Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 – 576 Posts, Rs.76,100 Salary, Apply Before 15 Oct

Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026

Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 has officially been released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. A total of 576 posts under the RPC (Rest of Karnataka) cadre are open for recruitment — 560 Warder (Vikshakaru) posts and 16 Instructor Grade-II posts — with a pay scale of Rs.37,500–Rs.76,100 per month. This guide is for SSLC-passed Indian citizens aged 20–31 years who want to join Karnataka state government service in 2026. This article covers eligibility, salary, application steps, selection process, exam date, and all important links you need to apply.

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✅ Quick Answer
Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 has released 576 RPC cadre vacancies (560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II) with a salary of Rs.37,500–Rs.76,100/month. SSLC-qualified candidates aged 20–31 can apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea from 19 September to 15 October 2026. The written exam is scheduled for 21 November 2026.
📋 Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 — Key Facts at a Glance
  • Recruiting Body: Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department
  • Conducting Authority: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
  • Total RPC Vacancies: 576 posts (560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II)
  • Notification Number: ED/KEA/22/NE.VI/2026(RPC) dated 18.09.2026
  • Pay Scale: Rs.37,500–76,100/month (Pay Band: Rs.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)
  • Minimum Qualification: SSLC (10th Pass) or equivalent
  • Application Start Date: 19 September 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 15 October 2026
  • Fee Payment Deadline: 16 October 2026
  • Written Exam Date: 21 November 2026
  • Application Mode: Online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea

What is Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026?

Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026

Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 is a state government job notification released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) to fill 576 vacant posts of Warder (Vikshakaru) and Instructor Grade-II in the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department under the RPC (Rest of Province/Karnataka) cadre. The official notification (Number: ED/KEA/22/NE.VI/2026) was issued on 18 September 2026, and recruitment is governed by The Karnataka Prisons Service (Recruitment) Rules 2002 and subsequent amendments.

Warders (Vikshakaru) in Karnataka prisons are responsible for the security, supervision, and daily management of inmates in state correctional facilities. Instructor Grade-II personnel provide vocational training (in trades like electrical, carpentry, tailoring, weaving) to prisoners as part of their rehabilitation. Both posts carry government benefits including a National Pension Scheme (NPS), two years of probation, and basic training at government-designated institutions.

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The Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department operates under the state Home Department, making this a Category A state government service job. Selected candidates serve across district and sub-district prison facilities in the state. For the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre, a separate notification (with 293 additional posts) has also been issued simultaneously.

Who Should Apply for Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026?

This recruitment is specifically targeted at candidates with an SSLC/10th pass qualification looking for a permanent state government job. Here are the 8 ideal candidate profiles:

  • 🎓 SSLC-passed Karnataka residents aged 20–31 years looking for their first state government job
  • 💪 Physically fit young men and women who can clear a height, endurance, and stamina-based physical test
  • 🪖 Ex-servicemen and defence veterans who get 3 years of age relaxation and category preference
  • 📚 Students who studied in Kannada medium (Class 1 to 10) and want exemption from Kannada language test
  • 🏡 Rural area candidates seeking government employment with job security in their home region
  • 🔧 Diploma holders in technical trades (Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Weaving, Textile) eligible for Instructor Grade-II posts
  • 👩 Women candidates including Third Gender applicants, eligible with height 157 cm and weight 46 kg
  • 📋 SC/ST/OBC candidates who benefit from age relaxation (up to 33 years) and lower application fee (Rs.500)

Vacancy Details — Post-Wise Breakdown (RPC Cadre)

The Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 RPC notification covers a total of 576 posts. Here is the post-wise breakdown:

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Sl. No.Post NamePay Scale (Rs.)Number of Posts
01Warder (Vikshakaru)37,500–76,100560
02Instructor Grade-II (Second Grade Instructor)37,500–76,10016
Total RPC Cadre Posts576

Note: An additional 293 posts (275 Warder + 8 Instructor Grade-II + 5 Jailor + 5 Warder cum Nursing) are open under the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre via a separate notification. Candidates from Kalyana Karnataka districts must apply under the KK notification at the same KEA portal.

