Official notification for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 is released for 869 vacancies. Discover key details on RPC and KK region positions, eligibility criteria, salary structure, exam syllabus, and the official application process.
The Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department has officially launched the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026, offering 869 job openings for roles such as Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Instructor Grade-II, and Warder cum Nursing. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is managing the online application portal for both General (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) regions, active from 19 September through 15 October 2026. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to verify post-specific requirements, educational prerequisites, age limits, and selection protocols before submitting their applications.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026: Exam Overview
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is conducting this recruitment drive on behalf of the state's Prisons and Reforms Services Department. The recruitment process is divided into two distinct notifications covering vacancies for the Rest of State (RPC) and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) regions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Recruitment Name | Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 |
| Posts | Jailor, Warder, Instructor Grade-II, Warder cum Nursing |
| Total Vacancies | 869 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Written Exam Date | 21 November 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, PST, Endurance Test, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Karnataka Prisons Department 2026 Official Notification PDF
The official Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 notifications provide comprehensive details regarding vacancy distributions, eligibility benchmarks, age relaxations, pay scales, and the multi-stage selection process. Candidates are advised to download and review the specific RPC and KK notifications to ensure full compliance with application guidelines.
Download Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 RPC Notification PDF
Download Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 KK Notification PDF
Important Recruitment Dates
Applicants are strictly advised to mark their calendars for the registration window, payment deadlines, and the upcoming written examination schedule to ensure a seamless recruitment experience.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 18 September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Competitive Written Examination | 21 November 2026 |
| PST & Endurance Test | To be announced |
Karnataka Prisons Department Vacancy Breakdown 2026
This recruitment cycle includes 869 total vacancies across General (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) categories, covering roles such as Jailor, Warder, Instructor Grade-II, and Warder cum Nursing.
| Post Name | General (RPC) | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jailor | – | 5 | 5 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 560 | 275 | 835 |
| Instructor Grade-II | 16 | 8 | 24 |
| Warder cum Nursing | – | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 576 | 293 | 869 |
The General cadre comprises 576 posts, with 293 vacancies reserved under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre. Candidates must carefully select their applicable region and consult the corresponding notification for precise, category-wise breakdown details.
Karnataka Prisons Department Eligibility Criteria 2026
To be considered for employment, candidates must meet all stipulated educational qualifications, age boundaries, and physical standards mandated for their chosen post. Requirements for positions like Jailor and Warder vary significantly.
Required Educational Qualifications
| Post Name | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Jailor | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | SSLC (10th Standard) or equivalent |
| Instructor Grade-II | SSLC and prescribed Diploma/technical qualification, as applicable |
| Warder cum Nursing | SSLC and prescribed nursing-related qualification, as applicable |
Age Limit Requirements
The mandatory minimum age for recruitment is 20 years. The maximum age limit is subject to the candidate's category and government-approved relaxations.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 20 to 31 years |
| SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B | 20 to 33 years |
Application Fee Details
Candidates are required to remit the specified application fee online during the form submission phase. Fee amounts vary based on the applicant's reservation category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and other applicable categories | ₹750 |
| SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender | ₹500 |
How to Apply Online for Karnataka Prisons Department 2026
The online registration window for Jailor and Warder positions opened on 19 September 2026. Interested and eligible candidates should submit their applications via the official KEA portal no later than 15 October 2026. Please verify all data entries carefully before final submission.
Official Karnataka Prisons Department Apply Online 2026 Link
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the official KEA website.
- Open the recruitment section and find the relevant Prisons Department notification.
- Select the appropriate RPC or KK cadre application.
- Register and enter the required personal and educational details.
- Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee according to your category.
- Review the application form carefully before submitting it.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Selection Process for Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026
The selection strategy encompasses a competitive written examination, physical standards tests (PST), endurance evaluations, and final document verification. Success at each stage is mandatory for progression toward the final appointment.
Key Selection Stages:
- Competitive Written Examination
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Endurance Test (ET)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates shortlisted for physical testing will be invited based on strict recruitment ratios and established departmental rules. Please refer to your post-specific notification for precise physical requirements.
