Apply Online: KEA Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Recruitment 2026 – 750 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary & Selection Process

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Recruitment 2026: An Overview

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has officially announced a massive recruitment drive for the post of Surveyor, also known as Bhoomapaka, under the Department of Land Records and Survey Settlement. This recruitment, released on 11 July 2026, offers a total of 750 vacancies across two cadres: 560 posts under the Regular/State cadre and 190 posts under the Kalyana-Karnataka local cadre (Article 371(J)). This is a golden opportunity for candidates seeking a stable government job in Karnataka with a respectable pay scale and career growth prospects. The online application process begins on 11 July 2026 and closes on 7 August 2026. In this comprehensive guide, we break down every detail you need to know about eligibility, vacancy distribution, exam pattern, syllabus, application steps, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, this article will help you navigate the recruitment process with confidence.

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Notification Highlights

KEA has issued two separate notifications for the Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) recruitment. The first notification (No. ಇಡಿ/ಕೆಇಎ1/18/ನೇ.ವಿ/2026(ಆರ್ ಪಿ ಸಿ)) covers 560 regular cadre posts, while the second (No. ಇಡಿ/ಕೆಇಎ1/19/ನೇ.ವಿ/2026(ಕೆ ಕೆ)) covers 190 Kalyana-Karnataka local cadre posts. Both notifications were published on 11 July 2026 and are available in Kannada on the official KEA website. The posts are classified as Group-C and offer a revised pay scale of ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month. Candidates must apply online through the KEA CET portal; no offline applications will be accepted. The selection process includes a written examination, a Kannada language test (if applicable), and document verification. The exam dates are scheduled for 3 and 4 October 2026.

About Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) is a state-level autonomous body responsible for conducting various entrance examinations and recruitment processes for government departments in Karnataka. Established to streamline the selection process, KEA ensures transparency and efficiency in hiring for posts like Surveyor, Village Administrative Officer, and others. The Department of Land Records and Survey Settlement, under which these vacancies fall, is pivotal in maintaining land records, conducting surveys, and implementing land-related policies in the state. Working for this department offers job security, a structured career path, and the opportunity to contribute to Karnataka's land administration system.

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Vacancy Details & Posts

The 750 Surveyor vacancies are distributed across two cadres with detailed category-wise reservations as per Karnataka government norms.

Regular Cadre (RPC) – 560 Posts

Within these 560 posts, horizontal reservation includes: Women – 186, Rural candidates – 140, Ex-servicemen – 56, Kannada medium students – 26, Project-displaced persons – 25, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) – 30, Transgender candidates – 7.

Kalyana-Karnataka Local Cadre (KK) – 190 Posts

Horizontal reservation for KK cadre: Women – 61, Rural candidates – 49, Ex-servicemen – 17, Kannada medium students – 7, PWD – 11, Transgender – 2. Candidates claiming Kalyana-Karnataka local person reservation must submit an eligibility certificate from the concerned Sub-Divisional Assistant Commissioner.

Eligibility Criteria for Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) at Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)

To apply for the KEA Surveyor post, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions as of the last date of application.

Educational Qualification for KEA Surveyor Post

Applicants must possess any one of the following from a recognized university or AICTE-approved institution:

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Technology, or any Engineering/Technology degree, or an AMIE qualification in any Engineering/Technology stream; OR
• A degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Instrumentation, Electronics & Communication, or Agriculture (B.Sc.); OR
• A Diploma in any branch of Engineering/Technology from an AICTE-approved institution.

Note: Candidates who have completed the above qualification are eligible; those yet to complete are not eligible.

Age Limit details for Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Job

Age is calculated as on the last date of application (07-08-2026). A one-time relaxation of 5 years has been added to the standard upper age limit as per Government Order.

Minimum age is 18 years. Additional relaxations apply for government employees, ex-servicemen, etc.

Who is Eligible & Suitable for Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Roles?

This recruitment is ideal for candidates with a background in engineering, technology, mathematics, or physical sciences. Freshers who have recently completed their degree or diploma can apply, as the post offers a structured training period. Experienced professionals from surveying, GIS, or land records fields will find this role a perfect fit for their skills. The job demands physical fitness and mental alertness, as surveyors often work in the field. Candidates from Karnataka, especially those from the Kalyana-Karnataka region, will have an added advantage for local cadre posts. If you are looking for a government job with a decent salary, job security, and opportunities for departmental promotions, this is an excellent choice.

Salary Package & Perks for Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka)

Selected candidates will receive a salary in the 2024 Revised State Pay Scale of ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month. The in-hand salary includes basic pay, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and other allowances as per Karnataka state government norms. Additionally, employees enjoy benefits like medical insurance, pension under the state scheme, and annual increments. The probation period is 2 years, during which candidates must pass departmental training. Career growth includes promotions to higher positions like Senior Surveyor or Assistant Director through internal exams.

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Selection Process Explained

The selection process consists of four stages:

1. Competitive Written Examination – Offline OMR-based test with two papers: Paper-I (General Knowledge) and Paper-II (Specific Paper).
2. Kannada Language Test – Qualifying test (150 marks, minimum 50) for candidates who haven't studied Kannada up to SSLC. Marks not counted in merit.
3. Document Verification – Based on merit and category.
4. Probation and Departmental Training – 2-year probation; must pass "Kadaya Tharabeti" exam within 6 months (35% theory, 40% practical).

Expected Competition & Difficulty Level for Surveyor (Bhoomapaka)

With 750 vacancies, this recruitment is expected to attract thousands of applicants from Karnataka and neighboring states. The competition will be moderate to high, especially for General Merit posts. The exam difficulty is moderate, with Paper-I testing general knowledge and Paper-II focusing on technical subjects like mathematics, physics, and surveying. Candidates with a strong foundation in engineering or science will find it manageable. The negative marking (0.25 marks per wrong answer) adds pressure, so accuracy is crucial.

How to Prepare for Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Exam

To crack the KEA Surveyor exam, focus on the following:

• Paper-I (General Knowledge): Study current affairs, Indian Constitution, Karnataka history and geography, Panchayati Raj, and rural development schemes. Read newspapers and refer to Karnataka-specific GK books.
• Paper-II (Specific Paper): Emphasize Mathematics (40% weightage), Modern Surveying Methods (20%), and Computer Applications (20%). Practice problems on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Learn basics of GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and AutoCAD.
• Time Management: Allocate equal time to both papers. Solve previous year papers if available.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid guessing answers due to negative marking. Ensure you meet eligibility criteria before applying. Double-check application details to avoid rejection.

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) Important Dates

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Surveyor (Bhoomapaka)

1. Visit the official KEA CET portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
2. Click on the Surveyor Recruitment 2026 link (Regular or Kalyana-Karnataka cadre).
3. Register with your basic details and create a login.
4. Fill in personal, educational, and category information carefully.
5. Upload scanned photograph (JPEG, 50KB-200KB) and signature (JPEG, 50KB-70KB).
6. Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card or net banking.
7. Review all details before final submission – no corrections allowed after.
8. Download and print the application form and fee receipt for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Application

Many candidates make errors that lead to rejection. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Incorrect eligibility information: Ensure you meet educational and age criteria before applying. False information can lead to disqualification at any stage.
• Incomplete documents: Upload all required certificates (caste, rural, Kannada medium, etc.) in the correct format. Missing documents cause rejection.
• Wrong application category: Apply under the correct cadre (Regular or KK). Mixing them up may invalidate your application.
• Missing deadlines: Submit the application and fee before the last dates. Late submissions are not accepted.
• Ignoring negative marking: Don't guess answers randomly; 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
• Not carrying ID proof: On exam day, bring the admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).

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