of Karnataka, established to conduct entrance tests and recruitment examinations for admissions and direct hiring across multiple departments.

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This 2026 cycle covers degree-level, PUC-level, and diploma-level candidates in a single recruitment wave, meaning candidates from almost every educational qualification category can find a matching post. Positions available include First Grade Assistants, Accounts Assistants, Wardens, Commercial Tax Inspectors, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, Second Grade Assistants, Junior Engineers (Civil), and more. According to the official announcement by KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna, written examinations will be held in November and December 2026.

The total vacancy count of 4,744 posts may increase as additional departments submit requisitions. This makes KEA 2026 the highest-volume state government hiring cycle in Karnataka this year — and one that every eligible candidate should prioritize.

Who Should Apply for KEA Recruitment 2026?

• 🎓 Degree holders (any discipline) — eligible for 2,421 non-technical posts including First Grade Assistants, Accounts Assistants, Commercial Tax Inspectors, Wardens, and Office Superintendents across 50 departments.
• 📚 PUC / Class 12 pass candidates — eligible for 2,062 non-technical posts including Second Grade Assistants, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, and Junior Accounts Assistants across 41 post categories.
• 🔧 Diploma holders (Engineering) — eligible for 261 technical posts including Junior Engineers (Civil) and Assistant Town Planners in departments like the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Karnataka Housing Board.
• 🏛️ Karnataka domicile candidates seeking permanent state government employment with job security, pension coverage, and annual increments under state pay scales.
• ⚖️ Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/Category-1) who want maximum age relaxation (up to 5 additional years) and reduced application fees (Rs.500 instead of Rs.750).
• 🪖 Ex-servicemen and Commissioned Officers entitled to additional age relaxation equal to military service period plus 3 years.
• 🌍 Kalyana Karnataka region aspirants — 509 KK-cadre degree posts and 514 KK-cadre PUC posts are exclusively reserved for Article 371(J) region candidates from Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara districts.
• 💼 Serving Karnataka state or local authority employees who qualify for up to 10 years of age relaxation and wish to move into a higher-grade or different department post.

KEA Recruitment 2026 — Post-Wise Vacancy Breakdown

The 4,744 vacancies are divided across three educational tiers. The degree-level tier alone spans 50 different post categories across departments ranging from the Karnataka State Audit and Accounts Department to the Forest Department and Social Welfare. Below is the consolidated vacancy summary as per the official KEA notification dated August 31, 2026.

Degree-Level (Non-Technical) Posts — 2,421 Total Vacancies

PUC-Level (Non-Technical) Posts — 2,062 Total Vacancies

Diploma-Level (Technical) Posts — 261 Total Vacancies

KEA Recruitment 2026 Salary and Pay Scale — Post Wise

All selected candidates under KEA recruitment 2026 are placed on the 2024 Revised Karnataka State Pay Scale. In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Allowance, and are covered under the National Pension System (NPS). The actual gross monthly salary is typically 25–35% higher than the basic pay scale shown below, depending on the posting location and current DA rates.

KEA Recruitment 2026 — Job Profile and Daily Duties (Post Wise)

Understanding the actual job profile before applying helps candidates assess career fit and prepare for departmental interviews in later stages of their career. Below is a post-wise breakdown of the key daily responsibilities for the major posts under KEA recruitment 2026.

First Grade Assistant / Accounts Assistant (Degree Level)

• Handle office correspondence, file management, and record-keeping for the assigned department.
• Prepare salary bills, contingency bills, and budget statements as instructed by the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO).
• Maintain service books, leave registers, and pension papers for department employees.
• Assist in audit preparations, respond to inspection memos, and compile compliance reports.
• Process applications, RTI queries, and grievance petitions forwarded by the department head.
• Operate government software platforms including HRMS, e-KAVERI, and SAKALA (Karnataka service delivery portal).

Commercial Tax Inspector (Degree Level)

• Conduct GST inspections and verification of commercial establishments, retail outlets, and warehouses within the assigned jurisdiction.
• Process GST registration applications, amendments, and cancellation requests filed with the department.
• Issue demand notices and recovery orders for outstanding tax liabilities after departmental approval.
• Assist senior officers in audit assessments, raid operations, and anti-evasion drives.
• Maintain electronic records on the GST portal and coordinate with state commercial tax authorities.

