About the Recruitment
The Karnataka State Police (KSP) has officially released two recruitment notifications on 19 June 2026, inviting applications for a total of 1,600 Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) posts. This direct recruitment drive is open to eligible male candidates who have successfully completed their Pre-University Course (Class 12) or an equivalent qualification. Aspiring individuals seeking a career in the Karnataka Police Department should note that online applications will be accepted from 22 June 2026 to 22 July 2026 through the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Post-wise and Category-wise Vacancy Details
The Karnataka State Police has announced a combined total of 1,600 vacancies for the Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) position, distributed across two separate notifications. Both notifications specify identical eligibility criteria, selection procedures, and pay scales. The division-wise breakdown of these vacancies is as follows:
| Sl. No. | Division / Notification | Post Name | Pay Scale (₹) | Vacancies (Male) |
|---|
| 1 | General Karnataka (Civil/DIAR) | Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) | 37,500 - 76,100 | 1,421 |
| 2 | Kalyana Karnataka (Civil/DIAR) | Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) | 37,500 - 76,100 | 179 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,600 |
It is important to note that the recruiting authority will publish separate merit lists and detailed category-wise vacancy information. Candidates have the option to apply for one or both divisions, provided they meet the respective eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Before proceeding with their application for the KSP Constable recruitment 2026, candidates must ensure they fulfill all specified eligibility requirements, including nationality, educational qualification, and age limits. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will face disqualification at any stage of the selection process.
Nationality
All applicants must be citizens of India.
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification required for the KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is a Pre-University Course (PUC) pass, equivalent to Class 12, or any other qualification recognized as equivalent by the State Government. Candidates who are currently pursuing their studies and are awaiting results are not eligible to apply. It is mandatory for all applicants to have successfully passed their PUC or hold an equivalent qualification on or before the final date of application submission.
- Class 12 passed from CBSE / SSLC board.
- Class 12 from any other State Government examination board.
- Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
- Two-year ITI course holders are eligible if they have completed one language course and one technical subject at the PUC level (either distance or regular mode).
Special Note (GO No. 19 TVA 2019, dated 06.08.2021): Vocational Training Courses (J.O.C.) are considered equivalent to PUC under specific conditions:
- For students awaiting compassionate or same-rotation appointments, or those with pending appointment orders, JOC is treated as equivalent to PUC.
- If PUC or JOC marks are considered solely for competitive examinations (not for direct employment), JOC is accepted as the minimum qualification.
Three-year Diploma holders (GO No. 33 TVA 2021, dated 30.09.2021): A three-year diploma from a technical institution is recognized as equivalent to PUC, subject to the following:
- For direct recruitment, compassionate appointments, and higher education purposes, a three-year technical diploma is treated as PUC equivalent.
- Students who obtained a three-year technical diploma before 2015 must also pass the Kannada language examination conducted by KPSC, in addition to any departmental tests.
Important (Note-b): As per Government Orders No. 43 / 2020 (dated 5.3.2021) and No. 102 / 2022 (dated 24.03.2025), candidates appearing for the KSP recruitment examination must have passed a Kannada language test administered by SSLC/PUC authorities or any State Government-recognized body, or must have studied Kannada as either a first or second language. Candidates who have not previously cleared a Kannada language test will be exempt from further Kannada testing only if they achieve a minimum score of 50 out of 150 marks in Kannada in their SSLC-level examination.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The minimum age requirement for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026 is 18 years, calculated as on the last date of application. The maximum age limit varies based on the candidate's category. The Government of Karnataka has provided a one-time relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit, as per GO No. 262 / 2025 (dated 29.01.2026).
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|
| General Merit (Male) | 33 years |
| SC / ST / OBC (Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) candidates | 35 years |
| Tribal / Forest community residents of Karnataka (Budakattu) | 38 years |
Note for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-servicemen are eligible for an age relaxation of 3 years in addition to the total length of their military service. The term "Ex-serviceman" is defined according to the applicable service regulations.
