Is it possible to get promoted from SDA to FDA?

Yes, SDAs can be promoted to FDA after 5-7 years, depending on performance, internal exams, and available vacancies. Further promotions are also possible.

How to become an SDA or FDA in Karnataka?

You need to apply through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). The selection process involves a written exam and a Kannada language test. Eligibility depends on the post.

SDA Salary in Karnataka Vs. FDA Salary Per Month in Karnataka 2025 under Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)

SDA salary in Karnataka is between Rs.29,000 to Rs.32,000 and FDA Salary in Karnataka is between Rs.39,000 – Rs.42,000 per month after allowances and standard deductions in 2025 under Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Get complete details on allowances and in-hand salary.

In Karnataka, SDA and FDA are two important government positions at the clerical level under the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). SDA full form in KPSC is Second Division Assistant and FDA full form in KPSC is First Division Assistant.

SDA - Second Division Assistant

A lower-level clerical job in state departments. This job involves basic office tasks like entering data, keeping records, sending files, and helping senior officers with daily tasks. Requirements are that applicants must have passed 12th grade or have an equivalent education.

FDA - First Division Assistant

A senior clerical job, higher than SDA. Role: Duties include writing letters, managing files alone, helping with decisions, and keeping official records. Requirements are a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is a must.

Both are permanent state government jobs offering stability, timely promotions, and retirement benefits under the Karnataka government service rules.

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The important differences are tabulated below:

Criteria	FDA (First Division Assistant)	SDA (Second Division Assistant)
Rank	Senior clerical post	Junior clerical post
Qualification Required	Bachelor’s Degree	PUC (12th) or equivalent
Work Nature	File handling, drafting, supervision	Data entry, registry, assistance
Promotion Scope	Faster promotions than SDA	Slower than FDA

SDA Salary in Karnataka

Karnataka Public Service Commission is the deciding authority for the KPSC SDA Salary, job profile and allowances. Tabulated below is the salary structure:

Particulars	Salary Highlights
SDA Pay scale	Rs 21,400- Rs. 42,000 per month
Allowances	Allowances are given as per state provisions. Dearness Allowances House Rent Allowances Medical Facilities Travelling Allowances Other Allowances
Gross Salary	₹32,000 – ₹34,000
In-hand Salary	₹29,000 – ₹31,000 per month after allowances and standard deductions

SDA starting salary in Karnataka falls between ₹29,000 – ₹31,000 per month after allowances and standard deductions.

Note: The exact in-hand salary may vary slightly depending on the posting district, class of city (A/B/C), and specific allowances. For exact salary details, refer to official KPSC notifications.

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Second Division Assistant (SDA) Job Description

A Second Division Assistant (SDA) with the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) does basic clerical and administrative work.
This includes entering data, keeping files in order, handling standard office documents, and helping senior staff with daily tasks.
SDAs usually handle initial public inquiries and must be accurate and fast with paperwork.
They work in many state departments, providing key support for government activities.

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FDA Salary in Karnataka

Karnataka Public Service Commission is the deciding authority for the KPSC SDA Salary, job profile and allowances. Tabulated below is the salary structure:

Particulars	Salary Highlights
FDA Pay scale	₹27,650 – ₹52,650 (latest revised)
Allowances	Allowances are given as per state provisions. Dearness Allowances House Rent Allowances Medical Facilities Travelling Allowances Other Allowances
Additional benefits	Pension, Medical facilities, and Travel allowances
Gross Salary	₹42,000 – ₹44,000
In-hand Salary	₹39,000 – ₹42,000 per month after allowances and standard deductions

Note: The exact in-hand salary may vary slightly depending on the posting district, class of city (A/B/C), and specific allowances. For exact salary details, refer to official KPSC notifications.

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First Division Assistant (FDA) Job Description

First Division Assistants (FDA) have more responsibility than SDAs.
Their jobs include writing official letters, checking records, managing department files, creating reports, and helping higher-ups make decisions.
FDAs often oversee SDAs and keep administrative tasks running smoothly.
They might also manage private info and work with different government offices.
The job needs strong Kannada and English skills, plus good analytical and clerical abilities.

