Karnataka PU Principal Recruitment 2026: Application deadline extended to October 24

The Karnataka School Education Department (Pre-University) has extended the application deadline for the recruitment of Group-A principal posts in government pre-university (PU) colleges to October 24, 2026. Eligible lecturers currently working in government PU colleges can apply through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

The Karnataka recruitment drive aims to fill 247 vacant principal posts under the direct recruitment quota through a competitive examination. Of these, 216 vacancies are under the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC), while 31 posts fall under the Kalyana Karnataka Local Cadre.

Selected candidates will receive a pay scale of Rs 90,200 to Rs 1,59,200. According to the recruitment notification, the selection process includes a competitive examination comprising three papers. The examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) or offline OMR mode.

Also read ED arrests KPSC chairman, member over money laundering linked to 400 veterinary posts recruitment racket

Karnataka PU Principal Recruitment 2026: How to apply

Eligible candidates can follow these steps to apply online:

• Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
• Open the recruitment section for government PU college principal posts.
• Select the relevant notification for the Residual Parent Cadre or Kalyana Karnataka Local Cadre.
• Read the eligibility conditions and application instructions carefully.
• Complete the online application form with the required details.
• Upload the prescribed documents, photograph and signature, wherever required.
• Pay the applicable application fee through the prescribed online payment method.
• Review the information entered and submit the application.
• Save a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt for future reference.

Karnataka Principal Recruitment 2026: Exam Pattern

The Karnataka PU Principal Recruitment 2026 exam consists of three papers carrying a total of 450 marks. Candidates must qualify in the Kannada language paper, while marks in General Studies and service rules and administration papers will be considered for preparing the merit list.

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) or offline OMR.
• Paper 1: Kannada language – 150 marks, 3 hours. Qualifying paper: a minimum of 50 marks is required.
• Paper 2: General Studies – 150 marks, 3 hours.
• Paper 3: Service rules, administration and related subjects – 150 marks, 3 hours.
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Papers 2 and 3.
• Merit calculation: Marks from Papers 2 and 3 are considered for merit; Paper 1 is qualifying only.

The application process is open to eligible lecturers currently working in government PU colleges who meet the prescribed service and other eligibility requirements. Candidates should check the official notification for detailed conditions before applying.