Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 869 Jailor, Warder Posts

The Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 869 vacancies including Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing and Second Grade Teacher/Instructor Grade-II posts.

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The recruitment is being conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru, on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. The vacancies are divided between the General/Rest-of-State (R.P.C.) cadre and the Kalyana Karnataka (K.K.) cadre.

Online applications will be accepted from 19 September 2026 to 15 October 2026, while the last date for fee payment is 16 October 2026. The Competitive Written Examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026.

Candidates applying for Warder and other SSLC-level posts must have passed SSLC or an equivalent qualification, while candidates applying for Jailor must have a Bachelor’s Degree.

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of the following dates:

The date, time and venue for the Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test will be communicated through the admit card and the official KEA/Prisons Department websites.

Karnataka Prisons Department Vacancy 2026

A total of 869 base-cadre vacancies have been notified under the two recruitment notifications.

General / Rest-of-State Cadre – 576 Posts

Kalyana Karnataka Cadre – 293 Posts

Total Vacancies

576 + 293 = 869 Posts

The detailed category-wise and post-wise classification is provided in the respective recruitment notifications.

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Eligibility

The educational qualification depends on the post applied for.

Educational Qualification

For the Jailor post, preference is given to candidates having a Bachelor’s Degree in subjects such as Sociology, Psychology, Criminology or Correctional Administration, or an equivalent qualification.

For Instructor Grade-II, candidates must have the prescribed Diploma or Certificate in areas such as Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile, Weaving, Carpet-making, etc., from a Government-recognised institution.

Candidates applying for Warder cum Nursing must have an SSLC/equivalent qualification along with a First Aid Certificate.

The prescribed qualification must be obtained on or before the closing date of the application.

Kannada Language Requirement

Candidates who studied Kannada as a 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 appear for the Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA or another Government-designated authority.

Candidates required to take the Kannada Language Test must secure the prescribed qualifying marks. The source notification specifies a minimum of 50 marks out of 150 for candidates who did not study Kannada as the first language subject in SSLC.

Failure to qualify the required Kannada Language Test may prevent finalisation of appointment even if the candidate has otherwise been selected.

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

The minimum age required is 20 years as on the closing date of application.

The upper age limit is as follows:

The source notification states that the previous upper age limit has been increased by five years as per the relevant Government Order.

Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen

Eligible Ex-Servicemen can receive 3 years of additional relaxation along with the period of military service actually rendered, subject to the conditions specified in the recruitment notification.

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Salary

The pay scale depends on the post.

• Jailor: ₹61,300 – ₹1,12,900
• Warder: ₹37,500 – ₹76,100
• Instructor Grade-II: ₹37,500 – ₹76,100
• Warder cum Nursing: ₹34,100 – ₹67,600

Selected candidates will receive salary and applicable benefits according to the rules governing the respective posts.

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Application Fee

Candidates must pay the prescribed application fee online.

The application fee is non-refundable once paid.

Candidates should complete the fee payment within the prescribed deadline.

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection process consists of multiple stages:

Competitive Written Examination → PST & Endurance Test → Document Verification → Medical Examination

Candidates should prepare for both the written examination and the physical stages if they are shortlisted.

1. Competitive Written Examination

The written examination will be conducted in offline OMR format.

The examination covers areas including:

• General Knowledge
• General Science
• Geography
• History
• Indian Constitution
• Indian National Freedom Struggle
• Current Affairs
• Mental Ability

Negative Marking

The examination has negative marking. 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Candidates should therefore read the OMR instructions carefully before marking their answers.

Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test

Candidates shortlisted for the physical stages will be called in a 1:5 ratio against the notified vacancies, based on the prescribed shortlisting criteria.

Physical Standards

Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical standards before proceeding further in the recruitment.

Endurance Test

Candidates must qualify in at least 3 out of the 5 prescribed events.

Candidates are responsible for their own health and safety while participating in the physical tests.

Medical Examination

Candidates who qualify in the written examination and physical tests will be called for a medical examination by the prescribed Medical Board.

