Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – 869 Jailor, Warder Posts, Rs.61,300 Salary

Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualification, Age Limit & Application Fee

Before submitting the application form, every candidate must verify they meet the prescribed eligibility conditions. Applying without meeting the criteria may lead to rejection at any stage of the recruitment process, including after document verification.

Educational Qualification

Age Limit (as on Closing Date – 15 October 2026)

Application Fee

The application fee must be paid online during the registration process. The last date for fee payment is 16 October 2026, one day after the application deadline. Applications submitted without fee payment will be treated as incomplete and rejected.

How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Process for Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026

The Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 application process is completely online. No offline forms will be accepted. Follow these steps carefully to submit a complete and valid application before 15 October 2026:

1. Visit the Official KEA Portal — Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and locate the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 notification.
2. Select the Correct Cadre — Choose between the General (RPC) or Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre application based on your domicile and eligibility. Do not apply to both cadres.
3. Register with Valid Credentials — Enter your valid mobile number and email ID to create a registration. These will be used for all future communication including admit card and result.
4. Fill the Online Application Form — Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, category, and post preference accurately. Cross-check all details before proceeding.
5. Upload Required Documents — Upload a recent passport-size photograph and your signature in the prescribed format (JPG/PNG, size as specified by KEA).
6. Pay the Application Fee — Pay Rs.750 (General) or Rs.500 (SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen) online using net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card before 16 October 2026.
7. Review and Submit the Form — Check all entered details carefully before clicking the final Submit button. Corrections may not be allowed after submission.
8. Save the Confirmation Page — Download and save the application confirmation/receipt. Note your Application Reference Number for future use (admit card, result checking).

Selection Process – Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026

The Karnataka Prisons Department selection process consists of 5 mandatory stages. Candidates must qualify at every stage to proceed to the next. Elimination at any stage results in disqualification from the recruitment.

1. Competitive Written Examination — 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes duration. Scheduled for 21 November 2026 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM), offline/OMR mode.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST) — Candidates must meet minimum height and chest/weight requirements as prescribed for their gender and category.
3. Endurance Test (ET) — Physical fitness events including 100m race, high jump, long jump, shot put, and endurance race. Candidates must qualify in at least 3 of the 5 events.
4. Document Verification — Original documents are verified including educational certificates, caste certificate, age proof, domicile certificate, and Kannada language qualification documents.
5. Medical Examination — Conducted by a designated Medical Board to verify prescribed vision, hearing, colour vision, and general medical fitness standards.

Physical Standard Test (PST) Requirements

Endurance Test Events & Standards

Candidates must qualify in at least 3 out of 5 events in the Endurance Test. Those who fail to clear the PST or ET at the prescribed standard are disqualified at that stage itself. Dates and venues for PST and ET will be announced separately by KEA after the written examination results.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus – Karnataka Prisons Department Written Examination 2026

The Karnataka Prisons Department Written Examination 2026 is an offline OMR-based test of 100 questions and 100 marks, to be completed within 90 minutes. The question paper standard varies by post — graduate level for Jailor and below-graduate level for Warder and other posts.

Syllabus Topics for All Posts

Jailor post candidates must prepare at graduate level, while Warder, Instructor Grade-II, and Warder cum Nursing candidates should prepare at below-graduate (SSLC/PUC) level. Additionally, candidates who are not exempted under Kannada language rules must qualify the Kannada Language Test (150 marks; qualifying marks: 50).

KEA Warder 2026 vs KSP Police Constable 2026 – Which Is Better?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Applying for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026

Advantages (Pros)

• ✅ High Salary at Entry Level — Rs.37,500–Rs.76,100 for Warder; Rs.61,300–Rs.1,12,900 for Jailor — one of the best-paying Class-C Karnataka government posts for 10th-pass candidates.
• ✅ Large Number of Vacancies — 869 posts across two cadres significantly improves selection probability compared to notifications with fewer openings.
• ✅ SSLC-Level Eligibility — The majority of posts (835 Warder vacancies) require only a 10th pass certificate, making the recruitment accessible to a wide pool of candidates.
• ✅ Dedicated KK Cadre for Backward Regions — 293 posts reserved for Kalyana Karnataka candidates, ensuring fair representation for candidates from 7 historically disadvantaged districts.
• ✅ Government Job Security + NPS Pension — Permanent state government employment with National Pension Scheme, paid leaves, and other service benefits.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• ❌ Demanding Physical Tests — The PST and 5-event Endurance Test are strict — candidates who are not physically prepared in advance may struggle to qualify even after clearing the written exam.
• ❌ Short Application Window — Only 26 days from notification to deadline (19 September to 15 October 2026), leaving limited time for candidates who discover the notification late.
• ❌ Kannada Language Test Requirement — Non-exempt candidates must separately qualify the Kannada Language Test (minimum 50 out of 150), adding an extra layer of preparation.

