The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has notified the Compulsory Kannada Language Test 2026 for Village Administrative Officer (VAO) candidates from the outside-Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka quota, along with candidates for several other Group-A and Group-B posts and the Police Constable post. The Kannada Language Test is scheduled on 22 August 2026 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Quick Overview

• Conducting Body: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
• Notification Number: ED/KEA/02/Recruitment/2026
• Notification Date: 11 August 2026
• Test Name: Compulsory Kannada Language Test
• Applicable Post (among others): Village Administrative Officer (VAO) – Revenue Department
• Test Date: 22 August 2026 (Saturday)
• Test Timing: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Total Questions: 100 (MCQ)
• Maximum Marks: 150
• Qualifying Marks: 50 out of 150

Who Needs to Appear for the Kannada Language Test?

This test is a qualifying-only requirement under Government Order No. Siasu 102 Sevana 2022 dated 18.03.2025, applicable to outside-Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka quota candidates who have already qualified in the main written examination for their post and who fall into any of the following categories:

• Did not study Kannada as a subject up to SSLC or an equivalent / higher examination
• Did not pass SSLC (or a higher exam) with Kannada as the medium of instruction
• Have not previously cleared a Kannada Language Test conducted by a competent authority

Besides VAO and Village Accountant posts, the same 22 August 2026 test date applies to candidates for the following posts:

• Police Constable (CAR / DAR / KSRP / IRB / KSISF)
• Land Surveyor
• KREIS Teacher posts
• Section Officer, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority

Important Dates

• Notification issued: 11 August 2026
• Kannada Language Test: 22 August 2026 (Saturday), 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Main VAO written exam (General/RPC cadre): 4 October 2026
• Main VAO written exam (Kalyana-Karnataka cadre): 25 October 2026

How to Download the Hall Ticket / Admit Card

1. Visit the official KEA candidate portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/KEA_EXAM_PORTAL.
2. Look for the Kannada Language Test 2026 admit card or hall ticket link once activated.
3. Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth (or password).
4. Verify your name, photograph, exam centre, and reporting time.
5. Download the admit card as a PDF and keep 2–3 printed copies.

Important Instructions

• Only candidates who have already qualified in the main written examination for their respective post are eligible to appear.
• Clearing the Kannada Language Test alone does not guarantee final selection.
• Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time.