Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department, has released two recruitment notifications for 869 vacancies in the Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing and Second Grade Teacher/Instructor Grade-II categories. The notifications are dated 18 September 2026. Online applications begin on 19 September 2026 and the last date is 15 October 2026.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Department | Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department |
| Total Vacancies | 869 |
| Posts | Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing, Instructor Grade-II |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Examination | 21 November 2026 |
| Official Portal | KEA |
Vacancy Details
The 869 vacancies are divided between the Rest-of-State/general cadre and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre.
Rest-of-State Cadre – 576 Posts
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 560 | ₹37,500–₹76,100 |
| Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 16 | ₹37,500–₹76,100 |
| Total | 576 |
Kalyana Karnataka Cadre – 293 Posts
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Jailor | 5 | ₹61,300–₹1,12,900 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 275 | ₹37,500–₹76,100 |
| Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 8 | ₹37,500–₹76,100 |
| Warder cum Nursing | 5 | ₹34,100–₹67,600 |
| Total | 293 |
Educational Qualification
- Jailor: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Preference is given to candidates with degrees in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Correctional Administration or equivalent subjects.
- Warder: SSLC (10th standard) or equivalent qualification.
- Instructor Grade-II: SSLC/equivalent plus the prescribed diploma or certificate in trades such as Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile, Weaving, Carpet-making or other notified trades.
- Warder cum Nursing: SSLC/equivalent plus the prescribed First Aid certificate.
The prescribed qualification must be possessed by the closing date of application. A higher qualification is not automatically treated as a substitute where the notification specifically requires a particular qualification.
Age Limit
The minimum age is 20 years. The maximum age is 31 years for General Merit candidates and 33 years for eligible reserved categories, including SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, subject to the notification’s conditions. Ex-servicemen are eligible for the applicable additional relaxation.
Kannada Language Requirement
Candidates who studied Kannada as the first or second language in SSLC/equivalent, or studied through Kannada medium, are exempt from the separate Kannada Language Test. Candidates who do not satisfy the exemption conditions may have to qualify in the Kannada Language Test as prescribed by the Government/KEA.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and other applicable categories | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen and eligible categories | ₹500 |
The fee is payable online through the KEA application system and is generally non-refundable.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of a Competitive Written Examination, followed by Physical Standard Test (PST) and Endurance Test for shortlisted candidates, Document Verification and Medical Examination, as applicable to the post.
Written Examination
The competitive examination is an objective-type OMR examination. For Jailor, the paper is based on graduate-level General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle, Current Affairs and Mental Ability. For Warder, Instructor Grade-II and Warder cum Nursing, the paper is based on the prescribed SSLC-level subjects.
The examination carries 100 marks and the duration is 90 minutes. Negative marking is applicable for wrong answers as specified in the recruitment notification.
Physical Standard and Endurance Tests
Shortlisted candidates are called for PST and Endurance Test in the prescribed ratio. The notified physical standards include a minimum height of 168 cm for men and 157 cm for women/third gender candidates, with the other post/category-specific standards stated in the notification.
The endurance test includes events such as 100-metre race, high jump, long jump, shot put and 800-metre/200-metre race depending on the candidate category. Candidates must meet the prescribed qualifying standards.
Written Examination Date
The Competitive Written Examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, subject to the final instructions issued by KEA.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 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 |
How to Apply
- Visit the official KEA website.
- Open the recruitment/application link for Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department.
- Read the appropriate notification for the Rest-of-State or Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
- Register and enter your personal, educational and category details.
- Upload the documents, photograph and other information requested by KEA.
- Pay the applicable application fee online.
- Verify every detail before final submission.
- Submit the application before 15 October 2026.
- Complete fee payment by 16 October 2026.
- Download and preserve the submitted application and payment receipt.
Documents to Keep Ready
- SSLC certificate/marks card or degree certificate as applicable
- Educational qualification certificates
- Category/caste certificate, where applicable
- Ex-servicemen certificate, where applicable
- Kannada language/medium proof, where applicable
- First Aid certificate for Warder cum Nursing candidates, where applicable
- Trade diploma/certificate for Instructor Grade-II candidates
- Recent photograph and signature
- Valid mobile number and email address
- Government-issued photo identity document
Official Links
KEA Official Website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
Karnataka Prisons Department: Karnataka Prisons Department Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available?
A total of 869 vacancies are notified across Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing and Instructor Grade-II posts.
What is the qualification for Warder?
SSLC (10th standard) or equivalent is required for the Warder post.
What is the qualification for Jailor?
A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent is required for the notified Jailor post.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 15 October 2026, with fee payment permitted up to 16 October 2026.
What is the written examination date?
The Competitive Written Examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026.
What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹750 for General Merit and other applicable categories and ₹500 for eligible SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen categories.
Is there a physical test?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates for the applicable posts must undergo the prescribed Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test.
CareerSphere Verification Note
CareerSphere has cross-checked this recruitment against the latest recruitment information published for the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department through KEA. The recruitment consists of separate cadre notifications, so candidates should read the applicable official notification carefully for reservation, local-cadre eligibility, physical standards, Kannada-language requirements and other conditions before applying.
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