Application Fee and Payment Method
The application fee for the KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 must be paid exclusively through online mode. Candidates are required to complete the fee payment before the deadline of 24 July 2026. It is important to note that once paid, the application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|
| General / OBC (Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B) | ₹750/- |
| SC / ST (Category A/B/C) / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen | ₹500/- |
Payment can only be made online via the KEA portal.
Selection Process
The selection process for the KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 involves several distinct stages. Candidates must successfully qualify in each stage to progress to the subsequent one. The overall selection is highly competitive and is based on merit achieved at each phase.
- Written Examination (Offline - OMR-based) — This is the initial screening test.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) — Candidates' physical measurements are assessed.
- Physical Endurance Test (PET) — Physical fitness is evaluated through various tasks.
- Medical Examination — A comprehensive health check-up is conducted.
- Final Merit List and Appointment — The final selection is based on a merit list, leading to appointment.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The written examination for KSP Armed Police Constable is an offline, OMR-based test that will be conducted at designated district-level examination centers across Karnataka. Candidates must download their hall tickets from the official KEA website and bring a valid photo identity proof to the exam. The examination center cannot be changed once allotted. The exam will be held at four district centers per division.
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Written Test | General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Civic Sense, and Ethical Education | 100 | 100 | 1½ Hours (90 Minutes) |
Written Exam Date: 06 September 2026
- General Karnataka Division: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Kalyana Karnataka Division: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Negative Marking: Yes, there is negative marking in the written exam. Each incorrect answer will result in a deduction of 0.25 marks. The exam features four options per question, with only one correct answer to be marked. If a candidate marks a fifth or subsequent option on the OMR sheet after an initial selection, they must cancel the first answer and wait 5 minutes before marking the new answer; failure to follow this procedure will also lead to a 0.25 mark deduction for each incorrect response.
Note for Ex-Servicemen: As per Government Letter No. BOI 207 / 2018 (dated 05.02.2019), qualified ex-servicemen are selected on a merit basis, with specific zero and minimum score benchmarks applicable under their respective norms.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates who successfully qualify the written examination will be shortlisted at a 1:5 ratio per category per vacancy and invited for the Physical Standard Test. The PST is a qualifying stage, meaning no marks are awarded for it. This test primarily assesses candidates' height and chest measurements.
| Candidate Type | Minimum Height | Minimum Chest |
|---|
| General Male / Ex-Servicemen | 168 cm | 86 cm (fully expanded) - minimum expansion 5 cm |
| Budakattu (Forest Tribal) Male Candidates from Karnataka | 155 cm | Minimum 5 cm expansion; when fully expanded must not be less than 75 cm |
Note: Ex-servicemen who do not meet the minimum height of 168 cm will be considered proportionally alongside other qualifying ex-servicemen at the same height. Candidates with lower marks who meet the ex-serviceman minimum height will be ranked after all qualifying ex-servicemen.
The "Budakattu" (Forest Tribal) community includes candidates from specific forest areas of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Mysuru (Siddara, Jenukuruba, Kadukuruba, Yerva, Soliga, Kudiya, Gowdlu, Hasalaru, Malekudiya) and the Koraga Budakattu community.
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
The Physical Endurance Test evaluates a candidate's physical fitness through a series of events. All candidates who qualify the PST must complete every PET event in the prescribed sequence. Failing or withdrawing from any event will render the candidate ineligible. PET marks are for qualification purposes only and are not included in the final merit score.
| Candidate Type | Event | Qualifying Standard |
|---|
| General Male Candidates | 1,600 m Run | Within 6 minutes 30 seconds |
| Long Jump / High Jump | Long Jump: Min 3.80 m OR High Jump: Min 1.20 m (3 chances each) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | Minimum 5.60 m (3 chances) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 400 m Run | Within 2 minutes |
| Long Jump / High Jump | Long Jump: Min 2.50 m OR High Jump: Min 0.90 m (3 chances each) |
| Shot Put (4 kg) | Minimum 3.75 m (3 chances) |
Special Note: Candidates participating in the PET must be physically fit. Any injury sustained during the PET is solely the candidate's responsibility; neither the police department nor the recruitment committee will be held liable. Candidates are required to self-certify their fitness before participation. All PET events will be videographed for record-keeping purposes.
