Table of ContentsClick to view all sections
- KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key 2026: key dates and details
- How to check the KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key for Paper 2
- How Paper 2 is marked
- Karnataka ESI Pharmacy and Nursing Officer recruitment 2026: overview
- Application dates, fee and documents: recruitment reference
- Common mistakes to avoid when checking the key
- What candidates should do after checking the KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key
- Official quick links
- Conclusion
The KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key update concerns Paper 2 (Specific Paper) of the Pharmacy Officer examination held on 31 October 2026 for the ESI Scheme (Medical) Services Department. The provisional key notice was published on the same date. The objection deadline has passed, so candidates can no longer use the earlier objection window to submit a challenge. Before comparing responses, check the code printed on your question paper: the versions are labelled A1, B1, C1 and D1.
This page brings together the KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key notice details and the recruitment information relevant to candidates reviewing the examination. It distinguishes what the key notice confirms from what it does not confirm: the notice concerns Pharmacy Officer Paper 2 only, and the available information does not establish whether a final key has since been published. Use KEA’s official website to check for later notices before relying on the provisional answers as final.
KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key 2026: key dates and details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | Pharmacy Officer, Paper 2 (Specific Paper) |
| Exam date | 31 October 2026 |
| Provisional key notice date | 31 October 2026 |
| Question-paper versions | A1, B1, C1 and D1 |
| Questions and marks | 100 questions for 100 marks |
| Paper 2 duration | Two hours |
| Objection deadline | 2 November 2026 at 10:30 AM — closed |
| Objection fee | ₹25 per objection; non-refundable |
The key notice is not a general answer key for every stage of the recruitment. It relates to the Pharmacy Officer Paper 2 examination, also described as the Specific Paper. It does not provide a Nursing Officer answer key, nor does it give dates for Paper 1 or the Kannada language test. Candidates looking for information about those components should not infer dates or answers from this Paper 2 notice.
The notice information available here also does not confirm publication of a final key. A provisional key is a reference for checking responses and, during the stated window, raising an objection. It should not be described as final unless KEA issues a later notice confirming the committee’s decision or final key. Check KEA’s official portal for any update.
How to check the KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key for Paper 2
Use KEA’s official portal to locate the relevant key-answer notice. The available official links below include KEA’s main website, but they do not include a direct answer-key PDF address. If the notice or key is not immediately visible, return to the portal and review its latest notices rather than relying on an unofficial answer sequence.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the KEA official website. |
| 2 | Look for the Pharmacy Officer Paper 2 key-answer notice dated 31 October 2026 and follow the notice instructions to view the key. |
| 3 | Read the version code printed on your question paper. The listed versions are A1, B1, C1 and D1. |
| 4 | Compare your responses with the matching version only. Do not apply another version’s answer sequence to your paper. |
| 5 | Keep a copy of the key and your own response details for reference, if available to you. |
| 6 | Check KEA for a final-key notice or a later recruitment update. The provisional key notice by itself does not announce the result or selection list. |
Version matching is important because the examination material was issued in four labelled versions. If you compare your paper against a different code, the answer order may not correspond to the questions in your booklet. First identify the exact code on your own paper; only then review question numbers and answers. If a code is unclear, use the examination material and official notice available to you rather than guessing which version applies.
When saving the key for later reference, keep the notice date and version information with it. That can help you distinguish this provisional Paper 2 material from any subsequent notice. Avoid treating a saved provisional key as the final recruitment decision: KEA may issue further notices, and candidates should consult the official portal for the latest information.
Objections: deadline, fee and review
Objections were accepted online through KEA’s objection portal only, up to 2 November 2026 at 10:30 AM. That deadline has passed. The fee was ₹25 for each objection and was non-refundable. Candidates had to include the question number and the correct question-paper version code. Incomplete or baseless submissions, objections without the required details, and submissions without the fee were not to be considered.
KEA’s stated process provides for review by a subject-expert committee. The key decided by that committee is final. This means the objection process is not an invitation to submit a general comment: a candidate needed to identify the relevant question and version and provide the required information within the deadline. Since the window is closed, the old form should not be treated as a way to reopen or extend it.
The official objection address is included below for reference, but its presence does not mean submissions are currently being accepted. Candidates who missed the deadline should look for later official notices rather than assume an objection can still be filed. The available information does not provide a new objection date or an extension.
