The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Notification on 10th July 2026. KEA has announced a total of 572 vacancies for the post of Village Administrative Officer under the Revenue Department, split across two separate notifications — 505 posts under the general/state-wide cadre and 67 posts reserved for the Kalyana-Karnataka region under Article 371(J).
Interested candidates can apply online from 11th July 2026 to 7th August 2026 through the official KEA website. The Kannada Language Test will be conducted on 22nd August 2026 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
KEA VAO 2026: Overview
The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in a stable government career in village-level revenue administration. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Village Administrative Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 572 (505 General/RPC + 67 Kalyana-Karnataka) |
| Notification No. (General) | ಇಡಿ/ಕೆಇಎ/26/ನೇ.ವಿ/2026(ಆರ್ಪಿಸಿ) |
| Notification No. (Kalyana-Karnataka) | ಇಡಿ/ಕೆಇಎ/27/ನೇ.ವಿ/2026(ಕೆಕೆ) |
| Notification Date | 10-07-2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Competitive Examination (Offline-OMR) |
| Pay Scale | Rs 34,100 – 67,600 |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Registration Start Date | 11-07-2026 |
| Registration End Date (Extended) | 07-08-2026 |
| Kannada Language Test | 22nd August 2026 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. |
Also Read: Karnataka KEA Land Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 750 Vacancies, Online Form
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Notification
The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Notification PDFs are provided below for candidates’ reference. These PDFs contain complete details about vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, and the selection procedure. Aspirants can refer to them to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notifications also include instructions on age relaxation, reservation categories, and the exam syllabus.
KEA VAO Vacancy 2026
The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 includes a total of 572 vacancies for the post of Village Accountant under the Revenue Department, spread across districts. These are split into two separate recruitment drives based on cadre. Candidates can apply for only one district within their applicable cadre.
General / RPC Cadre — District-wise Vacancies (505 Posts)
| District | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Total | 505 |
Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre — District-wise Vacancies (67 Posts)
| District | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Kalaburagi | 40 |
| Bidar | 17 |
| Raichuru | 10 |
| Total | 67 |
Also Read: KREIS Teacher Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 1087 Vacancies
KEA VAO Apply Online 2026
The KEA Village Administrative Officer Apply Online 2026 process is now open for all eligible candidates. Aspirants can fill the application form through the official KEA CET Online portal. Candidates can apply for only one district; applications to more than one district will not be accepted. Make sure to upload all necessary documents and pay the required fee online to successfully submit the form. Candidates are advised to double-check all details before submission, as no changes will be allowed once the form is submitted.
Direct Link to Apply for KEA Village Administrative Officer Recruitment 2026
How to Apply for KEA Village Administrative Officer 2026?
Candidates applying for the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 must complete the process online only, through the KEA website.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| 2 | Click on the relevant link for VAO Recruitment 2026 (General/RPC or Kalyana-Karnataka, as applicable). |
| 3 | Register with your basic details and create your login credentials. |
| 4 | Fill in the online application form carefully with personal, educational, and category details, selecting only one district. |
| 5 | Upload scanned photograph (JPEG, 50KB–200KB) and signature (JPEG, 50KB–70KB) as per the specified format. |
| 6 | Verify all details and pay the application fee online. |
| 7 | Once submitted, no further changes or corrections will be entertained under any circumstances. |
| 8 | Download and keep a printout of the completed application and fee payment challan for future reference. |
Karnataka Village Administrative Officer Application Fee
Candidates applying for the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 are required to pay a non-refundable application fee online. The fee varies according to the category of the applicant.
| Category of Applicant | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | Rs. 750/- (Rs. 500 application fee + Rs. 250 processing fee) |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Third Gender | Rs. 500/- (Rs. 250 application fee + Rs. 250 processing fee) |
| Special Chetana (Persons with Disabilities) candidates | Rs. 250/- (processing fee only) |
The fee must be paid only through online mode; fees once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
KEA VAO Eligibility 2026
The KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 has laid down clear eligibility criteria for all candidates relating to age and educational qualification.
Village Administrative Officer Age Limit
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 | 45 years |
The minimum age required is 18 years as on the last date of application, as per the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977.
Village Administrative Officer Age Relaxation
Certain categories are eligible for further age relaxation in specific circumstances, including candidates who are already in Karnataka Government/local body/state PSU service, ex-servicemen, NCC full-time supervisors, village-level rural employment scheme surveyors, Special Chetana candidates, persons employed under Government of India census organizations, widows/divorcees, retrenched employees, and third-gender candidates (10 years relaxation). Original certificates must be produced during document verification to avail these relaxations.
Qualification
Candidates must have passed PUC (Pre-University Course, i.e. 10+2) or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of Karnataka, such as:
- Class 12 examination conducted by CBSE or ICSE boards
- Class 12 examination conducted by other State Government education boards
- Senior Secondary/HSC course conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- For ITI trade candidates: a two-year ITI course along with one language subject and one general subject cleared through a pre-degree level board examination
KEA VAO Salary 2026
Selected Village Accountants under the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 will be placed on the state government pay scale of Rs 34,100 – 67,600, along with applicable pensionary benefits under the National Pension Scheme (NPS). Selected candidates will also undergo a two-year probationary period as per the terms of regular appointment.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for KEA VAO 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the KEA VAO 2026 online application form is 7th August 2026, with fee payment permitted until 10th August 2026.
Q2. How can I apply for KEA VAO 2026?
Ans: Candidates must apply online through the official KEA website at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/, applying to only one district.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in KEA Village Administrative Officer Recruitment 2026?
Ans: A total of 572 Village Accountant vacancies are available — 505 under the general/state cadre and 67 under the Kalyana-Karnataka cadre.
Q4. What is the eligibility for KEA VAO 2026?
Ans: Applicants must have passed PUC or an equivalent qualification, and must be within the specified age limit (40-45 years depending on category).
Q5. Is there an application fee for KEA VAO 2026?
Ans: Yes, the fee is Rs 750 for General/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, Rs 500 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender candidates, and Rs 250 for Special Chetana candidates.
Q6. When will the KEA Village Administrative Officer Exam 2026 be conducted?
Ans: The General/RPC exam is scheduled for 4th October 2026. The exam date for the Kalyana-Karnataka drive will be announced later.
Q7. What is the pay scale for KEA VAO 2026?
Ans: Selected Village Accountants will receive a pay scale of Rs 34,100 – 67,600.
