The Government of Karnataka, through the Department of School Education / concerned Examination Authority, has officially released a detailed notification dated 06 December 2025 announcing the Departmental Competitive / Eligibility Examination scheduled for February 2026. The examination is being conducted for the promotion of eligible Government High School Assistant Teachers to the cadre of Lecturers in Government Pre-University Colleges, followed by preparation of a final merit list strictly based on examination performance. This notification is a major career milestone for government teachers across Karnataka aspiring to advance to the Pre-University level.
Objective of the Departmental Examination
The primary objective of the Karnataka Departmental Competitive Examination 2026 is to ensure a transparent, merit-based, and uniform promotion process. The examination functions as both a qualifying and ranking mechanism, assessing:
- Subject knowledge
- Academic competence
- Professional readiness required for teaching at the Pre-University level, The final merit list will be prepared strictly based on marks obtained in the written examination along with fulfillment of eligibility conditions under prevailing service and recruitment rules.
Legal and Administrative Framework
The notification has been issued in accordance with relevant Government Orders, statutory service rules, and amendments governing departmental promotions in Karnataka. The initiative aligns with the State’s policy objective of strengthening Pre-University education by appointing experienced and academically competent teachers through a structured and transparent selection process.
Online Application Process
The application process is completely online, and no offline applications will be accepted under any circumstances. Eligible teachers must apply through the official portal:
https://schooleducation.karnataka.gov.in
Applicants must register using a User ID and Password, fill in personal and service details, select the relevant subject, upload mandatory documents, and submit the form within the stipulated timeline. Incomplete or late applications will be rejected without further correspondence.
Eligibility Criteria and Examination Centres
Only eligible Government High School Assistant Teachers who satisfy prescribed service tenure, educational qualification, and subject eligibility criteria are permitted to appear for the examination.
The notification provides district-wise examination centres across Karnataka to ensure accessibility. Centres are allocated in major districts including Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Shivamogga, Ballari, Davanagere, and others. Eligibility verification will be conducted at multiple stages, and discrepancies may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Examination Pattern and Evaluation Scheme
The Departmental Competitive Examination 2026 will be conducted in offline (written) mode with descriptive-type questions.
- Total Marks: 100
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 50
- Question Type: Descriptive
- Medium of Examination: As notified on the portal, Evaluation will be done strictly as per the approved Scheme of Evaluation, and only candidates securing the minimum qualifying marks will be considered for the merit list.
Examination Sessions
The examination will be conducted in two sessions:
- Forenoon Session: 09:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Afternoon Session: 02:00 PM – 04:30 PM, Subject-wise session allocation will be notified separately on the official portal.
Hall Ticket and Identity Verification
Candidates must download their Hall Ticket using login credentials during the notified period. Entry to the examination hall will be permitted only with a valid hall ticket and original photo identity proof. Candidates should verify all details printed on the hall ticket well in advance.
Important Dates – Karnataka Departmental Exam 2026
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Start Date | 29 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 28 January 2026 |
| Hall Ticket Download | 12 February – 22 February 2026 |
| Date of Examination | 22 February 2026 |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Written / Descriptive) |
Final Merit List and Promotion Process
After evaluation, the department will publish a final merit list of candidates eligible for promotion to the Lecturer cadre in Government Pre-University Colleges. Promotions will be made strictly in accordance with the merit list, reservation norms, and applicable service regulations.
Instructions and Discipline
The notification strictly prohibits unfair practices, impersonation, use of electronic devices, or submission of false information. Any violation will result in disqualification and disciplinary action as per rules.
The Karnataka Departmental Competitive Examination – February 2026 represents a critical step in ensuring academic excellence and leadership quality in Government Pre-University Colleges. Eligible Government High School Assistant Teachers are strongly advised to carefully read the official notification, adhere to the key dates, and prepare thoroughly for this important professional advancement. For updates and official instructions, candidates should regularly visit the official School Education Department website and bookmark this page for future reference, for more details CLICK HERE
