KEA Village Administrative Officer Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority on 10 July 2026, inviting applications for 572 Village Accountant (Grama Aadalitha Adhikari) posts across Karnataka districts. The recruitment is split into two cadres: 505 positions under the General/RPC cadre and 67 positions under the Kalyana-Karnataka cadre. Candidates with a PUC qualification (or equivalent) and aged 18-40 years (with relaxation for reserved categories) can apply online at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea until 30 July 2026.
With the application window closing on 30 July 2026, eligible candidates have approximately 19 days remaining to complete and submit their online forms, including fee payment by 31 July 2026.
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | Village Accountant / Grama Aadalitha Adhikari |
| Total Vacancies | 572 (505 General/RPC + 67 Kalyana-Karnataka) |
| Notification No. | ED/KEA/26/NEV/2026(RPC) and ED/KEA/27/NEV/2026(KK) |
| Mode of Application | Online only |
| Selection Process | Competitive written examination (Offline-OMR) |
| Pay Scale | ₹34,100-₹67,600 |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 11 July 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 30 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Application Fee | 31 July 2026 |
| Written Exam (General/RPC) | 04 October 2026 |
| Written Exam (Kalyana-Karnataka) | 25 October 2026 |
| Exam Timing – Paper 1 | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Exam Timing – Paper 2 | 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM |
KEA VAO Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for Village Accountant positions must be Indian citizens aged 18 years or older (as of the application closing date) with a PUC qualification or equivalent. As per the two separate notifications issued by KEA on 10 July 2026 for the General/RPC cadre (Notification No. ED/KEA/26/NEV/2026(RPC)) and Kalyana-Karnataka cadre (Notification No. ED/KEA/27/NEV/2026(KK)), candidates must also be mentally and physically fit to perform the duties of the post.
Educational Qualification
| Qualification Required |
|---|
| PUC (Pre-University Course, Class 12 equivalent) or a higher qualification recognised as equivalent by the Karnataka Government. Equivalent qualifications include CBSE/ICSE Class 12 examinations, State Government pre-university board examinations, NIOS vocational courses, two-year ITI courses with requisite language and general subject clearance, and technical diplomas from institutions established before 2015 (if Kannada subject was cleared at SSLC level). |
Age Limit
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 | 45 years |
Minimum age requirement is 18 years as on the closing date of the application. The upper age limits above include a 5-year relaxation granted vide Government Order dated 29 January 2026.
Age Relaxation Provisions
Additional relaxation beyond the category limits is granted to:
- Government/local body/PSU employees – relaxation equal to years of service or 10 years, whichever is less
- Ex-servicemen – relaxation equal to service rendered, plus 3 years
- NCC full-time supervisors – relaxation equal to years of service
- Special Chetana (persons with disabilities) candidates – 10 years relaxation
- Widows and divorced women (not remarried) – 10 years relaxation with proof
- Transgender/third-gender candidates – age relaxation as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
All candidates claiming relaxation must produce original supporting certificates at document verification.
Who Should Consider This Recruitment?
- Graduates with PUC or Class 12 equivalent qualification can apply; candidates possessing qualifications higher than PUC are also eligible.
- Candidates aged 18-40 years meet the basic age requirement; reserved category candidates receive 3-5 years of additional age relaxation depending on their category.
- Candidates seeking rural employment in their home districts can apply for only one district of their choice under either the General/RPC cadre or the Kalyana-Karnataka cadre.
- Persons with disabilities and ex-servicemen receive significant age relaxation and lower application fees.
- Both male and female candidates are eligible; the notification contains no gender-based restrictions.
KEA VAO Vacancy Breakdown – General/RPC Cadre (505 Posts)
| District | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru Nagara | 20 |
| Bengaluru Gramantara | 29 |
| Chitradurga | 15 |
| Chikkaballapura | 21 |
| Tumakuru | 50 |
| Shivamogga | 18 |
| Kolara | 22 |
| Bengaluru Dakshina | 30 |
| Mysuru | 45 |
| Mandya | 50 |
| Hassana | 35 |
| Udupi | 10 |
| Dakshina Kannada | 20 |
| Chamarajanagara | 31 |
| Chikkamagaluru | 10 |
| Belagavi | 48 |
| Bagalakote | 16 |
| Gadaga | 14 |
| Haveri | 15 |
| Bidar | 4 |
| Raichuru | 2 |
KEA VAO Vacancy Breakdown – Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre (67 Posts)
| District | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Kalaburagi | 40 |
| Bidar | 17 |
| Raichuru | 10 |
Candidates must apply for only one district; multi-district applications will be rejected. Vacancy and category figures may be revised by district authorities, so applicants are advised to check for a corrigendum before finalising their district choice.
