The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 application deadline has been extended, giving eligible candidates another opportunity to apply for 572 Village Accountant (Village Administrative Officer) posts under the Karnataka Revenue Department. Aspirants who have passed PUC/Class 12 or equivalent can now complete the online application before the revised last date. Check the latest notification, eligibility, age limit, selection process, salary, important dates, and direct apply link in this detailed guide.
SSC CHSL Exam
Preparation: Crack in First Attempt with Powerful Strategy, Tips & Best
Books Guide
Introduction
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has opened one of the most significant Group-C recruitment drives of 2026 under the Revenue Department of the Government of Karnataka. A total of 572 Village Accountant posts — officially designated as Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or Grama Aadalitha Adhikari — have been notified through two separate advertisements (ED/KEA/26/NEV/2026 for Residual Parent Cadre and ED/KEA/27/NEV/2026 for Kalyana-Karnataka cadre).
These positions form the backbone of village-level revenue administration. Selected candidates will handle land records, mutation entries, tax collection, issue of certificates, and coordination with higher revenue officers. The role offers permanent government service, a structured pay scale starting at ₹34,100, and the prestige of working directly with rural communities across Karnataka.
With the original last date of 30 July 2026 extended to 20 August 2026, and fee payment allowed until 21 August 2026, eligible PUC/12th-pass candidates still have a clear window to apply. Given the limited number of vacancies spread across 24 districts and the competitive nature of KEA examinations, early application and thorough preparation remain critical. This recruitment represents a rare opportunity for 10+2 qualified aspirants to secure a stable, pensionable career in the Karnataka state government.
KEA Village Accountant Overview Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | Village Accountant / Village Administrative Officer (VAO) / Grama Aadalitha Adhikari |
| Total Vacancies | 572 (505 General/RPC + 67 Kalyana-Karnataka) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Online Registration Dates | 11 July 2026 to 20 August 2026 (Extended) |
| Selection Process | Written Competitive Examination (OMR-based) + Kannada Language Test + Document Verification |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
SSC CHSL, MTS & DEO
Previous Year Solved Question Papers PDF Download (2016-2025)
KEA Village Accountant Post-wise Vacancy Details
The 572 vacancies are divided into two distinct cadres to comply with Article 371J provisions for the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Candidates can apply for only one district within the cadre they are eligible for.
General / Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) – 505 Posts
These posts cover 21 districts outside the special Kalyana-Karnataka zone:
- Tumakuru – 50
- Mandya – 50
- Belagavi – 48
- Mysuru – 45
- Hassan – 35
- Chamarajanagara – 31
- Bengaluru South (Ramanagara) – 30
- Bengaluru Rural – 29
- Kolar – 22
- Chikkaballapura – 21
- Bengaluru Urban – 20
- Dakshina Kannada – 20
- Shivamogga – 18
- Bagalkote – 16
- Chitradurga – 15
- Haveri – 15
- Gadag – 14
- Udupi – 10
- Chikkamagaluru – 10
- Bidar (RPC portion) – 4
- Raichur (RPC portion) – 2
Total RPC: 505
Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre (Article 371J) – 67 Posts
Reserved exclusively for the Kalyana-Karnataka region:
- Kalaburagi – 40
- Bidar – 17
- Raichur – 10
Total KK: 67
The highest concentration of vacancies appears in Tumakuru, Mandya, Belagavi and Mysuru under the RPC cadre, while Kalaburagi dominates the Kalyana-Karnataka allocation. Reservation benefits for SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, EWS, PwD and Ex-servicemen will be applied as per the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules and the respective cadre notifications. Horizontal reservations (women, PwD, etc.) will be adjusted within the district-wise vertical quotas.
Candidates belonging to Kalyana-Karnataka districts must carefully verify whether they fall under the RPC or KK notification before applying, as dual applications are not permitted.
Best Books for Banking Exams 2026: SBI, IBPS & RBI
Preparation Guide for Top Scores
KEA Village Accountant Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the Pre-University Course (PUC) or an equivalent examination recognised by the Government of Karnataka. Acceptable qualifications include:
- 2nd Year PUC from Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEAB) or equivalent
- Class 12 from CBSE, ICSE or any other State Board recognised by the Government of Karnataka
- Senior Secondary (HSC) from National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Two-year ITI with one language and one general subject cleared through PUC/NIOS (where permitted under recruitment rules)
- Three-year Diploma recognised as equivalent for this post
Higher qualifications (degree, postgraduate, etc.) do not disqualify a candidate; however, the minimum requirement of PUC/12th pass must be fulfilled on or before the last date of application. The qualification must be obtained from a recognised board/institution. Provisional certificates are acceptable at the time of application, but original documents will be verified later.
