Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026 For 869 Jailor, Warder & Instructor Posts

Published on: September 23, 2026
Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment
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Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026- The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released a recruitment notification for the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department for 869 posts of Jailor, Warder, and Instructor. It is a good opportunity for candidates who are looking to join the Karnataka prison department.

The online application process will start on 19 September 2026 and will remain open until 15 October 2026. Candidates should submit their applications on time and avoid waiting until the last date.

The vacancies are available under both the General (Rest-of-State) Cadre and the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) Cadre. Candidates must be at least 20 years old to apply.

Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment Notification 2026: Overview

The table below provides a brief overview of the Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026, including details such as the recruiting authority, total vacancies, and official website.

Conducting BodyKarnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, on behalf of Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department
Notification NumbersED/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)
Post NamesJailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing, Second Grade Teacher/Instructor Grade-II
Application Fee₹750 (General Merit & other categories);
₹500 (SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen)
Online Application Start Date19.09.2026
Online Application Closing Date15.10.2026
Total Vacancies869 Posts
Selection ProcessWritten (Competitive) Exam → Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test (1:5 shortlist ratio) → Document Verification → Medical Examination
Application ModeOnline Only
Official Websitehttps://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and https://prisons.karnataka.gov.in/en

Karnataka Prison Department Vacancy 2026

KEA has announced 869 vacancies for this recruitment. Out of these, 576 posts are for the General Cadre and 293 posts are for the Kalyana Karnataka Cadre.

Post NameGeneral Cadre VacanciesKalyana Karnataka Cadre VacanciesTotal Vacancies
Jailor055
Warder (Vikshakaru)560275835
Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II16824
Warder cum Nursing055
Grand Total576293869

Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment

Candidates should check the educational qualification, age limit, and language requirements before applying. Applications that do not meet these conditions will be rejected.

Educational Qualification

The required educational qualification varies by post. Check the table below for the minimum qualification required for each position.

Post NameMinimum Prescribed Educational Qualification
JailorBachelor’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.
Instructor Grade-IIMust 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 NursingMust have passed SSLC or equivalent, AND must hold a certificate in First Aid.

Age Limit

The minimum age to apply for all posts is 20 years. The upper age limit and age relaxation details are given below as per government rules.

CategoryAge Limit
Minimum Age20 Years (As on closing date)
General MeritUp to 31 Years
SC / ST / Category-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3BUp to 33 Years
Ex-Servicemen3 years relaxation plus length of military service rendered

Medical Examination

  • 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.

Karnataka Prison Department Salary 2026

Selected candidates will get a good salary and other government benefits. The salary amount depends on the post they are selected for.

Salary Details:

PositionBasic Pay Scale
Jailor₹61,300 to ₹1,12,900 per month
Warder (Vikshakaru)₹37,500 to ₹76,100 per month
Instructor Grade-II₹37,500 to ₹76,100 per month
Warder cum Nursing₹34,100 to ₹67,600 per month

Benefits Details:

  • Dearness Allowance (DA) as per state government rules.
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA) depending on the city of posting.
  • Medical facilities for the employee and their dependents.
  • Pension and long-term retirement safety benefits.
  • Paid leaves and official government holidays.

Selection Process of Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026

The Karnataka Prisons Department follows a multi-stage selection process. Candidates must pass each stage to get the final appointment.

Stage 1: Competitive (Written) Examination – An offline OMR-based test will be held to check candidates’ general knowledge and thinking skills.

Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test – Shortlisted candidates will take the physical measurement and fitness tests. Only five candidates per vacancy will be called for these tests.

Stage 3: Document Verification – Original educational, identity, and caste certificates will be checked and verified.

Stage 4: Medical Examination – A medical board will check the candidate’s eyesight, hearing, and overall health.

Exam Pattern for Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment

The selection exam will be an offline OMR-based multiple-choice test. The subjects and marks details are given below.

