The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has issued recruitment notifications on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department for 869 base-cadre posts. The recruitment covers Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing and Second Grade Teacher/Instructor Grade-II positions under the Rest-of-State and Kalyana Karnataka cadres.
Online applications are scheduled from 19 September to 15 October 2026, while the fee payment deadline is 16 October 2026. The competitive written examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026. Candidates should note that eligibility differs considerably by post, particularly for the Jailor, Instructor and Warder cum Nursing positions.
Recruitment Snapshot
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| 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 |
| Exam Mode | Offline OMR |
| Selection | Written Exam, PST & Endurance Test, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
869 Vacancies Are Split Between Two Cadres
One of the most important features of this recruitment is that the 869 vacancies are not contained in a single cadre.
The General/Rest-of-State (R.P.C.) cadre accounts for 576 posts, while the Kalyana Karnataka (K.K.) cadre accounts for another 293 posts.
General / Rest-of-State Cadre
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 560 | ₹37,500 to ₹76,100 |
| Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 16 | ₹37,500 to ₹76,100 |
| Total | 576 |
Kalyana Karnataka Cadre
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Jailor | 5 | ₹61,300 to ₹1,12,900 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 275 | ₹37,500 to ₹76,100 |
| Warder cum Nursing | 5 | ₹34,100 to ₹67,600 |
| Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II | 8 | ₹37,500 to ₹76,100 |
| Total | 293 |
Combined vacancies: 869 posts.
Candidates should identify the cadre and post for which they are eligible before completing the application. The category-wise distribution should be checked in the relevant
Educational Qualification Depends on the Post
The minimum qualification is not identical for every position.
Jailor: A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification is required. Preference is stated for candidates with a degree in areas such as Sociology, Psychology, Criminology or Correctional Administration.
Warder: Candidates must have passed SSLC or an equivalent prescribed qualification.
Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II: Candidates must have passed SSLC or equivalent and possess the prescribed diploma or certificate in a relevant trade such as Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile, Weaving or Carpet-making from a recognised institution.
Warder cum Nursing: Candidates must have passed SSLC or equivalent and hold the prescribed First Aid certificate.
A particularly important condition is that candidates must possess the prescribed qualification by the closing date of the application. A higher qualification cannot automatically be treated as a substitute where the notification specifically requires another qualification.
Kannada Language Requirement
Candidates should pay close attention to the Kannada language condition.
Those who studied Kannada as their first or second language in SSLC or an equivalent examination, or studied through Kannada medium, are exempt from the separate Kannada Language Test under the stated rules.
Candidates who do not fall within the exemption may have to qualify in a Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA or an authority designated by the Government.
The recruitment information states that candidates who did not study Kannada as their first language in SSLC must obtain at least 50 marks out of 150 in the Kannada Language Test where the test requirement applies.
The timing and other conditions of this test should be checked against the applicable official notification.
Age Limit
The minimum age is 20 years, calculated with reference to the closing date of the application.
The reported upper age limits are:
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 31 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 33 years |
Ex-Servicemen are eligible for the applicable additional relaxation based on the prescribed rules and qualifying military service.
Candidates close to the upper age boundary should calculate their age using the recruitment’s prescribed cut-off rather than their age on the date they submit the application.
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and other specified categories | ₹750 |
| SC, ST, Category-1 and Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender candidates | ₹500 |
The fee is to be paid online through the prescribed KEA process. The recruitment information states that the fee is non-refundable.
Written Examination
The first major selection stage is a competitive written examination conducted in offline OMR format.
For Jailor, the paper is based at the graduate level and covers areas including:
- General Knowledge
- Science
- Geography
- History
- Indian Constitution
- National Freedom Struggle
- Current Affairs
- Mental Ability
For Warder, Instructor Grade-II and Warder cum Nursing, the paper is based at the SSLC level and covers the corresponding subjects.
| Post Group | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jailor | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Warder, Instructor Grade-II, Warder cum Nursing | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
The recruitment information specifies 0.25 marks as negative marking for a wrong answer.
Candidates should therefore read the OMR instructions carefully, particularly because incorrectly shaded or improperly marked responses can affect the score.
Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test
This recruitment has a significant physical stage after the written examination.
Candidates are shortlisted for the PST and Endurance Test in a 1:5 ratio against the notified vacancies, based on the prescribed combined assessment of written examination and educational qualification marks, subject to category-wise conditions.
Reported physical standards include:
| Category | Height | Additional Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Men & Ex-Servicemen | 168 cm | Chest 86 cm unexpanded, with 5 cm minimum expansion |
| Women & Third Gender | 157 cm | Minimum weight 46 kg |
Endurance Test Standards
The endurance test is qualifying in nature, with candidates required to clear the prescribed minimum number of events.
| Event | Men | Women / Third Gender / Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump | 1.20 metres | 0.90 metres |
| Long Jump | 3.80 metres | 2.50 metres |
| Shot Put | 5.60 metres, 7.26 kg | 3.75 metres, 3.63 kg |
| Distance Run | 800m in 2 min 50 sec | 200m in 40 sec |
Candidates need to clear the prescribed minimum number of events according to the recruitment rules.
Anyone planning to apply for a Warder-related post should therefore examine the physical standards before submitting an application rather than treating the recruitment as a written-exam-only opportunity.
Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify through the required selection stages proceed to medical examination by the duly constituted Medical Board.
The stated medical requirements include prescribed standards for:
- Distant and near vision
- Colour vision
- Hearing
- Night vision
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Knock knees
- Flat feet
- Varicose veins
- Speech-related conditions
- Other conditions assessed by the Medical Board
A chest X-ray and other medical tests may also be conducted where required.
