Vacancies: 572 · Posts: 1 (Village Administrative Officer) · Type: Regular · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹750 / ₹500 / ₹250 · Apply: 11 Jul–30 Jul 2026 · Salary: ₹34,100–₹67,600 · Selection: Written Exam (OMR) · Location: Karnataka (District-wise)
Karnataka’s Revenue Department is filling 572 Village Administrative Officer posts through KEA in one of the largest direct recruitment drives for this cadre in recent years. The notification, released on 10 July 2026, opens applications from 11 July to 30 July 2026 — giving candidates just three weeks to apply.
This recruitment covers two separate cadres: 505 posts under the General/RPC cadre across 21 districts and 67 posts under the Kalyana-Karnataka cadre (Article 371(J)) in Kalaburagi, Bidar and Raichur. Candidates can apply for only one district.
The posts carry a Karnataka state pay scale of ₹34,100–₹67,600 with NPS benefits and 2-year probation. Selection is through a competitive offline OMR written examination. District-wise merit lists will be sent to District Magistrates for appointment.
If you have passed PUC or equivalent and are looking for a stable Group-C revenue department role in Karnataka with district-level posting, this is a genuine opportunity. Applications close on 30 July 2026.
Also Read: KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 750 Bhoomapaka Posts in Karnataka Land Records
Who Should Apply?
- PUC (10+2) or equivalent passed candidates (CBSE, ICSE, state boards, NIOS, ITI with pre-degree subjects, or diploma holders meeting Kannada requirement) → Village Administrative Officer – 572 posts
- Karnataka domicile candidates (especially those targeting their home district) → Strong advantage due to district-wise merit and local reservation patterns
- Candidates comfortable with rural/revenue work and ready for district posting anywhere in Karnataka
Special categories encouraged: Ex-Servicemen, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Special Chetana), Widows/Divorced women (not remarried), Transgender/Third-gender (1% horizontal reservation), and serving Karnataka government/local body employees with service-based relaxation.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 10 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 11 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 31 July 2026 |
| Written Exam (General/RPC Cadre) | 4 October 2026 |
| Written Exam (Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre) | 25 October 2026 |
| Admit Card | To be announced on the KEA portal |
Quick Overview – KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
- Organisation: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on behalf of the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka
- Post: Village Administrative Officer (VAO) / Grama Aadalitha Adhikari (Village Accountant)
- Total Vacancies: 572 (505 RPC + 67 Kalyana-Karnataka)
- Sector: State Government – Revenue Administration
- Job Location: Karnataka (one district of your choice; posting within the allotted district)
- Notification No.: ED/KEA/26/NEV/2026(RPC) & ED/KEA/27/NEV/2026(KK) dated 10 July 2026
- Application Mode: Online only through cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Selection: Offline OMR Written Examination (two papers)
- Pay Scale: ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 (Karnataka State Pay Scale) + allowances + NPS
- Probation: 2 years
What Posts Are Available?
Village Administrative Officer (VAO) – 572 Posts
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Qualification | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village Administrative Officer (Grama Aadalitha Adhikari) | 572 (505 RPC Cadre + 67 Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre) | PUC or equivalent | ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 (Karnataka State Scale) |
Vacancy Distribution Note: 505 posts are distributed across 21 districts under General/RPC cadre. 67 posts are reserved for Kalyana-Karnataka region (Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur) under Article 371(J). Candidates must apply for only one district. Category-wise and exact district-wise breakup (including revisions) is available in the official notification PDFs. District authorities may issue corrigenda — always verify the latest on the KEA portal before applying.
What Is the Salary?
The pay scale is ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 (Karnataka State Pay Scale for this Group-C post).
Approximate In-Hand Salary (Starting Level): ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 per month (depending on posting city/class, current DA rate in Karnataka, and HRA).
This includes Basic Pay + Dearness Allowance (Karnataka DA is currently high) + House Rent Allowance + other allowances minus NPS (10%) and other deductions. Actual take-home will be confirmed in the appointment letter.
Use our 7th CPC Salary Calculator for reference, though this follows Karnataka state rules.
What Is the Application Fee?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | ₹750 (₹500 application + ₹250 processing) |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Third Gender | ₹500 (₹250 application + ₹250 processing) |
| Special Chetana (PwBD) | ₹250 (processing fee only) |
Fee is non-refundable. Payment is online only.
How to Apply?
- Visit the official KEA portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Click on the VAO 2026 application link for the cadre you are eligible for (RPC or Kalyana-Karnataka).
- Register with basic details and generate login credentials.
- Fill the online form — personal details, educational qualification, category, and select only one district.
- Upload a recent photo (JPEG, 50–200 KB) and signature (JPEG, 50–70 KB).
