The KEA has released the official Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Syllabus 2026 for 233 vacancies. Candidates will be tested on a common General Knowledge paper, while technical sections are specific to each cadre. Review the full syllabus and exam pattern below to streamline your preparation.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has finalized the KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Syllabus 2026 for recruitment under the ESI Scheme Medical Services Department and other government bodies. To succeed in this competitive exam, candidates should master the paper structure and syllabus topics early. While the General Knowledge paper remains uniform for all applicants, the technical assessment is tailored specifically to the Nursing and Pharmacy cadres.
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Syllabus 2026
The KEA Nursing Officer and Pharmacy Officer examination is divided into two primary papers: General Knowledge and a Post-Specific Technical Paper. All aspirants must prepare for the common GK section, whereas Nursing Officers must focus on GNM-based topics and Pharmacy Officers must master the Diploma in Pharmacy curriculum.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru |
| Department/Institutions | ESI Scheme Medical Services Department & concerned Government institutions |
| Posts | Nursing Officer & Pharmacy Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 233 Posts |
| General/RPC Notification No. | ED/KEA/34/Recruitment/2026(RPC) |
| Kalyana-Karnataka Notification No. | ED/KEA/35/Recruitment/2026(KK) |
| Notification Date | 06 August 2026 |
| Selection Method | Competitive Examination |
| Exam Mode | CBT/Offline OMR |
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Exam Pattern 2026
Before starting your study plan, it is essential to understand the exam structure, marking scheme, and time allocation. The competitive selection process comprises two main papers totaling 200 marks.
| Paper | Subject/Content | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Specific Paper – Nursing/Pharmacy | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
Compulsory Kannada Language Test
The Compulsory Kannada Language Test acts as a qualifying hurdle. This section consists of objective-type questions set to the SSLC First Language standard and carries a maximum of 150 marks.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam | Compulsory Kannada Language Test |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Standard | SSLC First Language |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Qualifying Marks | 50 Marks |
| Nature | Qualifying only; marks are not counted for merit/ranking |
Candidates are exempt from the Kannada Language Test if they have studied Kannada as a first or second language at the SSLC level or higher, completed their education in the Kannada medium, or previously cleared the test conducted by KPSC or other relevant authorities.
KEA Syllabus 2026: General Knowledge
The General Knowledge syllabus is shared across both roles, focusing on essential areas such as current affairs, the Indian Constitution, state history, geography, Karnataka's administrative structure, economic development, rural welfare, and environmental awareness.
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Current Affairs | Current events and important developments |
| General Awareness | Everyday comprehension and observation |
| Indian Constitution | Overview of the Constitution of India |
| History | History of India, with special reference to Karnataka |
| Geography | Geography of India, with reference to Karnataka |
| Administration | State and regional administration |
| Karnataka Economy | Economic development of Karnataka |
| Rural Development | Rural development, Panchayat Raj institutions and rural co-operatives |
| Environment | Environmental issues and development related to Karnataka |
KEA Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 Specific Paper
The Nursing Officer technical paper is aligned with the Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) curriculum, encompassing core subjects from the first, second, and third years of study.
First Year Nursing Subjects
The first-year curriculum covers foundational topics including basic nursing concepts, human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, sociology, nutrition, and community health nursing.
| Subject | Major Topics Covered |
| Anatomy and Physiology | Organization of the human body, cells, tissues, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems; sense organs and fluid/electrolyte balance |
| Physics and Chemistry | Units and measurements, mechanics, pressure, heat, light, sound, electricity, ionizing radiation, physical and chemical changes, solutions, osmosis, ionization and basic chemistry of carbohydrates, fats and proteins |
| Microbiology | Classification and characteristics of microorganisms, sources of infection, immunity, sterilization and disinfection |
| Psychology | Human behaviour, emotions, personality, learning, thinking, reasoning and mental health |
| Sociology | Individual, family, society, community, rural and urban sociology and social problems |
| Fundamentals of Nursing | Basic nursing care, admission and discharge, hygiene, nutrition, therapeutic nursing care, patient assessment and first aid/emergency nursing |
| Personal and Environmental Hygiene | Physical and mental health, water, lighting, housing, environmental hazards and community organizations |
| Community Health Nursing-I | Health and disease, community health nursing, home visits, clinics and health assessment |
| Health Education and Communication Skills | Principles of health education, communication methods and audio-visual aids |
| Nutrition | Food constituents, caloric requirements, meal planning, cooking, preservation and diet therapy |
Second Year Nursing Subjects
The second-year syllabus emphasizes specialized clinical areas, such as medical-surgical nursing, mental health/psychiatric nursing, and paediatric nursing.
