Second Division Assistant (SDA) is an entry-level Group C clerical post in Karnataka government offices, open to PUC-qualified candidates. Like FDA, it is recruited by KPSC for government departments and by KEA for boards and corporations.
SDA at a glance
| Conducting body | KPSC or KEA, depending on the employer |
|---|---|
| Post group | Group C |
| Qualification | PUC / Class 12 |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Written exam | 2 papers of 100 marks each |
| Kannada test | 150 marks, qualifying (unless exempt) |
SDA eligibility
Educational qualification
- PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Government of Karnataka.
Age limit
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- The usual upper limits under Karnataka recruitment rules are 35 years (General Merit), 38 years (Category 2A/2B/3A/3B) and 40 years (SC/ST/Category-1). Recent 2026 notifications have added a one-time relaxation, so always check the limit printed in the notification you are applying under.
Exemption from the Kannada language test
- Candidates who studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC or an equivalent examination.
- Candidates who have already passed the compulsory Kannada language examination conducted by KPSC or KEA.
SDA selection process
- Compulsory Kannada Language Test150 marks, minimum 50 to qualify — only for candidates who are not exempt.
- Competitive written examinationTwo objective papers of 100 marks each.
- Document verificationFollowed by the final merit list.
SDA exam pattern
KPSC pattern (state government departments)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kannada Language Test | Compulsory Kannada (qualifying) | 150 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper I | General Kannada / General English | 100 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 100 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
KEA pattern (boards & corporations)
| Paper | Subjects | Questions / Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Knowledge | 100 / 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | General Kannada, General English and Computer Knowledge | 100 / 100 | 2 hours |
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer, and also for a question left without shading the fifth (“not attempted”) bubble.
SDA syllabus
General Knowledge
- Current affairs
- Indian Constitution
- History and geography of India and Karnataka
- Indian economy
- General science
- Karnataka culture and heritage
General English
- Grammar and error spotting
- Vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms
- Idioms and phrases
- Comprehension
General Kannada
- Grammar (vyakarana)
- Vocabulary and usage
- Spelling
- Comprehension
Computer Knowledge (KEA)
- Computer fundamentals
- MS Office
- Internet and email basics
How to prepare for SDA
- The questions are PUC level but the competition is high — accuracy decides the cut-off.
- Revise Karnataka state-board social science textbooks for the history, geography and civics questions.
- Practise previous SDA papers to learn which Kannada grammar topics repeat.
Prepare for SDA with Sadhisu
Previous year papers, subject-wise practice tests, daily current affairs and bilingual study notes in Kannada and English.
SDA — frequently asked questions
What is the qualification for Karnataka SDA?
PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent qualification.
What is the minimum age for SDA?
18 years. The maximum age depends on your category and the notification — recent notifications have included a one-time relaxation.
Is there a Kannada test for SDA?
Yes, a 150-mark compulsory Kannada test with 50 as the qualifying mark, unless you studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC or have already passed the test.