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SDA Salary in Karnataka Vs. FDA Salary Per Month in Karnataka

The table below compares both posts:

Post	Pay Scale	In-hand Salary (Approx.)	Level
FDA	₹27,650 – ₹52,650 (latest revised)	₹39,000 – ₹42,000	Group 'C' (Higher Clerical Post)
SDA	₹21,400 – ₹42,000	₹32,000 – ₹35,000	Group 'C' (Entry-level Clerical Post)

Facts to consider:

FDA is senior to SDA.
FDA has higher pay, more promotion scope, and greater responsibility.
FDA in-hand salary is always more than SDA.

In conclusion, First division assistant salary is more than second division clerk salary in Karnataka.

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SDA vs FDA Promotions in KPSC

The details are tabulated below:

Post	Promotion Path	Timeframe (Approx.)	Description
SDA (Second Division Assistant)	Promotion to FDA (First Division Assistant)	After 5–7 years of service (based on seniority and vacancies)	On qualifying internal exams and performance
	Assistant Section Officer	Additional 4–5 years	Promoted within the same department
	Section Officer	After more years of service and seniority	Supervisory/administrative role
	Under Secretary (Group B)	Based on departmental promotion & eligibility	Gazetted post (rare but possible in long tenure)
FDA (First Division Assistant)	Promotion to Assistant Section Officer	After 5–6 years of service	Based on internal exam and performance
	Section Officer	After another 4–5 years	Managerial role in government departments
	Under Secretary	Subject to seniority and merit	Enters Group B level
	Deputy Secretary / Joint Secretary	Long-term career growth	Group A level posts (less frequent)

Get comprehensive details on Assistant Section Officer.

SDA vs FDA Exam Eligibility, Qualification, and Recruitment Process under Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) for 2025

The details with respect to eligibility, qualification and recruitment is tabulated below:

Criteria	SDA (Second Division Assistant)	FDA (First Division Assistant)
Educational Qualification	Must have passed 12th (PUC) or equivalent from a recognized board	Must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Minimum Age Limit	18 years	21 years
Maximum Age Limit	35 years (general); age relaxation for reserved categories	35 years (general); age relaxation for reserved categories
Recruitment Authority	Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)	Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)
Selection Process	Written Exam (Objective) + Kannada Language Test	Written Exam (Descriptive + Objective) + Kannada Test
Exam Pattern	- General Knowledge- General English/Kannada- Kannada Compulsory Paper	- General Knowledge- General English/Kannada- Kannada Compulsory Paper
Post Level	Entry-level clerical/administrative post	Mid-level clerical/administrative post
Posting Location	Across Karnataka Government Departments	Across Karnataka Government Departments
Promotion Opportunities	Can be promoted to FDA, then to higher clerical roles	Can be promoted to Section Officer and Gazetted ranks
Language Proficiency	Must be proficient in Kannada	Must be proficient in Kannada

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SDA salary in Karnataka?

The in-hand SDA salary in Karnataka is roughly ₹29,000 to ₹31,000 per month after deductions and allowances in 2025. The exact amount depends on location and specific allowances.

How much does an FDA earn in Karnataka?

An FDA in Karnataka earns approximately ₹39,000 to ₹42,000 per month after deductions and allowances. This is after the latest pay scale revision in 2025. The final amount can vary.

What is the difference between SDA and FDA?

SDA is a junior clerical post requiring a 12th-grade pass, while FDA is a senior post needing a bachelor's degree. FDA has more responsibilities, higher pay, and faster promotion prospects.

What are the job duties of an SDA?

SDAs handle basic office tasks like data entry, file management, and assisting senior officers. They often deal with initial public inquiries and need good accuracy and speed.

What does an FDA do?

FDAs have more advanced duties, including drafting letters, managing files independently, assisting in decision-making, and overseeing SDAs. They require stronger skills.