Karnataka Prison Warder Salary 2026 — Complete Pay Details

The Karnataka Prison Warder 2026 pay scale is Rs.37,500–Rs.76,100 per month, which makes it one of the better-paying SSLC-level government jobs in Karnataka. Both Warder (Vikshakaru) and Instructor Grade-II posts carry the same pay band. Here is a complete salary breakdown:

ComponentDetails
Basic Pay (Entry Level)Rs.37,500/month
Pay Band (Full Increments)Rs.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
Maximum PayRs.76,100/month
DA (Dearness Allowance)As per state government order (revised periodically)
HRA (House Rent Allowance)As applicable per posting location
Pension SchemeNational Pension Scheme (NPS) — as per Govt. Order FD (SPIL) 04 PG IT 2005 dated 31.03.2006
Probation Period2 years from date of appointment
Training Period9 months basic training at designated institution

In addition to basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to government staff facilities including medical benefits, leave provisions, and other allowances as applicable under the Karnataka Civil Service rules.

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Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026

Before applying, candidates must meet every eligibility condition carefully. Here is a complete breakdown of all requirements:

Educational Qualification

PostRequired Qualification
Warder (Vikshakaru)Must have passed SSLC examination or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by Karnataka Government (per GO Circular 81 Sevene 2017, dated 27.02.2018)
Instructor Grade-II1. Must have passed SSLC or equivalent qualification
AND
2. Must hold a Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical / Electrical / Carpentry / Tailoring / Textile / Weaving / Carpet making (or equivalent trade) from a Government-recognized institution

Important Note on Qualification: Candidates who have appeared in the SSLC exam but whose results are pending are NOT eligible to apply. All candidates must hold the qualifying certificate as of the application closing date. Candidates currently pursuing their SSLC cannot be considered under any circumstances.

Age Limit (as of Application Date)

CategoryMinimum AgeMaximum Age
General Merit (GM)20 years31 years
SC / ST / Category-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B candidates20 years33 years
Ex-Servicemen (in addition to service period)20 years+3 years grace beyond category limit

Note: Per Karnataka Government Order No. Shasasana 262 Sevene 2025 dated 29.01.2026, for candidates who served for a period exceeding one year after completing their leave period, the maximum age limit may vary. Candidates are advised to check the official notification carefully.

Other Eligibility Conditions

  • Must be an Indian citizen
  • A male candidate with more than one living wife and a woman who married a person with a living wife must obtain prior government permission
  • Must be mentally and physically sound — no disability that would prevent performing prison duties
  • Must not have been debarred from any Central/State/Karnataka PSC/KEA examination or appointment
  • Must not have been convicted for any criminal offence
  • Must not have been dismissed from Central/State government service
  • Candidates currently in service must submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer

Application Fee — Category-Wise

CategoryApplication FeeRefundable?
General Merit and Other Categories (Category 2A/2B/3A/3B)Rs.750/-Not Refundable
Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Third GenderRs.500/-Not Refundable

Mode of Payment: Fee must be paid online only through the KEA application portal (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea). Offline fee payment (bank challan etc.) is not accepted. Last date for fee payment is 16 October 2026.

How to Apply Online for Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026

Applications are accepted online only through the official KEA portal. Follow these steps carefully to submit a valid application:

  1. Visit the official website: Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea (Karnataka Examinations Authority recruitment portal)
  2. Find the notification: Look for the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 (RPC Cadre) link on the homepage
  3. Register / Login: Create a new account if you are a first-time user, or log in with existing credentials
  4. Fill in the application form: Enter your personal, educational, and category details accurately. You cannot modify any information after submission
  5. Upload documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, 50KB–200KB) and your signature (JPEG, 50KB–70KB)
  6. Select your category and cadre: Choose RPC (Rest of Karnataka) cadre and the appropriate reservation category
  7. Pay the application fee: Pay Rs.750 (General) or Rs.500 (SC/ST/Cat-1/Ex-servicemen) via online mode only
  8. Submit and save: Verify all details, submit the application, and download/save the confirmation receipt. Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected
💡 Pro Tip
Apply at least 5–7 days before the 15 October 2026 deadline to avoid last-minute server rush. The KEA portal often experiences high traffic in the final 48 hours before closing. Also keep 2–3 passport-size photographs ready and ensure your SSLC certificate/marksheet is accessible for scanning. Photograph size: 50KB–200KB and signature: 50KB–70KB (JPEG format only). Uploaded photograph and signature that are not as per specification will lead to rejection of application.