How Paper 2 is marked
| Exam feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper 2 format | 100 questions, 100 marks, two hours |
| Answer choices | Four options per question |
| Negative marking | 0.25 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Competitive exam qualifying threshold | Minimum 35% |
| Paper 2 subject | Post-specific syllabus |
For a basic informal estimate, count your correct responses and subtract 0.25 for each incorrect answer. For example, the calculation is the number of correct answers minus one quarter of the number of wrong answers. This is only a way to estimate a score from your own responses; the official assessment and applicable examination instructions govern the result. Do not treat an informal calculation as a confirmed mark or selection outcome.
The information provided describes four answer choices and a deduction for each wrong answer. It does not state a separate deduction for an unanswered question. If the examination was conducted on OMR, follow the instructions printed on the question paper and answer sheet about the designated response for an unanswered item. Do not assume how an unmarked or incorrectly marked response will be treated without checking the official instructions.
The stated minimum qualifying mark for the competitive examination is 35%. This threshold is separate from the Kannada language test requirement, which applies to candidates who are not exempt and requires 50 marks out of 150. Meeting a qualifying threshold should not be confused with being selected: the recruitment also includes further stages, and the answer-key notice is not a merit list.
Karnataka ESI Pharmacy and Nursing Officer recruitment 2026: overview
The recruitment was conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority for the ESI Scheme (Medical) Services Department, Government of Karnataka. It covered Pharmacy Officer and Nursing Officer (Shushrushadhikari) Group-C posts in ESI institutions across Karnataka. The Pharmacy Officer key notice is relevant to candidates who took Pharmacy Officer Paper 2, while the broader details below provide context about the recruitment in which that examination was held.
| Recruitment detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Department | ESI Scheme (Medical) Services Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Posts | Pharmacy Officer and Nursing Officer (Shushrushadhikari) |
| Total vacancies | 188 Group-C posts |
| Job location | ESI institutions across Karnataka |
| Notification date | 6 August 2026 |
| Application status | Applications closed on 30 August 2026 |
How many vacancies are there?
| Post | Vacancies | Pay scale |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Officer | 98 (92 regular, 5 Kalyana-Karnataka and 1 backlog) | ₹44,425–₹83,700 |
| Nursing Officer | 90 (72 regular, 11 Kalyana-Karnataka and 7 backlog) | ₹54,175–₹99,400 |
| Total | 188 | — |
The figures show the stated distribution between regular, Kalyana-Karnataka and backlog positions. Those categories are included in the post totals and should not be added to the totals a second time. The two post totals together account for the 188 Group-C vacancies listed for the recruitment.
Category-wise vacancy details may be revised or issued separately by the department. Candidates who need a particular category distribution should refer to the official recruitment notices for any updated allocation. The figures above should be read as the stated recruitment totals, not as a guarantee that no later official revision can occur.
What is the eligibility for the posts?
Educational qualification and professional registration
| Post | Required qualification | Professional registration |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Officer | Diploma in Pharmacy from an institution recognised by the Government of Karnataka | Karnataka Pharmacy Council |
| Nursing Officer | Diploma in General Nursing from an authority authorised by the Government of Karnataka | Karnataka Nursing Council |
The table summarises the stated qualification and professional-registration requirements for each post. The Pharmacy Officer requirement is a Diploma in Pharmacy from an institution recognised by the Government of Karnataka, along with registration with the Karnataka Pharmacy Council. For Nursing Officer, the stated qualification is a Diploma in General Nursing from an authority authorised by the Government of Karnataka, along with registration with the Karnataka Nursing Council.
These details are not a substitute for the complete eligibility provisions in the recruitment notification. Candidates should use the official notification to check the conditions that applied to their application and the certificates required for verification. Do not assume that meeting only the educational qualification confirms eligibility if other notification conditions or documentation requirements apply.
Age limit and additional relaxation
The minimum age was 18 years. The maximum age was calculated as on 30 August 2026.
| Category | Maximum age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 40 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A or 3B | 43 years |
| SC, ST or Category-1 | 45 years |
The published age ceilings include a one-time five-year relaxation. The additional relaxations listed below are separate where applicable. Because some relaxations depend on a specific status or certificate, candidates should check the recruitment notification for the relevant evidence and conditions.
