The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has notified the Compulsory Kannada Language Test 2026 for specific outside-Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka quota candidates who have already qualified in the main written examination for Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Village Accountant, Police Constable, Land Surveyor, KREIS Teacher and Section Officer posts. The test is scheduled for 22 August 2026 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The hall ticket download facility for this test is expected to be active on the KEA candidate portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates must check the portal regularly as the exam is just days away.
Important – Read Carefully: This is NOT the main VAO written recruitment exam. It is a separate, compulsory qualifying-only language test required for specific candidates only – those from the outside-Karnataka or Kalyana Karnataka quota who did not study or pass SSLC with Kannada as a subject or medium. Candidates who are NOT from these categories do NOT need to appear for this test. The marks scored in this Kannada Language Test are NOT added to the main recruitment merit list. It is purely pass or fail. Minimum qualifying marks are 50 out of 150. The main VAO written examination for General/RPC cadre is separately scheduled for 4 October 2026, and for Kalyana-Karnataka cadre on 25 October 2026.
KEA VAO Kannada Language Test 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Notification No. | ED/KEA/02/Recruitment/2026 |
| Notification Date | 11 August 2026 |
| Test Name | Compulsory Kannada Language Test 2026 |
| Legal Basis | Government Order No. Siasu 102 Sevana 2022 dated 18.03.2025 |
| Applicable Posts | Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Village Accountant, Police Constable (CAR/DAR/KSRP/IRB/KSISF), Land Surveyor, KREIS Teacher, Section Officer (Karnataka State Legal Services Authority) |
| Who Must Appear | Specific outside-Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka quota candidates who already qualified the main written exam and have not cleared Kannada language test before |
| Test Date | 22 August 2026 (Saturday) |
| Test Timing | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 100 (MCQ) |
| Maximum Marks | 150 |
| Qualifying Marks | 50 out of 150 (minimum) |
| Marks Added to Merit | NO – purely qualifying (pass/fail) |
| Admit Card Status | Expected to be active at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in – check regularly |
| Official Websites | kea.kar.nic.in and cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| KEA notification issued | 11 August 2026 |
| Compulsory Kannada Language Test | 22 August 2026 (Saturday), 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Main VAO written exam – General/RPC cadre | 4 October 2026 |
| Main VAO written exam – Kalyana-Karnataka cadre | 25 October 2026 |
Who Must Appear for the Kannada Language Test?
This test is applicable ONLY to the following specific candidates who have already qualified in the main written examination for their respective post:
A candidate must appear if they belong to the outside-Karnataka or Kalyana Karnataka recruitment quota AND satisfy ANY of the following conditions:
- Did not study Kannada as a subject up to SSLC or an equivalent or higher examination; or
- Did not pass SSLC (or a higher examination) with Kannada as the medium of instruction; or
- Have not previously cleared a Kannada Language Test conducted by any competent authority recognized for this purpose.
Posts covered by this test (22 August 2026):
| Post | Department |
|---|---|
| Village Administrative Officer (VAO) | Revenue Department, Karnataka |
| Village Accountant | Revenue Department, Karnataka |
| Police Constable | CAR / DAR / KSRP / IRB / KSISF |
| Land Surveyor | Survey Department |
| Teacher (various subjects) | KREIS (Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society) |
| Section Officer | Karnataka State Legal Services Authority |
Candidates who do NOT fall into the outside-Karnataka or Kalyana Karnataka quota, or who have already cleared a Kannada language test previously, do NOT need to appear for this test.
Exam Pattern – Kannada Language Test
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Written (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 2 hours (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 50 out of 150 |
| Marks counted in merit list | No – pass/fail qualification only |
| Nature | Compulsory qualifying test – failing disqualifies from appointment |
How to Check and Download the KEA VAO Kannada Language Test Admit Card 2026
- Visit the official KEA candidate portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in or the KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in.
- Look for the Kannada Language Test 2026 admit card or hall ticket link, once activated by KEA.
- Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth (or registration password, as specified by KEA on the portal).
- Verify all details on your hall ticket carefully – name, photograph, exam centre address and reporting time.
- Download the admit card as a PDF and take at least two printed copies.
- Carry one printed copy along with a valid original photo ID to the exam centre on 22 August 2026.
