KEA FDA & SDA Recruitment 2026: Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

By NammaExam 

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the FDA and SDA recruitment drive to fill clerical and administrative posts in various government departments. This is one of the most popular government job exams in Karnataka.

FDA vs SDA — Key Difference

Vacancies

The exact number of vacancies for 2026 is yet to be officially announced. However, in the 2025 recruitment drive, KEA announced over 700 vacancies across various departments.

For reference, the 2025 vacancy distribution included:

Eligibility Criteria

Exam Pattern 2026

The exam pattern differs for FDA and SDA posts. Both are OMR-based offline tests (MCQ).

FDA Exam Pattern (400 Marks)

SDA Exam Pattern (250 Marks)

Key Points:

• All papers are objective (MCQ) type.
• Question papers are bilingual (Kannada + English).
• No negative marking (confirm in official notification).

Syllabus Overview

Paper 1: Kannada Language (50–150 Marks)

• Grammar: Sandhi, Samaasa, Vibhakti, Kriya, Alankara
• Literature: Ancient (Pampa, Ponna, Ranna), Medieval (Vachana literature), Modern (Kuvempu, Bendre, Masti)
• Comprehension & Vocabulary: Unseen passage, synonyms, antonyms, proverbs, translation
• Essay / Letter Writing: (FDA only) Karnataka topics, formal/informal letters

Paper 2: General English (100–150 Marks)

• Grammar: Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Active/Passive Voice
• Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms & Phrases
• Comprehension: Unseen passages, error correction

Paper 3: General Knowledge (100 Marks)

• History: Indian National Movement, Karnataka history (Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, Mysore Kingdom)
• Geography: Indian geography, Karnataka rivers (Cauvery, Krishna, Tungabhadra), districts
• Polity: Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, Panchayati Raj, Karnataka administration
• Economy: Indian Economy, Budget, GDP, Karnataka economy
• Science & Technology: Basic Physics/Chemistry, ISRO, IT basics
• Current Affairs: National events (last 12 months), Karnataka government schemes
• Environment & Culture: National parks in Karnataka, festivals, folk arts

How to Apply

1. Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Look for the "FDA SDA Recruitment 2026" notification link.
3. Register with a valid mobile number and email ID.
4. Fill the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
5. Upload scanned photo, signature, and required certificates.
6. Pay the application fee online.
7. Submit and download the confirmation page.

Preparation Tips

• Kannada is key: It carries the highest weightage — focus on grammar and literature.
• Practice previous papers: Understand the pattern and difficulty level.
• Read daily newspapers: Focus on Karnataka current affairs and government schemes.
• Take mock tests: Improve speed and accuracy with timed practice.

Conclusion

KEA FDA and SDA are among the most sought-after government jobs in Karnataka. With the right preparation strategy and consistent practice, you can crack this exam and secure a stable government career.

Disclaimer: This information is based on previous KEA notifications and expected patterns. Candidates are advised to visit the official KEA website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in) for the most accurate and updated notification, syllabus, and exam dates.