KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Notification to fill 750 Land Surveyor vacancies in the Survey Settlement and Land Records Department. Eligible Engineering, Diploma and specified B.Sc graduates can apply online from 11 July to 07 August 2026. Candidates will be selected through a written examination followed by document verification and Kannada language qualification wherever applicable.
Candidates looking for a stable Karnataka Government job in the Survey Settlement and Land Records Department should carefully review the eligibility criteria, category-wise vacancies, educational qualifications, and selection process before submitting the online application. In this article, you will find all the essential information about KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026, including vacancy details, eligibility, age limit, and other important details in an easy-to-understand format.
What is a Land Surveyor?
A Surveyor is a government official working under the Survey Settlement and Land Records Department. The Surveyor is responsible for maintaining accurate land records, conducting land measurements, and utilizing modern surveying techniques for state administration.
Karnataka Land Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Recruitment Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Department | Survey Settlement and Land Records Department |
| Post Name | Surveyor (ಭೂಮಾಪಕರು) |
| Total Vacancies | 750 Posts |
| RPC Vacancies | 560 Posts |
| KK Vacancies | 190 Posts |
| Notification Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
KEA Land Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Latest Update
KEA has published two separate notifications for Surveyor recruitment:
- Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) – 560 Vacancies
- Kalyana Karnataka (KK) – 190 Vacancies
Candidates should ensure they apply under the correct cadre based on their eligibility and reservation category.
What Does a Land Surveyor Actually Do?
Based on the official exam syllabus and departmental structure, a typical role of a Karnataka Surveyor includes:
- Conducting traditional and modern land surveys.
- Utilizing Drone (UAV) Imagery and Satellite Imagery for spatial resolution mapping.
- Working with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
- Processing field data using AutoCAD for cadastral mapping.
- Managing geographic data through web portals and State Data Centers.
Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Karnataka Application Date
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| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | 11 July 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 11 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 07 August 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 10 August 2026 |
RPC (Residual Parent Cadre) Exam Dates:
- Specific Paper (Paper 2): 03 October 2026 (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
- General Knowledge (Paper 1): 04 October 2026 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
KK (Kalyana-Karnataka) Exam Dates:
- Specific Paper (Paper 2): 24 October 2026 (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
- General Knowledge (Paper 1): 25 October 2026 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
(Note: KEA will separately announce the date for the Compulsory Kannada Language Test.)
Land Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 750 Surveyor posts have been notified.
| Cadre | Vacancies |
| Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 560 |
| Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 190 |
| Grand Total | 750 Posts |
Category Wise Surveyor Vacancy 2026 (RPC)
The Residual Parent Cadre notification has published the following category-wise vacancies:
| Category | Total Vacancies |
| General Merit (GM) | 280 |
| Category 2A | 84 |
| Category 2B | 22 |
| Category 3A | 22 |
| Category 3B | 28 |
| SC (Category-A) | 30 |
| SC (Category-B) | 29 |
| SC (Category-C) | 25 |
| ST | 17 |
| Category 1 | 23 |
| Total | 560 |
Category Wise Surveyor Vacancy Details (KK)
The Kalyana Karnataka notification has separately notified 190 vacancies for eligible candidates under the KK Cadre.
| Category | Total Vacancies |
| General Merit (GM) | 95 |
| Category 2A | 28 |
| Category 2B | 8 |
| Category 3A | 7 |
| Category 3B | 10 |
| SC (Category-A) | 10 |
| SC (Category-B) | 10 |
| SC (Category-C) | 8 |
| ST | 6 |
| Category 1 | 8 |
| Total | 190 |
Land Surveyor Recruitment Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the Surveyor post must possess the educational qualification prescribed in the official notification issued by KEA. Applicants must possess any one of the following:
- Any degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university, or an A.M.I.E. degree in Engineering or Technology.
- A B.Sc. degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Instrumentation, Electronics and Communication, or Agriculture B.Sc.
- A Diploma in any branch of Engineering/Technology from an AICTE recognized institution.
Other conditions:
- Must be an Indian Citizen.
- Must produce valid supporting documents during document verification.
- Male candidates with more than one living wife, or female candidates married to a person who already has a wife, are not eligible without prior government permission.
