KEA Announces Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment for 869 Posts
Latest Update (September 2026): The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru has officially invited online applications on behalf of the Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department for 869 vacancies under two separate recruitment notifications (Parent / Rest of State Cadre: 576 posts, and Kalyana Karnataka Local Cadre: 293 posts). The online application window is open from 19 September 2026 to 15 October 2026 (11:59 PM), with fee payment accepted until 16 October 2026. Written examinations are scheduled for 21 and 22 November 2026.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), in coordination with the Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department (Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department), has published two distinct employment notifications for the direct recruitment of 869 personnel across Karnataka state prisons. The advertised posts comprise Jailer, Warder (Supervisor / Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing, and Instructor Grade-II.
This statewide recruitment drive offers government career opportunities for candidates possessing qualifications ranging from SSLC (10th Pass), ITI / Trade Diplomas to Bachelor's Degrees. Eligible candidates can register online through the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Explore more police and uniformed services vacancies on our dedicated Police & Uniformed Jobs hub and regional vacancies on Karnataka Government Jobs.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – Quick Answers
869 Posts (Parent / RPC Cadre: 576 Posts; Kalyana Karnataka KK Cadre: 293 Posts).
Started on 19 September 2026 and closes on 15 October 2026 (Fee payment until 16 October 2026).
21 November 2026 (Parent Cadre) and 22 November 2026 (Kalyana Karnataka Cadre).
SSLC (10th) for Warder; SSLC + First Aid for Warder cum Nursing; SSLC + ITI/Diploma for Instructor; Degree for Jailer.
20 to 31 Years for General Merit; 20 to 33 Years for SC/ST/Cat-1/2A/2B/3A/3B (5-year relaxation included).
Written Exam (100 Marks, 0.25 Negative) → Physical Standards & Endurance Test (1:5 ratio) → Medical & DV.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru |
| Official Notifications | ED/KEA/22/Ne.Vi/2026(R.P.C.) & ED/KEA/23/Ne.Vi/2026(K.K.) |
| Total Vacancies | 869 Vacancies |
| Designations | Jailer, Warder (Supervisor / Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing, Instructor Grade-II |
| Application Mode | Online via KEA Portal |
| Application Start Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 October 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Examination Dates | 21 & 22 November 2026 |
| Job Location | Prisons across Karnataka (Central, District & Taluk Prisons) |
| Official Websites | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ | prisons.karnataka.gov.in |
Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026: Two Separate Advertisements
Candidates must note that KEA has issued two distinct recruitment notifications based on territorial cadre reservations governed under Article 371-J of the Constitution of India. Applicants must ensure they choose the correct cadre during online application submission:
| Notification Number | Recruitment Cadre | Notified Vacancies | Cadre Scope & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED/KEA/22/Ne.Vi/2026(R.P.C.) | Parent / Rest-of-State Cadre (Non-KK) | 576 Posts | Open to all eligible Karnataka candidates across general districts. |
| ED/KEA/23/Ne.Vi/2026(K.K.) | Kalyana Karnataka Local Cadre (KK) | 293 Posts | Reserved exclusively for local candidates belonging to the 7 KK backward districts holding Annexure-A. |
| Total Combined Vacancies | 869 | Sum total across both notifications. | |
What is the Kalyana Karnataka Cadre?
Special Status Under Article 371-J
Under Article 371-J of the Constitution of India and the Karnataka Public Employment (Reservation in Appointment for Hyderabad-Karnataka Region) Order, 2013, special local reservations are provided for native residents of the backward Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Region.
The designated Kalyana Karnataka districts comprise: Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara.
Mandatory Condition: Candidates claiming eligibility for the 293 vacancies under Notification No. ED/KEA/23/Ne.Vi/2026(K.K.) MUST possess a valid Eligibility Certificate (Annexure-A) issued by the competent Assistant Commissioner of the Revenue Sub-Division on or before the application deadline (15 October 2026). General Karnataka candidates without Annexure-A are not eligible to apply under the KK local cadre.
Karnataka Prisons Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise & Cadre-Wise Breakdown
The total 869 vacancies are distributed across posts and administrative cadres as outlined below:
| Post Designation | Parent Cadre (RPC) | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jailer (Group-C) | 00 | 05 | 05 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru / Supervisor) | 560 | 275 | 835 |
| Warder cum Nursing | 00 | 05 | 05 |
| Instructor Grade-II (Technical) | 16 | 08 | 24 |
| Grand Total | 576 | 293 | 869 |
Category-Wise Vacancy Classification
Official Roster Matrix Notice
The detailed vertical reservation (General Merit, SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) and horizontal reservation (Women, Rural, Kannada Medium, Ex-Servicemen, Third Gender, Project Displaced Persons) classifications are issued in the comprehensive roster breakdown published by KEA on its official portal. Candidates are advised to refer to the official KEA classification chart for exact category-wise seat allotments before applying.
Post-Wise Educational Qualification Requirements
Jailer Qualification
- Must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a university recognized by law in India or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government.
- Preferred Qualification: Preference will be given to candidates possessing a degree with Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Correctional Administration as one of the subjects.
