KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 for 247 Principal Posts – Apply Online @ cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
⚡ Quick Facts & Key Highlights
| Recruiting Body | Karnataka Examination Authority |
|---|---|
| State / Jurisdiction | Karnataka |
| Total Posts | 247 |
| Last Date for Application | 04 October 2026 |
Quick Summary: KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 – 247 Vacancies | Last Date: 04 Oct 2026 | Salary: Rs. 90,200 – Rs. 1,59,200 | Apply Online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
Golden Opportunity for serving Lecturers in Karnataka Government Pre-University Colleges! The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 notification for 247 posts of Principal. This is a prestigious Sarkari Naukri 2026 in the Education Department, offering a handsome pay scale under the 2024 Revised Karnataka State Pay. Read the full article for Latest Government Jobs 2026 updates, vacancy breakdown, eligibility, exam pattern, and how to apply online.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 03 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 07 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 04 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 05 October 2026 |
| Exam Date (Paper 1,2,3) | To be announced |
KEA Principal Vacancy 2026 – Post Details
| S. No. | Post Name | Cadre | Total Vacancies | Category-wise Breakup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 |
Total: 247 posts. Horizontal reservations apply for Women, Rural, Ex-servicemen, Kannada Medium, PwD, and Transgender as per roster.
KEA Principal Eligibility Criteria
This recruitment is not open to the general public. Only serving Lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges under the School Education Department, Karnataka, are eligible.
- Must be a serving Lecturer in the Lecturer cadre of Government Pre-University Colleges.
- Minimum 10 years of service in the Lecturer cadre.
- Satisfactory completion of probation period.
Qualification & Experience
As on the last date of application (04.10.2026), candidates must hold the prescribed educational and service qualifications. Any false information will lead to rejection.
Age Limit
No upper age limit prescribed. Since recruitment is from serving Lecturers, age restrictions do not apply.
Salary & Benefits
Selected Principal will draw pay in the 2024 Revised Karnataka State Pay Scale: Rs. 90,200 – Rs. 1,59,200 (Level?). Pension as per original Lecturer appointment rules.
Why Apply? Job security, attractive pay under 7th CPC equivalent, career growth in Karnataka Education Department – a true Sarkari Naukri 2026 opportunity.
KEA Principal Application Fee
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General Merit, 2A/2B/3A/3B | Rs. 1,500 |
| SC/ST/Cat-1/Ex-servicemen/Third Gender | Rs. 1,000 |
| Persons with Disabilities | Rs. 500 |
KEA Principal Selection Process
Selection will be through a competitive examination (CBT or OMR) comprising three papers:
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kannada Language (Qualifying) | 150 | 150 | 3 hours |
| 2 | General Studies | 150 | 150 | 3 hours |
| 3 | Karnataka Civil Service Rules, Education Act, etc. | 150 | 150 | 3 hours |
Minimum 50 marks in Paper 1 required to qualify. Only Paper 2 and 3 marks count for merit. Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer in Papers 2 & 3.
Reservation Policy
Reservation as per Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977. Category codes: GM, SC-A/B/C, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, XMP, Rural, KMS, Wom, TG, KK (local).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- SSLC (DOB proof)
- Service certificate (Lecturer appointment, probation, years of service)
- Caste certificate (with RD number if applicable)
- Income & Creamy-layer certificate (2A/2B/3A/3B)
- Rural/ Kannada medium/ Ex-servicemen/ Disability/ Third gender certificates as applicable
- KK local candidate certificate (Annexure-A) for KK cadre
- Recent passport-size photo & signature (specified sizes)
How to Apply for KEA Principal Recruitment 2026
- Visit official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Click on the online application link for KK or RPC notification.
- Register, fill details, upload documents.
- Pay fee online and submit.
- Download confirmation for future reference.
Important Instructions
- Online mode only; no offline applications.
- No corrections after submission.
- Carry valid photo ID to exam hall.
- False information leads to rejection and legal action.
- Helpline: 080-23460460 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Important Links
- Apply Online: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Official Notification PDF (RPC): Click Here (link not provided)
- Official Notification PDF (KK): Click Here (link not provided)
- Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Who can apply for KEA Principal Recruitment 2026?
A: Only serving Lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges of Karnataka with minimum 10 years of service and completed probation. - Q: What is the age limit?
A: No upper age limit as recruitment is limited to in-service candidates. - Q: Is there any negative marking?
A: Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Papers 2 and 3. - Q: What is the total number of vacancies?
A: 247 posts (31 KK cadre + 216 RPC). - Q: How to apply for KEA Principal Recruitment?
A: Apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in from 07 Sep to 04 Oct 2026. - Q: What is the salary for the Principal post?
A: Rs. 90,200 – Rs. 1,59,200 per month (2024 Revised Pay Scale). - Q: When will the exam be held?
A: Exam date will be announced later on the KEA website. - Q: Is there any reservation for women?
A: Yes, horizontal reservation for women candidates applies within each category.