KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern

KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the official KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus for 2026 along with the detailed exam pattern. This update outlines the topics and structure that candidates must master to compete for 750 Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) vacancies.

Short Information

The recruitment is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority on behalf of the Department of Survey Settlement and Land Records, Government of Karnataka. A total of 750 posts (560 regular/RPC cadre + 190 Kalyana‑Karnataka cadre) are advertised. The selection is based on two objective‑type papers—General Knowledge and Specific Paper—each carrying 100 marks, with an additional qualifying Kannada Language Test where applicable.

Exam Pattern

The written examination consists of two separate papers, both offline and OMR‑based. Each paper contains 100 multiple‑choice questions, each carrying 1 mark. Negative marking of 0.25 marks is applied for every wrong answer. The minimum qualifying mark for the competitive exam is 35 % for general category candidates; category‑wise cut‑offs follow Karnataka Government rules.

Paper‑I (General Knowledge)

Paper‑II (Specific Paper)

Key Points

• Both papers are objective‑type with four options per question.
• Negative marking: ‑0.25 for each incorrect answer.
• Qualifying Kannada Language Test (150 marks) is separate and only required for candidates without Kannada as a first/second language up to SSLC level.

Subject‑wise Syllabus

The syllabus is divided between Paper‑I (General Knowledge) and Paper‑II (Specific Paper). Candidates should prepare each section thoroughly as the written exam determines the final merit list.

Paper‑I: General Knowledge

• Current Affairs – National and international events.
• Daily Science – Basic concepts and recent developments.
• Basics of the Indian Constitution – Fundamental rights, duties, and structure.
• Karnataka and Indian History – Major dynasties, freedom struggle, and post‑independence milestones.
• Indian Geography – Physical features, climate, and special focus on Karnataka.
• State and Regional Issues – Current socio‑political matters affecting Karnataka.
• Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Schemes – Key schemes, implementation, and impact.
• Karnataka’s Economic Issues – Agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and fiscal policies.

Paper‑II: Specific Paper

The Specific Paper is weighted across five subjects. Each subject’s topics are listed below.

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.

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.

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 IT – SDLC, web/mobile app development, APIs, web portal design, and UX fundamentals.

Physics (10 %)

• Magnetism.
• Electricity.
• Electromagnetic radiation.
• Electronics.
• Dynamics.
• Heat, light and sound.
• Gravitation.

Geography (10 %)

• The Earth – Structure and composition.
• The lithosphere.
• Maps – Types, symbols, and interpretation.
• Physical features of India – Mountains, rivers, climate zones, and natural resources.

Kannada Language Test (Qualifying)

• Level – SSLC standard.
• Content – Kannada grammar, comprehension, and writing.
• Marks – 150 (minimum 50 to qualify).
• Purpose – Qualifying only; scores are not added to the final merit.

How to Download Syllabus

1. Open the official KEA portal using a web browser.
2. Navigate to the KEA section dedicated to the Surveyor (Bhoomapaka) recruitment.
3. Locate the link titled “KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus PDF” or a similar label.
4. Click the download button; the syllabus will be saved as a PDF file on your device.
5. Verify the PDF to ensure it contains both Paper‑I and Paper‑II topic lists as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does the KEA Land Surveyor Syllabus 2026 include?
A: The syllabus comprises two papers – Paper‑I covering General Knowledge (current affairs, science, Constitution, history, geography, state issues, Panchayat Raj, and economic topics) and Paper‑II covering Mathematics, Modern Methods of Surveying, Computer Applications, Physics, and Geography.

Q2. How many questions are asked in each paper of the KEA Land Surveyor exam?
A: Each paper contains 100 objective‑type questions, making a total of 200 questions across the two papers.

Q3. Is there negative marking in the KEA Land Surveyor exam?
A: Yes. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the candidate’s score.

Q4. What is the minimum qualifying mark for the competitive exam?
A: General category candidates must secure at least 35 % of the total marks. Reserved categories follow the cut‑off percentages prescribed by the Karnataka Government.

Q5. Do candidates need to appear for a Kannada Language Test?
A: The Kannada Language Test is mandatory only for candidates who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC level. It is a qualifying test of 150 marks, with a minimum of 50 marks required to pass, and its score does not affect the final merit.

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