Shortlisting after PST/PET: From the candidates who successfully qualify both the PST and PET, a shortlist will be prepared at a 1:2 ratio per category per vacancy. These shortlisted candidates will then be called for the medical examination and the final selection process. The methodology for final selection has been approved by the Government of Karnataka through a Government Order dated 13.04.2026.
Medical Examination
Candidates who are shortlisted after successfully completing the PST and PET stages will undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by an authorized Medical Board. The schedule, venue, and time for the medical exam will be announced on the official recruitment portal. Applicants must bring all original documents to the medical examination. It is important to understand that admission to the medical exam is based on a provisional list, and participation does not guarantee a final appointment.
The medical examination includes assessments for the following:
a) Vision:
- Distance Vision: Best eye - 6/9 or 6/9; Worst eye - 6/9 or 6/12.
- Near Vision: 0/6 (Best), 0/8 (Worst).
- Each eye must possess a complete field of vision.
- Conditions such as colour blindness, squint, or any abnormal condition of the eyelid or retina will lead to disqualification.
b) Hearing: Rinne's Test, Weber's Test, and tests for Vertigo will be conducted. Any detected deficiency in these tests will result in disqualification.
c) Other Disqualifications:
- Varicose Veins.
- Impediment in speech.
- Chest X-Ray (and any other tests recommended by the Medical Board).
- Musculoskeletal Deformities: Including Knock Knees, Flat Foot, Bow Legs, Cubitus Valgus, Cubitus Varus.
- Any physical or mental disability that would prevent the candidate from effectively performing their duties.
Note: Only physically fit candidates are eligible for appointment. Candidates participating in the PET, written exam, and medical examination are not entitled to any employment benefits during these stages. Police personnel who are serving and are found medically unfit must not have any physical disability while on duty.
Training Period and Probation
Selected candidates will undergo essential basic training at the Police Training Schools designated by the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP and IGP). Candidates who fail to pass the training examinations will be discharged from service. Following the completion of training, successful candidates will serve a probationary period of two years and six months within the Karnataka Police Department.
Pay Scale and Benefits
The selected candidates for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026 will receive a structured pay scale in accordance with the Karnataka Civil Services pay framework. The pay scale has been revised based on the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.
- Pay Scale: ₹37,500-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800-1,375-58,300-1,500-64,300-1,650-74,200-1,900-76,100.
- Pension: Employees will be covered under the National Pension System (NPS), as mandated by Government Order No. FD (SPFL) 04 / FIT 2005, dated 31.03.2006.
How to Apply — Step by Step
The application process for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is exclusively online. There is no provision for offline applications. Candidates must meticulously follow the steps outlined below to ensure a valid submission. Once an application is submitted, no details can be modified or corrected under any circumstances.
- Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Locate and click on the active recruitment link specifically for "KSP Armed Police Constable 2026".
- Register on the portal using a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Accurately fill in all required personal, educational, and category details in the online application form.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format (file size between 50 KB and 200 KB) and your signature, also in JPEG format (file size between 50 KB and 70 KB).
- Pay the applicable application fee online (₹750 for General/OBC candidates or ₹500 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen).
- Download and save a copy of the successfully submitted application form. Retain the fee payment receipt or challan safely until the entire selection process is concluded.
- Only one application per candidate per division is permitted.
