The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the official notification for KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 for the recruitment of 247 Principal posts in Government Pre-University Colleges across Karnataka.
Eligible candidates can apply online from 7 September 2026 to 4 October 2026 through the official KEA website. The recruitment is specifically for serving Lecturers in the Department of School Education who have completed the prescribed service period.
Candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, important dates, vacancy details, application fee, exam pattern and selection process before submitting the application form.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | Principal |
| Recruitment Year | 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | ED/KEA/29/Recruitment/2026-KK; ED/KEA/28/Recruitment/2026-RPC |
| Total Vacancies | 247 Posts |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 4 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5 October 2026 |
| Selection Process | Competitive Examination & Document Verification |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 4 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5 October 2026 |
Candidates should complete the application process before the deadline. Applicants are also advised to carefully verify all details before final submission because corrections will not be permitted after final submission.
KEA Principal Vacancy 2026
A total of 247 Principal vacancies have been announced under two different cadres.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Principal – Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) Local Cadre | 31 |
| Principal – Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 216 |
| Total | 247 |
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The recruitment is intended for eligible serving Lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges under the School Education Department.
Candidates must have:
- Completed at least 10 years of service as prescribed.
- Satisfactorily completed their probation period by the application deadline.
- Fulfilled the educational and service-related requirements specified in the official notification.
Candidates should keep their service records and qualification certificates ready before starting the online application process.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
There is no upper age limit prescribed for this recruitment, as stated in the official notification.
KEA Principal Salary 2026
Candidates selected for the Principal post will receive salary according to the revised 2024 Karnataka State Pay Scale.
Pay Scale: ₹90,200 – ₹1,59,200
The detailed pay progression is:
₹90,200 – 2,300 – 99,400 – 2,700 – 1,15,600 – 3,100 – 1,34,200 – 3,500 – 1,55,200 – 4,000 – 1,59,200
The pension benefits of officers appointed as Principal will continue to be governed by the pension rules applicable to their original appointment as Lecturer.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹1,500 |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Third Gender | ₹1,000 |
| Persons with Disabilities – Special Category | ₹500 |
Payment Mode: Online
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of:
- Competitive Examination
- Document Verification
The competitive examination will consist of three papers.
KEA Principal Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Kannada Language Test | 150 |
| Paper 2 | General Studies | 150 |
| Paper 3 | KCS Rules, Financial Codes & Acts | 150 |
| Total | 450 |
Paper 1 is a qualifying Kannada Language Test.
For Papers 2 and 3, a negative marking of 0.25 marks will apply for each incorrect answer.
Candidates should carefully review the official notification for the complete syllabus and examination instructions.
Documents Required for KEA Principal Application
Candidates may need the following documents while completing the application process:
- Aadhaar Card
- SSLC Certificate for Date of Birth proof
- Service Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Income and Caste / Creamy Layer Certificate
- Rural Candidate Certificate
- Kannada Medium Study Certificate
- Ex-Servicemen / Dependent Certificate
- Disability Certificate / UDID
- Third Gender Certificate
- Kalyana-Karnataka Local Candidate Certificate
- Recent Photograph
- Signature
Candidates should upload documents in the format and size prescribed by KEA.
How to Apply for KEA Principal Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official KEA website.
- Open the Principal Recruitment 2026 application link.
- Select the relevant recruitment notification/cadre.
- Complete the registration process.
- Enter the required personal and service-related information.
- Upload the required documents, photograph and signature.
- Pay the applicable application fee online.
- Carefully check all entered details.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save the final application form and fee payment receipt for future reference.
Important: Check every detail carefully before submitting the form because corrections are not allowed after final submission.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Notification PDF – RPC | Download Notification |
| Official Notification PDF – KK | Download Notification |
| Official Website | Visit KEA Website |
Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 FAQs
What is KEA Principal Recruitment 2026?
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 is a recruitment drive conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority for 247 Principal posts in Government Pre-University Colleges across Karnataka.
How many Principal vacancies are available?
There are 247 vacancies, including 31 posts under the Kalyana-Karnataka Local Cadre and 216 posts under the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC).
Who can apply for KEA Principal Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment is for eligible serving Lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges under the School Education Department who meet the prescribed service and probation requirements.
What is the last date to apply for KEA Principal Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 4 October 2026.
What is the last date for fee payment?
The last date for payment of the application fee is 5 October 2026.
What is the salary of a KEA Principal?
Selected candidates will receive salary in the revised Karnataka State Pay Scale of ₹90,200 to ₹1,59,200.
What is the application fee for KEA Principal Recruitment?
The application fee is ₹1,500 for General Merit and specified categories, ₹1,000 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender candidates, and ₹500 for eligible Persons with Disabilities.
What is the selection process?
The selection process includes a competitive examination followed by document verification.
Is there any upper age limit?
According to the provided notification details, no upper age limit is prescribed for this recruitment.
