Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) wants new powers to shake up state recruitment. In a push to streamline hiring,KEA asked the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) to let it run a unified exam for similar roles across departments. Right now,candidates juggle multiple exams for similar jobs.
KEA's main recruitment body in Karnataka, handling exams and merit lists for government jobs. But each department still needs its own exam notice, even when requirements match. This means same candidates often top lists for different departments,making selection messy.
KEA's executive director,H . Prasanna, says a cohesive approach is overdue . He points to the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) model, which uses one exam for similar roles across departments. This could make the process smoother and more efficient.
Prasanna's letter pushes KEA to adopt KPSC's model, allowing it to run joint exams, verify documents,and announce selections in an organized way. He urged departments to send their recruitment plans to KEA after getting Finance Department clearance. This would help KEA consolidate efforts and issue notices better.
Under the plan, KEA would hold exams twice a year. Departments submit proposals from October to May, with a June notification. First exam in October . Proposals from June to September would go to a second exam in January or February.
The current messy system gets flak for causing candidate confusion and delays . Prasanna says it strains KEA's resources too. "We have written to the government to give us KPSC-model power," he said, stressing need for streamlining.
At a review meeting June 6, 2026,Chief Secretary told KEA to start a single exam process for similar posts . This shows growing push to modernize state recruitment .
KEA waits on government response. Changes could reshape Karnataka's hiring. A more efficient model could ease candidate experience and cut departmental burden. KEA's move signals a broader push to improve public service recruitment.
