KEA Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 233 Nursing Officer & Pharmacy Officer Posts

KEA Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, has officially released two separate recruitment notifications dated 06.08.2026, inviting online applications for a total of 233 Group-C posts, comprising Pharmacy Officer and Nursing Officer (Staff Nurse/Shushrushadhikari) positions. These vacancies are distributed across the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme Medical Services Department and, under a separate Kalyana-Karnataka notification, the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society and related departments. This recruitment drive presents a golden opportunity for eligible candidates seeking a stable and prestigious government career in the healthcare sector of Karnataka.

KEA, as the nodal agency for conducting competitive examinations for various state government departments, ensures a transparent and merit-based selection process. The selection will be based on a competitive written examination conducted in online (CBT) or offline (OMR) mode, as decided by KEA. Candidates who are passionate about serving in the medical and health services domain and meet the eligibility criteria should not miss this chance. The application process begins on 07.08.2026 and concludes on 30.08.2026. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the KEA Recruitment 2026, covering all essential details such as vacancy breakdown, eligibility, salary, selection process, application procedure, and important dates.

KEA Notification Highlights 2026

Here are the key highlights of the KEA Recruitment 2026 notification:

• Organization: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru
• Posts: Pharmacy Officer, Nursing Officer (Staff Nurse/Shushrushadhikari)
• Total Vacancies: 233 (188 under RPC notification + 45 under Kalyana-Karnataka notification)
• Notification Date: 06.08.2026
• Application Mode: Online only
• Application Start Date: 07.08.2026
• Application Last Date: 30.08.2026
• Fee Payment Last Date: 31.08.2026
• Selection Process: Competitive written examination (Paper-1 and Paper-2)
• Job Location: Karnataka
• Official Website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/

These notifications are specifically for Group-C posts, and eligible candidates must appear for the competitive examination conducted by KEA to qualify for these posts. The vacancies have been notified separately as backlog/remaining posts under the ESI Scheme Medical Services Department (RPC notification) and as posts reserved for the Kalyana-Karnataka region under Article 371(J) (KK notification).

About KEA & KEA 2026

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is a prestigious state-level body established by the Government of Karnataka to conduct various entrance and recruitment examinations. Headquartered in Bengaluru, KEA is responsible for the smooth and transparent conduct of exams for admission to professional courses and for recruitment to various government departments. Known for its efficiency and reliability, KEA handles a high volume of applications and ensures a fair selection process through well-structured examinations.

For the KEA Recruitment 2026, the authority is acting as the recruiting body for the ESI Scheme Medical Services Department and the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society. This recruitment is a significant step towards strengthening the healthcare workforce in Karnataka. Working under KEA and the respective departments offers candidates a stable government job with attractive pay scales, allowances, and job security. The organization is committed to providing equal opportunities to all eligible candidates, with proper reservations as per government norms.

KEA Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The KEA Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 233 vacancies across two notifications. The first notification (RPC) is for the ESI Scheme Medical Services Department, and the second (KK) is for the Kalyana-Karnataka region. The post-wise breakdown is as follows:

RPC Notification (ESI Scheme Medical Services Department)

Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) Notification

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for KEA 2026

The KEA Recruitment 2026 follows the Government of Karnataka's reservation policy. The category-wise distribution for the total 233 vacancies is as follows:

• General Merit: 115 posts
• Ex-Servicemen: 27 posts
• Backlog: 14 posts
• Other categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD): As per government norms, the remaining posts are reserved for various categories. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for the detailed category-wise reservation chart.

It is important to note that the vacancies are spread across two notifications, and the reservation is applied separately for each. Candidates belonging to reserved categories must ensure they have valid caste/category certificates and mention the RD number in the online application.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for KEA 2026

Candidates must possess the required educational qualifications as of the last date of application. The post-wise qualifications are detailed below:

Pharmacy Officer

• Must possess a Diploma in Pharmacy from an institution recognized by the Government of Karnataka.
• Must be registered with the Karnataka Pharmacy Council.

Nursing Officer (RPC notification and ESI department under KK notification)

• Must possess a Diploma in General Nursing issued by an authority authorized by the Government of Karnataka.
• Must be registered with the Karnataka Nursing Council.

