The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the recruitment notification for 572 Village Administrative Officer (VAO) positions, also known as Grama Aadalitha Adhikari, under the Karnataka Revenue Department. Candidates aspiring for a secure government career in Karnataka can review the comprehensive notification details, eligibility parameters, district-wise breakdowns, and application procedures detailed below.
To review the official documentation directly, applicants can download the KEA VAO (General / RPC Cadre) Notification PDF and the KEA VAO (Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre) Notification PDF.
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Department Name | Karnataka Revenue Department |
| Post Name | Village Administrative Officer (VAO) |
| Vacancies | 572 (505 General/RPC + 67 Kalyana-Karnataka) |
| Cadre | General/RPC cadre and Kalyana-Karnataka cadre |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Last Registration Date | 30th July 2026 |
| Selection Process | Compulsory Kannada Language Test, Competitive Written Examination (Offline-OMR mode), Document Verification |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 34,100 – Rs. 67,600 |
| Probation Period | 2 years |
| Official Website | www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Important Dates & Schedule
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10th July 2026 |
| Apply Online Starts | 11th July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30th July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31st July 2026 |
| Written Exam Date (General/RPC cadre districts) | 4th October 2026 |
| Written Exam Date (Kalyana-Karnataka cadre districts) | 25th October 2026 |
Vacancy Distribution & Cadre Details
Out of the 572 total openings, 505 positions are allocated to the General/RPC Cadre (Non-KK), while 67 vacancies are earmarked for the Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre under Article 371-J.
General / RPC Cadre – District-wise 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
- Kalaburagi: 40
- Bidar: 17
- Raichuru: 10
- Total: 67
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualifications
Applicants must fulfill specific educational and age parameters to qualify for the Village Administrative Officer post.
Educational Qualification for General/RPC
- CBSE/ICSE Class 12
- Other State Board Class 12
- NIOS Senior Secondary/HSC
- 2-year ITI + 1 language + 1 subject (NIOS or PUC Board)
- GOC courses (competitive exams only)
- 3-year Diploma (direct recruitment/compassionate appointment only)
Educational Qualification for Kalyana Karnataka
- CBSE/ICSE, State Boards, NIOS, ITI + NIOS, GOC, 3-year Diploma
KEA VAO Age Limit
- General Merit Candidates: 18 years to 40 years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 18 years to 43 years
- Scheduled Caste/ST/Category-1 Ex-Serviceman: 18 years to 45 years
Application Fee Structure
- General/2A/2B/3A/3B: Rs. 750/- (Rs. 500 Application Fee + Rs. 250 Processing Fee)
- Scheduled Caste/ST/Category-1/Ex-Serviceman/Transgender: Rs. 500/- (Rs. 250 Application Fee + Rs. 250 Processing Fee)
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Rs. 250/- (Processing Fee only)
Selection Process & Exam Structure
- Stage 1: Written Competitive Examination (Offline, OMR-based) — two papers of 100 marks each, 100 objective-type questions per paper, 2 hours per paper, with 0.25 marks negative marking per incorrect answer.
- Stage 2: Kannada Language Test (compulsory, qualifying in nature; carries 150 marks with a minimum qualifying score of 50 marks)
- Stage 3: Certificate/Document Verification
For complete details regarding subject distribution, refer to KEA VAO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Click to Check.
How to Apply for Karnataka Village Administrative Officer (VAO) Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) website.
- Click on the KEA VAO Recruitment 2026 Apply Online link (KEA VAO Apply Online 2026 Link (Active)- Click to Apply).
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in with the generated credentials.
- Fill in the application form with the required personal and educational details.
- Upload the necessary documents, passport-size photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
- Review the application form and submit it.
- Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
Next Steps for Candidates
After submitting the online application successfully by 30th July 2026 and clearing the fee payment by 31st July 2026, candidates should focus on rigorous preparation for the written examination scheduled for 4th October 2026 (General/RPC cadre) and 25th October 2026 (Kalyana-Karnataka cadre). Keep track of the KEA portal for admit card announcements, exam city notifications, and travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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