The medical examination may include assessment of:

• Eyesight and vision
• Colour vision
• Night vision
• Hearing
• Vertigo-related conditions
• Varicose veins
• Speech-related conditions
• Knock knees
• Flat feet
• Cubitus Valgus
• Cubitus Varus
• Other physical or medical conditions prescribed in the recruitment rules

The Medical Board may also conduct a Chest X-Ray and other required medical tests.

Candidates should carefully check the medical standards in the official notification before applying.

Training, Probation and Pension

Selected candidates will be required to undergo the prescribed basic training at institutions specified by the Director General & Inspector General of Prisons, Karnataka.

Candidates must successfully complete the required training and tests.

The probation period is 2 years from the date of appointment.

The source notification also states that the National Pension Scheme (NPS) applies to the service as per the relevant Government Order.

Documents Required

Candidates should keep the necessary documents ready for the recruitment process and Document Verification.

Important documents may include:

• SSLC certificate/marks card
• Educational qualification certificates
• Degree certificate for Jailor candidates
• Technical Diploma/Certificate for Instructor candidates
• First Aid Certificate for Warder cum Nursing candidates
• Caste certificate, where applicable
• Category/reservation documents
• Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
• Valid photo identity proof
• Application form/call letter
• Other documents mentioned in the notification

At Document Verification, candidates must produce the required original documents along with the prescribed copies.

How to Apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the KEA recruitment portal.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit the official KEA website.
2. Open the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 section.
3. Read the relevant R.P.C./General or K.K. notification carefully.
4. Select the appropriate online application link.
5. Enter personal, educational and category details.
6. Check all information before submitting the application.
7. Upload the required documents and photograph/signature as instructed.
8. Pay the applicable application fee online.
9. Submit the application before 15 October 2026.
10. Complete fee payment before 16 October 2026.
11. Save and print the final application for future reference.
12. Download the admit card when KEA releases it.

Candidates should remember that information entered in the application should be checked carefully before final submission.

Important Instructions

• Candidates must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions before applying.
• The required educational qualification must be obtained by the application closing date.
• Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical and medical standards.
• Candidates who have been dismissed from Government/public service or debarred from recruitment examinations may be ineligible.
• Candidates must carefully check the rules relating to marriage and appointment eligibility.
• Examination centres will be allotted by the recruitment authority.
• Candidates cannot demand a change of examination centre after allocation.
• Admit cards will be made available online and will not be sent by post.
• Candidates should regularly check the KEA and Karnataka Prisons Department websites for recruitment updates.
• Candidates should not wait until the last day to submit the application or pay the fee.
• False information or incorrect documents can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – Important Links

Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – FAQs

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

A total of 869 vacancies have been notified under the General/Rest-of-State and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date to submit the online application is 15 October 2026. The fee payment deadline is 16 October 2026.

What is the qualification for Karnataka Prisons Warder posts?

Candidates must have passed SSLC or an equivalent qualification.

What is the qualification for the Jailor post?

The Jailor post requires a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification. The notified Jailor vacancies are under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.

What is the age limit?

The minimum age is 20 years. The maximum age is 31 years for General Merit and 33 years for the specified reserved categories, subject to the conditions in the notification.

What is the application fee?

The fee is ₹750 for General Merit and other applicable categories and ₹500 for SC/ST/Category-1 and specified categories.

When will the written examination be held?

The Competitive Written Examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. The written examination includes 0.25 marks negative marking for a wrong answer.

What is the selection process?

The selection process includes the Competitive Written Examination, Physical Standard Test, Endurance Test, Document Verification and Medical Examination.

How many Warder vacancies are available?

There are 560 Warder posts in the General/Rest-of-State cadre and 275 Warder posts in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre, making a total of 835 Warder vacancies.

Conclusion

The Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 is an opportunity for eligible candidates to apply for 869 Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing and Instructor Grade-II vacancies.

Candidates should first check their educational qualification, age, Kannada language requirements and physical standards before submitting the application. Since the recruitment includes a written examination followed by physical and medical stages, applicants should start preparing for both the Competitive Exam and Endurance Test well in advance.

Candidates are advised to submit their applications before 15 October 2026 and complete the fee payment by 16 October 2026. Always refer to the official KEA notification for the detailed rules applicable to your selected cadre and post.