The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has scheduled the written exam for the Nursing Officer and Pharmacy Officer recruitment 2026 on 27 October and 31 October 2026. The Pharmacy Officer Paper 2 for the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) has been rescheduled to 31 October 2026. The recruitment covers 233 Group-C posts.
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Exam Schedule 2026
The table below gives the paper-wise dates and shift timings.
| Exam Date | Post | Paper | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 October 2026 | ESI Pharmacy Officer and Nursing Officer (RPC/KK) | Paper 1: General Knowledge | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| 27 October 2026 | ESI Nursing Officer (RPC/KK) | Paper 2: Specific Subject | 02:30 PM to 04:30 PM |
| 31 October 2026 | ESI Pharmacy Officer (RPC), rescheduled | Paper 2: Specific Subject | 02:30 PM to 04:30 PM |
Is the KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Exam Today?
Yes, for the papers scheduled on 27 October 2026. Paper 1 (General Knowledge) is for both Nursing Officer and Pharmacy Officer candidates. Nursing Officer Paper 2 is in the afternoon shift the same day. Pharmacy Officer RPC Paper 2 is on 31 October 2026.
KEA Nursing Officer Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru |
| Departments | ESI Scheme Medical Services Department and other concerned government institutions |
| Posts | Nursing Officer and Pharmacy Officer (Group-C) |
| Total Vacancies | 233 |
| General/RPC Cadre Vacancies | 188 |
| Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre Vacancies | 45 |
| Notification Numbers | ED/KEA/34/Recruitment/2026(RPC) and ED/KEA/35/Recruitment/2026(KK) |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment |
| Selection Method | Competitive Examination |
| Exam Mode | CBT or Offline OMR |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 06 August 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 07 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31 August 2026 |
| Written Exam | 27 and 31 October 2026 |
| Pharmacy Officer RPC Paper 2 | 31 October 2026 |
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Vacancy 2026
General/RPC Cadre: 188 Posts
The RPC cadre includes direct vacancies, Article 371(J) roster adjustment vacancies and backlog vacancies.
| Post | Vacancy Breakdown | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Officer | 92 Direct + 05 Roster Adjustment + 01 Backlog | 98 |
| Nursing Officer | 72 Direct + 11 Roster Adjustment + 07 Backlog | 90 |
| Total | 164 Direct + 16 Roster + 08 Backlog | 188 |
Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre: 45 Posts
| Department/Institution | Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society | Nursing Officer | 23 (17 + 06 Backlog) |
| Employees State Insurance Scheme Medical Services | Pharmacy Officer | 11 (06 + 05 Backlog) |
| Employees State Insurance Scheme Medical Services | Nursing Officer | 11 (Shortfall/Roster Balance) |
| Total | - | 45 |
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Eligibility 2026
Educational Qualification: RPC Cadre
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Officer | Diploma in Pharmacy from an institution recognised by the Government of Karnataka, plus registration with the Karnataka Pharmacy Council |
| Nursing Officer | Diploma in General Nursing from an authority authorised by the Government of Karnataka, plus registration with the Karnataka Nursing Council |
Educational Qualification: Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Officer (ESIS) | Diploma in Pharmacy from a Government of Karnataka-recognised institution, plus Karnataka Pharmacy Council registration |
| Nursing Officer (ESIS) | Diploma in General Nursing from an authority authorised by the Government of Karnataka, plus Karnataka Nursing Council registration |
| Nursing Officer (Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society) | B.Sc Nursing from a recognised university or institution recognised by the Indian/Karnataka State Nursing Council, OR PUC/equivalent plus GNM from a recognised institution |
For the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society Nursing Officer post, candidates must also have studied Kannada as a language in SSLC, PUC, a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree, or hold a Diploma in Kannada or a Kava/Jana/Rathna certificate.
Candidates still waiting for their results on the last date of application are not eligible. All marks cards and certificates must have been obtained on or before the application deadline.
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Age Limit 2026
The minimum age is 18 years as on the last date of application. The upper limits below include the one-time five-year relaxation under the Government Order dated 29 January 2026.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) | 40 years |
| 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 years |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | 45 years |
- Extra relaxation applies to eligible Ex-Servicemen, NCC full-time instructors, certain government employees, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, widows and released bonded labourers, as per the notification.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, widows and released bonded labourers get 10 years of additional relaxation, subject to the required certificates.
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Application Fee 2026
The fee is the same for both cadres. It is paid online and is non-refundable.
| Category | Total Fee | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | ₹750 | ₹500 application fee + ₹250 processing fee |
| SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen, Transgender | ₹500 | ₹250 application fee + ₹250 processing fee |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | ₹250 | Processing fee only |
How to Apply for KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Recruitment 2026
The online application window ran from 7 August to 30 August 2026, with fee payment until 31 August 2026. The application window has closed. The steps below are for reference.
- Visit the official KEA website.
- Open the Nursing Officer and Pharmacy Officer recruitment application link.
- Select the applicable cadre and post.
- Register with the required details.
- Enter personal, educational, category and other information.
- Upload the photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Verify all details carefully.
- Submit the application.
- Download and print the final application form and fee payment details.
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Selection Process 2026
Selection is through a competitive examination conducted by KEA, in CBT or offline OMR mode. The stages listed are:
- Mandatory Kannada Language Test, where applicable
- Competitive Examination
- Document Verification
KEA Nursing & Pharmacy Officer Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 | Specific Subject | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
Candidates are exempt if they:
- studied Kannada as the first or second language in SSLC or an equivalent or higher qualification,
- passed SSLC in Kannada medium, or
- have already passed the mandatory Kannada exam conducted by KEA or KPSC.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Check the paper, date and shift printed on your hall ticket. Do not rely only on the general schedule.
- Pharmacy Officer RPC candidates should note that Paper 2 has moved to 31 October 2026.
- Check the official KEA website regularly for updates.