Post LevelSubject AreasTotal QuestionsTotal MarksDuration
Jailor (Degree Level)General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Constitution, Mental Ability10010090 Minutes
Warder & Others (SSLC Level)General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Constitution, Mental Ability10010090 Minutes

Application Fee of Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026

Candidates must pay the application fee online through the KEA website. The fee is different for each category and will not be refunded after payment.

Category of the Applying CandidateTotal Application Fee
General Merit and 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B Categories₹750
SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen, Third Gender₹500

How to Apply Online for Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment

The application process is fully online. Candidates should follow the official steps carefully to complete the registration and avoid application rejection.

Step 1: Visit the official KEA website.

Step 2: Read the official notification carefully for your category (General or Kalyana Karnataka).

Step 3: Register using your valid email ID and mobile number.

Step 4: Fill in your personal details, education details, and category information correctly.

Step 5: Upload your recent photo, signature, and other required documents.

Step 6: Pay the application fee through the online payment option.

Step 7: Submit the application form before the last date and download a copy for future use.

Important Links:

Below are the direct links for the official notification and online application form.

Documents Required for Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment

Before filling out the online form, keep all the required documents ready. This will help you complete the application process easily and without delays.

  • Recent Passport-Size Colour Photograph
  • Scanned Copy of Your Signature
  • Class 10 (SSLC) Certificate (for age proof and qualification verification)
  • Bachelor’s Degree Certificate or Trade Certificate (if required for the selected post)
  • Caste or Category Certificate (for age relaxation or fee concession, if applicable)
  • Valid Photo ID Proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport

Important Dates for Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment

Candidates should note these important dates to avoid missing any deadline. The written exam will be held in November 2026.

Event Activity ParticularsScheduled Calendar Dates
Official Notification Release Date18 September 2026
Opening Date for Online Applications19 September 2026
Closing Date for Application Submission15 October 2026
Final Deadline for Online Fee Payment16 October 2026
Competitive (Written) Examination21 November 2026 (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM)

Physical and Medical Standards for Karnataka Prison Department 2026

Candidates must meet the required physical and medical standards. They must also be physically fit to pass the endurance test.

Physical Standards (PST):

  • Men & Ex-Servicemen: Minimum Height 168 cm, Chest 86 cm (unexpanded) with 5 cm expansion.
  • Women & Third Gender: Minimum Height 157 cm, Minimum weight 46 kg.

Candidates must pass at least 3 of the 5 events given below to qualify for the endurance test.

EventMen StandardWomen Standard
100 Metre Race15 seconds18.5 seconds
High JumpMinimum 1.20 metresMinimum 0.90 metres
Long JumpMinimum 3.80 metresMinimum 2.50 metres
Shot PutMinimum 5.60 metres (7.26 kg)Minimum 3.75 metres (3.63 kg)
800m / 200m Race2 minutes 50 seconds (800m)40 seconds (200m)

Final Thought

Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026 is a good opportunity for candidates who want a government job in the uniformed services. With 869 vacancies, many candidates may apply, so it is better to start preparing early.

Before submitting the form, carefully check all the details to avoid mistakes. Candidates should also start working on their fitness for the physical tests and prepare for the written exam in advance. Regular practice and proper preparation can help you stay ready for the selection process.

Note: The recruitment details on this page have been checked against the official Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026. Candidates are advised to verify the latest updates on the official Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026 website before applying.

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Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026: FAQs

How many total vacancies are announced in the Karnataka Prison Department Recruitment 2026?

A total of 869 vacancies are available, which are split into 576 General Cadre posts and 293 Kalyana Karnataka Cadre posts.

What is the minimum educational qualification to apply for the Warder post?

Candidates must have passed the SSLC (10th standard) examination or its equivalent to apply for the Warder position.

Is there a physical test for this recruitment?

Yes, candidates must pass a Physical Standard Test (PST) and an Endurance Test as a mandatory part of the selection process.

What is the application fee for General category candidates?

General Merit and other unreserved category candidates must pay an application fee of ₹750 online.

When is the written examination scheduled?

The offline OMR-based competitive written examination will be held on 21 November 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

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