KEA KSRP Police Constable Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Karnataka Examination Authority on 10 July 2026 for 2,314 posts across Special Reserve Police Constable (KSRP), Police Constable (KSISF), and Special Reserve Police Constable (IRB) positions. Applications are open from 13 July 2026, with the final date to apply being 10 August 2026. This is one of the largest police recruitment drives in Karnataka, offering positions for both state cadre and Kalyana Karnataka (local) cadre candidates.
The written examination is scheduled for 20 September 2026, with separate exam slots for state cadre (1,455 posts) and Kalyana Karnataka cadre (KSRP, KSISF, IRB combined, 859 posts). Candidates with a 2nd PUC qualification or equivalent, aged 18 to 33 years (with age relaxation up to 38 years for reserved categories), are eligible to apply online at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
KEA KSRP Police Constable Recruitment 2026 | Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka State Police Department (Directorate General of Police, Recruitment) |
| Post Names | Special Reserve Police Constable (KSRP), Police Constable (KSISF), Special Reserve Police Constable (IRB) |
| Total Vacancies | 2,314 |
| Notification Numbers | 03/Nemakathi-3(B)/RPP/2026-27 and 07/Nemakathi-3(B)/KK/2026-27 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Portal | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10/07/2026 |
| Online Application Start | 13/07/2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 10/08/2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | 11/08/2026 |
| Written Exam – State Cadre KSRP | 20/09/2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Written Exam – Kalyana Karnataka Cadre | 20/09/2026, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates with 2nd PUC or equivalent qualification, aged 18 to 33 years (with category-specific relaxation), and who are Indian citizens meeting the residency and local candidature requirements for Kalyana Karnataka posts are eligible to apply. Candidates must be mentally and physically fit and possess a valid Kannada language qualification at the 12th standard level or equivalent, unless exempted under specific provisions.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age (all candidates) | 18 years |
| General/Unreserved | 33 years |
| SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B | 35 years |
| Forest-area residents (notified communities) | 38 years |
Age is calculated as of 10 August 2026. Ex-servicemen are entitled to relaxation equal to their period of military service plus 3 additional years as per official rules.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 2nd PUC or hold an equivalent qualification as per Government Order No. 81 dated 27/02/2018. The following are treated as equivalent to 2nd PUC:
- Class 12 from CBSE, ICSE, or other state boards
- Higher secondary certificates from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- One-year vocational/ITI course after SSLC, combined with a pass in one PUC subject through NIOS, provided candidates have passed at least one language and one technical/vocational subject
- Three-year diploma from a recognised technical institution after SSLC (recognised before 2015) – candidates without Kannada as a subject must clear the Kannada language qualifying exam
Qualifications must be obtained on or before 10 August 2026. Private study courses are recognised only if approved by the concerned university at admission and verified against UGC records.
Who Should Consider This Recruitment?
- Candidates with 2nd PUC or equivalent qualification from any board are eligible.
- If you are 18 to 33 years old, this recruitment is open to you; reserved category candidates may apply up to age 35 or 38, depending on category and residence in forest areas.
- For Kalyana Karnataka posts (KSRP, KSISF, IRB), you must hold a valid local candidature certificate under the Karnataka Public Employment Rules, 2013.
- Both male and female candidates are eligible; the recruitment includes separate quotas for women across all post categories.
- If you have studied in Kannada medium or cleared a Kannada language exam, you meet the language requirement; otherwise, you must qualify for the Kannada language test conducted by KEA.
