Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has announced the Nursing Officer & Pharmacy Officer Recruitment 2026 under Notification No. RPC/07/2026 for eligible candidates seeking government healthcare jobs in Karnataka.
The recruitment covers 188 indicative vacancies, including Nursing Officer positions, and the online application process is scheduled from 07 September 2026 to 30 September 2026.
Candidates with the prescribed nursing or pharmacy qualifications can check the complete details including eligibility criteria, age limit, vacancy details, application fee, important dates, examination pattern, syllabus, selection process and required documents before applying.
The selection process and Kannada-language requirements should be checked carefully in the official KEA notification, as applicable conditions may vary by post and category.
Candidates are advised to complete their applications before the last date and regularly check the official KEA portal for updates regarding the examination, admit card, answer key, results and merit list.
KEA Nursing Officer & Pharmacy Officer Recruitment 2026 – Complete Notification |
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| Karnataka Health Department | 188 Vacancies (Nursing & Pharmacy Officer) | Notification: 06.08.2026 | Apply: 07.09.2026 – 30.09.2026 | |
| Official Portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea | Helpline: 080-23460460 (10 AM to 6 PM) | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) on behalf of Karnataka Health Department & Medical Education Department |
| Post Names | 1) Nursing Officer (Diploma in General Nursing) 2) Pharmacy Officer (Diploma in Pharmacy) |
| Notification Number | RPC/07/2026 (Dated 06.08.2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 188 Posts (Indicative) Nursing Officer (General Nursing Diploma): 98 | Nursing Officer (Specialized Nursing): 90 |
| Application Mode | Online Mode Only (Offline OMR-Based Written Exam) |
| Selection Method | Offline OMR Written Exam (Paper-I + Paper-II) + Kannada Language Proficiency Test + Document Verification |
| Cadre Level | Paramedical Staff / Group-C (Health Department) |
| Job Location | Karnataka Government Hospitals, Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Medical Colleges across Karnataka |
| Official Portal | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Key Highlights — Why KEA Nursing Officer 2026 is Special |
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| ✅ 188 Permanent Government Jobs | ✅ Highest Salary Among Paramedical Staff (₹28,000+/month) | ✅ Secure Government Career | ✅ Full Pension & Medical Benefits | ✅ Job Security with NPS | ✅ Promotion Opportunities to Senior Positions | ✅ Online Application Process (Simple & Fast) | |
Important Dates 2026 — Key Timeline |
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| Event | Date / Timeline |
| Official Notification Released | 06 August 2026 |
| Online Application Registration Opens | 07 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | 30 September 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Admit Card Release | Approximately 7-10 days before exam (Tentatively October 2026) |
| Written Exam (Phase-I & II) | Tentatively in October/November 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Within 3-5 days after exam (Objections window: 3 days) |
| Kannada Language Proficiency Test (KLPT) | After Written Exam Qualification (November/December 2026) |
| Provisional Merit List Declaration | December 2026 / January 2027 |
| Document Verification Round | January – February 2027 |
| Final Selection & Joining Notification | February/March 2027 onwards |
Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
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Vacancy Breakdown — Post-Wise & Category-Wise Seats |
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| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Pay Scale | Location |
| Nursing Officer (Diploma in General Nursing) | 98 Posts | Rs. 24,050–28,070–33,020 (Grade Pay) | Karnataka Health Department |
| Nursing Officer (Specialized: Pediatric/Adult/Maternal) (Diploma in Specialized Nursing) | 90 Posts | Rs. 24,050–28,070–33,020 (Grade Pay) | Karnataka Medical Colleges & Tertiary Care Centers |
| TOTAL | 188 Posts (Indicative; subject to Government orders) |
| Note: Vacancies are indicative and subject to change based on actual requirement. State Government may increase/decrease vacancies as per requirement. Final vacancy will be announced through official notification. | Candidates selected will be posted at Government Hospitals, Medical Colleges, or other health institutions across Karnataka. |
Application Fee & Payment Details |
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| Category | Application Fee |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / PwBD Candidates | ₹250/- (Concessional Fee) |
| Category-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (OBC) Candidates | ₹500/- (Standard Fee) |
| General Merit (GM) / Unreserved Candidates | ₹750/- (Standard Fee) |
| Fee Payment Window | 07 September to 30 September 2026 (During Application Period) |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS (Online Mode Only; No Offline Payment) |
| Note: Fee is non-refundable once paid. Transaction charges (if applicable) borne by candidate. No offline payment mode available. Payment must be made only through online channels. | Candidates should keep fee payment receipt for record. Receipt will be required during document verification and joining process. |
Salary & Total Emoluments — Government Pay Scale |
