KEA Water Supply Operator and Electrician Recruitment 2026

KEA Water Supply Operator & Electrician Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, under the Directorate of Municipal Administration, has released Notification No. ED/KEA/46/Ne.Vi/2026(KK) dated 11.09.2026, inviting online applications for 210 posts across Water Supply Operator, Assistant Water Supply Operator, Electrician Grade-1, and Electrician Grade-2 for City Local Bodies in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Online applications open from 16 September 2026 and close on 30 September 2026, with fee payment permitted until 1 October 2026.

KEA 2026 – Overview Table

Post-wise Vacancy and Qualification Details

Age Limit

Further age relaxation applies for Government employees, ex-servicemen, NCC instructors, rural sanitation surveyors, widows, and retrenched workers as per detailed reservation rules in the official notification.

Application Fee

Eligibility Criteria

• Water Supply Operator / Electrician Grade-1: SSLC + ITI 2-year course (Electrical/Fitter trade) + NTC + 1 year NAC apprenticeship.
• Assistant Water Supply Operator: SSLC + ITI 2-year Electrical/Fitter trade + NTC.
• Electrician Grade-2: SSLC + ITI 2-year Electrical trade + NTC.
• Local reservation for Kalyana-Karnataka region candidates applies under Article 371(J) of the Constitution.
• National Pension Scheme applies; selected candidates undergo a 2-year probation period.

Selection Process

• Paper-1: Kannada Language Paper, 150 marks, minimum 50 marks required to qualify, expected in November 2026.
• Paper-2: Subject-specific paper relevant to the post applied for; date to be announced separately.
• Examination mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Offline OMR-based, as per KEA’s arrangement.
• Final selection based on combined performance in both papers, subject to local (Kalyana-Karnataka) reservation norms.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official KEA online portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
2. Applications open from 16 September 2026.
3. Register, fill in the online application form, and upload required documents (educational certificates, ITI/NTC/NAC certificates, category certificates).
4. Pay the applicable application fee online before 1 October 2026.
5. Applications close on 30 September 2026 (fee payment window extends to 1 October 2026).

Terms and Conditions

• Local reservation under Article 371(J) for Kalyana-Karnataka region residents applies to this recruitment.
• Selected candidates will be governed by the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
• A 2-year probation period applies upon selection.
• Age relaxations apply for various categories as detailed in the official notification.
• KEA reserves the right to modify vacancy numbers or examination arrangements at any stage.

Understanding the Kalyana-Karnataka Local Reservation

This recruitment specifically targets City Local Bodies within the Kalyana-Karnataka region (comprising districts like Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara), which enjoys special local reservation status under Article 371(J) of the Indian Constitution. This provision reserves a portion of educational and employment opportunities for local candidates to address historical regional development disparities, making this recruitment particularly significant for ITI-qualified candidates from this specific part of Karnataka.

Why This Recruitment Matters for ITI Graduates

With 210 total posts spanning Water Supply Operator, Assistant Water Supply Operator, and Electrician Grade-1/2 categories, this KEA recruitment offers a substantial number of stable municipal employment opportunities for ITI-trained Electrical and Fitter trade candidates in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Given the region’s local reservation protection, this represents a particularly strong opportunity for local ITI graduates who might otherwise face broader statewide competition for similar municipal technical posts.

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About Karnataka Examination Authority

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, is the state’s primary examination conducting body responsible for various competitive examinations, including entrance tests and recruitment examinations for state government departments and local bodies. This recruitment is conducted on behalf of the Directorate of Municipal Administration for City Local Bodies specifically within the Kalyana-Karnataka region.

Why the Kannada Language Paper Carries Weight

Making Kannada Language Paper-1 a mandatory qualifying stage (with a fixed minimum of 50 out of 150 marks) underscores the importance municipal bodies place on ensuring frontline technical staff can communicate effectively with local residents and colleagues in the region’s primary language. Candidates should not underestimate this component simply because their technical trade qualification is strong — failing to clear the Kannada paper disqualifies a candidate regardless of technical merit, since Paper-2 evaluation only applies to those who clear Paper-1 first.

Preparing for Both Selection Stages

Given the two-stage structure — a language qualifying paper followed by a subject-specific technical paper — candidates should balance preparation time between basic Kannada reading/comprehension practice and revising their ITI trade syllabus (electrical circuits, water supply system maintenance, or relevant fitter/electrician trade theory) depending on which post they are targeting. Early registration and fee payment are advisable given the relatively short application window closing by 30 September 2026.

Final Word

This KEA recruitment offers 210 technical posts across Water Supply Operator and Electrician categories for ITI-qualified candidates in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Eligible candidates should complete their online application at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea between 16 and 30 September 2026, and prepare for the Kannada Language Paper expected in November 2026.

Important Links

• Notification PDF: Download Official Notification
• Apply Online: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
• NaukriPatra App: Download the NaukriPatra App
• WhatsApp Channel: Join our WhatsApp Channel
• Telegram Channel: Join our Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many total posts are advertised under this KEA notification?

210 posts across Water Supply Operator (80), Electrician Grade-1 (3), Assistant Water Supply Operator (122), and Electrician Grade-2 (5).

2. What is the application window?

16 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, with fee payment permitted until 1 October 2026.

3. What is the essential qualification?

SSLC + ITI 2-year course (Electrical/Fitter trade) with NTC, and additionally NAC apprenticeship for Water Supply Operator and Electrician Grade-1.

4. What is the age limit?

40 years (General), 43 years (Category 2A/2B/3A/3B), 45 years (SC/ST/Category-1).

5. What is the application fee?

Rs 750 (General/2A/2B/3A/3B), Rs 500 (SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-servicemen/Transgender), Rs 250 (Special category).

6. What is the selection process?

Kannada Language Paper-1 (150 marks, minimum 50 required) followed by a subject-specific Paper-2.

7. Is this recruitment open statewide?

No, it is specifically for City Local Bodies in the Kalyana-Karnataka region, with local reservation under Article 371(J).

8. When is the Kannada Language Paper expected?

November 2026.

9. How do I apply?

Online through cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

10. Is NPS applicable to selected candidates?

Yes, the National Pension Scheme applies.

11. What is the probation period?

2 years.

12. What is the pay scale for Water Supply Operator and Electrician Grade-1?

Rs 37,500-76,100.