Surveyor Recruitment Age Limit
Candidates should satisfy the minimum and maximum age limits prescribed by KEA. The minimum age limit is 18 years. The maximum age limits are:
- General Merit: 40 years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 43 years
- SC, ST, Category-I: 45 years
Age relaxation will be applicable for Ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, Village Group Inspectors, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) – 10 years, Widows – 10 years, and Bonded Laborers – 10 years as per Karnataka Government rules.
Why Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Is a Golden Opportunity
Unlike many contractual government jobs, the Surveyor is a permanent post in the Karnataka Survey Settlement and Land Records Department. Appointed candidates will serve a probationary period of two years. During this period, candidates must complete six months of foundational training at the department’s surveying training institute.
To successfully complete the probationary period, candidates must pass the theoretical exam with at least 35% marks and the practical exam with at least 40% marks. The position falls under the National Pension System (NPS) framework.
Surveyor Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
Candidates applying for the KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026 must pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment gateway. The fee once paid is non-refundable.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | Rs. 750/- |
| SC / ST / Category-I / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender | Rs. 500/- |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Rs. 250/- |
Surveyor Recruitment Salary Details
Selected candidates for the Surveyor post will receive an attractive salary under the 2024 Revised State Pay Scale.
- Pay Scale: Rs. 37,500 – Rs. 76,100
KEA Surveyor Selection Process 2026
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will conduct the recruitment process in multiple stages:
- Stage 1 – Written Examination: Candidates must appear for an Offline-OMR type competitive examination.
- Stage 2 – Kannada Language Test: A mandatory test for candidates who do not possess the required prior Kannada qualifications.
- Stage 3 – Merit List: Candidates must score a minimum of 35% in the competitive exam to qualify for the selection process.
- Stage 4 – Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present original certificates, including Aadhaar cards, mark sheets, and category certificates.
Karnataka Land Surveyor Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination features two distinct papers.
- Negative Marking: For every incorrect answer, or if an option/circle is left unshaded, 0.25 marks will be deducted. KEA provides a 5th option/circle for unattempted questions, which must be shaded during a 5-minute grace period after the final bell.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper-1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper-2 | Specific Paper | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
Surveyor Syllabus Overview
Paper-1: General Knowledge
- Current Affairs and daily observations.
- Indian Constitution and Indian History (with special reference to Karnataka).
- Geography of India (with reference to Karnataka).
- State and Regional Administration.
- Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Rural Cooperative Institutions.
- Economic development and Environmental issues in Karnataka.
Paper-2: Specific Paper
- Arithmetic/Mathematics (40%): Number systems, Set Theory, Matrices, Permutations, Statistics, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and theorems on triangles and circles.
- Physics (10%): Magnetism, Electricity, Electromagnetic Radiation, Electronics, Dynamics, Heat, Light, Sound, and Gravitation.
- Geography (10%): The Earth, Lithosphere, Maps, and Physical Features of India.
- Modern Methods of Surveying (20%): Photogrammetry, Aerial Survey, Satellite/Drone Imagery, GPS, DGPS, GNSS Rovers, and GIS.
- Computer Applications (20%): MS Office, AutoCAD, Desktop GIS, Web Portals, Database Storage, and API concepts.
The Compulsory Kannada Test Mandate
Ensuring language capability is a requirement for state administration.
- The Baseline Rule: The Compulsory Kannada Language Test is a 150-mark objective MCQ paper. The test is based on the SSLC First Language Kannada standard.
- Qualifying Cut-off: Candidates must score a minimum of 50 marks to qualify.
- Merit Separation: The marks scored here are strictly qualifying; they are not considered for ranking or final selection.
Who is Exempt from the Language Test?
You are fully exempt from appearing for this test if you meet any of the following conditions:
- Passed SSLC or an equivalent/higher examination with Kannada as the First or Second Language.
- Studied in Kannada Medium and passed such examinations.
- Previously cleared the compulsory Kannada test conducted by the Commission or any other selection authority.
Surveyor Application Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before filling out the online application:
- Aadhaar Card
- Marksheets & Certificates: SSLC or equivalent showing Date of Birth. All semester mark sheets and convocation/degree certificates for the qualifying examination.
- Reservation Certificates (if applicable): Valid Caste and Income certificates (Forms D, E, F as appropriate).
- Special Categories (if applicable): Rural reservation (Form 1 and 2), Kannada Medium, Ex-Servicemen, PwD, or Transgender certificates.