Selection Process for Karnataka Prison Warder 2026

The selection for Karnataka Prison Warder and Instructor Grade-II posts follows a multi-stage process. All stages are compulsory, and failing at any stage eliminates the candidate from the recruitment:

Stage 1 — Competitive Written Examination (OMR-Based)

DetailSpecification
Exam TypeOffline OMR (Optical Mark Recognition)
PaperSingle paper — Multiple Choice Questions
Total Questions100
Total Marks100
Duration90 minutes (1.5 hours)
Exam Date21 November 2026 (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM)
Negative MarkingYes — 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
MediumKannada (mandatory — Kannada Language Test exempted candidates may get exemption)
Compulsory KannadaCandidates must pass Kannada subject mandatorily in the exam
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Stage 2 — Physical Standard Test (PST)

CategoryHeightChest / Weight
Male / Ex-ServicemenMinimum 168 cmChest: 86 cm (unexpanded), minimum 5 cm expansion
Female / Third GenderMinimum 157 cmMinimum weight: 46 kg

Stage 3 — Endurance Test (Physical Fitness Events)

Candidates must qualify in at least 3 out of 5 prescribed endurance events:

EventMale StandardFemale / Third Gender / Ex-Servicemen Standard
100 Metre RaceWithin 15 secondsWithin 18.5 seconds
High JumpMinimum 1.20 metres (3 attempts)Minimum 0.90 metres (3 attempts)
Long JumpMinimum 3.80 metres (3 attempts)Minimum 2.50 metres (3 attempts)
Shot Put (7.26 kg for men, 3.63 kg for women)Minimum 5.60 metres (3 attempts)Minimum 3.75 metres (3 attempts)
800 Metre Race (Men) / 200 Metre Race (Women)Within 2 min 50 secWithin 40 seconds

Stage 4 — Document Verification

Candidates shortlisted after the written and physical tests must produce original documents for verification: SSLC certificate, category certificates, age proof, Kannada medium certificate (if applicable), rural quota certificate, ex-servicemen documents, and other prescribed records.

Stage 5 — Medical Examination

Selected candidates undergo a full medical examination by a government-appointed Medical Board. Disqualifying conditions include: colour blindness, varicose veins, impediment in speech, Knock Knees, Flat Foot, Cubitus Valgus, Cubitus Varus, defective distant/near vision, and hearing deficiencies. A Chest X-Ray and other tests are conducted at the Medical Board’s discretion. Candidates are medically examined and not paid any allowances for attending the physical and medical tests.

Karnataka Prison Warder Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026

The written examination is an offline OMR-based test designed for candidates with below-graduate level educational background (SSLC standard). The syllabus covers:

Subject AreaTopics Covered
General KnowledgeImportant national/international events, general awareness
ScienceBasic Physics, Chemistry, Biology (SSLC level)
GeographyIndian Geography, physical and economic geography
HistoryIndian History, National Freedom Struggle
Indian ConstitutionFundamental Rights, DPSP, governance structure
National Integrity / Current AffairsRecent national and state developments
Mental AbilityLogical reasoning, basic numerical ability, pattern recognition

Negative Marking: Each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks. If a candidate marks no answer for a question, no deduction applies. Candidates who score zero or below zero in the exam will not be considered for shortlisting.

Karnataka Prison Warder 2026 vs KSP Constable 2026 — Comparison

ParameterKarnataka Prison Warder 2026KSP Police Constable 2026
Conducting BodyKEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority)Karnataka State Police Recruitment Board
Total Vacancies576 (RPC) + 293 (KK) = 8693,991 posts
Minimum QualificationSSLC (10th Pass)2nd PUC (12th Pass)
Pay Scale (Entry)Rs.37,500/monthRs.37,500/month
Application Fee (General)Rs.750Rs.750
Written Exam Marks100 marks / 90 minutes100 marks / 90 minutes
Physical Test RequiredYes (PST + Endurance Test)Yes (PMT + PET)
Nature of DutyPrison security, inmate supervisionPublic law enforcement, patrolling
Work EnvironmentFixed location (prison/correctional facility)Mobile field duty
Best ForSSLC-level candidates, those who prefer fixed-location dutyPUC-level candidates who want police field duties
🔍 Expert Verdict
Both posts carry identical starting pay (Rs.37,500). However, Karnataka Prison Warder is better suited for SSLC-pass candidates (10th standard), while KSP Constable requires PUC (12th pass). If you qualify for both, consider your education level — the Prison Warder post opens earlier and has lower academic competition since PUC holders typically prefer police or other higher-qualification posts. For those with only SSLC, this is among the best-paying Karnataka government jobs available in 2026.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Karnataka Prison Warder Post

