Every Karnataka recruitment season, two questions come up again and again: "What exactly is the difference between FDA and SDA?" and "Which one should I apply for?" With 5,431 posts notified by KEA in 2026 – 2,726 degree-level and 2,705 PUC-level – the answer matters more than ever.
1. What are FDA and SDA?
FDA stands for First Division Assistant and SDA for Second Division Assistant. Both are Group-C posts in Karnataka government departments, boards and corporations. They form the backbone of government offices – handling files, records, correspondence, accounts and public service delivery.
2. FDA vs SDA at a glance
| Parameter | FDA | SDA |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | First Division Assistant | Second Division Assistant |
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor's degree (post-specific conditions may apply) | 2nd PUC / Class 12 or equivalent |
| Level | Group-C, degree-level | Group-C, PUC-level |
| Pay scale (2026 notifications) | ₹44,425 – 83,700 (most FDA-level posts) | ₹34,100 – 67,600 |
| Vacancies in 2026 (all equivalent posts) | 2,726 (RPC 2,163 + KK 563) | 2,705 (RPC 2,070 + KK 635) |
| Exam dates (as notified) | 9 Jan 2027 (KK), 10 Jan 2027 (RPC) | 16 Jan 2027 (KK), 17 Jan 2027 (RPC) |
| Typical work | Processing files, drafting notes, maintaining registers and accounts, coordinating with other sections | Clerical work – record keeping, data entry, dispatch, assisting senior staff |
Figures are as reported in KEA's four notifications dated 29 October 2026. Always check the exact post, pay scale and qualification in the official notification.
3. Who can apply for which post?
- 2nd PUC pass (not a graduate): PUC-level posts such as SDA, Junior Assistant and GP Secretary Grade-2.
- Graduate: degree-level posts such as FDA, and generally also PUC-level posts, since a graduate holds the minimum PUC qualification – subject to each post's conditions.
- Specific degrees: some degree-level posts need particular qualifications, e.g. B.Com/BBM/BBA for Accounts Assistant or Degree + B.Ed for Warden and Hostel Superintendent.
Note: a candidate can be selected for only one post across all four 2026 notifications. Age limits are 18 to 40 (General Merit), 43 (2A/2B/3A/3B) and 45 (SC/ST/Category-1), with further relaxations as per rules.
4. Salary and growth
FDA-level posts start on a higher pay scale (₹44,425 – 83,700) than SDA posts (₹34,100 – 67,600). Actual in-hand salary also depends on dearness allowance, house rent allowance (which varies by city) and deductions such as NPS contribution. Both posts offer promotion opportunities according to the recruitment rules of the department you join.
5. Which should you apply for?
- If you are a graduate: apply for the degree-level posts you are eligible for. Where the notification allows it, applying for PUC-level posts too gives you a second chance, and the different exam dates make it possible to write both.
- If you have 2nd PUC only: focus fully on PUC-level posts – with 2,705 vacancies, it is a strong opportunity.
- If you are from the Kalyana Karnataka region: check your local-cadre eligibility under Article 371J and keep the required certificate ready.
6. Is the preparation different?
Not really. Both levels test General Knowledge in Paper 1 and General Kannada, General English and Computer Knowledge in Paper 2, with negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. Degree-level papers can be a little more demanding, so graduates should aim for depth. See our 10-week FDA SDA study plan for a step-by-step approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of FDA and SDA?
FDA is First Division Assistant and SDA is Second Division Assistant – both Group-C posts in the Karnataka government.
What is the salary of FDA and SDA in Karnataka?
As per the 2026 KEA notifications, most FDA-level posts carry the pay scale ₹44,425 – 83,700 and SDA posts carry ₹34,100 – 67,600, plus applicable allowances.
Can a graduate apply for SDA?
Generally yes, because a graduate also holds the minimum 2nd PUC qualification – but check the conditions for each post in the official notification.
Is the FDA exam harder than SDA?
The subjects are the same; degree-level papers may be pitched slightly higher. With good preparation in GK, Kannada, English and Computer Knowledge, candidates can attempt both.