The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, has released the Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026 notification on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. KEA has announced 869 vacancies for direct recruitment to base-cadre posts of Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing, and Second Grade Teacher (Instructor Grade-II).
The online application process begins on 19 September 2026, and the last date to apply is 15 October 2026 (fee payment till 16.10.2026). Candidates must be 20 to 33 years old to be eligible for this recruitment. The Competitive (Written) Examination is scheduled for 21.11.2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, followed by a Physical Standard Test (PST) and Endurance Test for shortlisted candidates.
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Karnataka Prison Department 2026: Overview
The Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for eligible candidates to join the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, on behalf of Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department |
| Notification Numbers | ED/KEA/22/Ne.Vi/2026(R.P.C.) – General/Rest-of-State cadre; ED/KEA/23/Ne.Vi/2026(K.K.) – Kalyana Karnataka cadre (both dated 18.09.2026) |
| Posts | Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing, Second Grade Teacher/Instructor Grade-II |
| Total Vacancies | 869 (576 General cadre + 293 Kalyana Karnataka cadre) |
| Application Mode | Online only, via https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| Application Fee | ₹750 (General Merit & other categories); ₹500 (SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen) |
| Online Application Start Date | 19.09.2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | 15.10.2026 |
| Fee Payment Closing Date | 16.10.2026 |
| Competitive (Written) Examination Date | 21.11.2026, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Selection Process | Written (Competitive) Exam → Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test (1:5 shortlist ratio) → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Official Websites | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and https://prisons.karnataka.gov.in/en |
Karnataka Prisons Department Vacancy 2026
The Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026 includes a total of 869 vacancies — 576 posts under the general/Rest-of-State cadre and 293 posts under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre. Below is a detailed table showing the post-wise distribution of seats available for applicants.
Notification (R.P.C.) – General / Rest-of-State Cadre
| Post | Pay Scale (₹) | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 37,500 – 76,100 | 560 |
| Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 37,500 – 76,100 | 16 |
Notification (K.K.) – Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region) Cadre
| Post | Pay Scale (₹) | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Jailor | 61,300 – 1,12,900 | 5 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 37,500 – 76,100 | 275 |
| Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 37,500 – 76,100 | 8 |
| Warder cum Nursing | 34,100 – 67,600 | 5 |
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Notification
The Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Notification is provided below for candidates’ reference. This notification contains complete details about vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, and selection procedure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notification also includes instructions for online registration, fee payment, and document verification procedures.
Download Karnataka Prisons Department 2026 Notification PDF
RPC || KK
Karnataka Prison Department Eligibility 2026
The Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026 has defined clear eligibility criteria for all candidates. Applicants must meet requirements related to age and educational qualifications. Candidates must have obtained the prescribed qualification result as on the closing date of application submission.
Karnataka Prison Department Educational Qualification 2026
| Post | Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Jailor (K.K. cadre only) | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification. Preference given to candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Correctional Administration, or an equivalent qualification. |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | Must have passed SSLC examination or possess an equivalent qualification. |
| Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | Must have passed SSLC or equivalent, AND must hold a Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical/Electrical/Carpentry/Tailoring/Textile/Weaving/Carpet-making, etc., from a Government-recognised institution. |
| Warder cum Nursing (K.K. cadre only) | Must have passed SSLC or equivalent, AND must hold a certificate in First Aid. |
Note: SSLC or currently prescribed equivalent courses are as notified in Government Order No. Sichasu 81 Sevane 2017, dated 27.02.2018. Higher qualifications will not be considered as a substitute for the specifically prescribed qualification.
Kannada Language Requirement
As per Government Notification No. Sichasu 102 Sevane 2022 dated 18.03.2025 (read with Notification No. Sichasu 43 Sevane 2020 dated 05.03.2021), candidates who studied Kannada as a first or second language subject in SSLC/equivalent, or studied through Kannada medium, are exempt from a separate Kannada Language Test. Other candidates must qualify a Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA within a specified time, failing which their appointment will not be finalised. Candidates who did not study Kannada as the first language subject in SSLC must secure a minimum of 50 out of 150 marks in the Kannada Language Test to be eligible.
Age Limit
Minimum age: 20 years, as on the closing date of application. As per Government Order No. Sichasu 262 Sevani 2025 dated 29.01.2026, the previous upper age limit has been increased by 5 years.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit candidates | 31 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B candidates | 33 years |
Ex-Servicemen: 3 years’ relaxation in upper age limit, in addition to the length of military service rendered, applicable to those discharged due to reasons other than dismissal/removal for misconduct or inefficiency, with the relaxation computed on the length of “service actually rendered.”
Karnataka Prison Department Apply Online 2026
The Karnataka Prison Department Apply Online 2026 process is open for all eligible candidates. Aspirants can apply online through the official KEA website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. The online form filling process will begin on 19 September 2026, and the application link will remain active till 15 October 2026. Candidates must fill in all requested personal, educational, and category details carefully — once submitted, data in the application cannot be changed or modified. Candidates must upload the required documents and pay the application fee online.