Candidates should rely on the official medical standards rather than assuming that ordinary physical fitness alone guarantees medical qualification.
Selection Process at a Glance
The recruitment broadly follows this sequence:
Competitive Written Examination → PST & Endurance Test → Document Verification → Medical Examination
The physical stage is therefore not merely an optional fitness assessment. Candidates shortlisted from the written stage must satisfy the applicable physical requirements before moving through the remaining selection process.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Application Begins | 19 September 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Examination | 21 November 2026, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Kannada Language Test | Schedule to be announced, where applicable |
| PST & Endurance Test | Date and venue to be announced |
The admit card and subsequent official notices should be monitored for examination-centre and physical-test details.
Documents to Keep Ready
Candidates should keep their original documents and applicable certificates ready for the recruitment stages. These may include:
- SSLC certificate
- Degree certificate, where applicable
- Prescribed diploma or trade certificate for Instructor posts
- First Aid certificate for Warder cum Nursing, where applicable
- Category certificate
- Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
- Valid photo identity document
- Application and fee records
- Other certificates specifically requested by KEA
For Document Verification, candidates must bring the documents specified in the call letter and recruitment notification.
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the official KEA recruitment website.
Step 2: Open the recruitment section for Karnataka Prisons Department 2026.
Step 3: Select the appropriate notification/cadre and read the eligibility conditions carefully.
Step 4: Complete the online application with accurate personal, educational and category information.
Step 5: Upload the required documents and images in the prescribed format.
Step 6: Pay the applicable application fee online.
Step 7: Review the entire application before submitting it.
Step 8: Submit the application before 15 October 2026.
Step 9: Complete fee payment by 16 October 2026.
Step 10: Save the submitted application and payment details for future reference.
The recruitment information states that application details cannot be changed or modified after submission. Candidates should therefore check every important field before final submission.
CareerAlert24 Insight
The headline figure of 869 vacancies hides an important eligibility difference. The largest group is the 560 Warder vacancies under the Rest-of-State cadre, while the Kalyana Karnataka cadre includes the recruitment’s five Jailor posts as well as Warder, Instructor and Warder cum Nursing vacancies.
Candidates should therefore first determine which post and cadre they are actually eligible for, rather than approaching all 869 vacancies as one combined pool.
The second major point is the selection structure. For physical posts, the written examination is only one part of the process. The recruitment information provides specific height, chest/weight and endurance requirements, and candidates shortlisted for the physical stage are taken in a 1:5 ratio. In addition, the written paper differs by educational level: the Jailor examination is graduate-level, while the other listed posts use an SSLC-level paper.
6 Things Candidates May Easily Miss
1. There are two separate cadre notifications.
The Rest-of-State and Kalyana Karnataka vacancies should be checked separately because their vacancy distributions are different.
2. Jailor is available only in the Kalyana Karnataka vacancy list provided here.
The reported five Jailor vacancies are under the K.K. cadre.
3. Higher qualification does not replace every prescribed qualification.
The recruitment specifically states that candidates must possess the qualification prescribed for their post by the application closing date.
4. Kannada requirements can differ between candidates.
Candidates who studied Kannada under the specified conditions may be exempt from the separate language test, while others may need to qualify.
5. The physical stage has measurable standards.
Height, chest/weight and endurance requirements should be checked before applying.
6. Application information cannot simply be corrected after submission.
Candidates should carefully verify their details before final submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for a post without checking its specific educational qualification.
- Confusing the Rest-of-State and Kalyana Karnataka cadre vacancy lists.
- Ignoring the Kannada Language Test requirement where the exemption does not apply.
- Preparing only for the written examination while overlooking the PST and Endurance Test.
- Entering incorrect personal or educational information and assuming it can be changed later.
- Missing the separate fee-payment deadline of 16 October 2026.
- Assuming that clearing the written examination guarantees final appointment without the subsequent physical, document and medical stages.
Training, Probation and Pension
Candidates appointed through this recruitment are required to undergo the prescribed basic training and pass the applicable tests during training.
The reported probation period is two years from the date of appointment.
The recruitment information also states that the National Pension Scheme (NPS) applies according to the applicable Government Order.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are available in Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
There are 869 reported vacancies across Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing and Second Grade Teacher/Instructor Grade-II posts.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The online application is scheduled to close on 15 October 2026. The fee-payment deadline is 16 October 2026.
3. What is the age limit?
The minimum age is 20 years. The reported maximum age is 31 years for General Merit candidates and 33 years for the listed reserved categories, subject to the applicable rules.
4. What qualification is required for the Warder post?
Candidates must have passed SSLC or the prescribed equivalent qualification.
5. Is a degree required for the Jailor post?
Yes. The reported Jailor eligibility requires a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification. The Jailor vacancies listed in the supplied recruitment information are under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre.
6. Is there a physical test?
Yes. Candidates shortlisted after the written examination undergo a Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test according to the prescribed recruitment conditions.
7. Is there negative marking?
Yes. The reported written examination has 0.25-mark negative marking for each wrong answer.
8. When is the written examination?
The competitive written examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
What Candidates Should Do Next
Candidates should first identify their eligible post and cadre, then check the prescribed educational, age, Kannada, physical and medical requirements. Those applying for physical posts should also begin preparing for the endurance requirements rather than waiting until the written examination is over.
Applications are scheduled to remain open until 15 October 2026, with fee payment allowed until 16 October 2026. Before submitting the form, candidates should read the applicable official notification and verify the latest KEA instructions, vacancy position and recruitment schedule.