Important: Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly read all notifications displayed on the official website before submitting their application. Any incorrect information provided in the application may lead to disqualification or even criminal action. The mobile number and email ID furnished in the application will be used for all future communications, and changes to these details will not be entertained after submission. For all recruitment-related updates, candidates should follow the official 'X' account @KEA_KARNATAKA on the web portal.
Documents Required
Candidates must ensure they have the following documents prepared both for the online application process and for presentation of originals during subsequent stages such as document verification, PST/PET, and the medical examination. It is crucial not to carry the Aadhaar Card to the examination center itself.
- Aadhaar Card (required for identity verification during the application stage only).
- Marks sheets and certificates for all subjects from the last qualifying examination.
- Proof of Date of Birth (SSLC/PUC certificate or an equivalent document).
- Discharge certificate (for ex-servicemen) along with proof of pension or gratuity payment.
- Caste/Community certificate in the prescribed format (Form D for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, Form I for Category-1 candidates, Form F for Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B candidates). These certificates must be current, issued by the concerned Tahsildar, and include the Tahsildar's signature, seal, and barcode/QR code. OBC certificates (Cat 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) must not be older than 5 years from the application submission date. For employment purposes, only caste and income certificates should be submitted.
- Rural reservation certificate in Form 1 and Form 2 (for candidates claiming rural reservation).
- Kannada Medium certificate in the prescribed format.
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer (for candidates currently employed).
- Project Displaced Person (PDP) certificate (if applicable).
- Permanent Disability certificate (for dependants of deceased or permanently disabled ex-servicemen, if applicable).
Reservation and Special Category Details
The KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 incorporates reservations for various categories in accordance with the Karnataka State Government rules. Candidates must apply under the correct category to avail themselves of these reservation benefits.
- Ex-Servicemen (XMP): As per GO No. DPAR 13 SRR 92 (dated 01.04.1992) and GO No. DPAR 28 SRR 95 (dated 21.10.1995), 10% of posts are reserved for ex-servicemen in direct recruitment. The definition of "ex-serviceman" aligns with the Karnataka Civil Services Rules 1977. Dependent family members of ex-servicemen who died in service or are permanently disabled are also eligible for this reservation. Individuals who voluntarily quit service, were dismissed for misconduct, received gratuity and left before completing service, gallantry award winners still serving, or those receiving post-retirement employment pension are NOT eligible under this category.
- Rural Candidates: As per GO No. 59 / 2000 (dated 06.01.2001), candidates applying under rural reservation must have completed their studies from Class 1 to Class 10 in a rural area school. The certificate must be submitted in Form 2, bearing the signatures of both the school headmaster and the field-level education authority. This certificate must be current and issued by the relevant Tahsildar.
- Kannada Medium Students (KMS): As per GO No. 71 (dated 24.10.2002), candidates who have studied in Kannada medium from Class 1 to Class 10 are eligible for KMS reservation. The certificate must be issued by the school headmaster with an endorsement from a field education officer and submitted by the last date of application.
- Project Displaced Persons (PDP): As per GO No. 23 / 99 (dated 23.11.2000) and Amendment GO No. 252 / 2020 (Part-1, dated 07.07.2021), displaced family candidates are eligible for reservation according to applicable rules. The certificate must be submitted in the prescribed format by the concerned Tahsildar.
- Section 371(J) - Kalyana Karnataka Reservation: For the Kalyana Karnataka division (179 posts), local reservation under Article 371(J) of the Indian Constitution applies, as per the Karnataka Public Service (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region Recruitment) Rules, 2013. Candidates claiming this reservation must submit the eligibility certificate in Annexure-2, issued by the competent sub-divisional authority. Original documents must be presented for verification during the medical examination.
Important Dates
Candidates must carefully note all key dates for the KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026. Missing any deadline, particularly the fee payment window, will lead to the rejection of the online application.
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Release Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 22 June 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 22 July 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 24 July 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Mandatory Kannada Language Test | To be notified later |
| PST / PET / Medical Exam Dates | To be notified on official website |
Important Links
