The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, on behalf of the Department of School Education (Pre-University Education), Government of Karnataka, has released a notification inviting online applications for 247 vacancies of Principal in Government Pre-University Colleges. Eligible serving Lecturers can apply online from 7th September 2026 to 4th October 2026.
Important – Read Before You Apply: This recruitment is open only to serving Lecturers in the Lecturer cadre of Government Pre-University Colleges who have completed a minimum of 10 years of service and satisfactorily completed their probation period. This is not an open recruitment for candidates outside the department.
Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | Principal, Government Pre-University Colleges |
| Notification Numbers | ED/KEA/29/Recruitment/2026-KK, ED/KEA/28/Recruitment/2026-RPC |
| Total Vacancies | 247 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 03 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 07 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 04 October 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 05 October 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Cadre | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) Local Cadre | 31 |
| Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 216 |
| Total | 247 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be serving Lecturers in the Lecturer cadre of Government Pre-University Colleges under the Department of School Education, Karnataka, with a minimum of 10 years of service as a Lecturer and satisfactory completion of the probation period. There is no prescribed age limit for this recruitment, as eligibility is based on service tenure rather than age criteria.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and Categories 2A/2B/3A/3B | Rs. 1,500 |
| SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-servicemen/Third Gender | Rs. 1,000 |
| Persons with Disabilities | Rs. 500 |
Selection Process
Selection will be made through a competitive written examination consisting of three papers. Paper 1 covers Kannada Language with 150 questions on a qualifying basis, requiring a minimum of 50 marks to qualify. Paper 2 covers General Studies with 150 questions worth 150 marks, and Paper 3 covers Civil Service Rules and the Education Act with 150 questions worth 150 marks. The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined marks of Papers 2 and 3.
Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be placed in the revised 2024 Karnataka state pay scale of Rs. 90,200 to Rs. 1,59,200, along with allowances as applicable under state government norms.
How to Apply (Online)
- Visit the official Karnataka Examinations Authority website.
- Locate the notification for Principal Recruitment 2026 under the relevant KK or RPC cadre.
- Register with valid personal and employee service details.
- Complete the online application form with educational and service history details.
- Upload the required documents and photograph as specified.
- Pay the applicable application fee online before the due date.
- Review and submit the application, retaining a copy for future reference.
Important Instructions
Only serving Lecturers meeting the minimum service and probation requirements are eligible to apply. Candidates should ensure all service details entered in the application match their official service records. The application fee must be paid before the specified deadline, separate from the application submission deadline. Candidates should regularly check the official KEA website for updates regarding the examination schedule.
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 about?
✅ It is a recruitment notification for 247 Principal posts in Government Pre-University Colleges under KEA.
2. What is the last date to apply for this recruitment?
✅ The online application window closes on 4 October 2026.
3. Who is eligible to apply for this recruitment?
✅ Only serving Lecturers with a minimum of 10 years of service in Government Pre-University Colleges are eligible.
4. Is there an age limit for this recruitment?
✅ No, there is no prescribed age limit, as eligibility is based on service tenure.
5. What is the application fee for General Merit candidates?
✅ General Merit and Categories 2A/2B/3A/3B candidates must pay Rs. 1,500.
6. What is the selection process for this recruitment?
✅ Selection is through a three-paper competitive written examination covering Kannada Language, General Studies, and Civil Service Rules/Education Act.
7. How many vacancies are there in total?
✅ There are 247 total vacancies, split between Kalyana-Karnataka Local Cadre and Residual Parent Cadre.
8. What is the pay scale for the Principal post?
✅ The pay scale ranges from Rs. 90,200 to Rs. 1,59,200 as per the revised 2024 Karnataka pay structure.
9. Is Paper 1 of the exam qualifying in nature?
✅ Yes, Paper 1 (Kannada Language) is qualifying only, requiring a minimum of 50 marks.
10. What is the last date to pay the application fee?
✅ The application fee must be paid by 5 October 2026.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on official notifications and is intended only to help candidates with recruitment updates. Candidates are advised to cross-check all details from the official website before proceeding. JobShouter.com is not associated with Karnataka Examinations Authority in any manner.