Vacancy Breakdown
| Post Name | Cadre/Region | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Reserve Police Constable (KSRP) | State-wide | 1,382 | 73 | 1,455 |
| Special Reserve Police Constable (KSRP) | Kalyana Karnataka (local cadre) | 284 | 50 | 334 |
| Police Constable (KSISF) | Kalyana Karnataka (local cadre) | 274 | 90 | 364 |
| Special Reserve Police Constable (IRB) | Kalyana Karnataka (local cadre) | 161 | – | 161 |
About the Police Constable Role
Police Constable positions in the Karnataka State Police Department involve frontline law enforcement duties, including patrol, community policing, traffic regulation, and crime prevention. Constables work in both urban and rural settings, often in field conditions requiring physical stamina and mental resilience. The role falls under Group C, Pay Level 3 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, with salaries ranging from ₹37,500 to ₹76,100 per month. As an entry-level state police position, constables have opportunities for promotion to head constable and further ranks based on merit, seniority, and departmental vacancies, offering a structured career path within the state police hierarchy.
Pay Scale and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 3 (7th CPC) |
| Basic Pay | ₹37,500 |
| Maximum of Scale | ₹76,100 |
| Pension | National Pension System (NPS) as per Government Order FD (SPL) 04 PET 2005, dated 31/03/2006 |
Constables at Pay Level 3 typically receive an in-hand salary of approximately ₹25,000 to ₹32,000 per month after statutory deductions, before dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), and other location-based allowances. As a Group C position, this offers stability, job security, and regular increments under government service rules.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/2A/2B/3A/3B | ₹750 |
| SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-servicemen | ₹500 |
Fees must be paid online only and are non-refundable under any circumstances. For the Kalyana Karnataka notification, candidates may submit one combined application for KSRP, KSISF, and IRB posts since all share one written exam. An additional ₹100 is charged for each extra post/category selected within the same application.
Selection Process
Written Examination
The written exam is an offline OMR-based test on General Studies and Mental Ability comprising 100 questions for 100 marks, with a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes). Candidates are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio per category/post based on written exam marks for the next stage.
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. If a candidate marks multiple answers, erases/overwrites an answer such that it becomes legible only after 5 minutes of OMR scanning, or produces an illegible erasure, it is treated as a wrong answer with a 0.25 mark deduction (no deduction for illegible erasures).
Physical Standard Test (PST)
Height, chest, and weight measurements are taken. Candidates shortlisted from the written exam undergo PST evaluation per the standards below.
| Category | Minimum Height | Minimum Chest/Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Male and Ex-servicemen | 168 cm | Unexpanded chest 86 cm, minimum 5 cm expansion |
| Female | 158 cm | Minimum weight 45 kg |
| Male (forest-dwelling/nomadic communities) | 155 cm | Minimum 5 cm expansion, unexpanded chest minimum 75 cm |
| Female (forest-dwelling/nomadic communities) | 150 cm | Minimum weight 45 kg |
Notified forest-dwelling/nomadic communities include Siddi, Jenu Kuruba, Kadu Kuruba, Yerava, Soliga, Kudiya, Gowdlu, Hasalaru, Malekudiya, and Koraga communities residing in forest areas of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru districts.
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
PET is qualifying in nature; no marks are awarded. Candidates must meet the prescribed standards for run, long jump, and shot-put events.
| Category | Event | Qualifying Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1600 metre run | 6 minutes 30 seconds |
| Male | Long jump (with run-up) | 3.80 m or 1.20 m (standing, 3 chances) |
| Male | Shot put (7.26 kg) | 5.60 m (3 chances) |
| Female/Ex-servicemen | 400 metre run | 1 minute 30 seconds |
| Female/Ex-servicemen | Long jump (with run-up) | 2.50 m or 0.90 m (standing, 3 chances) |
| Female/Ex-servicemen | Shot put (4 kg) | 3.75 m (3 chances) |
Medical Examination
The Medical Board conducts vision, hearing, and other physical fitness tests. Disqualifying conditions include varicose veins, speech impediment, knock knees, flat foot, bow legs, Cubitus Valgus, and Cubitus Varus. Vision standards are distant vision (better eye 6/9, worse eye 6/9 or 6/12) and near vision (better eye 0/6, worse eye 0/8). Hearing tests include Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and Vertigo tests.
Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on the written exam marks of candidates who qualify for PST, PET, and the medical test.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Mark’s card/certificate for qualification claimed (SSLC, PUC, or equivalent)
- Proof of date of birth (SSLC or transfer certificate showing DOB)
- Caste/category certificate (for SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, or 3B candidates claiming reservation)
- Discharge certificate and pension book/pension payment order (for Ex-servicemen)
- Rural candidature certificate (Format-1 or Format-2, as applicable) – for candidates claiming rural reservation
- Kannada medium study certificate – for candidates claiming Kannada-medium exemption
- Income and caste certificate – for women candidates of certain reserved categories, where applicable
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, 50 KB to 200 KB)
- Signature (JPEG, 50 KB to 70 KB)
How to Apply for KEA KSRP Police Constable Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Karnataka Examination Authority portal: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Click on the relevant recruitment link for KSRP / KSISF / IRB Constable Recruitment 2026-27.
- Register a new account or log in if you already have one.
- Fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details.
- Upload your scanned photograph in JPEG format (50 KB-200 KB) and signature in JPEG format (50 KB-70 KB) as per the specified dimensions.
- Select your preferred post(s) and category for Kalyana Karnataka notifications if applying for multiple posts.
- Pay the applicable application fee online through the secure payment gateway; note that an additional ₹100 is charged for each extra post beyond the first.
- Review all entered information carefully before final submission, as no corrections are allowed after submission.
- Download and save a printout of your submitted application form for future reference and exam hall admission.
- Ensure your application is submitted by 10 August 2026 and the fee payment is completed by 11 August 2026.
Keep a record of your registration number and login credentials immediately after registration; you will need these to check exam admit cards and results on the official portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Uploading a photograph or signature outside the specified size limits (50-200 KB for photo, 50-70 KB for signature) – the form will be rejected at document verification.
- Entering incorrect personal or educational details, such as date of birth or date of qualification obtained, no corrections are allowed after final submission, and mismatches can lead to disqualification.
- Selecting the wrong caste/category or claiming false reservation – most boards conduct thorough verification and disqualify candidates with false claims.
- Submitting the application in the final hours of 10 August 2026 – portal traffic peaks sharply near the deadline, causing session timeouts and submission failures.
- Paying the application fee after 11 August 2026 – late fee submissions are not accepted, resulting in form rejection regardless of application status.
- Submitting multiple applications for the same post/category – duplicate applications result in disqualification without refund.
What Happens After You Apply
- Applications close on 10 August 2026; the fee payment window closes on 11 August 2026.
- Written Examination (General Studies and Mental Ability) – 20 September 2026 at the scheduled time for your cadre (state or Kalyana Karnataka).
- Admit cards for the written exam have been released on the official portal – candidates must download and bring them to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID.
- Results and merit list for the written exam are published on the official portal; shortlisted candidates (1 in 5 per category/post) are called for Physical Standard Test (PST).
- Physical Standard Test (PST) – height, chest, and weight measurement as per the official schedule at designated centres.
- Physical Endurance Test (PET) – qualifying run, long jump, and shot-put events for candidates who pass PST.
- Medical Examination – vision, hearing, and physical fitness tests for candidates who qualify for the PET, conducted by a Medical Board.
- Final Merit List prepared and published based on the written exam marks of candidates who clear PST, PET, and medical tests.
- Document Verification and appointment process as per the official notification.
Important Instructions
- Applications are accepted online only; offline or manual submissions are not accepted.
- No corrections or changes to the application are permitted after final submission at any stage.
- Only one application per post/bracket is permitted; multiple applications result in disqualification.
- For the Kalyana Karnataka notification, a combined application for KSRP, KSISF, and IRB is permitted, with an additional ₹100 fee per extra post selection.
- Candidates must appear for the written exam and all subsequent stages (PST, PET, medical test) strictly as per the schedule; no request for date change is entertained.
- Bring a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or similar government-issued ID) to exam centres and PST/PET venues.
- Submission of forged documents, impersonation, or providing false information results in disqualification and may attract legal or criminal action.