Gram Panchayat Secretary / Rural Development Assistant (Grade-1 and Grade-2)

• Act as the administrative head of the assigned Gram Panchayat, coordinating between elected members and government departments.
• Oversee implementation of Centrally Sponsored and State-funded development schemes — MGNREGS, PM Awas Yojana (G), Swachh Bharat Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Maintain village records, land registers, birth and death registers, and survey maps.
• Collect property tax, fees, and other Panchayat revenue from residents and businesses in the Panchayat area.
• Prepare and submit utilisation certificates, progress reports, and accounts to the Taluk Panchayat office.
• Grade-2 handles field-level activities; Grade-1 takes on supervisory and coordination roles over multiple panchayats in some Taluks.

Warden / Hostel Superintendent (Degree Level)

• Oversee daily administration of government residential hostels for SC/ST/OBC students, ensuring discipline, safety, and welfare.
• Manage food procurement, mess operations, and quarterly stock verification for the hostel kitchen.
• Maintain student attendance, health records, and scholarship disbursement registers.
• Coordinate with the district Social Welfare or Backward Classes Welfare office for fund releases, audits, and inspection visits.
• Handle grievances from students, parents, and hostel staff, escalating unresolved issues to the District Welfare Officer.

Junior Engineer (Civil) — Diploma Level

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, tender documents, and technical specifications for civil works assigned by the Executive Engineer.
• Supervise day-to-day construction, road repair, drainage, and water supply project activities at site level.
• Measure and certify work done by contractors for processing payment bills through the department.
• Conduct quality checks on materials (concrete, bricks, steel) as per IS standards and submit material test reports.
• Maintain work diaries, measurement books (MB), and site inspection registers as required under Karnataka PWD Code.
• Assist in survey work, acquisition proceedings, and utility shifting for infrastructure projects assigned to the department.

Second Grade Assistant (PUC Level)

• Handle data entry, typing, and filing duties as assigned by the section head or Head of Office.
• Dispatch inward and outward correspondence, maintain registers, and support the dispatch section.
• Assist in preparation of reports, summaries, and statistical returns required by the department.
• Operate basic government software and maintain digital records in the department’s MIS or ERP system.
• Assist during departmental inspections, audits, or special drives as directed.

Facilities and Perks for KEA 2026 Selected Candidates

All candidates selected through KEA recruitment 2026 are permanent direct-recruit employees of the Government of Karnataka and are entitled to the following facilities and benefits from the date of joining:

It is important to note that KGID (Karnataka Government Insurance Department) and GPF/CPF benefits are NOT applicable for posts notified after March 31, 2006. All KEA 2026 recruits will be covered under NPS only, as confirmed in individual notification documents such as the KEA FDA/SDA notification and KREIS Teacher notification.

Eligibility Criteria for KEA Recruitment 2026

Educational Qualification

• Degree-Level Posts: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) from a recognised university. Posts like Commercial Tax Inspector or Computer Operator may require degree with Commerce or Computer Science.
• PUC-Level Posts: PUC (Class 12) or equivalent from any recognised board. CBSE, ICSE, and NIOS certificates accepted if obtained before the application deadline.
• Diploma-Level Technical Posts: Engineering Diploma (Civil, Mechanical, Mining, Electrical) from a recognised polytechnic. Junior Engineer (Civil) at GBA specifically requires Diploma in Civil Engineering.
• Kannada Language: Mandatory for all posts. Candidates who have not studied Kannada as a subject at SSLC level must clear the KEA Kannada Language qualifying test separately.

Age Limit (as per Notification dated 31.08.2026)

Minimum age: 18 years on the last date of application as per Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977. A one-time 5-year age relaxation for all categories is granted under Government Order No. C 262 SENI 2025 dated 29.01.2026.

Application Fee (Category-Wise)

How to Apply Online for KEA Recruitment 2026 — Step by Step

1. Visit the official KEA portal: Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and look for the KEA Recruitment 2026 notification link under the Recruitment section on the homepage.
2. Read the notification PDF: Download and thoroughly read the complete official notification for your post category (degree / PUC / diploma) before starting the application. Verify eligibility, vacancies, and reservation details.
3. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Click “Apply Online” and create a new OTR account with your valid email ID and mobile number. You will receive an OTP for account verification. Candidates who already have an OTR profile from earlier KEA cycles can log in directly.
4. Fill the application form: Log in with your registration credentials and fill in personal details, educational qualifications, caste/category information, and preferred exam centre district.
5. Upload documents: Upload scanned passport-size photograph (JPG, max 50KB) and signature (JPG, max 30KB) in the prescribed format. Ensure both images are clear and within file size limits.
6. Pay the application fee: Proceed to fee payment using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI through the KEA portal. Download and save the payment receipt immediately after payment.
7. Submit and download confirmation: Review all details carefully before final submission. After submitting, download and print the application acknowledgment PDF for your records. No hard copy needs to be posted to KEA.