Important Terms Related to Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026

Understanding the following terms will help candidates navigate the recruitment process, official notifications, and selection procedures more confidently:

• KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) — The statutory body established by the Government of Karnataka to conduct recruitment examinations and admissions. KEA manages the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 on behalf of the Prisons and Reforms Services Department.
• RPC Cadre (Rest of State / General Cadre) — Posts available to candidates from all districts of Karnataka except the designated Kalyana Karnataka region. Accounts for 576 of the 869 vacancies.
• KK Cadre (Kalyana Karnataka Cadre) — Posts reserved for candidates domiciled in Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Bellary, and Vijayanagara districts. 293 vacancies are under this cadre, governed by Karnataka Article 371(J) provisions.
• Warder (Vikshakaru) — The base-level post in the Karnataka prison system responsible for maintaining order, security, and supervision within correctional facilities. The Kannada term “Vikshakaru” means Warder or Guard.
• PST (Physical Standard Test) — A mandatory screening test checking candidates’ height, chest measurement (for men), and body weight (for women and third gender). Failure in PST leads to elimination.
• Endurance Test (ET) — A set of 5 physical fitness events testing running speed, jumping ability, and throwing strength. Candidates must clear at least 3 events to qualify.
• NPS (National Pension Scheme) — The mandatory pension scheme for all central and state government employees recruited after 2004. Replaces the old Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
• Probation Period — A 2-year period after appointment during which the selected candidate’s performance is evaluated before permanent confirmation in service.
• Kannada Language Test — A mandatory qualifying test (150 marks, minimum 50 marks to pass) for candidates who have not studied Kannada as a subject in SSLC or who did not study through Kannada medium, as per Karnataka government language policy.
• Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department — The state government department responsible for managing correctional institutions, prisoner rehabilitation, and prison security across Karnataka.

Important Dates – Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026

Important Links – Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026

Conclusion – Should You Apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for Karnataka candidates seeking a secure, well-paying state government job. With 869 vacancies, an accessible SSLC qualification requirement for the majority of posts, a strong starting salary of up to Rs.61,300 per month for Jailor, and dedicated KK cadre posts for backward-region candidates, this is among the most inclusive and rewarding Karnataka government notifications of 2026. The written examination on 21 November 2026 gives candidates roughly 8 weeks to prepare — enough time to cover the syllabus thoroughly if started immediately. Apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in before 15 October 2026 and begin physical fitness preparation in parallel with your written exam studies. Bookmark this page — it will be updated whenever KEA releases the admit card, result, or PST/ET schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026

How many vacancies are announced in Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?

A total of 869 vacancies have been announced — 576 under the General/RPC cadre and 293 under the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre. Posts include Jailor (5), Warder/Vikshakaru (835), Instructor Grade-II (24), and Warder cum Nursing (5). This is one of the largest recruitment drives by Karnataka Prisons Department in recent years.

What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the online application form is 15 October 2026. The last date for payment of the application fee is 16 October 2026. After this date, no applications will be accepted. Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the KEA portal.

What is the educational qualification required for the Warder post?

Candidates applying for the Warder (Vikshakaru) post must have passed the SSLC (10th Standard) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. This makes the Warder post accessible to the widest pool of applicants in this Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026, as it does not require a higher secondary or graduation certificate.

What is the salary for the Jailor post in Karnataka Prisons Department 2026?

The Jailor post carries a pay scale of Rs.61,300 – Rs.1,12,900 per month, making it the highest-paid position in this recruitment. Including Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance as per Karnataka government rules, the approximate gross salary can exceed Rs.80,000 per month at the time of joining. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree to be eligible for the Jailor post.

What is the selection process for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?

The selection process includes 5 stages: (1) Competitive Written Examination (100 marks, 90 minutes), (2) Physical Standard Test (PST) checking height and chest/weight, (3) Endurance Test with 5 physical events, (4) Document Verification, and (5) Medical Examination. Candidates must qualify at each stage to proceed. The written exam is scheduled for 21 November 2026.

When is the Karnataka Prisons Department written examination date?

The Competitive Written Examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, in offline OMR mode. The exam will consist of 100 questions covering General Knowledge, History, Geography, Indian Constitution, General Science, Current Affairs, and Mental Ability. The exam level is graduate-level for Jailor and below-graduate level for other posts.

What is the age limit for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?

The minimum age is 20 years for all candidates. The maximum age is 31 years for General Merit (GM) candidates and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, as on the application closing date of 15 October 2026. Ex-Servicemen are entitled to age relaxation as per applicable Karnataka Government rules. Age is calculated based on the last date of online application.

What is the difference between the RPC and KK cadres in this recruitment?

The RPC (Rest of State/General) cadre covers 576 posts open to candidates domiciled in all districts of Karnataka. The KK (Kalyana Karnataka) cadre covers 293 posts reserved for candidates from the 7 backward-region districts: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Bellary, and Vijayanagara — under the Article 371(J) constitutional provisions. Candidates should apply to the correct cadre only, based on their district of domicile.

Is there a Kannada language test in Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?

Yes, a Kannada Language Test is mandatory for candidates who are not exempted under the prescribed rules. The test carries 150 marks and the qualifying mark is 50. Candidates who have studied Kannada as a first or second language at SSLC level or who have studied through Kannada medium may be exempt from this test, subject to the conditions specified in the official KEA notification. The Kannada Language Test date will be announced separately.

How many events must candidates qualify in the Endurance Test?

Candidates must qualify in at least 3 out of the 5 prescribed Endurance Test events. The events are: 100m Race, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, and Endurance Race (800m for men; 200m for women/third gender/ex-servicemen). Specific standards differ by gender. Failing to qualify in at least 3 events leads to disqualification at the physical testing stage, regardless of written exam performance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All details are based on information available from the official KEA notification and reliable public sources as of September 2026. Candidates are advised to refer to the official KEA portal (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in) and the official notification PDFs for the most accurate and authoritative information before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancies in information after the publication of this article.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated regularly. Bookmark it for admit card, result, and PST/ET schedule updates for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026.

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