Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 869 Jailor, Warder Posts
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, has released two related notifications on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department, inviting online applications for direct recruitment to base-cadre posts of Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing, and Second Grade Teacher (Instructor Grade-II). Notification No. ED/KEA/22/Ne.Vi/2026(R.P.C.) covers the general (Rest of State) cadre, while Notification No. ED/KEA/23/Ne.Vi/2026(K.K.) covers the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region) cadre - both dated 18.09.2026.
In brief: The Karnataka Prisons Department is recruiting for 869 posts combined - 576 posts (560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II) under the general/Rest-of-State cadre, and 293 posts (5 Jailor + 275 Warder + 5 Warder cum Nursing + 8 Instructor Grade-II) under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre. Candidates need SSLC (10th) pass for Warder/Instructor/Warder-cum-Nursing posts, or a Bachelor's Degree for Jailor posts. Online applications are open from 19.09.2026 to 15.10.2026 (fee payment till 16.10.2026), via https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. The Competitive (Written) Examination is scheduled for 21.11.2026, followed by a Physical Standard Test (PST) and Endurance Test for shortlisted candidates.
- Karnataka Prisons Department Official Notification for Jailor, Warder (RPC)
- Karnataka Prisons Department Official Notification for Jailor, Warder (KK)
- Direct link to Apply
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Overview
| 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 Recruitment 2026 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 |
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
Notification (R.P.C.) - General / Rest-of-State Cadre
| S.No. | Post | Pay Scale (₹) | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warder (Vikshakaru) | 37,500 – 76,100 | 560 |
| 2 | Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 37,500 – 76,100 | 16 |
| Total | 576 | ||
Notification (K.K.) - Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region) Cadre
| S.No. | Post | Pay Scale (₹) | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jailor | 61,300 – 1,12,900 | 5 |
| 2 | Warder (Vikshakaru) | 37,500 – 76,100 | 275 |
| 3 | Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 37,500 – 76,100 | 8 |
| 4 | Warder cum Nursing | 34,100 – 67,600 | 5 |
| Total | 293 | ||
Combined Grand Total: 869 posts. These are base-cadre vacancies in the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department, recruited under the Karnataka Prisons Service (Recruitment) Rules, 2002 (and 2007, 2010 amendments), read with the Karnataka Public Employment (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region) Reservation Order, 2013 (for the K.K. cadre notification). The category-wise/post classification is published separately on the official websites.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| 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. |
SSLC or currently prescribed equivalent courses are as notified in Government Order No. Sichasu 81 Sevane 2017, dated 27.02.2018. Candidates must have obtained the prescribed qualification result as on the closing date of application submission - 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 (or a body designated by Government) within a specified time, failing which their appointment (even if otherwise selected) 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.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 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 Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| 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 |
Payment must be made online only, through the official KEA website. The paid fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Apply Online
Direct link to Apply - Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
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) |
Negative Marking: Each question has 4 options; for each wrong answer, 0.25 marks (1/4th) is deducted. In the OMR answer sheet, if a candidate marks 5 or more options for the same question, or leaves an option unshaded, 0.25 marks will be deducted per such question after a grace period.
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) |
Candidates appear for PST/Endurance Test entirely at their own risk regarding health; the recruitment committee is not responsible for any mishap during these tests. Candidates are advised to undergo their own medical fitness check and physical practice before appearing.
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.
No fee or compensation is payable to candidates for appearing in the Written Exam, PST/Endurance Test, or Medical Examination.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Training, Probation & Pension
- Training: Selected candidates must undergo basic training at institutions specified by the Director General & Inspector General of Prisons, Karnataka, and must pass all prescribed tests during training.
- Probation Period: 2 years from the date of appointment.
- Pension: The National Pension Scheme (NPS) applies, as per Government Order No. FD (SPL) 04 PEN 2005, dated 31.03.2006.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Documents Required
At the time of Document Verification, candidates must carry a call letter along with any one of the following original photo-ID documents: Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, State/Central Government or PSU Service ID Card, Bank Passbook with photograph, Registered deed/Pattas with photograph, Caste Certificate with photograph, Ex-Servicemen's pension book/pension payment order, NREGA Job Card with photograph, Voter ID (EPIC), and Aadhaar Card.
How to Apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official KEA website, https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Read the detailed notification thoroughly, and click the link provided for the relevant cadre (General/R.P.C. or Kalyana Karnataka/K.K.) to fill the online application.
- Fill in all requested personal, educational, and category details carefully - once submitted, data in the application cannot be changed or modified.
- Upload the required documents and pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application before 15.10.2026, and complete fee payment before 16.10.2026.
- 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.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions
- Candidates should ensure they possess the prescribed educational qualification as on the closing date of application submission - KEA is not responsible for other eligibility-related issues arising during the application process.
- Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- A male candidate with a living spouse who marries again, or a female candidate who marries a man with a living spouse, without obtaining prior Government permission, is not eligible for appointment.
- Candidates must be mentally and physically healthy, fit to efficiently discharge their duties, and free from any health condition that could pose a risk to others.
- Persons dismissed from Central/State/other public service, or debarred from any recruitment/examination conducted by a Public Service Commission or a Recruitment Authority, are not eligible.
- Exam centres will be located at district centres across the state and are subject to change for administrative reasons; candidates will be informed via their admit card and the official website.
- Candidates cannot request a change in exam centre after allocation, and no request for postponement of any exam activity will be entertained.
- The recruitment committee reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the exam centre for any reason without prior notice.
- Candidates must download their own admit card individually - no admit card will be sent by post.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
It refers to two related notifications by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) - for the general (Rest-of-State) cadre and the Kalyana Karnataka cadre — inviting applications for 869 base-cadre posts of Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing, and Instructor Grade-II in the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department.
How many vacancies are there in Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
There are 869 total vacancies: 576 under the general cadre (560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II) and 293 under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre (5 Jailor + 275 Warder + 5 Warder cum Nursing + 8 Instructor Grade-II).
What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
The online application closes on 15.10.2026, and fee payment must be completed by 16.10.2026.
What is the qualification required for the Jailor post?
A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification is required, with preference given to candidates holding a degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Correctional Administration.
What is the qualification required for the Warder post?
Candidates must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or an equivalent examination.
What is the age limit for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
The minimum age is 20 years; the maximum age is 31 years for General Merit candidates and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, as on the closing date of application.
What is the application fee for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
The fee is ₹750 for General Merit and other categories, and ₹500 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen candidates.
What is the selection process for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
Selection involves a 100-mark Competitive Written Examination, followed by a Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test for shortlisted candidates (1:5 ratio), and finally Document Verification and a Medical Examination.
When is the Karnataka Prisons Department written exam scheduled?
The Competitive Examination is scheduled for 21.11.2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
What is the pay scale for these Karnataka Prisons Department posts?
Jailor: ₹61,300–₹1,12,900; Warder and Instructor Grade-II: ₹37,500–₹76,100; Warder cum Nursing: ₹34,100–₹67,600.