Karnataka State Police Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 notification opened on 22/06/2026 with 1600 vacancies across the General Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka divisions. Candidates with PUC (Class 12) qualification, aged 18-33 years (or up to 38 years for specific categories), can apply online before 22/07/2026. The written examination is scheduled for 06/09/2026.
This is one of the largest state police recruitment drives in Karnataka. With over 1400 posts in the General division and 179 in Kalyana Karnataka, eligible candidates have a significant opportunity to join the Armed Police Constable cadre.
Quick Overview: KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka State Police (KSP) |
| Post Name | Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) |
| Total Vacancies | 1600 (General: 1421, Kalyana Karnataka: 179) |
| Notification No. | 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27 & 04/Recruitment-5(B)/2026-27 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Important Dates for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 19/06/2026 |
| Application Start | 22/06/2026 |
| Application Last Date | 22/07/2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 24/07/2026 |
| Written Examination | 06/09/2026 |
| Exam Time – General Division | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Exam Time – Kalyana Karnataka | 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
Eligibility Criteria for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility requirements before applying. As per the official KSP recruitment notification, ineligible applicants will face disqualification at any stage of the selection process.
Nationality: Indian citizenship is mandatory.
Educational Qualification: Minimum qualification is PUC (Class 12) or equivalent. Candidates currently awaiting results are not eligible; qualifications must be passed on or before the application deadline. Accepted qualifications include:
- Class 12 passed from CBSE or the State board
- ITI course holders (one language + one technical subject at PUC level)
- 3-year technical diploma from an accredited institution (issued after 2015)
- NIOS Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.)
Special conditions apply to Vocational Training Courses (J.O.C.) and older technical diplomas under specific Government Orders; refer to the official notification for details.
Kannada Language Requirement: As per GO No. 43/2020 and GO No. 102/2022, all candidates must have passed a Kannada language test conducted by SSLC/PUC authorities or studied Kannada as a first or second language. Candidates without prior Kannada certification must score at least 50 marks out of 150 in Kannada at the SSLC level.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit (Male) | 33 years |
| SC/ST/OBC (Categories 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | 35 years |
| Forest Tribal (Budakattu) Residents | 38 years |
Minimum age for all categories is 18 years as on the application last date. Ex-servicemen receive an additional 3 years’ relaxation beyond their category limit, plus the length of service rendered. Government of Karnataka Order No. 262/2025 permits a one-time age relaxation of 5 years in the upper limit under specific circumstances; verify your eligibility with the official notification.
Who Should Apply for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
- Male candidates aged 18-28 years with a PUC qualification and strong physical fitness are most competitive for this recruitment.
- Candidates from rural areas or those who studied in Kannada medium (Class 1-10) are eligible for additional reservation categories.
- Ex-servicemen with valid discharge certificates and pension records qualify for 10% of posts under the special category reservation.
- Candidates currently employed must provide a No-Objection Certificate from their employer.
- SC/ST/OBC candidates applying under reserved categories must hold valid caste certificates in the prescribed format (not older than 5 years for OBC).
Vacancy Breakdown: KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
| Division | Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Karnataka | Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) | 1421 | 37,500-76,100 |
| Kalyana Karnataka | Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) | 179 | 37,500-76,100 |
| Total | 1600 |
Candidates may apply for one or both divisions if they meet eligibility criteria. Separate merit lists will be published for each division by the recruiting authority.
About the Armed Police Constable Role
Armed Police Constables in Karnataka State Police are responsible for maintaining civil order, border patrolling, law enforcement operations, and disaster response duties. Personnel serve in field-based operational roles across the state, with primary deployment in urban and semi-urban areas as well as sensitive border regions. The role demands consistent physical fitness, mental alertness, and adherence to police discipline and protocols. Selected candidates will undergo basic training at designated Police Training Schools, followed by a probationary period of two years and six months. This is a Group C (non-gazetted) position under the Karnataka Civil Services, with career progression to Head Constable and Inspector ranks available based on performance, merit, and departmental examinations.