KEA vs KPSC Recruitment 2026 — Key Differences

Advantages and Disadvantages of KEA Government Posts 2026

Advantages

• ✅ Permanent employment — all posts are direct-recruit permanent positions; not contractual, outsourced, or ad-hoc.
• ✅ NPS pension coverage — selected candidates receive National Pension Scheme coverage from day one; government contributes 14% of basic + DA.
• ✅ Guaranteed annual increments — annual increments built into the pay scale, with promotion opportunities through DPC over time.
• ✅ DA and HRA benefits — Dearness Allowance revised twice yearly; HRA ranges from 10–30% of basic pay depending on posting city.
• ✅ No interview stage — selection is entirely merit-based on written examination scores, reducing bias.
• ✅ 4,744 seats — the sheer volume makes this one of the most accessible Karnataka state government hiring cycles of 2026.

Disadvantages

• ❌ High competition — lakhs of candidates apply; cut-offs for popular departments like Commercial Taxes can be very competitive.
• ❌ NPS instead of OPS — unlike older recruits on the Old Pension Scheme, new hires get market-linked NPS without a fixed monthly pension guarantee.
• ❌ 2-year probation period — service can be terminated during probation for unsatisfactory performance; confirmation is not automatic.
• ❌ Slow promotion timelines — departmental promotions can take 5–10 years depending on vacancies in the next grade and the DPC schedule.

Important Terms Related to KEA Recruitment 2026

• RPC (Residual Parent Cadre): State-wide general cadre covering all Karnataka districts except the Kalyana Karnataka region. Open to all Karnataka-domicile candidates.
• KK (Kalyana Karnataka) Cadre: Reserved exclusively under Article 371(J) for candidates from 7 districts: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara.
• OTR (One-Time Registration): KEA’s permanent candidate profile system at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in — created once and reused for all future applications.
• NPS (National Pension Scheme): Defined-contribution pension applicable to all Karnataka government employees appointed after April 1, 2006. Employee: 10%; Government: 14% of basic + DA.
• KGHS (Karnataka Government Health Scheme): Cashless medical treatment scheme covering the employee, spouse, children, and dependent parents at empanelled hospitals across Karnataka.
• DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee): A committee constituted by the department to review service records and recommend promotions to the next higher grade based on seniority and merit.
• CBT (Computer Based Test): Online examination mode where candidates appear at designated computer centres. KEA conducts some recruitment exams in CBT mode.
• OMR (Optical Mark Recognition): Offline examination using printed bubble sheets. KEA uses OMR for many Group C post exams.
• SAKALA: Karnataka’s citizen service delivery platform under which government employees including Assistants and Secretaries are expected to process citizen applications within time-bound deadlines.
• ED/KEA Notification No.: Official reference number of a KEA recruitment notification published by the Executive Director (ED) — format: ED/KEA/[serial]/NEV/[year]. This cycle: ED/KEA/14/NEV/2026.

Important Dates — KEA Recruitment 2026 Timeline

All dates are as per the official KEA announcement dated August 31, 2026. Candidates should bookmark kea.kar.nic.in for real-time updates as individual notifications are released through September–October 2026.

Important Links — KEA Recruitment 2026

Conclusion — Is KEA Recruitment 2026 the Right Opportunity for You?

KEA recruitment 2026 is a landmark opportunity for every Karnataka job seeker — from PUC pass candidates to degree holders to engineering diploma graduates. With 4,744 vacancies across 50+ departments, salary scales from Rs.34,100 to Rs.83,700 per month, permanent employment, no interview stage, and comprehensive job benefits including DA, HRA, KGHS medical coverage, earned leave, and NPS pension, this drive removes most barriers that discourage first-time government job applicants. Detailed notifications and application links are live at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in — bookmark the KEA portal today, read the notification relevant to your qualification level, and apply as soon as the application window opens for your post category.

Frequently Asked Questions About KEA Recruitment 2026

What is KEA recruitment 2026 and how many vacancies are announced?

KEA recruitment 2026 is the direct recruitment drive by the Karnataka Examinations Authority covering 4,744 technical and non-technical vacancies across 50+ Karnataka government departments. The official announcement (Notification No. ED/KEA/14/NEV/2026) was made on August 31, 2026, by KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna. The total includes 2,421 degree-level, 2,062 PUC-level, and 261 diploma-level posts. The count may increase as additional departments submit requisitions.

What is the salary for KEA recruitment 2026 posts?

The salary for KEA recruitment 2026 posts follows the 2024 Revised Karnataka State Pay Scale. Degree-level posts (Accounts Assistants, First Grade Assistants) carry Rs.44,425 – Rs.83,700 basic per month. PUC-level posts (Second Grade Assistants, Junior Accounts Assistants) carry Rs.34,100 – Rs.67,600 per month. Diploma-level Junior Engineers earn Rs.37,500 – Rs.76,100 per month. The actual gross salary is 25–30% higher after adding DA and HRA allowances based on posting location.

