KEA Principal Recruitment 2026: Apply Online Begins for 274 Posts; Download Notification & Check Eligibility Here
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026: The KEA has released the notification for the recruitment of Principals in Government Pre-University Colleges under the Department of School Education. The application process has started today, on 07 September 2026. Interested candidates can apply at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Check this article to know the eligibility criteria, application process, application link, and download notification.
Key Points
- KEA invites applications for 274 Principal posts in Government Pre-University Colleges.
- Applications are open from 07 September to 04 October 2026.
- Eligible working lecturers with 10+ years of service can apply.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has invited online applications from the eligible working lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges for the Principal recruitment. A total of 274 vacancies have been announced by KEA through two separate notifications i.e. one for General Cadre and another for Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre (KK). The vacancies announced for General Cadre are 216 and the remaining 31 posts for the KK Cadre. The application process has started from 07 September and the last date to fill the application form is 04 October 2026.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Highlights
The KEA will recruit the eligible working lecturers for the post of Principals either by conducting the CBT or offline examination. The recruitment notification was released on 03 September and the application process starts on 07 September. Check the highlights of the recruitment in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | Principal |
| No. of Vacancies | 274 |
| Notification Release Date | 03 September 2026 |
| Registration Dates | 07 September to 04 October 2026 |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
Interested and eligible candidates should download the KEA Principal notification for their respective cadre and read it carefully before proceeding to apply. The notification pdf contains all the relevant information about the recruitment including the eligibility criteria, application process, salary structure, and other details.
| KEA Principal Notification 2026 (General Cadre) | |
| KEA Principal Notification 2026 (KK Local Cadre) |
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Apply Link
The candidates who meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the post of Principal can access the direct link provided here to apply. Only working lecturers are eligible to apply.
| KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 |
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The candidates who wish to apply for KEA Principal recruitment, must possess the essential qualifications outlined here:
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Must have completed a minimum of ten years of service in the cadre of lecturer in the Department of School Education (Government Pre-University Colleges) and must have satisfactorily completed the probationary period.
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There is no age limit. The lecturers who have completed 10 years of service can apply.
KEA Principal Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The candidates will have to pay an application fee through online mode only via debit card/ credit card/ UPI Payment/ Wallets, etc.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General Merit and other categories (Cat-2A/2B/3A/3B) | Rs.1500/- |
| SC/ ST / Category-1 / Ex-Serviceman / Transgender candidates | Rs.1000/- |
| Persons with Disabilities | Rs.500/- |
Upasna is an education journalist and subject matter expert with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape. Currently contributing to the Exam Prep Section of Jagran Josh, Upasna specializes in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations. Her academic expertise, coupled with her own firsthand experience preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, helps her provide strategic preparation insights and a comprehensive perspective to aspirants. She holds a Master's degree in Forensic Chemical Sciences. Apart from delivering valuable exam resources, Upasna is a passionate communications professional who also enjoys reading and writing.