The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the FDA and SDA recruitment examination to fill 5,431 vacancies across First Division Assistant and Second Division Assistant posts in the state. This comprehensive guide provides the complete syllabus, exam pattern and preparation strategy for aspirants targeting these positions.
Overview
The KPSC FDA SDA examination 2026 is conducted by KEA for recruiting candidates to First Division Assistant (Degree-level) and Second Division Assistant (PUC-level) positions under the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadres. The competitive examination comprises two written papers totalling 200 marks, followed by a compulsory Kannada Language Test carrying 150 marks. Candidates must qualify in both competitive and language components as per official eligibility norms.
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Paper 1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Kannada, General English and Computer Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Kannada Language Test | Compulsory Kannada (Where Applicable) | 150 | As Prescribed |
| Total Competitive | Paper 1 + Paper 2 | 200 | 4 Hours |
Vacancy Details
| Post and Cadre | Vacancies | Educational Qualification |
|---|
| FDA β Residual Parent Cadre | 2,163 | Degree Level |
| SDA β Residual Parent Cadre | 2,070 | PUC Level |
| FDA β Kalyana Karnataka | 563 | Degree Level |
| SDA β Kalyana Karnataka | 635 | PUC Level |
Paper 1: General Knowledge Syllabus
Paper 1 General Knowledge is designed at the requisite educational standard for both FDA (Degree-level) and SDA (PUC-level) candidates. The following topics form the core syllabus:
Key Topics
| Subject Area | Important Topics |
|---|
| Indian History | Ancient, Medieval and Modern India, Indian Freedom Struggle, Important Dynasties, Reform Movements, National Leaders and Historical Events |
| Karnataka History | Historical Dynasties, Karnataka Freedom Movement, State Unification, Social Reformers, Culture and Important Personalities |
| Indian Constitution | Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles, Parliament, President, Judiciary and Constitutional Institutions |
| Karnataka Polity | Governor, Chief Minister, Legislative Assembly, State Administration, Panchayati Raj and Local Self-Government |
| Indian Geography | Mountains, Rivers, Climate, Soil, Natural Resources, Population, Agriculture, Industries and Transport |
| Karnataka Geography | Rivers, Dams, Forests, Minerals, Climate, Agriculture, Irrigation Projects, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries |
| Indian Economy | GDP, Inflation, Banking, Poverty, Employment, Taxation, Budget, Public Finance and Economic Development |
| Karnataka Economy | State Budget, Agriculture, Major Industries, Employment, Irrigation, Development Programmes and Welfare Schemes |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Body, Nutrition, Diseases and Scientific Developments |
| Environment | Pollution, Biodiversity, Conservation, Climate Change, Ecosystems and Environmental Protection |
| Current Affairs | National, International and Karnataka Current Events, Government Schemes, Awards, Sports and Important Appointments |
| Mental Ability | Number Series, Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Directions, Relationships, Arithmetic and Logical Reasoning |
Paper 2: Kannada, English and Computer Knowledge
General Kannada Topics
| Topic | Preparation Areas |
|---|
| Grammar | Basic Grammar Rules and Usage |
| Vocabulary | Word Meanings and Correct Usage |
| Synonyms and Antonyms | Synonym and Antonym Identification |
| Sandhi | Word Formation and Grammar (ΰ²Έΰ²ΰ²§ΰ²Ώ) |
| Compound Words | Same SA and Compound Word Formation |
| Idioms and Proverbs | Common Kannada Idioms, Expressions and Proverbs |
| Sentence Formation and Correction | Grammatically Correct Sentence Construction and Error Identification |
| Spelling | Correct Kannada Word Spelling |
| Reading Comprehension | Understanding Passages and Answering Related Questions |
General English Topics
| Topic | Important Areas |
|---|
| Grammar | Parts of Speech, Articles, Tenses, Prepositions, Conjunctions and Subject-Verb Agreement |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Meanings and One-Word Substitutions |
| Sentence Correction | Error Detection, Sentence Improvement and Sentence Completion |
| Verbs | Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Speech |
| Reading Comprehension | Reading Passages and Passage-Based Questions |
| Idioms and Phrases | Common Expressions and Their Meanings |
| Sentence Arrangement | Para Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement |
| Spelling | Correct Spelling and Commonly Confused Words |
| Word Usage | Fill in the Blanks and Appropriate Word Selection |
Computer Knowledge Topics
| Topic | Important Areas |
|---|
| Computer Fundamentals | Basic Concepts, Characteristics and Applications of Computers |
| Computer Generations and Types | Types and Generations of Computers |
| Hardware and Software | System Components and Software Categories |
| Input and Output Devices | Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer and Other Devices |
| Memory and Storage | RAM, ROM, Hard Disk, SSD and Storage Devices |
| Operating Systems | Basic Functions and File Management |
| MS Office | MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint |
| Internet | Web Browsers, Search Engines and Internet Services |
| Email | Email Communication and Applications |
| Computer Networks | Basic Networking Concepts and Connectivity |
| Cybersecurity | Passwords, Computer Security, Viruses and Malware |
| E-Governance | Government Digital Services and Online Applications |
Kannada Language Test Syllabus
The Kannada Language Test is compulsory where applicable and carries 150 marks. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding Kannada passages and answering questions
- Grammar: Kannada grammar rules and correct usage
- Vocabulary: Word meanings and appropriate expressions
- Sentence Construction: Forming grammatically correct sentences in Kannada
- Spelling: Correct spelling and language accuracy
- Written Kannada: Understanding and interpreting written Kannada text
- Written Expression: Expressing ideas clearly and coherently in Kannada
FDA vs SDA: Key Differences
| Aspect | FDA (First Division Assistant) | SDA (Second Division Assistant) |
|---|
| Educational Qualification | Degree Level | PUC Level |
| General Knowledge Paper Standard | Degree-Level | PUC-Level |
| Subjects in Paper 2 | General Kannada, General English, Computer Knowledge | General Kannada, General English, Computer Knowledge |
| Kannada Language Test | As Applicable | As Applicable |
30-Day Study Plan
A structured 30-day preparation schedule helps aspirants cover all syllabus topics systematically:
| Period | Focus Areas | Study Tasks |
|---|
| Day 1-5 | Indian and Karnataka History | Study key events, dynasties, freedom struggle and cultural developments |
| Day 6-10 | Geography, Economy and Constitution | Prepare Indian and Karnataka geography, basic economics and political institutions |
| Day 11-15 | General Kannada | Practise grammar, vocabulary, spelling, sentence correction and comprehension |
| Day 16-20 | General English | Revise grammar, vocabulary, sentence arrangement and comprehension |
| Day 21-24 | Computer Knowledge | Prepare hardware, software, MS Office, internet and cybersecurity |
| Day 25-27 | Current Affairs and Mental Ability | Revise Karnataka current affairs, reasoning and basic arithmetic |
| Day 28-30 | Mock Tests and Revision | Attempt practice tests and revise difficult topics |
Important Links
Candidates must verify all details, including syllabus, exam dates and application procedures, on the official KEA website before applying.
