KEA SDA (Second Division Assistant) Syllabus 2026 — RPC – Rest of Karnataka

KEA SDA (Second Division Assistant) Syllabus 2026 — RPC – Rest of Karnataka

This page covers the complete syllabus and exam pattern for the SDA (Second Division Assistant) recruitment under the RPC – Rest of Karnataka cadre. KEA has notified 2,070 posts for this cadre. The post is a PUC-level Group C recruitment; selection is through a competitive written examination followed by merit shortlisting and document verification.

Exam pattern

The Kannada Language Test is separate from the 200-mark competitive examination and is qualifying in nature for candidates who are not exempted. The exact examination date, shift timing, centre and any change in the scheme will be notified through the KEA admit card and official notices.

Paper 1 — General Knowledge

• Indian history: ancient, medieval and modern India; important dynasties; freedom struggle; social and reform movements; national leaders and major historical events.
• Karnataka history: historical dynasties, Karnataka freedom movement, unification of Karnataka, social reformers, culture, literature and important personalities.
• Indian Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles, Parliament, President, judiciary, constitutional bodies and amendments.
• Karnataka polity and administration: Governor, Chief Minister, Legislature, state administration, Panchayati Raj, urban local bodies and district administration.
• Indian geography: physical features, rivers, climate, soils, natural resources, agriculture, industries, population and transport.
• Karnataka geography: rivers, dams, irrigation projects, forests, minerals, climate, agriculture, 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, irrigation, employment, development programmes and welfare schemes.
• General science: physics, chemistry, biology, human body, nutrition, diseases and recent scientific developments.
• Environment: pollution, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, ecosystems and environmental protection.
• Current affairs: national, international and Karnataka events; government schemes; awards; sports; appointments and important reports.
• Mental ability: number series, analogy, classification, coding-decoding, directions, blood relations, arithmetic and logical reasoning.

Paper 2 — General Kannada

• Kannada grammar: sandhi, samasa, vibhakti, tenses, sentence structure and correct usage.
• Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, one-word substitutes and appropriate word choice.
• Idioms and proverbs: meaning and usage in sentences.
• Sentence correction, error detection, sentence completion and rearrangement.
• Spelling, punctuation and written Kannada accuracy.
• Reading comprehension: passages, factual questions, inference and summary.

Paper 2 — General English

• Grammar: parts of speech, articles, tenses, prepositions, conjunctions, subject-verb agreement and voice.
• Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions and commonly confused words.
• Sentence correction, error detection, sentence improvement and fill in the blanks.
• Direct and indirect speech; active and passive voice.
• Reading comprehension and passage-based questions.
• Idioms and phrases, para jumbles and sentence rearrangement.
• Spelling and correct word usage.

Paper 2 — Computer Knowledge

• Computer fundamentals: characteristics, generations, hardware, software and applications.
• Input and output devices; memory and storage; operating system basics and file management.
• MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint: basic operations, formatting, formulas, charts and presentations.
• Internet: browsers, search engines, email, online forms and digital services.
• Computer networks: basic networking concepts, connectivity and network devices.
• Cybersecurity: passwords, viruses, malware, phishing, safe browsing and data protection.
• E-governance and Karnataka government digital platforms.

Kannada Language Test — qualifying

The Kannada Language Test is generally at SSLC first-language standard and carries 150 marks. It tests reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence construction, spelling and written expression. Candidates should check the prescribed qualifying marks and exemption rules in the official notification.

Marking and qualifying

• The competitive examination carries 200 marks across Paper 1 and Paper 2.
• Each objective paper is of two hours; the Kannada Language Test duration is as prescribed.
• Negative marking of 0.25 mark for each incorrect answer is indicated in the published 2026 syllabus summary; confirm the final rule in the KEA notification/admit card.
• The Kannada Language Test is qualifying; its marks are not added to the 200-mark competitive total.
• Final merit is prepared from the competitive examination marks, subject to eligibility and document verification.

Post-specific preparation focus

SDA is a PUC-level post. Focus on fundamental general knowledge, basic Kannada and English, arithmetic, reasoning and practical computer/typing skills. Revise SSLC/PUC-level social science and current affairs.

Preparation strategy

1. Start with Karnataka history, geography, polity, economy and current affairs, because these carry a large share of Paper 1.
2. Revise Kannada grammar and English grammar separately; practise comprehension passages daily.
3. Prepare computer fundamentals and MS Office through hands-on practice.
4. Solve previous FDA/SDA and Karnataka Group C question papers under timed conditions.
5. Take mock tests, analyse errors and revise weak topics every week.
6. Keep the official notification and admit card for the final pattern, negative marking and qualifying rules.

Official links

Note: This is a comprehensive preparation syllabus based on the KEA 2026 FDA/SDA examination pattern. The official notification and admit card remain final for the exact scheme, marking and qualifying rules.