Pay Scale and Benefits: KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | ₹37,500-76,100 (Sixth Pay Commission) |
| Pay Structure | ₹37,500-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800-1,375-58,300-1,500-64,300-1,650-74,200-1,900-76,100 |
| Pension Scheme | National Pension System (NPS) as per GO FD (SPFL) 04/FIT 2005 |
At Pay Level 3 (Group C), Armed Police Constables typically receive an in-hand salary of approximately ₹28,000-₹35,000 per month after statutory deductions, before location-based allowances such as HRA, dearness allowance, and special allowances. Actual take-home salary varies based on posting location and applicable allowances.
Application Fee: KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen | ₹500 |
Payment must be made online through the KEA portal before 24/07/2026. Fee is non-refundable once submitted.
Selection Process: KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
The recruitment comprises five stages: written examination, physical standard test (PST), physical endurance test (PET), medical examination, and final merit list preparation.
Written Examination
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Offline OMR-based |
| Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Date | 06/09/2026 |
Subjects covered: General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Civic Sense, and Ethical Education.
Candidates must download hall tickets from the official KEA website and carry a valid photo identity proof. Examination centres are fixed at the district level and cannot be changed. Ex-servicemen selected on merit are assessed without zero-score benchmarks.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
PST is a qualifying stage (no marks awarded). Candidates who qualify for the written exam at a 1:5 ratio per category per vacancy proceed to PST.
| Candidate Type | Minimum Height | Minimum Chest |
|---|---|---|
| General Male / Ex-Servicemen | 168 cm | 86 cm (fully expanded), minimum 5 cm expansion |
| Budakattu (Forest Tribal) Male | 155 cm | Minimum 5 cm expansion; fully expanded ≥75 cm |
Ex-servicemen below 168 cm are considered proportionally among other ex-servicemen candidates. Budakattu includes residents from specified forest areas in Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru districts.
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
| Candidate Type | Event | Qualifying Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General Male | 1600 m Run | Within 6 minutes and 30 seconds |
| General Male | Long Jump / High Jump | 3.80 m (Long Jump) OR 1.20 m (High Jump) – 3 chances each |
| General Male | Shot Put (7.26 kg) | Minimum 5.60 m – 3 chances |
| Ex-Servicemen | 400 m Run | Within 2 minutes |
| Ex-Servicemen | Long Jump / High Jump | 2.50 m (Long Jump) OR 0.90 m (High Jump) – 3 chances each |
| Ex-Servicemen | Shot Put (4 kg) | Minimum 3.75 m – 3 chances |
All PET events are mandatory and must be completed in the prescribed sequence. Failure or withdrawal from any event renders the candidate ineligible. Events are videographed for record purposes. Candidates participate at their own risk; the department is not liable for injuries. After PST/PET qualification, a 1:2 shortlist per category per vacancy is prepared for medical examination.
Medical Examination
Shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination by an authorized Medical Board. Medical requirements include:
Vision: Distance vision 6/9 (both eyes), near vision 0/6 (best) / 0/8 (worst). Complete field of vision required; colour blindness, squint, eyelid abnormalities, or retinal conditions are disqualifying.
Hearing: Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and vertigo assessment. Any deficiency is disqualifying.
Physical disqualifications: Varicose veins, speech impediment, musculoskeletal deformities (knock knees, flat feet, bow legs, cubitus valgus/varus), chest abnormalities on X-ray, or any physical/mental disability preventing duty performance.
Admission to the medical exam is provisional and does not guarantee an appointment. Only physically fit candidates are eligible for final selection.
Training and Probation
Selected candidates complete basic training at Police Training Schools as prescribed by the DGP/IGP. Training failures result in discharge. After training, candidates serve a two-year, six-month probationary period.
How to Apply for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
- Visit https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and locate the active recruitment link for “KSP Armed Police Constable 2026.”
- Register using a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Fill all personal, educational, and category details accurately.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format (50 KB-200 KB) and your signature in JPEG format (50 KB-70 KB).
