Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has issued an official notification (No. ED/KEA/14/NEV/2026, dated 31.08.2026) announcing competitive examinations for filling thousands of vacant technical and non-technical posts across various government departments in Karnataka. Here’s everything you need to know about the KEA recruitment drive, vacancy breakup, eligibility levels, and exam schedule.
Also Read: IIT Tirupati Non-Teaching Recruitment 2026 [Group A, B & C Posts]
What Is the KEA 2026 Notification About?
The notification confirms that KEA will conduct competitive exams for direct recruitment to Degree-level, PUC (Pre-University)-level, and Diploma-level posts, covering both technical and non-technical categories, in departments under the Government of Karnataka. This is one of the larger recruitment drives announced by KEA, spanning nearly 50 government departments and directorates.
KEA Recruitment 2026: Total Vacancies at a Glance
The notification lists vacancies across three broad qualification categories:
| Category | Backlog / Local Cadre Vacancies | Kalyana Karnataka Vacancies | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree-level & equivalent (Non-Technical) | 1,912 | 509 | 2,421 |
| PUC-level & equivalent (Non-Technical) | 1,548 | 514 | 2,062 |
| PUC & Diploma-level (Technical, common exam) | 185 | 31 | 216 |
| Grand Total | — | — | 4,699 |
Note: Department-wise vacancy numbers are subject to change as per the notification’s official disclaimer.
Degree-Level Vacancies: Key Departments and Posts
Among the degree-level (non-technical) vacancies, some of the largest opportunities are:
- Land Records & Land Records Bureau Department – Land Assistant: 502 posts
- Department of Social Welfare – Warden (Male): 319 posts
- Backward Classes Welfare Department – Hostel Superintendent (Male & Female): 274 + 112 posts
- Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department – Gram Panchayat Secretary / RDPR Assistant (Grade-1): 184 posts, plus First Division Assistants: 148 posts
- Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society – First Grade Assistant, Computer Operator: 104 posts
- Commercial Taxes Department – First Division Assistant: 66 posts
- Agriculture Department – First Division Assistant: 61 posts
Other departments with openings include Forest, Karnataka Government Secretariat, Cooperative Audit, Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society, Registration and Stamps, Karnataka Public Service Commission, Karnataka Lokayukta, Employees’ State Insurance, Electrical Inspectorate, Tourism, Karnataka Housing Board, and Groundwater Directorate, among others.
PUC-Level Vacancies: Major Opportunities
For candidates with PUC-level qualification, key vacancies include:
- Commercial Taxes Department – Second Division Assistant: 590 posts
- Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department – Gram Panchayat Secretary, RDPR Assistant (Grade-2): 322 posts, plus Second Division Assistant: 309 posts
- Land Records & Bureau Department – Junior Land Assistant: 130 posts
- State Insurance for Medical Benefits Department – Second Division Assistant: 53 posts
- Forest Department – Second Division Assistant: 70 posts
Additional departments recruiting at PUC level include Registration & Stamps, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Karnataka Public Service Commission, Social Welfare, Labour, Electrical Inspectorate, Housing Board, and Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society.
Diploma & PUC-Diploma Technical Posts
For diploma-holders and those combining PUC with diploma qualifications in technical trades, notable vacancies include:
- Urban and Rural Planning Department – Assistant Town Planner: 119 posts
- Bengaluru Development Authority – Junior Engineer (Civil): 50 posts
- Karnataka Housing Board – Junior Engineer (Civil): 20 posts
- Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society – Junior Engineer (Civil): 15 posts
- Groundwater Directorate – Junior Engineer (Civil): 5 posts
- Mathematics and Geo-Informatics Department – Junior Engineer (Mathematics & Geo-Informatics): 4 posts
Exam Schedule: When Will the Detailed Notification and Exams Be Held?
According to KEA, the detailed notification and application process for these posts will be released in September, with the competitive examinations scheduled to be conducted in November and December.
Two separate question papers will be used:
- Degree-level and Diploma-level (non-technical) posts will follow the pattern prescribed under the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 2021, with Paper-1 and Paper-2.
- Diploma-level and PUC-level candidates applying for the same technical post will share a common Paper-1, based on the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 2021, while Paper-2 will be subject-specific and announced separately for each post.
Junior Engineer (Civil) — Paper-2 Syllabus Highlights
KEA has also released the Paper-2 syllabus for Junior Engineer (Civil) posts, covering 14 key subject areas relevant to civil engineering diploma holders:
- Materials of Construction (stones, bricks, cement, timber, metals, paints)
- Surveying (compass, leveling, theodolite, tacheometry, GIS/GPS)
- Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials
- Construction Technology (foundations, masonry, doors/windows, roofing)
- Water Supply Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Hydraulics
- Water Resources Engineering
- Concrete Technology
- Design of RCC (as per IS 456-2000)
- Design of Steel Structures
- Transportation Engineering (roads, railways, bridges)
- Construction Management (CPM, PERT, tendering)
- Estimation and Costing
Aspiring Junior Engineers (Civil) are advised to prepare thoroughly across these topics, as they form the core technical component of the selection process.
How to Stay Updated
Candidates interested in applying for these KEA vacancies should regularly check the official KEA website (kea.kar.nic.in) for the detailed notification expected in September 2026, which will include eligibility criteria, age limits, application fees, and the online application link.
With nearly 4,700 vacancies spread across Degree, PUC, and Diploma qualification levels, the KEA 2026 recruitment drive is a major opportunity for job seekers across Karnataka. Candidates should start preparing early, especially for high-vacancy posts like Land Assistant, Second Division Assistant, and Gram Panchayat Secretary, and keep an eye on the official KEA website for the detailed notification launching in September 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official KEA notification dated 31.08.2026. Vacancy numbers are subject to change as per official updates. Candidates should verify all details from the official KEA website before applying.