Karnataka KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 572 Posts, Apply by July 30
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the recruitment notification for 572 Village Administrative Officer (VAO) positions, popularly known as Village Accountant posts. This recruitment drive opens a massive opportunity for job seekers looking for a stable government career in the Karnataka Revenue Department right after completing their Class 12 education.
The online application window opened on July 11, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until July 30, 2026. If you are preparing for government sector jobs in Karnataka, here is a complete breakdown of everything you need to know before applying online.
KEA VAO Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details
The recruitment board has announced 572 total vacancies divided into two separate categories based on regional administrative cadres:
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Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) / General: 505 Vacancies
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Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Article 371J): 67 Vacancies
Note: A candidate can apply for only one specific district within their qualified cadre. Submitting forms for multiple districts will lead to straight rejection.
Important Dates to Remember
Missing a deadline can ruin your application process. Make sure to keep note of these crucial registration and examination dates:
Are You Eligible? Criteria Explained
Candidates must fulfill the eligibility conditions regarding educational qualifications and age limits to apply successfully.
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1. Educational Qualification
You must have passed Second PUC (Class 12) or its equivalent from a board recognized by the Government of Karnataka. Accepted equivalent certificates include CBSE Class 12, ICSE Class 12, NIOS Secondary School Certificate, and completed 3-year Diplomas or 2-year ITI programs with appropriate language filters.
2. Age Limit (As of 2026)
The minimum age to apply for the Village Accountant position is 18 years. The maximum upper age limits vary according to reservation categories:
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General Merit (Unreserved): Up to 40 years
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OBC Categories (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): Up to 43 years
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SC / ST / Category-1: Up to 45 years
Selection Process and Exam Structure
Securing a seat as a village accountant involves clearing a multi-tier selection mechanism:
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Compulsory Kannada Language Test: This is a qualifying round of 150 marks where you need to secure at least 50 marks. If you studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC or higher, you may be exempted from this test.
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Written Competitive Examination: This is an offline, OMR-based test containing two papers of 100 marks each. Paper 1 covers general knowledge, everyday science, and state geography, while Paper 2 tests General Kannada, General English, and basic computer applications.
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Document Verification: Final selection list calculations rely purely on the merit rank secured in the core written competitive exam.
Application Fee Details
The fee structure depends on the reservation category you claim. Payment must be cleared through online payment gateways by July 31, 2026:
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General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B: ₹750
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SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Third Gender: ₹500
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Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD): ₹250
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Follow these clear, systematic steps to ensure your registration goes through without any errors:
Salary and Career Growth
Selected candidates enter the state government pay scale framework ranging from ₹34,100 to ₹67,600 per month along with structural allowances, pensionary benefits under the National Pension System (NPS), and a standard two-year probationary evaluation period.
Final Advisory: The server load on the official website peaks significantly during the final week of July. It is highly recommended to complete your online form submission and fee payment as early as possible to avoid unexpected portal timed-outs or payment status failures.
