KEA principal posts application, fee payment deadline extended to 30 October 2026

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the deadline for applying and paying fees for 216 Group-A Principal posts in the School Education Department (Pre-University) to 30 October 2026. This extension was communicated through a notice dated 23 October 2026 from Bengaluru.

The decision aims to provide candidates with additional time to complete their applications and fee payments for the positions in Government Pre-University Colleges. This marks the second extension for these deadlines, which were initially set for early October 2026.

Revised Application and Fee Payment Schedule

The KEA had initially invited applications for the 216 Group-A Principal posts via notification no: ED/KEA/28/NA.V/2026(RPC) on 03 September 2026. The initial last date to apply was 04 October 2026, with the fee payment deadline set for 05 October 2026. These dates were first extended to 24 October 2026 for applications and 25 October 2026 for fee payments.

The current extension moves both the application and fee payment deadlines to 30 October 2026. This adjustment provides a further opportunity for eligible lecturers from the School Education Department (Pre-University) to complete their submissions.

Clarification on Creamy Layer Policy

Alongside the deadline extension, the KEA has clarified the applicability of the creamy layer policy for these direct recruitments. Per Government Order No: SKE 225 BCA 2000, dated 30 March 2002, which implemented the New complete Creamy Layer Policy, the rule does not apply to direct recruitments for posts that insist on a prescribed period of service or experience.

The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Government of Karnataka, stated in Annexure-II of the Government Order that “This rule will not apply to direct recruitments to posts which insist on a prescribed period of service in a lower post or experience in a post, profession or occupation as a qualification or eligibility.” This clarification indicates that the creamy layer policy is not applicable to direct recruitments for full-time service for these Principal posts.

Rural Reservation Certificate Requirements

Candidates in the General Merit category who wish to claim rural reservation for the 216 Group-A Principal posts must obtain a rural reservation certificate. This certificate, identified as Form-2, requires signatures from both the concerned school headmaster and the Block Education Officer. It is mandatory for these certificates to be fully processed and signed before the final application deadline of 30 October 2026, as stipulated by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) in a notice dated 23 October 2026 from Bengaluru.

This requirement ensures that all necessary documentation for rural reservation claims is submitted within the extended timeframe. The KEA’s notification no: ED/KEA/28/NA.V/2026(RPC), initially issued on 03 September 2026, outlined the application process for lecturers from the School Education Department (Pre-University) in Government Pre-University Colleges.

KEA Contact Information

For any inquiries or assistance related to the application process for the 216 Group-A Principal posts, candidates can contact the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The KEA’s office is located at 18th Cross, Sampige Road, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru – 560 012. Candidates can reach the KEA by phone at 080-23564583 or use their dedicated helpline number, 080 – 23 460 460.

Email inquiries can be directed to keauthority-ka@nic.in. Further details and updates regarding the application and fee payment extension, as announced in the KEA’s notice dated 23 October 2026, are available on the official portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Further reading

• FMGE October 2026 application correction deadline extended to October 23
• BPSC TRE 4.0 application deadline extended: apply for 33,320 vacancies by November 3
• IIT JAM 2027 registration deadline extended: apply by 22 October
• CLAT 2027 application deadline nears: apply by October 31
• AP LAWCET, PGLCET 2026 phase 1 reporting deadline extended to October 13

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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