✅ Advantages (Pros)

  • Good salary for SSLC qualification: Rs.37,500–76,100/month is among the highest salaries at 10th-pass level in Karnataka government
  • Permanent government job: Job security, regular increments, and NPS pension scheme
  • Fixed workplace: Unlike police constables, Warders are posted to specific prison facilities — no frequent transfer pressure
  • Low academic bar: SSLC qualification is all that is needed — accessible to a large number of candidates
  • Government benefits: Medical coverage, HRA, DA, leave provisions under Karnataka Civil Service rules

❌ Disadvantages (Cons)

  • Challenging work environment: Working in a prison environment can be mentally and physically demanding
  • Shift duties and night shifts: Prison warders work in 24/7 operational facilities and may have night duty requirements
  • Physical fitness is non-negotiable: Failing the endurance test — even after clearing written exam — eliminates you from the recruitment

Important Terms Related to Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026

  • KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority): The body conducting the recruitment on behalf of the Prisons Department — official site is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
  • RPC Cadre (Rest of Province/Karnataka): Recruitment zone covering all Karnataka districts except those under the Kalyana Karnataka region — this notification covers 576 RPC posts
  • KK Cadre (Kalyana Karnataka): Special cadre for Hyderabad-Karnataka region districts — 293 additional posts released under a separate notification
  • Vikshakaru (Warder): The official Kannada designation for the Warder post — a frontline prison officer responsible for inmate supervision and facility security
  • Instructor Grade-II: A vocational trainer in prison facilities — teaches trades like electrical work, carpentry, tailoring, weaving to help rehabilitate prisoners
  • NPS (National Pension Scheme): The pension structure for Karnataka government employees recruited after 2004 — contributions from both employee and employer
  • SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate): Karnataka’s Class 10 board exam — the minimum qualification required for the Warder post
  • Endurance Test: A physical fitness test with 5 events (100m run, high jump, long jump, shot put, 800m/200m run) — candidates must pass at least 3 out of 5 events
  • Negative Marking: Each wrong OMR answer deducts 0.25 marks — strategic answer skipping is advisable when unsure
  • PST (Physical Standard Test): The height and weight measurement stage that precedes the endurance events — failing PST disqualifies a candidate from ET

Important Dates and Timeline — Karnataka Prison Warder 2026

EventDate
Official Notification Release18 September 2026
Online Application Opens19 September 2026
Last Date to Submit Application Online15 October 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment16 October 2026
Admit Card / Hall Ticket DownloadTo be notified on official website
Competitive Written Examination (OMR)21 November 2026 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
Kannada Language Test (if applicable)After Written Exam — date to be announced
Physical Standard Test (PST) DateTo be announced post written exam
Endurance Test DateTo be announced post PST
Medical ExaminationTo be announced post Endurance Test
Document VerificationTo be announced
ResourceLink
Apply Online (KEA Official Portal)cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Official Karnataka Prisons Department Websiteprisons.karnataka.gov.in
Official Notification PDF (RPC)Download Notification PDF (Telegram)
Karnataka Prisons Department Official Infoprisons.karnataka.gov.in/en
KEA Official Recruitment InfoKEA Recruitment Portal
Helpline Number (KEA)080-23460460 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
@KEA_KARNATAKA (Official Twitter/X)@KEA_KARNATAKA

Conclusion — Final Thoughts on Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026

Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 is a rare government job opportunity that only requires SSLC (10th pass) qualification and offers a competitive salary of Rs.37,500–Rs.76,100 per month with full state government benefits. With 576 RPC cadre posts available and a straightforward 5-stage selection process, this is one of the most accessible permanent government jobs in Karnataka for Class 10-pass candidates in 2026.

If you are physically fit, between 20–31 years of age, and have your SSLC certificate ready — apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea before 15 October 2026. Start preparing for the 21 November 2026 written exam focusing on General Knowledge, Science, History, Constitution, and Mental Ability at SSLC level. Begin your physical fitness training now — 100m sprint, high jump, long jump, shot put, and 800m run standards must be met.

Bookmark this page — we update it every time KEA releases new information about the Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 process.