Direct Link to Apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026
How to Apply for Karnataka Prison Department 2026?
Candidates applying for the Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026 must complete the process online only. A valid personal email ID and contact number are mandatory, as all communications including admit card will be sent via the official website.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official KEA website, https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. |
| 2 | Read the detailed notification thoroughly. |
| 3 | Click the link provided for the relevant cadre (General/R.P.C. or Kalyana Karnataka/K.K.) to fill the online application. |
| 4 | Fill in all requested personal, educational, and category details carefully. |
| 5 | Upload the required documents. |
| 6 | Pay the application fee online. |
| 7 | Submit the application before 15.10.2026, and complete fee payment before 16.10.2026. |
| 8 | Download the Hall Ticket/Admit Card from the KEA website closer to the exam date and report to the allotted exam centre with a valid original photo ID. |
Application Fee
The application fee must be paid online only, through the official KEA website. The paid fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and other categories (2A/2B/3A/3B) | ₹750 |
| Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-1, and Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender candidates | ₹500 |
Karnataka Prisons Department Selection Process 2026
The selection process includes Competitive (Written) Examination, Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
1. Competitive (Written) Examination – Offline OMR Type
| Post | Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jailor | Graduate-level General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle, Current Affairs & Mental Ability | 100 | 100 | 1.5 hours (90 minutes) |
| Warder, Instructor Grade-II, Warder cum Nursing | SSLC-level General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle, Current Affairs & Mental Ability | 100 | 100 | 1.5 hours (90 minutes) |
Also Read: HBCHRC Visakhapatnam Recruitment 2026 Notification Out For Nurse and MTS Vacancies
2. Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test
Candidates are shortlisted for PST and Endurance Test in a 1:5 ratio to notified vacancies, based on combined percentage of Competitive Exam marks and educational qualification marks, category-wise.
| Category | Minimum Height | Other Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Men & Ex-Servicemen | 168 cm | Minimum chest (unexpanded): 86 cm; minimum expansion: 5 cm |
| Women & Third Gender | 157 cm | Minimum weight: 46 kg |
Endurance Test Standards (Qualifying – Minimum 3 of 5 events must be cleared):
| Event | Men | Women / Third Gender / Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump (3 chances) | Minimum 1.20 metres | Minimum 0.90 metres |
| Long Jump (3 chances) | Minimum 3.80 metres | Minimum 2.50 metres |
| Shot Put (3 chances) | Minimum 5.60 metres (7.26 kg) | Minimum 3.75 metres (3.63 kg) |
| 800m Race (Men) / 200m Race (Women, etc.) | 2 minutes 50 seconds (800m) | 40 seconds (200m) |
3. Medical Examination
Only candidates qualifying the Written Exam and PST/Endurance Test are eligible for the Medical Examination, conducted by a duly constituted Medical Board. Key standards include:
- Vision: Distant vision 6/9 (better eye) and 6/9 or 6/12 (weaker eye); Near vision 0/6 (better eye) and 0/8 (weaker eye), correctable with lenses where specified. Colour blindness, night blindness, or squint results in disqualification.
- Hearing: Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and Tests for Vertigo – any deficiency found disqualifies the candidate.
- Other disqualifying conditions: Varicose veins, speech impediment, and musculoskeletal deformities such as Knock Knees, Flat Foot, Cubitus Valgus, and Cubitus Varus.
- A Chest X-Ray and any other medical tests suggested by the Medical Board will be conducted.
Also Read: South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) Recruitment 2026 Notification Out, Apply Offline
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 18.09.2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 19.09.2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | 15.10.2026 |
| Fee Payment Closing Date | 16.10.2026 |
| Competitive (Written) Examination | 21.11.2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Kannada Language Test (for candidates required to clear it) | Schedule to be announced later |
| PST & Endurance Test | Date, time and venue to be published on KEA/Prisons Dept. website with admit card |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Prison Department 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the Karnataka Prison Department 2026 application form is 15.10.2026, and the fee payment closing date is 16.10.2026.
Q2. How can I apply for Karnataka Prison Department 2026?
Ans: Candidates must apply online through the official KEA website https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ by filling in the online application and paying the application fee online.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026?
Ans: A total of 869 vacancies are available — 576 posts under the general/Rest-of-State cadre and 293 posts under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
Q4. What is the eligibility for Karnataka Prison Department 2026?
Ans: Applicants must be between 20 to 33 years of age and must have passed SSLC (10th) for Warder/Instructor/Warder-cum-Nursing posts, or hold a Bachelor’s Degree for Jailor posts.
Q5. Is there an application fee for Karnataka Prison Department 2026?
Ans: Yes, the application fee is ₹750 for General Merit and other categories, and ₹500 for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-1, and Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender candidates.
Q6. What is the selection process for Karnataka Prison Department 2026?
Ans: The selection process includes a Competitive (Written) Examination, Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Q7. When will the Karnataka Prison Department Written Exam 2026 be conducted?
Ans: The Competitive (Written) Examination is scheduled for 21.11.2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