- Select the correct category and provide division preferences (General Karnataka, Kalyana Karnataka, or both).
- Pay the application fee online (₹750 for General/OBC or ₹500 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen).
- Download and save your submitted application and fee payment receipt.
- Retain the receipt until the entire selection process is complete.
Only one application per candidate per division is permitted. No modifications are allowed after submission. The mobile number and email provided will be used for all future communications, including hall ticket distribution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for KSP Constable Recruitment 2026
- Uploading a photograph that is not a recent, clear passport-size JPEG or that exceeds 200 KB will be rejected at document verification.
- Submitting a signature file larger than 70 KB or not in JPEG format will result in application validation failing.
- Forgetting to pay the application fee before the 24/07/2026 deadline, unpaid applications are automatically invalid and non-recoverable.
- Applying in the wrong category or submitting mismatched caste certificates, you will face disqualification if the category and certificate do not align.
- Applying as a current student without a passed PUC certificate; only those with passed qualifications are eligible, and awaiting results does not qualify.
- Submitting multiple applications for the same division, only the first valid application will be processed; duplicates are cancelled.
- Providing an incorrect mobile number or email address means that hall tickets and exam details are sent exclusively to these contact details; errors mean missing exam notifications.
- Ignoring Kannada language test requirements, if you have not cleared a Kannada certification, you must have scored at least 50/150 in Kannada at the SSLC level to proceed.
Documents Required: KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
Have the following documents ready at the time of application and for later verification stages:
- Aadhaar Card (identity verification only; do not carry to exam hall)
- Marks sheets and certificates for all subjects from the final qualifying examination
- Date of birth proof (SSLC or PUC certificate or equivalent)
- Caste/Community certificate in prescribed format (SC/ST: Form D, Category-1: Form I, OBC: Form F)
- Rural reservation certificate in Form 1 and Form 2 (if applicable)
- Kannada Medium certificate in the prescribed format (if applicable)
- Discharge certificate and pension/gratuity proof (ex-servicemen only)
- No-Objection Certificate from current employer (if employed)
- Project Displaced Person certificate in the prescribed format (if applicable)
- Permanent Disability certificate (dependants of deceased/permanently disabled ex-servicemen, if applicable)
OBC certificates must not be older than 5 years from the application date. SC/ST and Category-1 certificates must be current. All caste certificates must bear the Tahsildar’s signature, seal, barcode, and QR code. For employment purposes, only caste and income certificates are accepted; education or other benefit certificates will not be considered.
Reservation Categories and Special Provisions
Ex-Servicemen (XMP): 10% of posts are reserved for ex-servicemen under GO No. DPAR 13 SRR 92 and GO No. DPAR 28 SRR 95. Eligible ex-servicemen are those who completed service honorably; those who quit voluntarily, faced dismissal, or received early gratuity are not eligible. Dependent family members of ex-servicemen who died in service or became permanently disabled are also eligible. Ex-servicemen receive a 3-year age relaxation beyond their category limit, plus the length of service rendered.
Rural Candidates: Candidates who studied in Class 1-10 in a rural area school are eligible under GO No. 59/2000. The certificate must be issued by the school headmaster with endorsement from the field education authority and the current Tahsildar’s signature.
Kannada Medium Students (KMS): Candidates educated in Kannada medium from Class 1-10 qualify under GO No. 71. The certificate must be issued by the school headmaster with field education officer endorsement and submitted by the application deadline.
Project Displaced Persons (PDP): Eligible under GO No. 23/99 and Amendment GO No. 252/2020. The certificate must be issued by the competent Tahsildar in the prescribed format.
Kalyana Karnataka (Section 371(J)): For the 179 posts in the Kalyana Karnataka division, local candidates receive reservation under Article 371(J) of the Indian Constitution as per the Karnataka Public Service (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region Recruitment) Rules, 2013. The eligibility certificate in Annexure-2 must be issued by the competent sub-divisional authority.
What Happens After You Apply for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
- Application window closes on 22/07/2026 (with fee payment extended to 24/07/2026).