| Subject | Major Topics Covered |
| Medical/Surgical Nursing-I & II including Pharmacology | Causes, symptoms and treatment of respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, genito-urinary, nervous, endocrine and skin disorders; operating theatre techniques, intensive care, oncology, communicable diseases, female reproductive disorders and special senses |
| Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing | History of psychiatric care, causes of mental illness, diagnosis, therapy, legal aspects and role of psychiatric nurses |
| Paediatric Nursing | Child growth and development, infant care and nursing management of childhood diseases |
Third Year Nursing Subjects
The third-year curriculum focuses on advanced subjects, including maternal health, community health nursing, professional standards, and nursing administration management.
| Subject | Major Topics Covered |
| Midwifery and Gynaecological Nursing | Normal pregnancy, labour, puerperium, newborn care, complications, obstructed labour, operative procedures and domiciliary midwifery |
| Community Health Nursing-II | Health service organization, specialized community health services, vital statistics, human sexuality, family welfare and demography |
| Professional Adjustments and Trends | Professional nursing characteristics, personal and professional growth, continuing education, legislation and professional organizations such as WHO and UNICEF |
| Management and Supervision | Administrative principles, environmental maintenance, patient-care distribution, planning, records and ward teaching |
KEA Pharmacy Officer Syllabus 2026 Specific Paper
The Pharmacy Officer technical paper adheres to the 1991 Diploma in Pharmacy Education Regulation. Key topics include pharmaceutical sciences, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, legislation, hospital and clinical pharmacy, and management.
Diploma in Pharmacy Part-I Subjects
Part-I covers fundamental pharmaceutical concepts, such as pharmaceutics, chemistry, pharmacognosy, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and community pharmacy practices.
| Subject | Major Topics Covered |
| Pharmaceutics-I | Dosage forms, pharmacopoeias, packaging, size reduction, size separation, mixing, filtration, extraction, evaporation, distillation, sterilization, tablets, capsules and immunological products |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry-I | Inorganic pharmaceutical compounds, acids, bases, buffers, gastrointestinal agents, topical agents, electrolytes, radiopharmaceuticals, limit tests and identification tests |
| Pharmacognosy | History and scope, crude drugs, classification, adulteration, alkaloids, terpenoids, laxatives, cardiotonics, carminatives and anatomical study of herbs |
| Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, blood components and urine |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | Cells, tissues, skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems |
| Health Education & Community Pharmacy | Health, nutrition, demography, family planning, first aid, environmental health, microbiology, communicable and non-communicable diseases and epidemiology |
Diploma in Pharmacy Part-II Subjects
Part-II delves into advanced topics, including dispensing pharmacy, pharmacology, toxicology, regulatory laws, drug store management, hospital operations, and clinical pharmacy.
| Subject | Major Topics Covered |
| Pharmaceutics-II | Prescriptions, incompatibilities, posology, powders, monophasic and biphasic liquids, semi-solids, dental and cosmetic preparations and sterile dosage forms |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II | Organic pharmaceutical compounds, antiseptics, sulfonamides, antileprotics, anti-tuberculars, antibiotics, antifungals, antimalarials, tranquillizers, hypnotics, anaesthetics, antidepressants, diuretics, cardiovascular drugs, hypoglycemic agents, analgesics, NSAIDs, steroids and anti-neoplastics |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | Routes of administration, absorption, drug mechanisms, drugs acting on the nervous system, eye, cardiovascular system, blood, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and kidney; hormones and chemotherapeutic agents |
| Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | Pharmacy Act 1948, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, Drugs and Magic Remedies Act 1954, NDPS Act 1985, Poisons Act, DPCO, Code of Pharmaceutical Ethics and Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act |
| Drug Store and Business Management | Commerce, business organization, drug-house management, inventory control, sales promotion, banking, bookkeeping, cash book, ledger and balance sheet |
| Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy | Hospital structure, hospital pharmacy functions, drug distribution, manufacturing, modern dispensing, pathophysiology, drug interactions, adverse drug reactions and poisoning management |
FAQs
The General Knowledge paper for both cadres covers a broad spectrum including current events, the Indian Constitution, history, geography, Karnataka's administration, economy, rural progress, and ecological issues.
The Nursing Officer technical paper tests candidates on the GNM curriculum, including Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical/Surgical Nursing, Mental Health, Paediatrics, Midwifery, Community Health, Nutrition, and Nursing Management.
The Pharmacy Officer technical paper is based on the 1991 Education Regulation, covering Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Jurisprudence, and Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy.
The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (General Knowledge) features 100 questions for 100 marks, and Paper 2 (Technical) features 100 questions for 100 marks.
Each of the two papers is allotted 2 hours, giving candidates a total duration of 4 hours for the complete examination.
Yes, the examination follows a negative marking policy, with a deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
Yes, there is a mandatory Kannada Language Test with 150 marks based on the SSLC First Language standard. Candidates must secure a minimum of 50 marks to pass this qualifying paper.
No, exemption is granted to candidates who have studied Kannada as a first or second language up to the SSLC level, completed schooling in Kannada medium, or have already passed the required Kannada language tests conducted by KPSC or other competent boards.