KEA Principal Recruitment 2026: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released recruitment notifications for the direct recruitment of Principal posts in Government Pre-University Colleges under the Department of School Education (Pre-University), Government of Karnataka. The recruitment covers 216 Residual Parent Cadre vacancies and 31 Kalyana Karnataka Local Cadre vacancies, making a total of 247 posts.

Eligible serving lecturers who satisfy the prescribed service and qualification requirements can submit their applications online through the Karnataka Examinations Authority. The online application process begins on 07 September 2026, and the last date to submit the application is 04 October 2026.

Details for KEA Principal Recruitment 2026:

Vacancy Details:

KEA has issued separate notifications for the two cadres.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility:

The recruitment is meant for eligible candidates serving in the Government Pre-University College system. According to the notification, applicants must satisfy the educational qualification and service conditions prescribed for the Principal post.

A key eligibility condition mentioned in the notification is that eligible lecturers working in Government Pre-University Colleges should have completed the prescribed qualifying service, including not less than 10 years of service, subject to the detailed conditions in the official recruitment rules.

Candidates should carefully verify their:

• Educational qualifications
• Length of qualifying service
• Service records
• Category/reservation eligibility
• Kalyana Karnataka eligibility, where applicable
• Other conditions prescribed under the relevant recruitment rules

before submitting the online application.

Salary:

Candidates appointed as Principals will be placed in the Karnataka State Government pay scale prescribed in the notification.

Pay Scale: ₹90,200 – ₹1,59,200

The notification also shows the corresponding revised pay progression applicable to the post.

Application Fee:

The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category.

Candidates must pay the applicable fee through the online payment facility within the stipulated date.

Selection Process:

The recruitment process primarily consists of a competitive examination, followed by document/service verification and preparation of the merit/selection list in accordance with reservation and recruitment rules.

The written examination comprises three papers.

Exam Pattern:

The detailed examination scheme in the notification shows 150 questions for 150 marks in each paper, with a duration of 3 hours per paper.

Paper 1 – Kannada Language

Paper 1 is a Kannada-language paper covering areas such as grammar, comprehension and language usage.

Candidates are required to obtain the prescribed qualifying marks. The notification indicates that this paper is of a qualifying nature, and the marks obtained in the Kannada language paper are not treated in the same manner as the merit papers for final selection.

Paper 2 – General Studies Syllabus

Paper 2 includes major General Studies topics such as:

• History and Cultural Heritage of India and Karnataka
• Social and Political Perspective
• Indian Economy
• Planning and Rural Development
• Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation
• Physical Features and Natural Resources
• Indian Constitution
• Public Administration and Management
• International Relations
• Science and Technology
• Information Technology
• Natural Science
• Life Science
• Agricultural Science
• Health and Hygiene
• Environment and Ecology
• Ethics
• Integrity
• Aptitude

The above subjects are specifically listed in the examination scheme of the official notification.

Paper 3

Paper 3 covers Karnataka-specific service and administrative laws/rules prescribed in the recruitment notification, including the relevant civil service, reservation and administrative provisions applicable to the post. Candidates should refer to the detailed notification for the complete list of Acts and Rules.

Negative Marking

The competitive examination includes negative marking.

For objective questions with multiple options, 0.25 marks (one-fourth mark) will be deducted for an incorrect response. Candidates must also follow the specific OMR/answer-sheet instructions given by KEA regarding unanswered questions.

How to Apply:

Eligible candidates can submit the application through the Karnataka Examinations Authority online portal.

1. Visit the KEA official application portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
2. Open the notification/application link for Principal Direct Recruitment 2026.
3. Select the appropriate cadre recruitment notification.
4. Complete the online registration process.
5. Enter personal, educational and service details carefully.
6. Enter reservation/category details, wherever applicable.
7. Upload the required photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
8. Check all information entered in the application before final submission.
9. Pay the applicable examination/application fee online.
10. Submit the application and save or print the final acknowledgement/application form for future reference.

The notification specifically states that applications must be submitted through the KEA online system and that candidates should carefully enter all required information while applying.

Documents Required:

Applicants should keep the relevant documents ready, including, where applicable:

• Recent photograph
• Signature
• Educational qualification certificates
• Service certificates/service records
• Category certificate
• Caste certificate
• Income/caste-related certificates where applicable
• Kalyana Karnataka eligibility certificate for candidates claiming such reservation
• Persons with Disabilities certificate
• Ex-servicemen certificate, if applicable
• Kannada Medium/Rural or other reservation certificates wherever claimed

The notifications include prescribed formats and supporting certificates for various reservation categories and eligibility claims.

Important Dates:

Candidates should complete the online application and fee payment within the prescribed schedule.

Important Links:

KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 FAQs: