KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now for 572 Posts
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka vide Advertisement No. KEA/PD/VAO/2026/01, dated 24 June 2026. Online applications are invited from eligible candidates for 572 Village Administrative Officer (VAO) posts in various cadres in the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka. The pay scale is an attractive ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 per month as per the Karnataka Government Pay Matrix. The last date to apply online is 30 July 2026 at kea.kar.nic.in. This is one of the best sarkari naukri opportunities for 12th pass candidates in Karnataka in 2026 — read the complete eligibility, salary, and application process at agrijob.in, your latest government vacancy portal.

KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
Here is the complete at-a-glance overview of the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 official notification for Village Administrative Officer posts in the Revenue Department, Karnataka:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Revenue Department, Govt of Karnataka |
| Advertisement No. | KEA/PD/VAO/2026/01 |
| Post Name | Village Administrative Officer (VAO) |
| Total Vacancies | 572 Posts |
| Cadre — General / RPC | 505 Posts |
| Cadre — Kalyana Karnataka | 67 Posts |
| Educational Qualification | PUC / 12th Pass or Equivalent |
| Pay Scale | ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 per month (Karnataka Govt Pay Matrix) |
| Age Limit | As per official notification |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 July 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Examination (OMR Based) + Document Verification |
| Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
Who Should Apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
This Karnataka government sarkari naukri is ideal for candidates across Karnataka who match the following profile:
- Candidates who have passed PUC (Pre-University Course) or 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognised board — this is the only essential educational qualification for the VAO post
- Karnataka domicile candidates and those belonging to cadre-eligible districts for the General/RPC cadre (505 posts) and Kalyana Karnataka cadre (67 posts)
- Candidates within the age limit as specified in the official notification — with age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Category-I and other reserved categories as per Karnataka Government rules
- Candidates looking for a permanent govt job in the Revenue Department of Karnataka with excellent career stability and pay scale
- 12th pass, PUC pass, and equivalent candidates seeking their first sarkari naukri in the revenue administration sector of Karnataka
- Candidates willing to appear for the OMR-based Written Examination and prepare for the KEA VAO exam syllabus
Salary & Pay Scale for KEA VAO 2026

The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 offers a highly competitive government pay scale. Here are the complete salary details for the Village Administrative Officer post:
- Pay Scale: ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 per month as per the Pay Matrix of the Karnataka Government
- Gross Monthly Salary: Approximately ₹40,000 – ₹50,000+ per month for new appointees (including DA, HRA, and other allowances as per Karnataka Government norms)
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per Karnataka Government norms, revised periodically
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per the location/posting district norms of Karnataka Government
- Job Security: Permanent Karnataka Government employment with assured career progression
- Pension: Karnataka Government employees are covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) / applicable pension regulations
- Career Growth: VAOs are promotable to higher revenue posts including Revenue Inspector, Shirastedar, Tahasildar cadre over service years
A starting pay of ₹34,100 per month for a 12th pass / PUC pass candidate makes the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 one of the highest-paying entry-level government jobs in Karnataka for non-graduate candidates. Combined with job security, pension, and career progression, this is one of the most sought-after latest agriculture vacancy-equivalent revenue department opportunities in 2026.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | As per KEA official notification (visit kea.kar.nic.in) |
| SC / ST / Category-I | As per KEA official notification (may be reduced/exempt) |
| Persons with Disability (PH) | As per KEA official notification |
| Female Candidates | As per KEA official notification |
The exact application fee details, fee exemptions for reserved categories, and payment mode are available in the official KEA VAO 2026 notification. Candidates must visit kea.kar.nic.in and read the official notification carefully before paying the fee. Incomplete applications or applications without required fee will be rejected by KEA.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | As per official notification (kea.kar.nic.in) |
| SC / ST | Relaxation as per Karnataka Government rules |
| OBC / Category-II A, II B, III A, III B | Relaxation as per Karnataka Government rules |
| Category-I | Relaxation as per Karnataka Government rules |
| Persons with Disability (PH) | Relaxation as per Karnataka Government rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | Relaxation as per Karnataka Government / KEA norms |
The official notification states that age limit details are as per the official notification. Candidates must read the complete official KEA VAO 2026 notification at kea.kar.nic.in for the exact age limit, upper age relaxations for each category, and the reference date for age calculation.
KEA VAO 2026 Vacancy Details – Cadre-wise Breakdown
| Cadre | Total Vacancies | Post Name |
|---|---|---|
| General / RPC Cadre | 505 | Village Administrative Officer (VAO) |
| Kalyana Karnataka Cadre | 67 | Village Administrative Officer (VAO) |
| Total | 572 | Village Administrative Officer (VAO) |
The 572 VAO vacancies are distributed across two cadres — the General/RPC cadre covering most Karnataka districts (505 posts) and the Kalyana Karnataka cadre covering the historically backward Kalyana Karnataka region comprising Bidar, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir, Ballari, and Vijayanagara districts (67 posts). Candidates from Kalyana Karnataka region are encouraged to apply for both cadres as applicable.
Eligibility and Qualification for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
The complete eligibility criteria for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 as per the official notification are:
- Essential Educational Qualification: PUC (Pre-University Course) / 12th Standard Pass or Equivalent from a recognised board or institution — this is the only minimum educational qualification required
- Age Limit: As per official notification — refer to kea.kar.nic.in for exact age criteria
- Domicile: Karnataka domicile / residence criteria as per Revenue Department and KEA norms — see official notification for details
- Application Eligibility Date: Candidates must fulfil all eligibility conditions as on the last date of application (30 July 2026)
- Single Application: Only one application should be submitted per candidate. Multiple applications will be summarily rejected by KEA
- For reservation, category-wise eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and other details: Visit kea.kar.nic.in and read the official notification carefully
- Nationality: Indian Citizen
Selection Process for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
The updated selection process for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 consists of the following stages as per the official notification:
- Written Examination (OMR Based): All eligible applicants will appear for an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) based written examination conducted by KEA. The exam tests candidates on subjects relevant to the VAO role — General Kannada, General English, General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and Rural/Revenue Administration knowledge
- Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted based on written exam merit will be called for document verification of educational certificates, category certificates, domicile proof, and other relevant documents
- Final Merit List: Based on written exam performance and successful document verification, a final merit list will be prepared for appointment as VAO in the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka

