Karnataka government notifies teacher recruitment rules 2026, introduces CET-based weightage

The Karnataka government published the rules of Karnataka school education department (direct recruitment of teachers) (special), 2026 to amend the recruitment policy for government school teachers.

The new rule will apply for the recruitment of teachers for primary and secondary schools in the school education department. They superseded the previous rules of recruitment, which were framed in 1978, the Government announcing that the new rules have been put in place under the provisions of the Karnataka State Civil Services Act.

The recruitment process will be applicable to various teaching positions like primary school teacher, upper primary school teacher, graduate teacher, physical education teacher. A few government departments/agencies have also been found to serve as appointing authorities for various categories of posts.

New recruitment framework

According to the rules, recruitment will be done based on direct recruitment for the eligible teaching posts. Candidates are required to meet the educational, age and other eligibility requirements as stated in the notification.

The government has also established different authorities for the appointment in different posts. These include the state, district and institutional authorities depending on the teaching position.

Weightage system introduced

One of the biggest changes with the new rules is the addition of a "weightage" selection. Final merit of the candidates will be compiled from Common Entrance Test (CET) marks and marks secured in Teacher Eligibility Tests (TET), their academic qualifications and other specified criteria.

The selection weightage will be based on the following for primary school teachers (classes 1-5):

• CET: 70%
• Teacher eligibility test (paper I): 20%
• Academic qualification marks: 8%
• Service-related marks: 2%

For the teaching posts in Classes 6-8 of upper primary teachers, the weightage for CET will be 70%, TET paper II 20% and the remaining marks will be given based on academic qualification and service criteria as mentioned in notification.

In the case of graduate teacher posts (Classes 9-10), CET will carry 70% weightage and remaining 30% will be based on academic performance and other prescribed qualifications. Separate weightage formula has also been given to physical education teachers and special subject teachers and their CET is still the main factor in selecting the teachers.

Minimum qualifying marks

The notification also defines the minimum qualifying marks in the recruitment examination. The candidates from the scheduled tribes (ST), scheduled castes (SC), category-I and persons with disabilities (PwD) will have to get at least 43% marks. A minimum of 41% will be required by candidates from categories IIA, IIB, IIIA and IIIB and 38% by candidates from the general category.

According to the notification only candidates who have the prescribed qualifying marks will be considered for preparing the merit list.

Selection via merit list

As per the rules merit lists will be prepared by applying a weightage formula prescribed for respective posts. The following provisions are also made separately: Verification of documents, preparation of selection lists and handling of vacancies.

This notification also mentions that appointments will only be made after verification of the documents submitted by the candidates regarding his/her eligibility and educational qualification. Inaccurate declarations and/or unqualifiable claims will be grounds for cancellation of candidature in accordance with the provisions set out in the rules.