- Recent Photographs & Signatures: Scanned passport-size photo (JPEG, 50KB to 200KB) and signature (JPEG, 50KB to 70KB).
How to Apply for Land Surveyor Recruitment 2026
Follow these simple steps to submit your online application successfully:
- Visit the official KEA recruitment portal: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Open the Surveyor Recruitment 2026 link.
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed sizes.
- Fill in your personal, educational, and reservation details accurately. Once submitted, no changes or corrections can be made.
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
- Download and preserve the application copy and fee challan until the recruitment process is completed.
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Preparation Tips to Crack KEA Surveyor Exam 2026
- Study the official syllabus thoroughly before starting preparation.
- Focus heavily on Mathematics and modern mapping systems like GIS and AutoCAD, as they make up a massive portion of Paper-2.
- Practice shading the OMR sheet accurately, keeping in mind the negative marking and the 5th unattempted option circle rule.
Can Candidates from Any Region Apply for Surveyor Recruitment 2026?
- Can an RPC candidate apply for KK? Generally, RPC candidates cannot claim Kalyana Karnataka (KK) local cadre reservations unless they hold a valid Article 371(J) eligibility certificate issued by the Assistant Commissioner.
- Can a KK candidate apply for RPC? Yes, candidates from the KK region can apply for Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) vacancies under the non-local unreserved categories.
- How are postings decided? Postings are decided based on final merit, category-wise roster, and departmental requirements across the state after the mandatory foundational training period is completed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Many candidates lose valuable opportunities due to avoidable errors. Make sure you do not repeat these common mistakes:
- Entering an incorrect Aadhaar or SSLC registration number.
- Uploading blurred or incorrectly sized photographs (must be JPEG format, 50KB-200KB) and signatures (JPEG format, 50KB-70KB) .
- Selecting the wrong reservation category or possessing expired certificates .
- Providing an inactive mobile number or email address, as KEA uses this for all final communications.
- Submitting the application without verifying the details. KEA does not allow modifications or corrections once submitted.
- Waiting until the last date to apply, which may result in server issues.
- Failing to preserve the payment challan or application printout for the entire duration of the recruitment process .
- Taking a few extra minutes to review your application can help avoid unnecessary complications later.
Who Should Apply for KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026?
This recruitment is an excellent opportunity for:
- Engineering, Diploma, or specialized B.Sc. graduates looking for a stable, 100% permanent Karnataka Government job .
- Aspirants preparing for KEA, KPSC, or other state-level technical competitive examinations.
- Candidates interested in serving in the Survey Settlement and Land Records Department.
- Rural and urban candidates seeking long-term government employment with active field responsibilities.
- Women candidates aiming for a secure career with recognized state benefits.
- Candidates eligible under the Kalyana Karnataka reservation seeking local opportunities.
If you want a highlights of this post articles visit sathya-jobalerts.com: KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026: Comprehensive Analysis of 750 Vacancies, Syllabus, Exam Dates & Winning Strategy.
Career Growth and Promotion Opportunities
Joining as a Land Surveyor is not just about securing a government job—it also opens the door to long-term career advancement within the Survey Settlement and Land Records Department.
Based on departmental rules, experience, performance, and eligibility, a Surveyor may progress through promotional avenues such as:
- Land Surveyor (ಭೂಮಾಪಕರು)
- Survey Supervisor
- Assistant Director of Land Records (ADLR)
- Deputy Director of Land Records (DDLR)
In addition to promotions, employees benefit from periodic pay revisions, annual increments, government training programs, and opportunities to master advanced modern surveying technologies like drones and GIS over the course of their careers.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Before submitting the KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026 application, candidates should carefully read the official notification and ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements. Incorrect or incomplete applications may be rejected during any stage of the recruitment process. Keep the following points in mind:
- Read both the RPC and KK notifications carefully before applying.
- Ensure that all personal and educational details exactly match your original certificates.
- Use a valid mobile number and email ID throughout the recruitment process.
- Upload clear passport-size photographs and signatures in the prescribed format .
- Verify reservation category details before final submission.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application form and payment receipt for future reference.
- Regularly check the KEA website for updates regarding admit cards, examination dates, answer keys, and results.
Category-Wise Competition Prediction
While district-wise vacancies aren’t explicitly split in this notification, state-wide competition is categorized by cadre:
- RPC (560 Posts): Very High. General Merit (280) and Category 2A (84) will see the highest volume of applicants.