Nursing Officer (Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society post under KK notification)

• Must have passed a B.Sc Nursing degree from a recognized university and institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council/Karnataka State Nursing Council, OR
• Must have passed PUC or an equivalent examination along with General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) courses from an institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council/Karnataka State Nursing Council.
• Candidate must have studied Kannada as a language subject at PG, Bachelor's, PUC, SSLC, or Diploma level, or hold a Kannada certificate (Kavya/Jana/Rathna) issued by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Bangalore.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

Age is calculated as of the last date fixed for submission of the online application, i.e., 30.08.2026. The maximum age limits are as follows:

Additional age relaxation of up to 10 years is available for certain government/local authority/central government employees, and specific relaxations apply for ex-servicemen, NCC full-time instructors, Grameena Kutumba Palakas, and widows, as detailed in the official notification. Candidates should ensure that they fulfill the prescribed age criteria. Use our Age Calculator to confirm your eligibility.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

Selected candidates will receive an attractive salary as per the government pay scales. The pay structure for the posts is as follows:

In addition to the basic pay, employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other perks as per government rules. Selected candidates will be on probation for two years from the date of joining and are eligible for the National Pension Scheme (NPS) benefit, ensuring a secure future.

KEA Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for KEA Recruitment 2026 consists of a competitive written examination conducted in online (CBT) or offline (OMR) mode, as decided by KEA. The exam consists of two papers:

• Each question carries 4 alternative answers; candidates must mark only one correct answer.
• Negative marking applies: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Candidates must score a minimum of 35% marks in the competitive examination to qualify. Candidates scoring below the minimum marks will be disqualified.
• A Kannada language test (SSLC-standard, 150 objective-type marks, minimum 50 marks required to pass) applies to candidates who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC/higher level, or who have not already cleared the "Kadaya Kannada" test conducted earlier. Candidates who fail to secure the minimum required marks or remain absent are disqualified from the recruitment.

There is no interview or skill test for these posts. The final selection will be based on the marks obtained in the written examination, subject to the Kannada language test requirement.

Application Fee Details

The application fee must be paid online only, and once paid, it is non-refundable. The fee structure is as follows:

Candidates should verify their eligibility, qualification, age limit, and category before paying the fee. The fee can be paid through online modes such as net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI.

Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official KEA website for updates on the examination schedule and admit card release.

Required Documents for KEA Application 2026

Candidates must keep the following documents ready before filling the online application:

• Aadhaar card
• Marks cards/certificates for all educational qualifications and experience claimed
• SSLC marks card or equivalent as proof of date of birth
• Recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format, white background, 50KB–200KB
• Signature in JPEG format, 50KB–70KB
• Caste/category certificate (Category-A/B/C, Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B) as applicable, with RD number entered in the online application
• Ex-servicemen discharge certificate or pension/gratuity proof, where applicable
• PWD/UDID certificate, where applicable
• Rural candidature, Kannada-medium study, or third-gender certificate, where applicable
• Income certificate, where applicable for married women candidates from Category 2A/2B/3A/3B claiming reservation under their husband's name

How to Apply Online

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply online for KEA Recruitment 2026:

1. Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
2. Click on the relevant recruitment application link.
3. Register and fill in the online application form carefully, since no correction or modification is allowed after submission.
4. Upload the required photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
5. Pay the applicable application fee online before the last date.
6. Download and keep a copy of the submitted application and the fee payment receipt for future reference.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for KEA Applicants

Candidates must adhere to the following important instructions:

• Ensure that all details entered in the application form are correct, as no correction will be allowed after submission.
• The photograph and signature must be in the specified format and size; otherwise, the application may be rejected.
• Keep a valid email ID and mobile number for communication.
• Verify eligibility before applying; ineligible candidates will be disqualified at any stage.
• Applications must be submitted online only; offline applications will not be accepted.
• Retain a printout of the submitted application and fee receipt for future reference.
• Check the official website regularly for updates on the exam date, admit card, and result.

Job Location & Posting Details

The job location for the KEA Recruitment 2026 posts is Karnataka. Selected candidates will be posted in various districts across the state, depending on the department and vacancy. The ESI Scheme Medical Services Department has hospitals and dispensaries in major cities, while the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society has institutions in various districts. The exact posting location will be decided by the respective department as per administrative requirements. Candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in Karnataka.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The KEA Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to work as Pharmacy Officer or Nursing Officer in the Karnataka government. With 233 vacancies, this recruitment offers a stable and rewarding career in the healthcare sector. Candidates are advised to thoroughly read the official notification, check their eligibility, and apply online before the last date of 30.08.2026.

To prepare effectively, focus on the syllabus for Paper-1 (General Knowledge) and Paper-2 (Post-specific subjects). Practice previous year question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Remember that negative marking applies, so answer only when you are confident. Also, ensure you meet the Kannada language requirement, as it is mandatory for selection.

Stay updated with the official KEA website for any changes in the exam schedule. We wish all candidates the very best for their preparation and application!

Senior Government Jobs Editor ✓

Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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