- Written examination is conducted on 06/09/2026 at district-level centres.
- The answer key and result notification will be published on the official portal; candidates can view their marks.
- Shortlisted candidates (1:5 ratio per category) are called for the Physical Standard Test at announced venues and dates.
- PST-qualified candidates proceed to the Physical Endurance Test as per the announced schedule.
- PST/PET-qualified candidates (1:2 shortlist ratio per category) are called for medical examination.
- Medical Board completes examinations and submits fitness reports.
- The final merit list is prepared and published on the official recruitment portal.
- Selected candidates receive appointment letters and join the designated Police Training Schools.
- The training period is followed by a two-year, six-month probationary service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for both General Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka divisions under the Karnataka State Police Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Yes, eligible candidates can apply for one or both divisions. Separate applications and separate merit lists will be maintained for each division. Candidates can submit one application per division, and their selection will be independent in each division.
Q2. What is the minimum passing score in the written examination to qualify for PST?
Ans. The official notification does not specify a fixed cut-off score. Instead, shortlisting is done at a 1:5 ratio per category per vacancy. This means the top 5 candidates per category per vacancy position are called for PST. As your rank improves, your chances of clearing the 1:5 shortlist increase.
Q3. I studied in Kannada medium, but did not appear for the Kannada language certification exam. Am I eligible to apply?
Ans. As per GO No. 43/2020, if you have not passed a separate Kannada language test, you must have scored at least 50 marks out of 150 in Kannada at the SSLC-level examination to be eligible. Verify your SSLC Kannada marks with the board before applying.
Q4. What is the medical fitness standard for the vision requirement?
Ans. Distance vision must be 6/9 in the best eye and 6/9 or 6/12 in the worst eye. Near vision must be 0/6 (best) and 0/8 (worst). Any colour blindness, squint, eyelid abnormality, or retinal condition will disqualify you. Glasses or contact lenses are acceptable if vision meets the standard with correction.
Q5. Is there any compensation or employment benefits if I fail during the Physical Endurance Test?
Ans. Candidates appearing in written exams, PST, PET, and medical examinations do not receive any employment benefits. The state government and recruitment authority are not liable for any injury sustained during the PET. Participation in PET is voluntary and at the candidate’s own risk. Failing any PET event renders you ineligible for further selection stages.
Q6. What documents must I carry to the written examination on 06/09/2026?
Ans. Carry a valid photo identity proof such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License. Do not carry the Aadhaar Card alone. Also, carry your printed hall ticket downloaded from the KEA website. Carrying any communication device, calculator, or reference material is prohibited and may result in disqualification.
Q7. If I am an ex-serviceman, what additional documents must I submit?
Ans. Ex-servicemen must produce their discharge certificate and proof of pension or gratuity payment at the time of document verification. The Discharge Certificate must clearly state the rank, unit, service period, and reason for discharge (honorable, medical, etc.). Dependent family members of deceased or permanently disabled ex-servicemen must provide additional supporting documentation issued by the Ministry of Defence.
Q8. Can I change my category or division choice after submitting my application?
Ans. No. Once your application is submitted, no details, including category, division, or personal information, can be modified or corrected. Verify all information carefully before final submission. If you discover an error after submission, contact the KEA helpline immediately (details on the official website), though corrections are rarely entertained post-submission.
How to Proceed
Eligible candidates must submit their application via the official KEA portal before 22/07/2026 to avoid deadline rejection. Ensure your photograph, signature, and category selection are correct before payment, as no corrections are permitted after submission. After the application window closes, the board will release admit cards on the official website approximately one week before the written examination on 06/09/2026. Download your hall ticket and begin focused preparation on the eight subjects covered in the exam: General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, and Ethical Education. Stay updated with our free job alert service for announcements regarding answer keys, result dates, PST scheduling, and subsequent selection stages.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online at the KEA Portal | Apply Now |
| Download General Karnataka Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Download Kalyana Karnataka Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Official KSP Website | Visit Website |
