The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has unleashed a significant opportunity for individuals who have completed their ITI education by releasing the KEA Group C Recruitment 2026. The recruitment drive is for 210 Technical posts, including Water Supply Operator, Assistant Water Supply Operator, Electrician Grade-1, and Electrician Grade-2, in Kalyana-Karnataka Urban Local Bodies.
This recruitment is a good opportunity for candidates aspiring to appear for an ITI-based government job. However, applicants are advised to read the post-wise qualifications, age limit, and examination scheme before starting preparation.
KEA Recruitment 2026: Know the Vacancies
| Post | Vacancies |
| Water Supply Operator | 80 |
| Assistant Water Supply Operator | 122 |
| Electrician Grade-1 | 3 |
| Electrician Grade-2 | 5 |
| Total | 210 |
Who Can Apply for KEA Group C Posts?
The eligibility criteria to join KEA Group C 2026 will vary based on the position. Applicants are advised to carefully review their trade qualification prior to making an application.
The applicant should have a minimum SSLC/10th standard and two years of ITI training in Electrical/Fitter with one year of apprenticeship training with NAC for water supply operator.
Candidates who are interested in the Assistant Water Supply Operator position need to possess SSLC/10th with ITI in Electrical / Fitter (Electrical / Fitter – 2 years). Electrician Grade-1 is a person who has passed SSLC/10th and has completed the prescribed 2-year apprenticeship program with NAC and has passed the Electrical ITI program. Electrician Grade-2 is a person who has passed SSLC/10th and has completed the prescribed 2-year apprenticeship program with NAC and has passed the Electrical ITI program.
The necessary qualification and certificates should be obtainable during the stipulated period of eligibility. Candidates whose certificates are still awaited should carefully verify the notification before submitting their applications.
Age Criteria for KEA Water Supply Operator 2026
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The age limit is different for different categories of candidates.
- General Merit: 40 years.
- 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B: 43 years
- SC/ST/Category-1: 45 years
In addition, the age relaxation applicable as per the Karnataka Government rules will be taken into consideration.
KEA Application Dates and Fee Details
| The application event | Date |
| Notification Released | 11 September 2026 |
| Application Begins | 16 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 1 October 2026 |
| Expected Examination | November 2026 |
The candidates must fill out the application process within the given time frame. Failure to submit an application or application fee on time could automatically eliminate a candidate from the recruitment program.Application fee for all other categories (General Merit) is ₹750, and for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender candidates, it is ₹500. The fee for special incentive will be ₹250.
What Will Be Asked in the KEA Examination?
As per the KEA Water Supply Operator Exam Pattern 2026, it is important for candidates to understand the exam pattern while planning for preparation. There are two papers in the competitive examination.
- Paper 1: General Knowledge: 100 questions, 100 marks. There are two hours in which the candidates have to finish the paper.
- Paper 2 is a 100-mark, 100 Question post-specific technical subject. Technical candidates must therefore pay attention to their ITI trade concepts while applying for the technical posts.
There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer, so it is especially important to get them right! Candidates must not take undue chances and should make regular practice of objective questions regularly before the examination.
In addition, a Kannada language test may be required depending on the candidate's eligibility (as per the rules prescribed). The Kannada test is a qualifying test.
Build Your Preparation Around the Technical Paper
The preparation for the KEA Water Supply Operator exam 2026 should go beyond the theoretical aspect. For the technical subjects, practice is needed continuously, as the examination requires candidates to recall the concept rapidly and accurately.
The candidates should improve their ITI syllabus step by step and concentrate on the basic concepts of the particular post opted for. For electrical candidates, topics from their trade syllabus can be supplemented, and for water supply operator candidates, the technical topics mentioned in their syllabus should be taken up with a special emphasis.
Objective-question practice is also very important. By solving the ITI trade MCQs, previous years' question papers and mock tests, the candidates can get to know the type of questions that will appear in the competitive technical exams.
EA Publications offers exam-focused books and study aids for students taking engineering and technical competitive exams. Previous year solved papers, MCQ books and practice papers can be used as part of the candidates' preparation strategy.
Final Preparation Tips for KEA Group C Recruitment
This KEA Group C Recruitment 2026 is of particular interest to candidates having Electrical and Fitter ITI background. There are 210 posts to be filled in this exam, so there is no need to wait until the exam date to start preparing.
First of all, read through the syllabus to get a feel for what it is all about and break the technical subjects down into more manageable topics and update them regularly. Follow it with daily MCQs and full length mock tests. Work on accuracy as well as speed - negative marking is applicable.
FAQs
- How many posts are announced under KEA Group C Recruitment 2026?
KEA is announcing 210 posts for Water Supply Operator, Assistant Water Supply Operator, Electrician Grade-1 and Electrician Grade-2.
- What educational qualification is required for KEA Water Supply Operator 2026 exam?
The general educational qualification for the candidates is SSLC/10th and they should have the prescribed two-year ITI. The Water Supply Operator and Electrician Grade-1 candidates also need the required apprenticeship training and NAC.
- What is the best way to study for the KEA Water Supply Operator?
Candidates need to integrate the preparation of their ITI technical subjects, General Knowledge, MCQ practice, previous years' questions, and mock tests. Regularly reading examination-based study notes and checking errors can help to improve accuracy and examination performance.