📌 Key Takeaways
  • Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 has released 576 RPC cadre posts (560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II) — a rare SSLC-level government job with Rs.37,500–76,100/month salary
  • Online application window: 19 September to 15 October 2026 — fee payment closes 16 October
  • Minimum qualification is SSLC (10th pass); Instructor Grade-II additionally requires a Diploma in a recognized trade like Electrical, Carpentry, or Tailoring
  • Written exam is 100 marks / 90 minutes on 21 November 2026 with 0.25 marks negative marking — prepare all 7 subject areas at SSLC level
  • Physical fitness is compulsory — must pass PST (168 cm height for men) and Endurance Test (3 out of 5 events)
  • Apply at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea and download the official notification from the Telegram link provided above before deadline

Frequently Asked Questions About Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026

What is the total number of vacancies in Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026?

The Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 has released a total of 576 posts under the RPC (Rest of Karnataka) cadre — comprising 560 Warder (Vikshakaru) posts and 16 Instructor Grade-II posts. An additional 293 posts under the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre (including Jailor and Warder cum Nursing posts) are also open via a separate notification, bringing the combined total to 869 posts.

What is the salary for Karnataka Prison Warder 2026?

The pay scale for both Warder (Vikshakaru) and Instructor Grade-II posts is Rs.37,500–76,100 per month. Entry-level basic pay starts at Rs.37,500/month and rises with increments as per the state pay band. Candidates also receive DA, HRA, and other allowances as per Karnataka Civil Service rules, along with coverage under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the online application for Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 is 15 October 2026. The deadline for fee payment is 16 October 2026. No offline applications are accepted. Applications are available only at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Once submitted, no changes to the application form can be made.

What is the minimum qualification required for the Warder post?

For the Warder (Vikshakaru) post, the minimum qualification is a pass in the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) examination or equivalent qualification recognized by the Karnataka Government (as notified in GO Circular No. 81 Sevene 2017, dated 27.02.2018). For the Instructor Grade-II post, candidates additionally need a Diploma or Certificate in a recognized trade (Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile, Weaving, Carpet Making, or equivalent) from a government-recognized institution.

What is the exam date for Karnataka Prison Warder written exam 2026?

The competitive written examination (OMR-based) for Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 is scheduled for 21 November 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The exam will be conducted at district-level centers across Karnataka. Admit cards (Hall Tickets) will be made available for download from the KEA website and the Karnataka Prisons Department website (prisons.karnataka.gov.in/en) before the exam date.

Is there negative marking in the Karnataka Prison Warder written exam?

Yes, the Karnataka Prison Warder 2026 written exam has negative marking. For every wrong answer marked in the OMR sheet, 0.25 marks are deducted. If a candidate does not mark any answer for a question, no penalty is applied. Candidates are also not allowed to mark more than one answer option per question — doing so will result in a 0.25 mark deduction for that question.

What are the physical fitness standards for the Warder post?

For the Physical Standard Test (PST), male candidates need a minimum height of 168 cm with a chest of 86 cm (unexpanded) and minimum 5 cm expansion. Female and Third Gender candidates need a minimum height of 157 cm and minimum weight of 46 kg. For ex-servicemen who don’t meet the 168 cm height threshold, the minimum for their cohort may differ slightly. For the Endurance Test, candidates must qualify in at least 3 of the 5 events: 100m run, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, and 800m (men)/200m (women) race.

How do I download the Karnataka Prison Warder 2026 official notification PDF?

The official notification PDF (Number: ED/KEA/22/NE.VI/2026) can be downloaded from the KEA official website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea) or from the Karnataka Prisons Department website (prisons.karnataka.gov.in/en). The notification is available in Kannada language. The Telegram channel of Agrijob.in also provides a direct download link: t.me/agrijob_in/807. Candidates are advised to download and read the full official notification before applying.

Are there age relaxations available for reserved category candidates?

Yes, Karnataka Government provides age relaxations for reserved category candidates. SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B candidates get the upper age limit extended from 31 years to 33 years. Ex-servicemen get an additional 3 years of grace period over and above their category’s upper age limit. Third Gender candidates are eligible for the same age relaxation as applicable to their caste/category. The minimum age is 20 years for all categories.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly as new information is released. Bookmark this page for the latest Karnataka Prison Warder Recruitment 2026 updates.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All recruitment details are based on the official notification issued by KEA. Candidates are advised to verify all information from the official Karnataka Examinations Authority website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea) and the Karnataka Prisons Department website (prisons.karnataka.gov.in/en) before making any application decisions. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any errors in the official notification or changes made after publication.

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