| Candidate category | Additional age relaxation |
|---|---|
| Differently-abled candidates (PwBD) | 10 years |
| Widows | 10 years, with widowhood and non-remarriage certificate |
| Released bonded labourers | 10 years, with District Magistrate’s certificate |
| Ex-servicemen | Service period plus 3 years |
| Serving or former Karnataka Government, local authority, or qualifying corporation employees | Years served or 10 years, whichever is less |
| Released full-time NCC Cadet Instructors | Years served as Cadet Instructor |
| Village Group Supervisors under the State Rural Industrialisation scheme | Years served |
| Serving or former Census organisation employees in Karnataka | Years served or 5 years, whichever is less |
| Dependants of ex-servicemen who died or were permanently disabled in service | No age relaxation; reservation only |
These provisions distinguish age relaxation from reservation. In particular, the stated provision for dependants of ex-servicemen who died or were permanently disabled in service is reservation only, with no age relaxation. Where a relaxation requires a certificate, the certificate condition is part of the stated provision; candidates should not rely on a general claim of eligibility without checking the notification’s documentation rules.
Kannada language requirement
The recruitment included a compulsory Kannada language examination for candidates who were not exempt. The test carried 150 marks, and candidates needed at least 50 marks to qualify. It was at SSLC level, with Kannada as a first language. Candidates who failed to attend or did not reach the minimum were removed from the selection process. Kannada test marks did not count towards merit or seniority.
Exemptions applied to candidates who had studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC or higher, studied and passed examinations in Kannada medium, or already passed a compulsory Kannada examination conducted by the Commission or another selection authority. Candidates should check the official recruitment provisions to determine whether their study or examination record meets an exemption condition.
The Kannada test is a separate stage from the competitive written examination. Its qualifying minimum is 50 out of 150, while the competitive examination has a stated minimum qualifying threshold of 35%. The two requirements should not be combined into a single score or treated as interchangeable.
What is the selection process?
The selection stages described for the recruitment were the Kannada language test, a two-paper competitive written examination, document verification and a medical board where applicable. Paper 1 covered general knowledge, while Paper 2 covered the specific subject for the post. The examination could be conducted online (CBT) or offline (OMR), as provided in the recruitment advertisement.
| Stage | What candidates should know |
|---|---|
| Kannada language test | Compulsory unless exempt; 50 out of 150 required to qualify |
| Paper 1 | 100 questions, 100 marks and two hours; general knowledge syllabus |
| Paper 2 | 100 questions, 100 marks and two hours; post-specific syllabus |
| Competitive exam qualifying mark | 35% minimum |
| Document verification | Shortlisted candidates must produce original documents |
| Medical board | Applies to PwBD candidates as specified in the selection process |
Paper 1 included current events, everyday observation, the Constitution of India, Indian history and geography with special reference to Karnataka, state and regional administration, Karnataka’s economy, rural development, Panchayat Raj and environmental issues in Karnataka. Paper 2 was specific to the post, so candidates should use the relevant post-specific syllabus and the correct question-paper version when reviewing their responses.
The marks list is forwarded to the ESI Medical Services Department for the remaining recruitment process. Candidates should watch KEA and the department for subsequent notices about the recruitment. The answer-key notice alone does not announce a result, document-verification schedule or final selection list. Do not infer a selection decision from an estimated score alone.
Salary and pay scales
The stated pay scale for Pharmacy Officer is ₹44,425–₹83,700. The stated pay scale for Nursing Officer is ₹54,175–₹99,400. These are the pay scales listed for the posts in the recruitment information. Candidates seeking more detail about service conditions or any later change should refer to official department notices; the answer-key notice does not provide additional pay details.
Application dates, fee and documents: recruitment reference
The online application window has closed. The dates and fee below are retained as a recruitment reference for candidates reviewing the process and for readers comparing future KEA notifications. They do not indicate that applications for this recruitment are currently open.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification issued | 6 August 2026 |
| Applications opened | 7 August 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 30 August 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment | 31 August 2026 |
| Age calculated as on | 30 August 2026 |
| Pharmacy Officer Paper 2 | 31 October 2026 |
| Fee category | Total fee | Break-up |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit and Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | ₹750 | ₹500 application fee + ₹250 processing fee |
| SC, ST, Category-1, ex-servicemen and third gender | ₹500 | ₹250 application fee + ₹250 processing fee |
| Differently-abled candidates (PwBD) | ₹250 | Processing fee only |
The fee was payable online and was non-refundable. The application instructions required a photograph and signature in the specified JPEG formats and sizes. Applicants were also advised to keep Aadhaar, educational marks cards, a convocation certificate or provisional degree certificate, an SSLC certificate for date of birth, and relevant category certificates ready.