What are the key facilities provided to KEA 2026 selected candidates?

Selected candidates receive: Dearness Allowance (revised twice yearly), House Rent Allowance (10–30% of basic depending on city), National Pension System (NPS) coverage (government contributes 14%), Karnataka Government Health Scheme (KGHS) for cashless medical treatment, 30 days earned leave annually, 15 days casual leave, maternity leave (180 days), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Transfer TA, and annual increments. All posts are permanent and non-contractual. Note: KGID and GPF/CPF benefits do not apply — only NPS applies for KEA 2026 recruits.

What is the job profile of a First Grade Assistant under KEA 2026?

A First Grade Assistant (degree-level, Group C) handles office file management, correspondence, salary bill preparation, leave and service register maintenance, audit compliance, and RTI query processing for the assigned department. They operate government software platforms including HRMS and SAKALA (Karnataka’s citizen service delivery system). Postings are across various departments — Agriculture, Commercial Taxes, Forest, Secretariat, Rural Development, and others — with the specific responsibilities varying by department.

What is the age limit for KEA recruitment 2026?

Minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age is 40 years for General Merit candidates, 43 years for OBC (Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B), and 45 years for SC, ST, and Category-1 candidates. A special one-time 5-year age relaxation for all categories applies under Government Order No. C 262 SENI 2025 dated 29.01.2026. Additional relaxation applies to ex-servicemen, serving Karnataka government employees (up to 10 years), widows, and Persons with Disabilities.

Is there an interview for KEA recruitment 2026?

No. KEA recruitment 2026 for Group C non-technical and technical posts does not include an interview. Selection is entirely based on performance in two written papers — Paper-1 (General Studies: General Knowledge, Kannada, Mental Ability, Constitution, Current Affairs — 150 marks) and Paper-2 (Post-specific subject — 150 marks). A Kannada Language qualifying test is also required for candidates who have not cleared Kannada as a subject at SSLC. The final merit list is prepared solely on aggregate written examination marks.

What is the difference between RPC and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) vacancies?

RPC (Residual Parent Cadre) posts are open to all Karnataka-domicile candidates on a state-wide basis — 1,912 degree-level and 1,548 PUC-level posts fall here. Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre posts are exclusively reserved under Article 371(J) for candidates from Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara districts — 509 degree-level and 514 PUC-level posts. A candidate can apply for either RPC or KK posts based on eligibility, but not both simultaneously in the same notification cycle.

What is the exam pattern for KEA 2026 Group C posts?

All Group C non-technical posts follow a two-paper written examination under the Karnataka Civil Services (Direct Recruitment) (General) Rules, 2021. Paper-1 covers General Knowledge, Kannada, Mental Ability, Current Affairs, and the Indian Constitution (150 marks, 2 hours). Paper-2 is post-specific — Accounts for Accounts Assistants, Commerce for Commercial Tax Inspectors, Civil Engineering for Junior Engineers (150 marks, 2 hours). Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies per wrong answer. Minimum qualifying marks are 35% for General Merit candidates.

Can candidates outside Karnataka apply for KEA recruitment 2026?

KEA recruitment 2026 posts are Karnataka State cadre positions. To qualify, candidates must hold Karnataka domicile / nativity status and be able to demonstrate Kannada language proficiency. Candidates who have lived in Karnataka for a specified period as per the Karnataka state domicile rules, or who have studied in Karnataka, may be eligible — but candidates from outside Karnataka who do not meet the domicile condition and Kannada requirement are generally not eligible for these state cadre posts. Specific conditions are detailed in the individual notification PDF on kea.kar.nic.in.

When will KEA recruitment 2026 exam dates and admit cards be released?

Written examinations for KEA recruitment 2026 posts are scheduled for November and December 2026 as confirmed in the August 31 announcement. Admit cards will be released on the official KEA portal (kea.kar.nic.in and cetonline.karnataka.gov.in) 2–3 weeks before the examination date. Candidates should regularly check the official website and avoid relying on third-party notifications. Results are expected in early 2027, followed by document verification and appointment order issuance.

Last Updated: October 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page at Agrijob.in for the latest KEA recruitment 2026 updates including new notifications, application links, and exam dates.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All vacancy counts, salary figures, job profile details, and eligibility criteria are based on the official KEA notification dated August 31, 2026, and related publicly available recruitment notifications. Candidates are advised to verify all information from the official KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with KEA or the Government of Karnataka.

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