An electron beam generator for multiple columns includes: a plurality of cathodes, to which a single acceleration voltage supply applies a negative acceleration voltage, and which thus generates thermoelectrons; a grid for each of the plurality of cathodes, the grid converging the thermoelectrons emitted to form a beam of electrons; a grid voltage supply for giving the grid a potential which is negative relative to a potential of the cathode; and a control circuit for each cathode, for controlling the potential of the grid. The control circuit includes a current direction restricting element connected between a positive electrode of the grid voltage supply and the cathode, and a grid current supplied from the grid voltage supply is caused to flow to the cathode through the current direction restricting element.