Age Limit & Relaxations
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age (as on the last date of application):
- General Merit / Unreserved – 40 years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B – 43 years
- SC / ST / Category-1 – 45 years
Age is calculated as on the closing date of online applications (07 August 2026 as per the extended schedule).
Additional Relaxations (as per Karnataka Government norms):
- Ex-servicemen – as per rules (usually the period of service plus three years, subject to maximum limits)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) – additional relaxation as notified
- Widows / divorced women / women judicially separated – as per specific government orders
Candidates must carefully calculate their age with reference to the cut-off date. Any claim for relaxation must be supported by valid category certificates issued by the competent authority in the prescribed format.
Application Fee & Payment Mode
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online only.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit, Category 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender | ₹500 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | ₹250 |
Accepted Payment Modes: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, and other online payment gateways available on the KEA portal.
Candidates should complete the fee payment well before the extended deadline of 10 August 2026. Failure to pay the fee will result in the application remaining incomplete and being rejected. The fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances, including multiple applications or cancellation of candidature.
Top Books & Smart Preparation Strategy to Crack Bank
Specialist Officer Interview (New Guide)
KEA Village Accountant Salary, Stipend & Pay Scale Details
Selected candidates for the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) post will be placed in the Karnataka Government pay scale of ₹34,100 – ₹67,600. The detailed incremental structure is approximately ₹34,100 – 800 – 35,700 – 900 – 39,300 – 1,000 – 43,300 – 1,125 – 47,800 – 1,250 – 52,800 – 1,375 – 58,300 – 1,500 – 64,300 – 1,650 – 67,600.
In addition to basic pay, appointees receive Dearness Allowance (DA) as revised periodically by the state government, House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on the place of posting (higher rates in urban centres such as Bengaluru), medical benefits, travel allowance where applicable, and other admissible perks under Karnataka Civil Services rules. Retirement benefits are covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS). A mandatory two-year probation period applies from the date of regular appointment. The post offers long-term career progression within the Revenue Department hierarchy and the security of permanent Group-C government service.
KEA Village Accountant Selection Process
Selection is conducted entirely on merit through a transparent multi-stage process managed by KEA. There is no interview.
- Compulsory Kannada Language Test (Qualifying only): Candidates who have not studied Kannada as first or second language up to SSLC level (or equivalent) must appear for this 150-mark test. A minimum of 50 marks is required to qualify. Marks obtained are not added to the final merit list. Those who studied Kannada as first/second language up to SSLC or in a Kannada-medium school are generally exempted (subject to certificate verification).
- Written Competitive Examination (OMR-based, Offline): Two papers of 100 marks each. Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% aggregate marks to be eligible for the merit list. Negative marking of 0.25 applies for every wrong answer.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates (based on written exam merit, district-wise and category-wise) will be called for verification of original certificates (educational, age, category, domicile, etc.). Final appointment is made by the respective District Collector after successful verification and medical fitness clearance.
District-wise merit lists are prepared separately for the General/RPC and Kalyana-Karnataka cadres and forwarded to the concerned District Collectors for appointment.
Boost Your General
Knowledge: Download 2500+ Essential GK Questions & Answers (Part 1)
KEA Village Accountant Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The competitive examination consists of two objective-type papers (four options each), conducted on the same day in bilingual mode (Kannada & English).
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Kannada + General English + Computer Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 4 Hours |
Negative Marking: 0.25 mark deducted for each incorrect answer. Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
Paper 1 – General Knowledge covers:
- Current Affairs (national, international and Karnataka-specific, last 12–18 months)
- General Science (everyday physics, chemistry, biology)
- Indian Constitution (Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, important Articles)
- History of India with special emphasis on Karnataka (freedom movement, dynasties, cultural heritage)
- Geography of India and Karnataka (physical features, rivers, climate, soils, agriculture, minerals, forests, wildlife)
- Panchayat Raj institutions and rural cooperative societies
- Karnataka regional issues, development schemes, economy and environmental concerns
- Mental ability and basic quantitative aptitude
Paper 2 includes:
- General Kannada: Grammar (Sandhi, Samasa, Vibhakti, Kriya, etc.), vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms, proverbs, comprehension, sentence correction
- General English: Grammar (tenses, articles, prepositions, voice, speech), vocabulary, comprehension, error spotting, sentence rearrangement
- Computer Knowledge: Fundamentals of computers, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, email, basic hardware/software concepts, digital literacy relevant to revenue administration
The Compulsory Kannada Language Test (150 marks, qualifying) focuses on SSLC-level reading, writing, grammar and comprehension skills essential for village-level revenue work.