Warder (Vikshakaru / Supervisor) Qualification
- Must have passed SSLC (10th Standard) conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) or equivalent recognized examination.
- Must satisfy the prescribed physical standards and endurance parameters.
Warder cum Nursing Qualification
- Must have passed SSLC (10th Standard) or equivalent examination.
- Must possess a recognized certificate in First Aid / Paramedical Care / Nursing Aid from a government-recognized institution (such as St. John Ambulance or Red Cross).
Instructor Grade-II Qualification
- Must have passed SSLC or equivalent.
- Must hold an ITI / National Trade Certificate (NTC) / Diploma in relevant technical crafts approved by NCVT / DGET (Trades include Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile/Weaving, Carpet Making, etc.).
Compulsory Kannada Language Examination
As per the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, a Compulsory Kannada Language Test is conducted for candidates seeking state employment:
- Exemption Criteria: Candidates who have studied and passed Kannada as a First Language, Second Language, or Third Language in SSLC / 10th Standard or equivalent, or who have studied in Kannada medium, are EXEMPT from taking this exam.
- Exam Pattern: 150 Marks descriptive paper testing Kannada comprehension, translation, and vocabulary.
- Qualifying Standard: Candidates must secure a minimum of 50 marks (33.33%) to qualify.
- Merit Status: This examination is strictly qualifying in nature; marks scored are not added to the competitive merit total.
- Schedule: The exact date for the Kannada Language Test will be notified separately by KEA on its portal.
Age Limit (as on 15 October 2026)
The age of the applicant is reckoned strictly as on the last date of online application submission (15 October 2026). Note that the upper age limits below already incorporate the one-time 5-year general age relaxation granted by the Government of Karnataka:
| Candidate Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age Limit | Relaxation Provisions |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) Candidates | 20 Years | 31 Years | Standard general merit ceiling (5-year state relaxation included). |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | 20 Years | 33 Years | Upper age limit relaxable up to 33 years. |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (OBC) | 20 Years | 33 Years | Upper age limit relaxable up to 33 years. |
| Ex-Servicemen Candidates | 20 Years | As per Rules | Service period rendered in Armed Forces plus 3 years. |
Physical Standard Test (PST)
Physical Standards are mandatory for uniformed posts (Warder & Jailer). PST is strictly qualifying in nature (no marks awarded):
| Category / Gender | Minimum Height | Chest Measurement | Minimum Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male Candidates (All Categories) | 168 cm | 86 cm (Min 5 cm expansion: 86–91 cm) | N/A |
| Female & Third Gender Candidates | 157 cm | N/A | 46 kg |
| Ex-Servicemen (Male) | 168 cm | 86 cm (Min 5 cm expansion) | N/A |
Endurance Test (Physical Efficiency Test)
Candidates shortlisted from the written exam must undergo the Endurance Test. Crucial Rule: Candidates must qualify in at least 3 out of the 5 events to clear the Endurance stage:
Endurance Test for Male Candidates
- 1. 100 Metre Run: Within 15.0 Seconds
- 2. High Jump: 1.20 Metres (Max 3 attempts)
- 3. Long Jump: 3.80 Metres (Max 3 attempts)
- 4. Shot Put (7.26 kg): 5.60 Metres (Max 3 attempts)
- 5. 800 Metre Run: 2 Minutes 50 Seconds
*Must qualify in at least 3 events out of the above 5 events.
Endurance Test for Women / Third Gender / Ex-Servicemen
- 1. 100 Metre Run: Within 18.5 Seconds
- 2. High Jump: 0.90 Metres (Max 3 attempts)
- 3. Long Jump: 2.50 Metres (Max 3 attempts)
- 4. Shot Put (3.63 kg): 3.75 Metres (Max 3 attempts)
- 5. 200 Metre Run: Within 40.0 Seconds
*Must qualify in at least 3 events out of the above 5 events.
Selection Process & Shortlisting Ratios
Stage 1: Written Competitive Examination
Objective multiple-choice question paper (100 Marks) conducted offline across designated examination centres in Karnataka.
Stage 2: Physical Standard Test & Endurance Test (1:5 Ratio)
Candidates who secure merit in the written test are shortlisted for the PST/ET in the ratio of 1:5 (5 candidates per vacancy) strictly according to category and reservation rosters.
Stage 3: Document Verification & Medical Examination (1:2 Ratio)
Candidates qualifying PST/ET are called for Document Verification and Medical Fitness Examination in the ratio of 1:2 (2 candidates per vacancy) before drawing the final appointment order.
Written Examination Pattern
| Feature | Jailer Post | Warder / Warder cum Nursing / Instructor Grade-II |
|---|---|---|
| Standard of Examination | Degree Level | SSLC / Matriculation Level |
| Type of Questions | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions | |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks (1 Mark per Question) | |
| Duration of Exam | 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours) | |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Marks deducted for each incorrect answer | |
| Language Medium | Bilingual (Kannada and English) | |
MANDATORY KEA OMR RULE: Fifth Circle (E) Shading
As per official KEA examination rules, every question in the OMR sheet features 5 options: A, B, C, D, and E.