About the Village Accountant Role
Village Accountants (Grama Aadalitha Adhikari) serve as administrative officers in rural gram panchayat structures, responsible for maintaining revenue records, land documentation, and village accounts. The role combines field work in rural communities with desk-based administrative duties, requiring candidates to interact with village residents, government officials, and local authorities on matters of land revenue and public records. As a Group C position under the Karnataka Government pay scale, this post offers career stability with opportunities for advancement within rural administration and eventual promotion to higher revenue positions. SSB Constable GD personnel work across India, with frequent postings in remote and challenging terrain, making physical fitness and mental resilience essential attributes for the role.
Pay Scale and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | ₹34,100-₹67,600 (with annual increments) |
| Pay Level | Group C, State Government |
| Probation Period | 2 years |
| Pension Scheme | National Pension Scheme (NPS) |
At the Group C level under the Karnataka pay scale, Village Accountants receive a starting basic pay of ₹34,100 with structured annual increments. The position qualifies for NPS benefits, and all appointees must complete a 2-year probation period following regular appointment. Additional allowances (HRA, dearness allowance, and other statutory benefits) are provided as per Karnataka Government rules.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | ₹750 (₹500 application + ₹250 processing) |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Third Gender | ₹500 (₹250 application + ₹250 processing) |
| Special Chetana (PwBD) | ₹250 (processing fee only) |
Application fees must be paid online at the time of form submission. Fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
KEA VAO Selection Process
Selection is determined entirely by a competitive written examination conducted in offline OMR mode. A minimum of 35% marks is required to qualify for the exam. Candidates opting for Kannada language exemption (based on having passed Kannada as first or second language at SSLC level) must clear a compulsory qualifying Kannada language test (150 marks, minimum 50 marks required)-this test is not counted toward merit ranking. District-wise merit lists are prepared by KEA and forwarded to the respective District Magistrates for appointment at the district level.
KEA VAO Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Knowledge (current affairs, general science, Indian Constitution, Indian and Karnataka history/geography, Panchayat Raj, rural cooperatives, Karnataka regional development) | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 | General Kannada, General English, Computer Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
Each question has 4 options with one correct answer. Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for every wrong answer. A minimum qualifying score of 35% is required.
How to Apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- Click on the VAO Recruitment 2026 application link for your applicable cadre (General/RPC or Kalyana-Karnataka).
- Register with basic details and generate login credentials.
- Fill the online application form with personal, educational, and category details, selecting only one district of preference.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, 50KB-200KB) and signature (JPEG, 50KB-70KB) as per specifications.
- Verify all entered details carefully; no corrections are permitted after submission.
- Pay the applicable application fee online to complete the submission.
- Download and retain a printout of your submitted application and fee payment receipt.
Ensure your Aadhaar Card details are ready, as they are mandatory for application submission. Pay particular attention to selecting only one district; applications for multiple districts will be automatically rejected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Uploading documents exceeding specified file size limits – photograph must be 50KB-200KB, and signature must be 50KB-70KB; uploads outside these ranges will cause form rejection at document verification.
- Applying for more than one district – KEA accepts only single-district applications; submitting applications for multiple districts will result in rejection of all entries.
- Selecting the incorrect cadre – ensure you apply under the correct cadre (General/RPC or Kalyana-Karnataka) matching your residence; switching cadres after submission is not permitted.
- Submitting incomplete personal or educational details – the form requires full accuracy; incomplete information results in candidature cancellation at any stage.
- Missing the fee payment deadline of 31 July 2026 – applications without fee payment by the specified date will be rejected; submit payment well before the deadline to avoid portal congestion.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Educational qualification certificates (PUC/Class 12 or equivalent)
- Age proof (birth certificate, SSLC pass certificate, or Aadhaar)
- Category/reservation certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B as applicable)
- Any relaxation-related certificates (ex-serviceman discharge certificate, disability certificate, widow declaration, NCC supervisor service certificate, etc.)
