Official KEA VAO Exam Date 2026 announced. Get the latest exam schedule for RPC and KK cadres, reporting times, hall ticket download instructions, and essential updates here.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the KEA VAO Exam Date 2026 for aspirants pursuing the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) position. According to the updated recruitment calendar, the written examinations for the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre will be held on separate dates. We advise all candidates to review the full schedule and streamline their study plans accordingly.
Essential Resources – Check KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 & KEA Land Supervisor Answer Key 2026
Official KEA VAO Exam Date 2026 Schedule
The Karnataka Examinations Authority has confirmed the examination dates tailored to specific cadres. The RPC cadre examination is scheduled for 4 October 2026, while the KK cadre examination will take place on 25 October 2026. Candidates must verify their specific cadre and examination session details before accessing the official hall ticket download portal.
| Cadre | Exam Date | Exam Timing |
|---|---|---|
| RPC/General | 04 October 2026 | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Kalyana Karnataka | 25 October 2026 | 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
Download Karnataka VAO Notification 2026 PDF
Before finalizing your application, candidates are encouraged to thoroughly review the official VAO Notification 2026 Karnataka PDF. This document provides critical information regarding total vacancies, educational eligibility, age relaxation norms, application fee structures, and the comprehensive selection methodology.
Quick Link – Download KEA VAO Hall Ticket 2026
| Notification | Download Links |
| VAO KK Notification 2026 | Download PDF |
| VAO RPC Notification 2026 | Download PDF |
KEA Recruitment 2026: Program Overview
This recruitment drive represents an excellent opportunity for Class 12 (PUC) graduates to secure a stable government position. Interested applicants must complete the VEO Application 2026 process online by the deadline of 20 August 2026. Successful selection involves a multi-stage process, including a written examination, a compulsory Kannada language proficiency test, and final document verification.
| KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Event | Details |
| Recruiting Body | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), Bangalore |
| Post Name | Village Administrative Officer (VAO) / ಗ್ರಾಮ ಆಡಳಿತ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ |
| Department | Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Total Vacancies | 572 |
| General/RPC Vacancies | 505 |
| Kalyana Karnataka Vacancies | 67 |
| Job Level | Group-C |
| Educational Qualification | PUC (10+2) or equivalent |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Start Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Extended Last Date to Apply | 20 August 2026 |
| Extended Last Date to Pay Fee | 21 August 2026 |
| RPC Exam Date | 04 October 2026 |
| KK Exam Date | 25 October 2026 |
| Official Website | www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
What is the Deadline for the VAO Application 2026?
The KEA has extended the application deadline for the VAO exam. Applicants can now submit their online applications until 20 August 2026, and the final date to process the application fee payment is 21 August 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 21 August 2026 |
| Kannada Language Test Date | To be notified later |
| Competitive Exam Date (Notification A) | 04 October 2026 |
| Competitive Exam Date (Notification B) | 25 October 2026 |
KEA VAO Vacancy 2026: Breakdown by District
The 2026 recruitment drive features 572 total posts. This includes 505 positions reserved for the General/RPC cadre and 67 positions allocated for the Kalyana-Karnataka cadre.
General / RPC Cadre Vacancy Distribution (505 Posts)
| Sl. No. | District | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bengaluru Urban | 20 |
| 2 | Bengaluru Rural | 29 |
| 3 | Chitradurga | 15 |
| 4 | Chikkaballapura | 21 |
| 5 | Tumakuru | 50 |
| 6 | Shivamogga | 18 |
| 7 | Kolar | 22 |
| 8 | Bengaluru South | 30 |
| 9 | Mysuru | 45 |
| 10 | Mandya | 50 |
| 11 | Hassan | 35 |
| 12 | Udupi | 10 |
| 13 | Dakshina Kannada | 20 |
| 14 | Chamarajanagara | 31 |
| 15 | Chikkamagaluru | 10 |
| 16 | Belagavi | 48 |
| 17 | Bagalkote | 16 |
| 18 | Gadag | 14 |
| 19 | Haveri | 15 |
| 20 | Bidar | 04 |
| 21 | Raichur | 02 |
| Total | 505 |
Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre Vacancy Distribution (67 Posts)
| Sl. No. | District | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kalaburagi | 40 |
| 2 | Bidar | 17 |
| 3 | Raichuru | 10 |
| Total | 67 |
How to Apply for KEA VAO 2026 Online
The online application process is managed exclusively through the official KEA recruitment portal. Please ensure your submission is completed by 20 August 2026 and all fees are processed by 21 August 2026.
Apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Here
Details Regarding Application Fees
Candidates must submit the application fee based on their respective category through the online portal. Ensure payment is successfully processed before the official deadline to validate your application.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹750 (₹500 Application Fee + ₹250 Processing Fee) |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender | ₹500 (₹250 Application Fee + ₹250 Processing Fee) |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | ₹250 (Processing Fee only) |
Application Process Guide: KEA Recruitment 2026
To apply, please visit the official KEA portal and follow the step-by-step registration and document upload instructions provided on the dashboard.
- Visit the KEA recruitment portal.
- Click on “KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Apply Online.”
- Register and log in with your credentials.
- Fill in the application form and upload the required documents.
- Select the eligible cadre/district carefully.
- Pay the application fee and submit the form.
- Download the application form and fee receipt for future reference.
Note: Eligible candidates are permitted to submit an application for only one district within their respective cadre.
Essential Documents for VAO Application 2026
Before beginning the application process, please ensure you have digital copies of all required educational certificates, identity proofs, and photographs ready.
- SSLC/10th marks card
- PUC/12th marks card or equivalent certificate
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
- Caste/category certificate, if applicable
- Kannada language/medium certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Other documents specified in the official notification
KEA Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Maximum age limits are determined by the candidate's specific category as defined in the official notification.
Eligibility for VAO (RPC):
| Qualification Required | PUC (10+2) or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Accepted Equivalents | 1. CBSE/ICSE Class 12 2. Other State Board Class 12 3. NIOS Senior Secondary/HSC 4. 2-year ITI + 1 language + 1 subject (NIOS or PUC Board) 5. GOC courses (competitive exams only) 6. 3-year Diploma (direct recruitment/compassionate appointment only) |
Eligibility for VAO (KK):
| Qualification Required | PUC (10+2) or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Accepted Equivalents | CBSE/ICSE, State Boards, NIOS, ITI + NIOS, GOC, 3-year Diploma |
Age Requirements
Candidates must strictly adhere to the age requirements listed in the official notification. The minimum age is 18 years, while the general category upper age limit is set at 35 years.
| Category | Upper Age Limit (Direct Recruitment) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 | 45 years |
Overview of the Selection Process
The KEA VAO selection procedure is designed to evaluate candidates through a structured written exam, a language proficiency test, and final verification of credentials.
- Written examination
- Kannada Language Test
- Document Verification
Compensation and Salary Package
Village Administrative Officers (VAO) are compensated within a pay scale of ₹34,100 to ₹67,600. The package also includes standard allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA), per Karnataka state guidelines.
As a Group-C position, the role offers a competitive starting salary of ₹34,100 monthly, which is subject to annual incremental growth, policy-based dearness allowance adjustments, and career promotion opportunities.
Why Choose a Career as a KEA VAO?
This role provides exceptional job security, professional growth, and the opportunity to serve within the Karnataka Revenue Department. With 572 vacancies available and an extended deadline of 20 August 2026, now is the ideal time to apply.