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| Salary Component | Amount |
| Pay Scale (Paramedical Staff — Group-C) | Rs. 24,050–28,070–33,020 (Plus Grade Pay as applicable) |
| Starting Basic Pay | Rs. 24,050/- (Revised as per 7th Pay Commission) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Current applicable rates (varies quarterly as per Government orders) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 10-15% of basic pay (Varies by posting location and city classification) |
| Other Allowances | Nursing Duty Allowance (₹200-500), Night Duty Allowance, Shift Allowance, Children’s Education Allowance, etc. |
| Estimated Total Monthly Emoluments | Approximately Rs. 28,000-32,000/- per month (Varies by location and allowances) |
| Additional Benefits | Provident Fund (PF), National Pension System (NPS), Medical Benefits (Family cover), Leave Fare Concession (LFC), Gratuity, Group Insurance, Study Leave, Earned Leave (20 days/year) |
| Important Notes: Salary varies by posting location (higher in city centers, lower in rural/tribal areas). All allowances revised as per Karnataka Government pay matrix. Annual salary increment: ₹800-1000/year. AFTER 5-7 years, promotion to Senior Nursing Officer post (Pay Scale: Rs. 28,070-45,400) with higher salary. | Pension Benefit: After 20 years service, monthly pension approximately 50% of last drawn salary + DA (under NPS/contributory pension scheme); After superannuation (age 60 years), gratuity payment calculated as 16.5 x average monthly emoluments. |
Written Examination Pattern 2026 (Offline OMR-Based) |
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| Paper / Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
| Paper-1 (General Knowledge & Current Affairs) | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours | 0.25 mark per wrong answer |
| Paper-2 (Professional Nursing/Pharmacy Knowledge) | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours | 0.25 mark per wrong answer |
| TOTAL (Written Exam) | 200 Questions | 200 Marks | 4 Hours (2 papers of 2 hours each) | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| Kannada Language Proficiency Test (KLPT) — Phase-II Test Pattern: 150 marks total | Objective (Reading + Writing): 100 marks | Subjective/Oral: 50 marks Duration: 2-3 hours Minimum Qualifying Marks: Decided by KEA (Typically 50% aggregate required) Exemption: If candidate studied Kannada in 10th/12th (proof from marksheet), exempted from KLPT Failure: If candidate fails KLPT despite qualifying written exam, NO APPOINTMENT |
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Exam Syllabus — Topics to Study
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Selection Process — Three Phases
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How to Apply Online for KEA Nursing Officer 2026
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Documents Required During Entire Recruitment Process
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KEA Nursing Officer 2026 — Important Links & Contact |
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| Apply Online (Registration & Fee Payment) | click here (Active 07–30 September 2026) |
| Download Official Notification PDF (RPC/07/2026) | click here |
| Official KEA Portal | click here |
| Helpline & Support | Phone: 080-23460460 (10 AM to 6 PM, Monday-Friday) | Email: kea@karnataka.gov.in |
| Admit Card Download | Log in to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea with registration ID & password approximately 7 days before exam |
| Check Results & Merit List | After exam, log in to portal to check provisional answer key, objections, final results, and merit list status |
KEA Nursing Officer Recruitment 2026 (RPC/07/2026)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for KEA Nursing Officer 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application and pay the application fee is 30 September 2026, up to 11:59 PM IST. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Candidates are advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Q2. Is there an interview for KEA Nursing Officer Recruitment 2026?
Ans: No, there is no interview round. The selection process consists of the written examination, Kannada Language Proficiency Test (KLPT), Document Verification, and Medical Fitness Examination. The KLPT is a qualifying stage, wherever applicable.
Q3. What is the salary of a KEA Nursing Officer?
Ans: The Nursing Officer position carries a government pay scale as prescribed in the recruitment notification. The exact basic pay, allowances, and total monthly remuneration should be checked from the official KEA notification. Salary may include applicable allowances such as DA, HRA, and other government-approved benefits.
Q4. I did not study Kannada in Class 10 or 12. Do I have to appear for the KLPT?
Ans: Candidates who do not have the prescribed proof of having studied Kannada may be required to appear for the Kannada Language Proficiency Test (KLPT). Candidates who satisfy the notification’s Kannada-language qualification/exemption criteria should follow the applicable instructions.
Q5. What happens if I fail the Kannada Language Proficiency Test?
Ans: If KLPT is mandatory for your candidature and you fail to achieve the prescribed qualifying standard, you may not be eligible for appointment. Candidates should carefully check the official notification for the applicable KLPT qualifying conditions.
Q6. Can I apply for both Nursing Officer and Pharmacy Officer posts?
Ans: Candidates should check the application rules in the official notification before applying for multiple posts. If the notification restricts candidates to a single post,
