KEA FDA Exam Pattern 2026: Papers, Marks, Negative Marking

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has opened applications for thousands of Group-C posts, and the degree-level (FDA group) posts are filled through an offline OMR written exam. This guide explains the exam pattern in simple words: the two papers, marks, timings, negative marking, the Kannada language test and the minimum qualifying marks. It is based on the official degree-level notification for the Rest of Karnataka (RPC) cadre, dated 29 October 2026.

KEA FDA exam pattern at a glance

Item	Details
Exam mode	Offline, OMR type
Papers	Paper-1 and Paper-2
Questions and marks	100 questions, 100 marks in each paper
Time for each paper	2 hours
Paper-1 subject	General Knowledge
Paper-2 subjects	General Kannada, General English, Computer Knowledge
Negative marking	One-fourth (0.25) of the marks for each wrong answer
Minimum to qualify	35% in the competitive exam
Kannada language test	150 marks, minimum 50 to pass (for candidates who are not exempt)

Exam dates and timings

The notification gives these dates:

Exam	Date	Time
Kannada language test	8 January 2027	3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Paper-1	10 January 2027	10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Paper-2	10 January 2027	2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Exam centre details will be announced later. Admit cards are to be downloaded from the KEA website, and the Authority says the exam centre cannot be changed for any reason. On exam day, carry the downloaded admit card and one original photo ID (PAN card, driving licence, Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID or a government employee ID). Without it you will not be allowed into the centre.

Paper-1: General Knowledge

Paper-1 has 100 questions for 100 marks. The notification lists these topic areas:

• Current affairs and general knowledge
• General science
• Geography and social science
• Indian society and the history of its cultural development
• History of India and Karnataka
• Constitution of India and public administration
• Practical knowledge and mental ability (SSLC level)
• Social and cultural history of Karnataka
• Land reforms in Karnataka after independence and social change
• Karnataka's economy: its strengths, weaknesses and present position
• Rural development, Panchayat Raj and rural co-operative institutions
• The role of science and technology in effective administration in Karnataka
• Environmental issues and development in Karnataka
• Intellectual ability

A large part of the list is about Karnataka. This is a state recruitment, so state history, economy and administration deserve as much attention as national topics.

Paper-2: Kannada, English and Computer Knowledge

Paper-2 also has 100 questions for 100 marks, with 2 hours to answer. It covers General Kannada, General English and Computer Knowledge. The notification does not say how many questions or marks each of the three subjects carries, so do not assume an equal split until KEA publishes it.

Negative marking

• Every question has four answer options, and you must choose only one.
• For each wrong answer, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.
• The OMR sheet also has a fifth option (a circle). For a question you leave unanswered, you should shade this fifth option. You get an extra five minutes after the last bell to do this.
• If neither an answer nor the fifth option is shaded for a question, 0.25 is deducted for it as well.

In simple terms: an unanswered question should be marked with the fifth option, not left blank.

Kannada language test

A Kannada language test is held on 8 January 2027, but not everyone has to take it. The notification exempts a candidate who:

• studied Kannada as the first or second language in the SSLC exam of the Karnataka School Examination Board (or an exam the state government treats as equal), or at a higher level; or
• studied in the Kannada medium and passed such exams; or
• has already passed the Kannada language test held earlier by the Public Service Commission or another recruitment authority.

If you are not exempt, the test is a multiple-choice paper of 150 marks at SSLC first-language Kannada level. You must score at least 50 marks. Candidates who are absent or score below 50 are not eligible for the selection process. The marks from this test are not counted for merit or for choosing your post.

Qualifying marks, ranking and counselling

• You must score at least 35% in the competitive exam to be eligible. Candidates below that are out of the selection.
• Merit is based on the marks scored in the exam.
• If two candidates have the same marks, the older candidate is placed higher. If the age is also the same, the one with higher marks in the qualification required for the post is placed higher.
• After the result, KEA will hold online counselling in which candidates choose posts in the order of their preference, according to their merit, eligibility and reservation.
• Original documents are checked later by the department that appoints you, so fill in your details and reservation claims correctly in the application.

Practical preparation tips

These are general suggestions, not part of the notification.

• Practise OMR-style mock tests, because shading the sheet correctly and in time matters in an offline exam.
• Because of negative marking, attempt a question only when you can rule out at least some options.
• Give regular time to Karnataka-specific topics from the list above, along with current affairs.
• If you are not exempt from the Kannada test, prepare for it separately, because failing it ends your chances even with a high score in Paper-1 and Paper-2.

Frequently asked questions

Is the KEA FDA exam online or offline?

It is offline. The notification says the competitive exam will be held in OMR mode.

How many marks is the KEA FDA written exam?

There are two papers of 100 marks each, so 200 marks in total, with 2 hours for each paper. The Kannada language test is separate and its marks are not used for ranking.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. A wrong answer costs one-fourth (0.25) of the marks for that question. Unanswered questions should be marked with the fifth option on the OMR sheet.

What is the minimum qualifying percentage?

You need at least 35% in the competitive exam to remain eligible for selection.

Do I need to take the Kannada test?

Only if you do not meet any of the exemptions listed above, such as having studied Kannada at SSLC level or in the Kannada medium.

For vacancies, eligibility, fee and the apply link, read our KEA FDA, SDA & Group-C Recruitment 2026 page. Always confirm every detail in the official KEA notification before you apply.