Exam timings (as notified): Paper 1 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM; Paper 2 – 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Exact centres and admit card details will be released later on the KEA portal.
How to Apply for KEA Village Accountant Recruitment 2026?
1- Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
2- Locate the “Village Administrative Officer / Grama Aadalitha Adhikari Recruitment 2026” link (separate for RPC and KK cadres).
3- Click “New Registration” and enter basic details (name, mobile number, email, Aadhaar) to generate login credentials.
4- Log in and carefully fill the online application form – personal details, educational qualifications, category, preferred district (only one district allowed), and address.
5- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and required certificates in the prescribed size and format.
6- Preview the form thoroughly and correct any errors.
7- Proceed to online fee payment using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI.
8- After successful payment, download and take a printout of the submitted application form and fee receipt for future reference.
9- Keep checking the KEA portal regularly for admit card, exam centre and further updates.
Applications submitted for more than one district or after the extended deadline will be rejected. Ensure all details match the original documents to avoid rejection at the verification stage.
Exam Preparation Tips for Beginners – How to Study
& Crack Exams Easily
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online (Extended) | 20 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment (Extended) | 21 August 2026 |
| Written Exam – General/RPC Cadre | 04 October 2026 |
| Written Exam – Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre | 25 October 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be notified (expected September 2026) |
| Kannada Language Test | To be notified separately |
| Document Verification | After result declaration |
Candidates are strongly advised to complete the application process well before the extended deadline to avoid last-minute server congestion.
Important Links
| Description | Link / Action |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF (RPC) | Download from Here |
| Official Notification PDF (KK) | Download from Here |
| Online Application Apply Link | Apply Here |
| Official Website Home Page | Official Web portal |
| Latest Govt Jobs Page | Bookmark for ongoing updates |
Village Administrative Officer Application link - 11.07.2026
Village Administrative Officer Application link - 11.07.2026
1000+ GK Questions and
Answers for Competitive Exams PDF Download (Police, Admin, Railway, Banking)
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026? The online application window has been extended till 07 August 2026. Fee payment is allowed until 10 August 2026.
2. Can I apply for more than one district? No. Candidates can apply for only one district under either the RPC or Kalyana-Karnataka cadre. Multiple applications will lead to rejection.
3. Is there any interview in the selection process? No. Selection is based solely on the written examination (after qualifying the Kannada Language Test where applicable) followed by document verification.
4. What is the minimum qualifying mark in the written exam? Candidates must secure at least 35% marks in the competitive written examination to be considered for the merit list.
5. Who is exempted from the Kannada Language Test? Candidates who have studied Kannada as first or second language up to SSLC level or who studied in a Kannada-medium school are generally exempted, subject to production of valid certificates.
6. What documents are required during application and verification? Scanned photograph, signature, educational certificates, category certificate, Aadhaar, and other supporting documents as specified. Originals will be verified later.
7. Is the application fee refundable? No. The fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.
8. When will the admit card be released? Admit cards are expected to be released a few weeks before the examination (likely in September 2026). Candidates must download them from the KEA portal using their login credentials.
9. What is the probation period for selected VAOs? A mandatory two-year probation period applies from the date of regular appointment.
10. Where can I get the official notification and apply online? Visit the official KEA website https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea for notifications, application form, and all updates. Avoid third-party websites for official processes.
How to Become a Doctor
in India 2026: Eligibility, NEET, MBBS Admission & Step-by-Step Career
Guide
Conclusion
The KEA Village Accountant Recruitment 2026 offers a golden opportunity for 12th-pass candidates to enter the prestigious Karnataka Revenue Department as Village Administrative Officers. With 572 vacancies, a competitive pay scale, job security, and the chance to serve at the grassroots level, this is one of the most attractive Group-C openings of the year.
Candidates are urged to complete their online applications at the earliest, prepare systematically for both papers, and stay updated through the official KEA portal. Early application helps avoid technical glitches, while focused preparation on Karnataka-specific topics and language skills can significantly improve selection chances.
👉 Follow us for fastest updates:
Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook Page
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is compiled from publicly available sources and official notifications for informational purposes only. Candidates must verify every detail (vacancies, eligibility, dates, fees, syllabus, and selection process) from the official Karnataka Examinations Authority website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea) and the original notification PDFs before applying. The author and publisher accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information. Always rely solely on official sources for the final decision.
Apply now and take the first step towards a secure and meaningful government career in Karnataka!