These document details are a summary of the application guidance provided for this recruitment. Certificate rules and upload specifications should always be checked against the notification for the relevant recruitment. The application portal link below is included as a record of the recruitment portal; the application period has ended.
Common mistakes to avoid when checking the key
- Using the wrong paper version: Match A1, B1, C1 or D1 to the code printed on your question paper. Do not compare with a different version’s answer sequence.
- Assuming a provisional key is final: Check KEA for a notice confirming a final key or another update. The information available here does not confirm a final-key publication.
- Looking for a Nursing Officer key on this notice: The key update concerns Pharmacy Officer Paper 2 only.
- Relying on an expired objection link: The objection window closed on 2 November 2026 at 10:30 AM. Its link is provided for reference, not as an active submission window.
- Estimating marks without negative marking: For an informal estimate, subtract 0.25 for each wrong answer from the number of correct answers.
- Confusing a qualifying threshold with selection: The stated 35% minimum is a qualifying threshold for the competitive examination, not a selection announcement.
- Assuming the answer key is a result: A key is not a marks list or selection list. Follow KEA and the ESI Medical Services Department for later recruitment notices.
- Using unofficial details to fill gaps: Where the notice does not provide a date or confirm a later stage, check the official portal instead of relying on an assumption.
What candidates should do after checking the KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key
Start by confirming that you have the Paper 2 key and the same version code as your examination booklet. Compare each response carefully, keeping the question number and answer sequence aligned. If you are making a personal score estimate, use the stated deduction of 0.25 for each wrong answer and remember that the calculation is not an official result.
Next, take note of the status of the objection process. The deadline was 2 November 2026 at 10:30 AM, and it has passed. The ₹25 charge applied per objection and was non-refundable. The committee review process and its final key decision are distinct from a candidate’s own estimate, so do not treat a personal calculation as an accepted objection or confirmed mark.
Finally, monitor KEA’s official website for later notices. The information available here does not confirm whether a final key has been published, and the provisional key notice does not announce a result or appointment. The recruitment process included further stages, including document verification for shortlisted candidates, so candidates should rely on official updates for instructions about what happens next.
Official quick links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| KEA official website | Open KEA portal |
| KEA objection portal | Open objection portal (deadline closed) |
| KEA recruitment application portal | Open recruitment portal (application window closed) |
The objection and application links are included for reference only because their respective windows have closed. For current information, use KEA’s main portal and look for official notices. No direct answer-key PDF link is provided here; follow the official notice instructions to locate the key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has KEA released the Pharmacy Officer Answer Key 2026?
The KEA Pharmacy Officer Answer Key provisional release covers Pharmacy Officer Paper 2, held on 31 October 2026. The available notice information does not confirm whether a final key has since been published. Check KEA’s official portal for the notice and any later update.
Which examination does this answer key cover?
It covers the Pharmacy Officer Paper 2 (Specific Paper) examination. The notice does not provide a Nursing Officer answer key or dates for Paper 1 and the Kannada language test.
How many question-paper versions were issued?
The listed versions are A1, B1, C1 and D1. Use the code printed on your own question paper and compare it with the matching key version.
Can I still submit an objection?
No. The objection deadline was 2 November 2026 at 10:30 AM. Objections were submitted online, and the fee was ₹25 per objection, non-refundable. The stated window has closed.
What is the negative marking in Paper 2?
The competitive written examination deducts 0.25 mark for each wrong answer. Paper 2 carries 100 questions for 100 marks and has a stated duration of two hours.
What is the minimum qualifying mark for the competitive examination?
The stated minimum qualifying mark is 35% in the competitive examination. The separate Kannada test requires at least 50 marks out of 150 for candidates who are required to take it and are not exempt.
Does the answer key confirm my selection?
No. The answer key is not a result or selection list. Candidates should wait for subsequent notices from KEA and the ESI Medical Services Department about the remaining recruitment process.
Where can I check official updates?
Use the KEA website linked above and look for later notices concerning the final key, marks list, document verification or other recruitment stages. The answer-key notice alone does not establish the date or outcome of those later stages.
Conclusion
The provisional Paper 2 key relates to the Pharmacy Officer examination held on 31 October 2026, and the objection period is over. Match your responses only with the A1, B1, C1 or D1 version that corresponds to your question paper, and use the stated negative marking only for an informal estimate. Check KEA’s official portal for a final key or further selection updates. Do not treat the provisional key or a self-calculated score as confirmation of a result, selection or appointment.
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