- Review the form carefully — no corrections allowed after final submission.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and download/print the application form + fee receipt for future reference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Applying for more than one district (application will be rejected).
- Uploading the wrong size/format photo or signature.
- Entering incorrect category or district details.
- Waiting till the last day — portal traffic is usually heavy.
- Forgetting to take a printout of the submitted application and fee receipt.
Photo & Signature Resizer: Use our Photo & Signature Resizer tool before uploading.
ಕೆಇಎ ವಿಎಓ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ 2026 – 572 ಗ್ರಾಮ ಆಡಳಿತ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಪರೀಕ್ಷಾ ಪ್ರಾಧಿಕಾರ (KEA) ಮೂಲಕ ಆದಾಯ ಇಲಾಖೆಯಲ್ಲಿ 572 ಗ್ರಾಮ ಆಡಳಿತ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ (ವಿಎಓ) ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆ ಹೊರಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುವ ಅವಧಿ 11 ಜುಲೈ 2026 ರಿಂದ 30 ಜುಲೈ 2026 ರವರೆಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ. ಒಂದು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಬಹುದು.
ಯಾರು ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಬಹುದು? ಪಿಯುಸಿ ಅಥವಾ ಸಮಾನ ಅರ್ಹತೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಬಹುದು. ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ನೌಕರರು, ಮಾಜಿ ಸೈನಿಕರು, ವಿಧವೆ/ವಿಚ್ಛೇದಿತ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು ಮತ್ತು ವಿಶೇಷ ಚೇತನರಿಗೆ ವಯೋಮಿತಿ ವಿನಾಯಿತಿ ಲಭ್ಯವಿದೆ. ಜಿಲ್ಲಾವಾರು ಮೆರಿಟ್ ಪಟ್ಟಿ ತಯಾರಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ವೇತನ ಮತ್ತು ಲಾಭಗಳು ಏನು? ವೇತನ ಶ್ರೇಣಿ ₹34,100 – ₹67,600. ಆರಂಭಿಕ ಇನ್-ಹ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಸುಮಾರು ₹45,000–₹52,000 ಪ್ರತಿ ತಿಂಗಳು (ಡಿಎ ಮತ್ತು ಎಚ್ಆರ್ಎ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ). ಎನ್ಪಿಎಸ್ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯ ಲಭ್ಯವಿದೆ. ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಪ್ರಾಬೇಷನ್ ಅವಧಿ.
ಅರ್ಜಿ ಹೇಗೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುವುದು? cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea ವೆಬ್ಸೈಟ್ಗೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ. ಒಂದು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾತ್ರ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಮಾಡಿ. ಫೋಟೋ ಮತ್ತು ಸಿಗ್ನೇಚರ್ ಅಪ್ಲೋಡ್ ಮಾಡಿ. ಆನ್ಲೈನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಫೀಸ್ ಪಾವತಿಸಿ. ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದ ನಂತರ ಪ್ರಿಂಟ್ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಿ.
ವಿವರವಾದ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಾಗಿ ಅಧಿಕೃತ ವೆಬ್ಸೈಟ್ cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ.
How Are Candidates Selected?
Selection is through an offline OMR-based written examination only. No interview.
Exam Pattern:
- Paper 1: General Knowledge – 100 marks (100 questions)
- Paper 2: General Kannada, English & Computer Knowledge – 100 marks (100 questions)
- Total: 200 marks
- Duration: 2 hours per paper
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 35% in aggregate
Kannada Qualifying Test (if applicable): Candidates who have not studied Kannada as first or second language up to SSLC must clear a separate Kannada qualifying test (150 marks, minimum 50 to qualify). This test is qualifying in nature and not counted for merit.
Merit lists will be prepared district-wise and sent to the respective District Magistrates for appointment.
About KEA & Why Candidates Search for This Recruitment
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts recruitment for various Group-B and Group-C posts in Karnataka government departments. The Village Administrative Officer post is a key revenue department role at the village level, handling land records, certificates, and local administration work.
Candidates search for this recruitment because:
- It offers a stable state government Group-C job with a decent pay scale.
- District-wise application allows candidates to apply for their home district.
- No interview stage — selection is purely on written exam merit.
- One downside: Posting is strictly within the allotted district and often involves significant rural/field work with limited urban exposure in the initial years.
Analyst’s Take
This is a straightforward revenue department recruitment for PUC-qualified candidates who want a government job without appearing for IBPS, SSC or KPSC combined exams. Unlike IBPS Clerk or SBI Clerk (which have nationwide competition and possible rural posting), this is district-specific and limited to Karnataka residents.
Who should skip this? Candidates unwilling to work in rural areas or those targeting only metro postings should look elsewhere. The work involves land records, certificates and public dealing at village level — it is not a desk-only clerical job.