How to Apply Online for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 application process is entirely online at kea.kar.nic.in. Applications open from 11 July 2026 and close on 30 July 2026. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official KEA website: kea.kar.nic.in and download the official VAO recruitment notification (Advt. No. KEA/PD/VAO/2026/01) — read it completely
- Verify that you meet all eligibility conditions as on the last date of application (30 July 2026)
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 on the official website
- Register with your valid email ID and mobile number to create a KEA login
- Fill in all required details — personal information, educational qualifications, category/reservation details, and preferred cadre (General/RPC or Kalyana Karnataka)
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required supporting documents in the prescribed format and size
- Pay the application fee online through the payment gateway available on the KEA portal
- Review all filled details carefully before final submission — submit only one application; multiple applications will be rejected
- Submit the application and save the confirmation/acknowledgement page — print a copy for future reference
- Important: KEA will not be responsible for any delay in submission due to technical reasons — apply well before 30 July 2026 to avoid last-minute rush
Apply Before 30 July 2026 — this is a firm deadline with no extension guaranteed. With 572 vacancies in the Revenue Department, this is the biggest Karnataka government recruitment of 2026 for 12th pass candidates. For more govt jobs 2026 alerts, visit agrijob.in Government Jobs and join our Telegram channel.
About KEA and the Village Administrative Officer Role
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is the nodal agency of the Government of Karnataka responsible for conducting competitive examinations for recruitment to various posts in government departments. KEA conducts examinations for the Revenue Department, various KAS (Karnataka Administrative Service) cadre posts, and professional colleges entrance examinations.
The Village Administrative Officer (VAO) is a frontline revenue administration functionary in Karnataka, responsible for maintaining land records, collecting revenue, assisting in government scheme implementation at the village level, and serving as the official interface between the government and rural citizens. VAOs play a critical role in Karnataka’s village-level administration and are among the most respected government employees at the grassroots level. The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 is one of the most anticipated government job notifications in Karnataka in the past several years, offering 572 permanent posts with excellent pay and career growth.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 24 June 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | KEA/PD/VAO/2026/01 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 July 2026 |
| Written Exam (OMR Based) | To be announced on kea.kar.nic.in |
| Document Verification | To be announced after written exam |
| Final Result | To be announced on kea.kar.nic.in |
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Official Notification | kea.kar.nic.in – KEA Official Website |
| Revenue Department, Karnataka | revenue.karnataka.gov.in |
| India Government Portal | india.gov.in – Government of India |
| More Agriculture Jobs | Latest Agriculture Jobs – agrijob.in |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Govt Jobs 2026 – agrijob.in |
| Join Telegram for Job Alerts | Join @agrijob_in on Telegram |
Frequently Asked Questions about KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
What is KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 is an official notification (Advt. No. KEA/PD/VAO/2026/01, dated 24 June 2026) by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) inviting online applications from eligible candidates for 572 Village Administrative Officer (VAO) posts in the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka. Last date to apply online at kea.kar.nic.in is 30 July 2026.
What is the salary for KEA VAO 2026?
The pay scale for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 is ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 per month as per the Pay Matrix of the Karnataka Government. The gross monthly salary including DA, HRA, and other allowances is approximately ₹40,000–₹50,000+ per month for new appointees, making it one of the highest-paying entry-level government jobs in Karnataka for PUC/12th pass candidates.
What is the eligibility for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
The essential educational qualification for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 is PUC / 12th Pass or Equivalent from a recognised board. Age limit and reservation details are as specified in the official notification at kea.kar.nic.in. Candidates must fulfil all eligibility conditions as on the last date of application (30 July 2026).
What is the last date to apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 is 30 July 2026. Online applications start from 11 July 2026 at kea.kar.nic.in. KEA will not be responsible for any delay due to technical reasons — apply early and well before the closing date.
How many vacancies are there in KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
There are 572 total vacancies in KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: 505 posts in the General/RPC cadre and 67 posts in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre. These are permanent Revenue Department positions in the Government of Karnataka.
What is the selection process for KEA VAO 2026?
The selection process for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 consists of two stages: (1) Written Examination (OMR Based) — an objective-type OMR exam testing General Kannada, English, GK, and revenue administration knowledge; and (2) Document Verification — for candidates shortlisted based on written exam merit. There is no interview round for the VAO post.
What is a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in Karnataka?
A Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in Karnataka is a frontline revenue department government employee responsible for maintaining village-level land records, collecting land revenue, implementing government schemes at the village level, and acting as the official link between the Revenue Department and rural citizens. VAOs are posted in villages across Karnataka and are among the most respected government employees in rural administration. They are eligible for promotion to Revenue Inspector and higher cadres over their service period.
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