- Options A, B, C, D represent the potential correct answers to the question.
- Option E is strictly meant for "Unattempted Question".
- Penalty Warning: If a candidate decides NOT to answer a question, they MUST shade Option E. If a candidate leaves all 5 bubbles blank for any question, a penalty of 0.25 marks will be deducted from their total score!
- Candidates are granted an additional 10 to 15 minutes after the completion of the exam to verify that all bubbles (including Option E for unattempted questions) are shaded.
Written Examination Syllabus
The 100-mark single paper tests candidate competence across fundamental domains:
National and international events, awards, sports, scientific achievements, and prominent personalities.
Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian history, freedom movement, and historical heritage of Karnataka.
Fundamental rights, directive principles, governance, state administration, and Article 371-J provisions.
Physical geography of India & Karnataka, environment, everyday science, physics, chemistry, biology basics.
Numerical reasoning, sequences, coding-decoding, analytical puzzles, basic arithmetic, and problem solving.
Zero or Negative Score Condition
Candidates who score an aggregate score of Zero (0) or below Zero (negative marks) in the written competitive examination will be treated as disqualified and will not be considered for shortlisting to the Physical Standard Test or merit ranking, regardless of their social category.
Application Fee Details
| Candidate Category | Prescribed Fee | Payment Terms |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit (GM), Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | ₹750 | Payable online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. |
| SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen, Third Gender | ₹500 | Concessional fee payable online through KEA gateway. |
Note: The application fee is non-refundable. Candidates must complete payment on or before 16 October 2026.
Important Dates & Examination Timetable
| Recruitment Event / Milestone | Official Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification Release Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Online Application Registration Starts | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 15 October 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Exam: Parent Cadre (Warder & Instructor Grade-II) | 21 November 2026 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM) |
| Written Exam: Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Warder, Warder cum Nursing & Instructor) | 22 November 2026 (10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon) |
| Written Exam: Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Jailer) | 22 November 2026 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM) |
| Kannada Language Examination | To Be Announced by KEA |
Salary / Pay Scale (7th State Pay Scale)
| Post Designation | Revised Pay Scale (7th CPC) | Applicable Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Jailer | ₹61,300 – ₹1,12,900 | DA, HRA, Uniform Allowance, Risk Allowance, Medical Coverage |
| Warder (Vikshakaru / Supervisor) | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 | DA, HRA, Uniform Allowance, Prison Duty Allowance |
| Instructor Grade-II | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 | DA, HRA, Technical Allowance as per Karnataka State rules |
| Warder cum Nursing | ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 | DA, HRA, Medical Allowance as per Karnataka Govt Rules |
Training & Probation Period
• Basic Training: Selected candidates must undergo a rigorous 9-month basic foundation and prison management training at the Karnataka Prison Officers Training Institute / designated state police academies.
• Probation Period: Appointed candidates will remain on probation for a period of 2 years during which departmental examinations must be successfully cleared.
Documents Required & Annexure-A Certificate
Document Checklist for Verification
- • SSLC / 10th Marks Card (Proof of Date of Birth)
- • Degree Certificate & All Semester Marksheets (for Jailer)
- • ITI / Trade Diploma Certificate (for Instructor)
- • First Aid / Nursing Certificate (for Warder cum Nursing)
- • Caste & Income Certificate (Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, SC, ST)
- • Rural Study Certificate (1 to 10th Std) if claiming rural quota
- • Kannada Medium Study Certificate (1 to 10th Std)
- • Ex-Servicemen Discharge Book / PPO (if applicable)
- • Third Gender / Transgender Identity Certificate
- • Valid Photo Identity Card (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Driving License)
Special Requirement: Annexure-A Certificate for KK Cadre
Candidates claiming reservation under the Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371-J) local cadre must produce Annexure-A (Eligibility Certificate) issued by the Assistant Commissioner of the Revenue Sub-Division having jurisdiction over their native place. The certificate must be dated on or before 15 October 2026. Failure to produce Annexure-A results in immediate forfeiture of local cadre eligibility.
Photo & Signature Upload Guidelines
- Photograph: Recent passport-sized color photograph with a plain white/light background. File format: JPEG/JPG, File size: 50 KB to 200 KB.
- Signature: Clear digital signature signed with black or blue ink on plain white paper. File format: JPEG/JPG, File size: 50 KB to 70 KB.
- Signatures in CAPITAL letters or blurred uploads will lead to rejection of application.
How to Apply Online for Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026
Important Application Warnings
- All qualifying educational certificates and category certificates must be valid as on 15 October 2026. Candidates awaiting final year exam results are not eligible.
- Details such as candidate name and date of birth must match the SSLC marks card exactly.
- Once finally submitted, application details cannot be modified. Ensure complete accuracy before final submission.
Important Direct Links: Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026
| Resource / Portal | Official Link |
|---|---|
| KEA Online Application Portal | Apply Online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Download Official Notification PDF — Parent Cadre (Advt ED/KEA/22) | Download PDF |
| Download Official Notification PDF — Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Advt ED/KEA/23) | Download PDF |
| Karnataka Prisons Official Website | prisons.karnataka.gov.in |
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