The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will hold the competitive exam for 216 Principal posts (Group-A, Residual Parent Cadre) in the School Education (Pre-University) Department on 20 November 2026 (Paper-1) and 22 November 2026 (Paper-2 and Paper-3). Each paper has 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks. Paper-1 is a Kannada qualifying test with a minimum of 50 marks required.
Direct Link to Check KEA Principal Exam Date 2026
KEA PU Principal Exam Date 2026 - Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Department | School Education (Pre-University) |
| Post Name | Principal (Group-A) |
| Cadre | Residual Parent Cadre |
| Exam Schedule Notice Date | 13.10.2026 |
| Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
KEA Principal Exam Date 2026 and Timings
| Date and Day | Paper | Timing | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-11-2026 (Friday) | Paper-1 (Kannada Language Test) | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM | 150 | 150 |
| 22-11-2026 (Sunday) | Paper-2 (General Studies) | 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 150 | 150 |
| 22-11-2026 (Sunday) | Paper-3 (Administrative Subject) | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM | 150 | 150 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Recruitment notification published | 03 September 2026 |
| Exam schedule notice issued | 13 October 2026 |
| Paper-1 (Kannada) | 20 November 2026 |
| Paper-2 and Paper-3 | 22 November 2026 |
How to Download KEA Principal Admit Card 2026
The admit card release date and download process are not mentioned in the official notice. The steps below are general and may differ once KEA releases the link. Confirm them on the official website.
- Visit the official KEA website, kea.kar.nic.in.
- Look for the admit card or hall ticket link for the Principal (Pre-University) recruitment once it is announced.
- Log in with the details you used while applying, as the portal asks.
- Check your name, exam date, paper timings, and centre on the admit card.
- Download and print the admit card, and carry it to the exam centre.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Reach the exam centre at least two hours before the exam. Entry is allowed only after frisking and face verification.
- Choose only one answer for each question in Paper-2 and Paper-3.
- Shade the fifth option for any question you do not attempt in Paper-2 and Paper-3.
- Aim for at least 50 marks in the Kannada paper, since Paper-1 is a qualifying test.
- Check the KEA website regularly for admit cards and further notices.