Practical tip: Choose your home district or a neighbouring district with higher vacancies (Tumakuru, Mandya, Mysuru, Belagavi have relatively higher numbers). Prepare General Knowledge + basic Computer + Kannada/English thoroughly. The 0.25 negative marking makes accuracy important.
Expect 6–9 months from application to joining based on similar KEA recruitments.
What Documents Are Required?
At the time of document verification (after written exam):
Also Read: Shivamogga District Court Peon Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 56 Posts
- PUC / 10+2 marksheet and certificate
- SSLC marksheet (for Kannada study proof)
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile / Karnataka residence proof
- Ex-Servicemen / PwBD / Widow certificate (if claiming relaxation)
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Printout of online application form and fee receipt
Document Alert: Original documents are mandatory. Any mismatch or forged document will lead to cancellation of candidature and possible legal action.
What Happens After Selection?
- Written exam result and district-wise merit list published on KEA portal.
- Document verification at district level.
- Medical fitness examination.
- Appointment order issued by District Magistrate / Revenue Department.
- 2-year probation period begins.
- Posting at village level within the allotted district.
- Confirmation after successful completion of probation.
Contact & Helpline
Recruitment-specific helpline details are not prominently published in the short notification. Candidates should check the official KEA portal (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea) regularly for updates on helpline numbers and grievance redressal.
⚠️ Safety Note: Contact details sourced from official sources. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money to anyone claiming to offer help in this recruitment. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official KEA Portal & Apply Online | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| KEA VAO RPC Cadre Notification PDF | Check on official KEA portal (Notification No. ED/KEA/26/NEV/2026(RPC)) |
| KEA VAO Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre Notification PDF | Check on the official KEA portal (Notification No. ED/KEA/27/NEV/2026(KK)) |
| Photo & Signature Resizer Tool | Use our Photo Resizer |
FAQs – KEA VAO Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for KEA VAO Recruitment 2026?
A: 30 July 2026. No extension has been announced.
Q2: What is the age limit for KEA VAO posts?
A: Minimum 18 years. Maximum 40 years for the General category (as on 30 July 2026) with a 5-year relaxation via recent Government Order. OBC (2A/2B/3A/3B) get up to 43 years, SC/ST/Category-1 up to 45 years. Additional relaxations available for Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, widows and government servants.
Q3: Is there a written exam for KEA VAO 2026?
A: Yes. Offline OMR written exam with two papers of 100 marks each. Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. Minimum 35% marks required to qualify.
Q4: What is the salary of Village Administrative Officer in Karnataka?
A: Pay scale is ₹34,100 – ₹67,600. Approximate starting in-hand salary is ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 per month depending on posting location and current allowances.
Q5: Can final-year PUC students apply?
A: The notification requires passed PUC or equivalent. Result-awaited candidates should confirm with the detailed notification or wait for the next cycle if results are not declared before document verification.
Q6: Is KEA VAO a permanent government job?
A: Yes. It is a regular Group-C post under the Karnataka Revenue Department with NPS benefits and 2-year probation.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for KEA VAO?
A: Karnataka domicile is generally required. Non-domicile candidates should check the official notification for any specific relaxation.
Q8: Where will I be posted after selection?
A: Within the district you applied for. Posting is usually at village level under the Revenue Department.
Q9: Is KEA VAO worth applying for compared to other Karnataka government jobs?
A: Yes, for candidates who want revenue department work and are okay with district-level rural posting. It has lower competition than KPSC or IBPS but involves field work.
Q10: What are the disadvantages of this recruitment?
A: Postings are district-specific and often rural. Limited scope for urban or metro transfers in early career. Work involves public dealing and land records — not purely clerical.
Q11: How do I prepare for the KEA VAO written exam?
A: Focus on Karnataka GK, current affairs, basic computer knowledge, and Kannada/English grammar. Practice previous year papers of similar KEA exams.
Q12: Will there be any interview after the written exam?
A: No. Selection is purely on written exam merit followed by document verification.
Q13: Can I change my district after submitting the application?
A: No. Applications are district-specific, and changes are not allowed after submission.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?
- You have passed PUC or equivalent and possess the certificate.
- You are ready for village-level revenue work and district posting in Karnataka.
- You can arrange all documents (especially category and domicile proofs) before verification.
- You understand there is no interview — only written exam + document verification.
- You are comfortable with the pay scale and NPS (no old pension scheme).
📄 Source: Official notification released by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on 10 July 2026 (Notification Nos. ED/KEA/26/NEV/2026(RPC) & ED/KEA/27/NEV/2026(KK)). All details sourced from the official notification and cross-verified across consistent reports.
