The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released the official notification for the Surveyor (Bhoomapaka), Group-C post on 11 July 2026, inviting applications for 750 vacancies. Candidates preparing for this exam need a clear understanding of the KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus 2026 and exam pattern together, since the written test decides the entire merit list. This article covers the subject-wise syllabus, paper-wise exam pattern, marking scheme, selection process, and preparation tips based on the official KEA notification.
KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru |
| Recruiting Department | Department of Survey Settlement and Land Records, Government of Karnataka |
| Post Name | Surveyor (Bhoomapaka), Group-C |
| Total Vacancies | 750 (560 Regular/RPC cadre + 190 Kalyana-Karnataka cadre) |
| Exam Stages | Paper-I (General Knowledge) + Paper-II (Specific Paper), plus a qualifying Kannada Language Test where applicable |
| Total Questions | 200 (100 in Paper-I + 100 in Paper-II) |
| Total Marks | 200 (100 + 100), Kannada Language Test is separate and qualifying (150 marks) |
| Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer |
| Exam Mode | Offline, OMR-based |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
KEA Land Surveyor Selection Process 2026
The KEA Land Surveyor recruitment follows a multi-stage selection process. Candidates move to the next stage only after clearing the previous one.
- Competitive Written Examination: An offline, OMR-based test consisting of Paper-I (General Knowledge) and Paper-II (Specific Paper). Final merit is based on marks scored in this stage.
- Kannada Language Test: A qualifying-only test of 150 marks (minimum 50 marks required to pass), applicable to candidates who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC level, or an equivalent higher Kannada examination. Marks from this test are not added to the final merit.
- Document Verification: Conducted as per merit rank and category-wise reservation for shortlisted candidates.
- Probation and Departmental Training: Selected candidates serve a 2-year probation. Kalyana-Karnataka cadre candidates must additionally complete a 6-month Basic Survey Training ("Kadaya Tharabeti") and score at least 35% in the theory exam and 40% in the practical exam during this period.
Since only the written examination marks decide the merit list, the syllabus and exam pattern of Paper-I and Paper-II carry the highest weightage in preparation.
Also Read: KEA Surveyor Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 750 Bhoomapaka Posts
KEA Land Surveyor Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination has two separate papers, each carrying equal weightage. Both papers are objective-type and conducted in offline OMR mode on different dates.
Paper-I Exam Pattern (General Knowledge)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I (General Knowledge) | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
Paper-II Exam Pattern (Specific Paper)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-II (Specific Paper) | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
Marking Scheme and Qualifying Criteria:
- Each question carries 1 mark; each question has 4 options.
- 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer (negative marking).
- Minimum qualifying marks in the competitive exam is 35% for general category candidates. Category-wise cutoffs apply for reserved categories as per Karnataka Government rules, but the exact category-wise percentages are not specified in the official notification.
KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is split across two papers: Paper-I tests general knowledge, and Paper-II tests subject knowledge relevant to the Surveyor role. Below is the subject-wise breakdown as given in the official KEA notification.
1. Paper-I: General Knowledge Syllabus
The official notification lists the following topics for Paper-I. Topic-wise marks weightage within Paper-I is not specified in the notification.
- Current affairs (national and international)
- Daily science
- Basics of the Indian Constitution
- Karnataka and Indian history
- Indian geography, with special reference to Karnataka
- State and regional issues
- Panchayat Raj and rural development schemes
- Karnataka's economic issues
2. Paper-II: Specific Paper Syllabus
Paper-II content is determined by the Recruitment Committee based on the nature of the Surveyor post, in consultation with the appointing authority. The notification gives the following broad subject-wise weightage for Paper-II:
| Subject | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 40% |
| Modern Methods of Surveying | 20% |
| Computer Applications | 20% |
| Physics | 10% |
| Geography | 10% |
(A) Mathematics (40%)
- Arithmetic: number system, squares/cubes and roots, set theory, sequence and series, matrices, permutations and combinations, statistics, HCF and LCM
- Algebra: basics, linear and quadratic equations, factorisation, coordinate geometry
- Geometry: axioms and postulates, theorems, polygons, triangles, congruence, quadrilaterals, parallelograms, midpoint theorem, areas, cyclic quadrilaterals, surface areas and volumes of solids, circles, similarity theorems, right-angle triangles
(B) Modern Methods of Surveying (20%)
- Photogrammetry and aerial survey
- Satellite imagery
- Drone (UAV) imagery
- Remote sensing
- GPS, GIS, DGPS, GNSS
- RTK surveying and the Karnataka State CORS Network
(C) Computer Applications (20%)
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- AutoCAD, including DXF file operations for cadastral data
- GIS software and applications
- Basics of software solutions and land records information technology (SDLC, web/mobile app development, APIs, web portal design and UX fundamentals)
(D) Physics (10%)
- Magnetism
- Electricity
- Electromagnetic radiation
- Electronics
- Dynamics
- Heat, light and sound
- Gravitation
(E) Geography (10%)
- The Earth
- The lithosphere
- Maps
- Physical features of India
3. Kannada Language Test Syllabus (Qualifying)
The Kannada Language Test paper is set at the SSLC level, with Kannada as the first language standard. It is compulsory only for candidates who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC or an equivalent higher-level Kannada examination. This paper carries 150 marks, and a candidate must score at least 50 marks to qualify. Marks from this test are not added to the final merit.
How to Prepare for the KEA Land Surveyor Exam 2026
- Start with Mathematics first: Since Mathematics carries 40% weightage in Paper-II, build a strong base in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry before moving to other subjects.
- Cover Modern Surveying and Computer Applications together: These two sections make up 40% of Paper-II combined. Learn GPS/GIS/remote sensing concepts alongside AutoCAD and MS Office basics, since both relate to on-the-job survey documentation.
- Build a daily current affairs habit for Paper-I: Follow Karnataka-specific news, Panchayat Raj schemes, and the state economy, since Paper-I draws heavily on state-level general knowledge.
- Practice with a strict 2-hour, 100-question timer: Since each paper carries negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer, timed mock tests help you build accuracy alongside speed.
- Revise weak topics using short notes: Given the broad range of topics in Physics and Geography (10% each), keep concise formula/fact sheets rather than long notes for quick last-minute revision.
- Attempt previous KEA/KPSC-pattern papers: Practicing objective-type papers from similar Karnataka government exams helps you get used to the OMR format and negative marking pattern.
Important Links
- KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus PDF: Check Syllabus Here
- Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
