The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Notification for direct recruitment to various posts under the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. A total of 869 vacancies have been announced for Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Instructor Grade-II and Warder Cum Nursing posts.
The online application process has started on 19 September 2026. Eligible candidates can submit the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 application form through the official KEA portal up to 15 October 2026. The last date for payment of the application fee is 16 October 2026.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Candidates can check the important details of the Karnataka Prisons Department Vacancy 2026 in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Department | Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department |
| Recruitment Name | Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 |
| Posts | Jailor, Warder, Instructor Grade-II, Warder Cum Nursing |
| Total Vacancies | 869 |
| Notification Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 21 November 2026 |
| Exam Timing | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
The 869 vacancies include 576 posts under the General/Rest-of-State cadre and 293 posts under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
Karnataka Prisons Department Notification 2026 Pdf Download Link
The recruitment is being conducted for the General/Rest of State (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadres. The competitive written examination is scheduled to be held on 21 November 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can check the vacancy, important dates, educational qualification, age limit, application process and selection procedure below.
Click Here:- Karnataka Prisons Department Notification 2026 Pdf Download Link
Karnataka Prisons Department Vacancy 2026
The Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 includes vacancies for four different posts. The vacancy distribution varies between the General/Rest-of-State and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.
| Post | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | General/Rest of State (RPC) | Total |
| Jailor | 5 | — | 5 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 275 | 560 | 835 |
| Instructor Grade-II | 8 | 16 | 24 |
| Warder Cum Nursing | 5 | — | 5 |
| Total | 293 | 576 | 869 |
The highest number of vacancies is for Warder (Vikshakaru), with 835 posts across both cadres.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the following dates while applying for the recruitment:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | 18 September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Competitive Written Examination | 21 November 2026 |
| Written Exam Timing | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
The dates for the Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test will be announced separately by the concerned authority.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying online, candidates should check the prescribed Karnataka Prisons Department eligibility criteria for the post they wish to apply for. Educational qualification requirements differ according to the post.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Required Qualification |
| Jailor | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | SSLC or equivalent qualification |
| Instructor Grade-II | SSLC or equivalent along with the prescribed Diploma/Certificate in the relevant trade |
| Warder Cum Nursing | SSLC or equivalent along with a First Aid Certificate |
For the Jailor post, preference is given to candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree in subjects such as Sociology, Psychology, Criminology or Correctional Administration, as prescribed in the notification. Instructor Grade-II candidates must possess the specified technical/trade qualification from a recognised institution.
Also Read:- TGPSC Manager Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Prisons Department Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age limit varies according to the candidate’s category.
| Category | Age Limit |
| General Merit | 20 to 31 years |
| SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B | 20 to 33 years |
Candidates should check the official notification for the applicable age calculation date and category-specific conditions before submitting the application.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Application Form
The Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 application form is available online through the KEA portal.
The application window has opened on 19 September 2026, and candidates can submit their forms up to 15 October 2026. The fee can be paid up to 16 October 2026.
How to Apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can follow these steps to submit the application form:
- Visit the official KEA website.
- Open the recruitment section.
- Find the link for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026.
- Complete the registration process using the required details.
- Fill in the personal, educational and other required information.
- Upload the documents in the prescribed format.
- Review the application form carefully.
- Pay the applicable application fee.
- Submit the form.
- Download and save the submitted application form for future reference.
Candidates should enter their details carefully because incorrect information may create problems during later stages of the recruitment process.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment Application Fee
The application fee prescribed for the recruitment is given below:
| Category | Application Fee |
| General Merit and other applicable categories | ₹750 |
| SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen | ₹500 |
Candidates should complete the fee payment within the prescribed deadline. The fee-payment deadline is 16 October 2026.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The Karnataka Prisons Department selection process consists of multiple stages. Candidates first have to appear for the competitive written examination. Those shortlisted for the physical stages will subsequently be called for the Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test.
The selection process includes:
- Competitive Written Examination
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Endurance Test (ET)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
The physical stages are applicable as prescribed for the relevant posts. Candidates should qualify in the required stages to continue in the recruitment process.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment Exam Pattern 2026
The competitive written examination will be conducted in offline mode. The paper will contain 100 multiple-choice questions carrying 100 marks, with a duration of 90 minutes.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Movement and Mental Ability | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
The detailed syllabus and examination instructions should be checked from the official recruitment notification.
Karnataka Prisons Department Physical Standard Test 2026
Candidates shortlisted for the physical stage will have to meet the prescribed physical standards.
The notification specifies different standards for male, female and transgender candidates, wherever applicable.
| Candidate Category | Physical Standard |
| Male & Ex-Servicemen | Minimum height: 168 cm; minimum chest: 86 cm with at least 5 cm expansion |
| Female & Transgender | Minimum height: 157 cm; minimum weight: 46 kg |
Candidates should refer to the official notification for the complete physical requirements and applicable conditions.
Karnataka Prisons Department Endurance Test 2026
Candidates who qualify the Physical Standard Test will be required to appear for the Endurance Test.
The prescribed endurance events include running, high jump, long jump and shot put. The requirements vary according to the applicable category.
| Event | Prescribed Standard |
| 100 Metre Run | 15 seconds |
| High Jump | 1.20 metres |
| Long Jump | 3.80 metres |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 5.60 metres |
| 800 Metre Run | 2 minutes 50 seconds |
| 100 Metre Run | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump | 0.90 metres |
| Long Jump | 2.50 metres |
| Shot Put (3.63 kg) | 3.75 metres |
| 200 Metre Run | 40 seconds |
The applicable event and standard depend on the candidate category specified in the recruitment notification. Candidates should check the official notification before preparing for the physical test.
Karnataka Prisons Department Exam Date 2026
The Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment Exam 2026 is scheduled for 21 November 2026.
The competitive examination will be conducted in offline mode from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
| Examination | Date | Time | Mode |
| Competitive Written Examination | 21 November 2026 | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM | Offline |
The date and venue for the subsequent physical stages will be notified separately by the recruiting authority.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 FAQs
How many vacancies have been released under Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
A total of 869 vacancies have been announced for Jailor, Warder, Instructor Grade-II and Warder Cum Nursing posts.
When does the Karnataka Prisons Department application process start?
The online application process starts on 19 September 2026.
What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can submit the online application form up to 15 October 2026.
What is the last date for fee payment?
The last date for payment of the application fee is 16 October 2026.
What is the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 exam date?
The competitive written examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
What is the educational qualification for the Warder post?
Candidates applying for the Warder post must have passed SSLC or an equivalent qualification, as prescribed in the recruitment notification.