The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), acting on behalf of the School Education Department (Pre-University Education), Government of Karnataka, has announced recruitment for 247 Principal posts in Government Pre-University Colleges. This is a significant opportunity for serving lecturers with substantial experience in the college system. The recruitment is conducted under two notifications issued on 03.09.2026.
Overview
This recruitment drive aims to fill Principal vacancies across Government Pre-University Colleges in Karnataka. The total of 247 positions comprises 31 posts under the Kalyana-Karnataka Local Cadre and 216 posts under the Residual Parent Cadre. Candidates must be serving lecturers with at least 10 years of service and satisfactory probation completion. The selection will be made through an online competitive examination conducted by KEA.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 07.09.2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 10.11.2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Application Fee | 05.10.2026 |
| Competitive Examination Date (Papers 1, 2 & 3) | To be announced later on the KEA website |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and Other Categories (2A / 2B / 3A / 3B) | ₹1,500 |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-servicemen / Third Gender | ₹1,000 |
| Persons with Disabilities (Special Category) | ₹500 |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Number of Posts | Category-wise Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Principal – Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) Local Cadre | 31 | GM-15, SC-A-2, SC-B-2, SC-C-1, ST-1, Cat-1-2, 2A-5, 2B-1, 3A-1, 3B-1 |
| Principal – Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 216 | GM-108, SC-A-12, SC-B-11, SC-C-10, ST-7, Cat-1-9, 2A-32, 2B-9, 3A-8, 3B-10 |
Eligibility
Applicants must be serving Lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges under the School Education Department with a minimum of 10 years' service. Satisfactory completion of probation is mandatory. The Kalyana-Karnataka Local Cadre posts are restricted to candidates meeting the local cadre criteria within the Kalyana-Karnataka region.
Examination Pattern
The selection is conducted through a competitive examination comprising three papers, each carrying 150 marks and lasting 3 hours. Paper 1 is a Kannada Language Test (qualifying only). Paper 2 covers General Studies including History & Cultural Heritage, Social & Political Perspective, Indian Economy, Constitution, Public Administration, Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology, Ethics, and Aptitude. Paper 3 covers Karnataka Civil Service Rules, Classification Control & Appeal Rules 1957, KCS (Conduct) Rules, Karnataka Treasury Code, Karnataka Financial Code, Recruitment Rules, Karnataka Education Act 1983, Educational Psychology, and allied topics.
How to Apply
- Visit the official KEA website at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Register and create your online account with valid credentials
- Complete your profile with accurate personal and professional details
- Fill in the application form carefully
- Upload all required supporting documents, including proof of 10 years' service and educational qualifications
- Pay the applicable application fee according to your category by 05.10.2026
- Submit the application before the last date of 10.11.2026
- Download and retain a copy of your application confirmation for future reference
Salary
The pay scale for the Principal position is ₹90,200 – ₹1,59,200. Selected candidates will be placed on this scale as per government norms and their service record.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this Principal recruitment?
A: Serving Lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges under the School Education Department with a minimum of 10 years' service and satisfactory probation completion are eligible to apply.
Q: What is the last date to submit the online application?
A: The last date for online application submission is 10.11.2026. The final date to pay the application fee is 05.10.2026.
Q: How many vacancies are there in total?
A: There are 247 total vacancies: 31 posts under Kalyana-Karnataka Local Cadre and 216 posts under Residual Parent Cadre.
Q: What is the application fee, and is it the same for all categories?
A: The application fee varies by category. General Merit and categories 2A/2B/3A/3B pay ₹1,500; SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-servicemen/Third Gender pay ₹1,000; and Persons with Disabilities pay ₹500.
Q: What is the selection process?
A: The selection involves a competitive examination with three papers: Kannada Language Test (qualifying), General Studies, and a paper on Karnataka Civil Service Rules, Education Act, and allied topics. Each paper carries 150 marks and is of 3 hours' duration.
Q: What is the pay scale for the Principal position?
A: The pay scale for the Principal position is ₹90,200 – ₹1,59,200.
Applicants must verify all details with the official KEA notification and website before submitting their application.