Kannada Language Proficiency Test 2026
Unless exempted by specific rules, all candidates must pass the Kannada Language Test. Individuals who have cleared SSLC or equivalent examinations with Kannada as their first or second language may qualify for exemption under departmental guidelines.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Name | Kannada Language Test |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Qualifying Marks | 50 |
| Applicability | Candidates who are not exempted |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
Physical Standard Test (PST) 2026
Shortlisted candidates must demonstrate compliance with required height, weight, and chest measurements. Physical standards differ according to category specifications.
| Candidate Category | Minimum Height | Chest / Weight Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Men & Ex-Servicemen | 168 cm | Chest: 86 cm (unexpanded), with 5 cm expansion |
| Women & Third Gender | 157 cm | Minimum weight: 46 kg |
Endurance Fitness Test 2026
The Endurance Test measures physical aptitude through track and field activities, including running, jumping, and shot-put. Applicants must successfully clear at least 3 of the 5 designated events.
| Event | Men | Women / Third Gender / Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump | 1.20 metres | 0.90 metres |
| Long Jump | 3.80 metres | 2.50 metres |
| Shot Put | 5.60 metres (7.26 kg) | 3.75 metres (3.63 kg) |
| Endurance Race | 800 metres in 2 min 50 sec | 200 metres in 40 seconds |
Medical Examination 2026
Successful qualifiers from the written and physical exams will undergo a formal medical assessment by a state-appointed Medical Board to ensure total medical fitness for prison service duties.
| Medical Parameter | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Vision | Prescribed distant and near vision standards |
| Colour Vision | Colour blindness is disqualifying |
| Hearing | Hearing and related tests as prescribed |
| Physical Fitness | Assessment of general medical fitness |
| Other Checks | Chest X-ray and additional tests, if required by the Medical Board |
Training, Probationary Period, and Pension
Newly recruited personnel are subject to rigorous training and probation phases, with service conditions aligned to current government policies and pension frameworks.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Training | Basic training at the designated institution |
| Probation Period | 2 years |
| Pension Scheme | National Pension Scheme (NPS) |
Karnataka Prisons Department 2026 Exam Pattern
The written examination features a 100-question, 100-mark format with a total duration of 90 minutes. Examination difficulty and standard vary according to the specific role applied for.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle, Current Affairs & Mental Ability (Graduate Level for Jailor) | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
| General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle, Current Affairs & Mental Ability (Below Graduate Level for Other Posts) | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
Karnataka Prisons Department Exam Syllabus 2026
The curriculum covers general awareness, domain-specific knowledge, and mental ability. Candidates should focus their preparation on the difficulty level appropriate for their post and verify syllabus specifics via the official KEA notification.
Jailor Examination Syllabus
The Jailor recruitment test is framed around graduate-level general knowledge, reasoning, and mental aptitude.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Important national and international events, general awareness |
| History | Indian History, National Freedom Struggle |
| Geography | Indian Geography, physical and economic geography |
| Indian Constitution | Constitution, fundamental rights, governance |
| General Science | Basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| Current Affairs | Recent national and international developments |
| Mental Ability | Logical reasoning, analytical ability and problem-solving |
Warder & Instructor Grade-II Syllabus
Candidates for Warder and Instructor roles must prepare for a competitive examination designed by KEA. Detailed subject-wise syllabus components are outlined in the official post-specific documentation.
| Post | Syllabus Details |
|---|---|
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | Refer to the prescribed written examination syllabus in the KEA notification |
| Instructor Grade-II | Refer to the post-specific examination syllabus |
| Warder cum Nursing | Refer to the prescribed examination syllabus for the post |
Employee Salary & Benefits
Selected recruits will be compensated according to the pay scales designated for their specific designations. Higher-ranking posts such as Jailor receive different remuneration levels compared to Warder and Instructor roles.
| Post Name | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Jailor | ₹61,300 – ₹1,12,900 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 |
| Instructor Grade-II | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 |
| Warder cum Nursing | ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 |