- Candidates are solely responsible for the accuracy of information in their applications.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| KSRP Notification (Kannada) | Download Notification |
| KSRP Non-Kannada Notification | Download Notification |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the KEA KSRP Police Constable Recruitment 2026, and how many posts are being filled?
Ans. KEA KSRP Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is a notification released by the Karnataka Examination Authority for filling 2,314 vacancies across Special Reserve Police Constable (KSRP), Police Constable (KSISF), and Special Reserve Police Constable (IRB) positions. Posts are available for both state cadre (1,455 KSRP posts) and Kalyana Karnataka local cadre (334 KSRP, 364 KSISF, 161 IRB posts), with gender-wise distribution as listed in the vacancy table.
Q2. I have passed 2nd PUC from another state board. Am I eligible to apply?
Ans. Yes, you are eligible. As per Government Order No. 81 dated 27/02/2018, Class 12 examinations conducted by CBSE, ICSE, and other state boards are treated as equivalent to 2nd PUC. However, you must also hold or qualify a Kannada language qualification at the 12th standard level unless you studied in Kannada medium or are exempted under the Kannada-exam provision mentioned in the official notification.
Q3. What is the age limit, and is there relaxation for reserved categories?
Ans. The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum is 33 years for general candidates. SC/ST and Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates can apply up to 35 years. Candidates residing in notified forest areas can apply up to 38 years. All age limits already include a 5-year relaxation granted as per Government Order No. 262 dated 29/01/2026. Ex-servicemen are entitled to an additional relaxation equal to their service period plus 3 years.
Q4. What is the written examination pattern, and how is the final merit list prepared?
Ans. The written exam is an offline OMR-based test with 100 questions (General Studies and Mental Ability) for 100 marks, duration 90 minutes. Candidates are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio per category/post based on written exam marks. The final merit list is prepared based on written exam marks of candidates who successfully qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET), and Medical Examination.
Q5. Can I apply for multiple posts if I am eligible for the Kalyana Karnataka notification?
Ans. Yes, for the Kalyana Karnataka notification, you can submit one combined application for KSRP, KSISF, and IRB posts since all three share the same written exam paper on the same day. The standard application fee is ₹750 (or ₹500 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-servicemen) for the first post; an additional ₹100 is charged for each extra post/category selected within the same application.
Q6. What are the disqualifying medical conditions for this recruitment?
Ans. Disqualifying conditions include varicose veins, speech impediment, knock knees, flat foot, bow legs, Cubitus Valgus, and Cubitus Varus. Vision standards require distant vision of 6/9 in the better eye and 6/9 or 6/12 in the worse eye; near vision must be 0/6 in the better eye and 0/8 in the worse eye. Failing the Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, or Vertigo test results in disqualification.
Q7. What happens if I fail the Physical Endurance Test (PET)?
Ans. PET is qualifying in nature, meaning candidates must meet the prescribed standards (run, long jump, and shot-put) to pass. If you fail PET, you are disqualified from the recruitment. However, PET performance itself does not affect your marks; the final merit list is based solely on written exam marks of candidates who qualify all stages (PST, PET, and medical test).
Q8. When will admit cards for the written exam be released, and what ID documents should I bring to the exam centre?
Ans. Admit cards for the written exam (scheduled for 20/09/2026) will be released on the official portal https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. You must bring a valid original photo ID such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or similar government-issued ID to the exam centre and to PST/PET venues.
How to Proceed
Eligible candidates should register on the official KEA portal and submit their complete application form along with a scanned photograph and signature by 10 August 2026, with fee payment completed by 11 August 2026. Ensure all personal, educational, and category details are entered accurately, as no corrections are allowed after final submission. Follow the official schedule strictly for the written examination (20 September 2026) and all subsequent stages (PST, PET, medical test), and keep checking the portal for admit cards and merit lists. Our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com keeps you informed about police recruitment announcements, exam updates, and result notifications – subscribe today to stay ahead of application deadlines and recruitment timelines.