- Passport-size photograph and signature (as per specified formats)
What Happens After You Apply?
- Application window closes on 30 July 2026; fee payment must be completed by 31 July 2026.
- Admit cards and exam centre details will be announced on the official website after the application period closes.
- Written examination for General/RPC cadre will be held on 04 October 2026 in offline OMR mode (Paper 1: 10:30 AM-12:30 PM; Paper 2: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM).
- Written examination for Kalyana-Karnataka cadre will be held on 25 October 2026 with the same timings and format.
- District-wise merit lists will be prepared and forwarded by KEA to District Magistrates for appointment processing.
- Selected candidates will undergo document verification and will be required to produce original certificates to confirm eligibility, age, and category claims.
- A regular appointment will be made following successful verification, with a mandatory 2-year probation period.
KEA VAO Important Instructions
- Applications are accepted online only; offline or postal applications will not be considered.
- Candidates must apply for only one district; multi-district applications are rejected.
- Original documents must be produced at document verification; failure to appear with valid original documents will result in candidature cancellation.
- Read all eligibility instructions carefully before applying; incomplete or incorrect information may lead to rejection at any stage.
- Impersonation, forged documents, or unfair means during the exam will result in disqualification and possible criminal or disciplinary action.
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for application submission.
- Vacancy and category figures may be revised by district authorities; check for corrigendum before finalising district choice.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download General/RPC Cadre Notification (Kannada) | Download Notification |
| Download Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre Notification (Kannada) | Download Notification |
| Download General/RPC Cadre Notification (English) | Download Notification |
| Download Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre Notification (English) | Download Notification |
| Official KEA CET Portal | Visit Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for the KEA Village Administrative Officer Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The last date to submit your online application is 30 July 2026. Application fee payment must be completed by 31 July 2026. Ensure you finish both registration and fee payment within these windows, as no extensions are granted.
Q2. I have a 10+2 certificate from a state board. Am I eligible to apply?
Ans. Yes. Class 12 or Pre-University Course (PUC) certificates from state government pre-university education boards are recognised as equivalent qualifications. Your 10+2 certificate qualifies you to apply, provided you meet the age and other eligibility conditions.
Q3. Can I apply for multiple districts at the same time?
Ans. No. The notification explicitly states that candidates can apply for only one district within their applicable cadre. Submitting applications for more than one district will result in the rejection of all your applications.
Q4. What is the age relaxation for SC/ST candidates?
Ans. SC/ST/Category-1 candidates have an upper age limit of 45 years, which already includes the 5-year relaxation granted vide Government Order dated 29 January 2026. Additional relaxations for ex-servicemen, government employees, persons with disabilities, and widows are detailed in the notification; submit original supporting certificates at document verification if claiming any of these.
Q5. Will there be any interview rounds, or is selection based on the written exam alone?
Ans. Selection is based entirely on the competitive written examination conducted in offline OMR mode. There is no separate interview round. A minimum of 35% marks in the written exam is required for qualification.
Q6. What happens if my exam centre details are not announced by the scheduled exam date?
Ans. Admit cards and exam centre details will be announced on the official KEA website after the application period closes. Check the website regularly from mid-August 2026 onwards. If details are delayed, KEA will provide adequate notice before the exam date.
Q7. Am I required to know Kannada to apply for this recruitment?
Ans. Candidates who have passed Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC level are exempted from the Kannada language paper (Paper 2). All other candidates must attempt the Kannada language test as part of Paper 2; this is a compulsory component of the selection process and is not optional.
Q8. What is the application fee for persons with disabilities?
Ans. Special Chetana (PwBD) candidates pay only the processing fee of ₹250. This is a significant reduction compared to the general category fee of ₹750, recognising the support provided to persons with disabilities.
Your Next Step
Eligible candidates should submit their online application at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea before 30 July 2026, with fee payment completed by 31 July 2026. After the application window closes, KEA will announce admit cards and exam centre details on the official website; check regularly from mid-August 2026 for updates on exam scheduling. Our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com will keep you informed about exam dates, merit lists, and appointment notifications for KEA VAO recruitment. Subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.