- KK (190 Posts): High within the region. General Merit (95) and Category 2A (28) are the largest pools here.
More vacancies do not always mean easier selection. Specialized technical roles attract a specific graduate base, so focus on achieving high marks in the Specific Paper rather than relying solely on vacancy numbers.
Surveyor vs Village Administrative Officer (VAO): Which Job Is Better?
| Feature | Land Surveyor | VAO |
| Department | Survey Settlement & Land Records | Revenue |
| Primary Work | Land Measurement, GIS & Mapping | Village Admin & Revenue Collection |
| Technical Skills | High (AutoCAD, GPS, Drones) | Moderate (Basic Computers) |
| Field Work | Very High | High |
| Public Interaction | Moderate | Very High |
| Promotion | Department-based | Department-based |
Preparation Tips to Crack KEA Surveyor Exam 2026
A well-planned preparation strategy can make a significant difference in the competitive examination. Here are some practical tips:
- Study the official syllabus thoroughly before starting preparation.
- Focus heavily on Mathematics (40%), Computer Applications (20%), and Modern Methods of Surveying (20%) for Paper-2.
- Improve your General Kannada grammar and comprehension skills to clear the mandatory 150-mark qualifying test.
- Solve previous years’ Karnataka technical and surveyor competitive exam papers.
- Practice mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy, especially factoring in the 0.25 negative marking for wrong or unshaded answers.
- Revise important math formulas and surveying concepts weekly to strengthen retention.
- Avoid last-minute preparation and maintain a consistent study schedule.
Mistakes That Lead to Rejection During Document Verification
- Name mismatch between SSLC and Aadhaar.
- Incorrect caste certificate format (Must be Form D, E, or F).
- Expired income or category certificates.
- KK reservation certificate issues (Must be Annexure-A by Assistant Commissioner) .
- Educational certificate discrepancies.
- Missing original documents .
Before You Apply: 8 Things Every Surveyor Aspirant Should Know
- You will spend a significant amount of time in the field measuring land.
- You must pass a rigorous 6-month foundational training program at the department’s institute during your 2-year probation.
- Failing the probationary training tests (theory and practical) can lead to termination of service.
- Accuracy in land records is critical.
- Digital revenue systems, drones, and GIS are central to modern surveying .
- The Compulsory Kannada test requires a minimum of 50 out of 150 marks to even be considered for final merit.
- Transfers and postings are governed by departmental policy.
- The position offers long-term stability and promotion opportunities.
Karnataka Surveyor Important Direct Links
Also Check : Karnataka latest Jobs 2026
| Description | Link |
| Official Notification Surveyor (RPC) | [Click Here To Download] |
| Official Notification Surveyor (KK) | [Click Here To Download] |
| Online Application Surveyor (RPC) | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/login |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
FAQs – KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026
How many vacancies are available in KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026?
A total of 750 Land Surveyor vacancies have been announced, including 560 RPC and 190 KK posts.
Which organization is conducting the recruitment?
The recruitment is being conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on behalf of the Survey Settlement and Land Records Department.
What is the post name?
The recruitment is for the post of Surveyor (ಭೂಮಾಪಕರು).
Is this a permanent government job?
Yes. The Surveyor is a permanent post under the Karnataka Government, subject to the successful completion of a two-year probationary period and associated training exams.
Will there be a written examination?
Yes. Eligible candidates will have to appear for a two-paper written examination (Offline-OMR) conducted by KEA, plus a compulsory Kannada language test if they do not meet exemption criteria.
Can candidates from other districts apply?
Yes. Eligible candidates from any district in Karnataka may apply, provided they satisfy the eligibility conditions and apply under the appropriate cadre (RPC or KK). However, reservation and cadre-specific rules will be applicable as mentioned in the official notification.
When will the admit card be released?
KEA will release the admit card on its official website before the examination. Candidates should regularly check for updates.
What is the last date to apply for Surveyor Recruitment 2026?
August 07, 2026 is the Surveyor Recruitment 2026 application last date.
Conclusion
The KEA Land Surveyor Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for technical graduates seeking a stable and respected engineering career in Karnataka. With 750 vacancies announced across the RPC and Kalyana Karnataka cadres, this recruitment is highly anticipated. Verify your eligibility, prepare the required documents , and complete the online application process within the stipulated timeline. Best of luck!