Note: As of the notification dated 11 August 2026, KEA has confirmed the exam date and details. Candidates must keep checking kea.kar.nic.in and cetonline.karnataka.gov.in regularly for the hall ticket activation, as KEA typically activates such links a few days before the exam.
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Printed admit card/hall ticket | Once downloaded – mandatory for entry |
| Original government-issued photo ID | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence or Passport |
Refer to any additional instructions printed on your individual admit card once downloaded.
Important Instructions
- Reach the exam centre well before 3:00 PM on 22 August 2026. The test runs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- This test applies to multiple recruitment posts, not just VAO. Candidates appearing for Police Constable, Land Surveyor, KREIS Teacher and Section Officer posts under the applicable quota must also appear on the same date and time.
- Clearing this test is mandatory for appointment in the concerned post. Failing to appear or failing to score the minimum 50 out of 150 marks will disqualify the candidate from final appointment.
- The marks scored in this Kannada Language Test will NOT be added to the main recruitment written examination merit list.
- Candidates who have already cleared a Kannada language test from a recognized competent authority before this notification need not appear.
- Keep checking kea.kar.nic.in and cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for the activated admit card download link and any further instructions.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| KEA Candidate Login/Hall Ticket Portal | Click Here |
| KEA Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions – KEA VAO Kannada Language Test Admit Card 2026
Q1. When is the KEA Kannada Language Test 2026?
✅ 22 August 2026 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, as per KEA Notification No. ED/KEA/02/Recruitment/2026 dated 11 August 2026.
Q2. Is this the main VAO written examination?
✅ No. This is a separate Compulsory Kannada Language Test, applicable only to specific outside-Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka quota candidates. The main VAO written exam for General/RPC cadre is on 4 October 2026, and for Kalyana-Karnataka cadre on 25 October 2026.
Q3. Who is required to appear for this Kannada Language Test?
✅ Only outside-Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka quota candidates who have already qualified the main written examination and have not previously cleared a recognized Kannada language test, and who did not study or pass SSLC with Kannada as a subject or medium of instruction.
Q4. Which posts does this test cover?
✅ Multiple posts – VAO, Village Accountant, Police Constable (CAR/DAR/KSRP/IRB/KSISF), Land Surveyor, KREIS Teacher and Section Officer of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority. All these candidates appear on the same date and time – 22 August 2026, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Q5. What is the exam pattern and qualifying mark?
✅ 100 MCQ questions for a maximum of 150 marks in 2 hours. Minimum qualifying marks are 50 out of 150. It is purely pass/fail.
Q6. Will marks from this Kannada test be added to the VAO merit list?
✅ No. The marks scored in this test are NOT added to the main recruitment merit list. It is a qualifying test only – you either pass or fail. Final merit is based only on the main written examination.
Q7. Where can I download the KEA Kannada Language Test Admit Card 2026?
✅ From the KEA candidate portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in using your Application Number and Date of Birth. Keep checking regularly as the hall ticket link is expected to be activated ahead of the 22 August 2026 exam.
Q8. What is the legal basis for this Kannada Language Test requirement?
✅ Government Order No. Siasu 102 Sevana 2022 dated 18 March 2025, under which this compulsory Kannada language qualification requirement for outside-Karnataka quota and Kalyana Karnataka quota candidates has been mandated.
Q9. What if I fail the Kannada Language Test?
✅ Failing to qualify (scoring below 50 out of 150) will disqualify you from final appointment to the post you applied for, even if you qualified the main written examination. The test is compulsory and clearing it is a prerequisite for appointment.
Q10. Does this test apply to candidates who already cleared a Kannada language test earlier?
✅ No. Candidates who have already cleared a Kannada Language Test conducted by a competent authority before this notification are exempted and do not need to appear again.
Disclaimer: This article is based on KEA Notification No. ED/KEA/02/Recruitment/2026 dated 11 August 2026, issued by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The Compulsory Kannada Language Test is scheduled for 22 August 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This test is applicable only to specific outside-Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka quota candidates for the posts of VAO, Village Accountant, Police Constable, Land Surveyor, KREIS Teacher and Section Officer who have already qualified the main written examination. Marks from this test are not counted in the merit list. The hall ticket download status should be verified from kea.kar.nic.in and cetonline.karnataka.gov.in directly. JobShouter.com is not associated with KEA in any manner.
