KSP Civil Police Constable Recruitment 2026 represents a major career opportunity within Karnataka’s law enforcement framework. The Karnataka State Police has opened recruitment for Police Constable (Civil) positions across two distinct cadres, offering candidates a pathway into one of India’s most respected state police forces. This recruitment drive reflects the department’s commitment to strengthening personnel across critical security and community policing functions throughout the state.
The recruitment encompasses 3991 vacancies split between the Kalyana Karnataka cadre (596 posts under Article 371(J)) and the Mikkili/Okkalida cadre (3395 posts), with positions available for male, female, and third gender candidates. Applicants must hold a PUC or an equivalent qualification and possess mandatory Kannada language proficiency. The complete selection process includes a written examination scheduled for 02.08.2026, followed by physical standards testing, endurance evaluation, and medical assessment. Online applications opened on 08.06.2026 with a closing date of 03.07.2026 at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Candidates are strongly advised to review the official notification thoroughly before submitting their applications.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
KSP Civil Police Constable Recruitment 2026 – Notification
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka State Police, Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, Bengaluru |
| Advertisement Number | 01/Recruitment-4/2026-27 (Kalyana Karnataka) & 02/Recruitment-4/2026-27 (Mikkili/Okkalida) dated 05.06.2026 |
| Post Name | Police Constable (Civil) |
| Total Vacancies | 3991 (596 – Kalyana Karnataka + 3395 – Mikkili/Okkalida) |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 37,500-76,100/- per month |
| Application Mode | Online only via the KEA portal |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Important Dates for Application
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 05-06-2026 |
| Online Application Start | 08-06-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 03-07-2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 04-07-2026 |
| Written Examination | 02-08-2026 |
| Kannada Language Test | To be notified after the written exam result |
Age Limit Eligibility
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit (UR) – Direct / All Genders | 33 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Cat-2A / Cat-2B / Cat-3A / Cat-3B – Direct / All Genders | 35 years |
| Budakattu (Forest Tribal) candidates – Karnataka forest areas | 38 years |
| General Merit (UR) – Ex-Servicemen / All Genders | 38 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Cat-2A / Cat-2B / Cat-3A / Cat-3B – Ex-Servicemen / All Genders | 40 years |
Age is calculated as on the last date of application submission (03-07-2026). A one-time age relaxation of 5 years is available for candidates who were unjustly denied age relaxation as per the recent government order. Ex-Servicemen from the armed forces are entitled to an additional 3 years of age relaxation for their active service period. Gallantry Award winners are also included within the definition of Ex-Servicemen.
Educational Qualification Requirements
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | PUC (Pre-University Certificate) or equivalent certification (completed as on the last date of application) |
| CBSE / ICSE Class 12 | Accepted as PUC equivalent |
| Other State Board Class 12 | Accepted as PUC equivalent |
| NIOS HSC (Higher Secondary) | Accepted as PUC equivalent |
| NIOS 2-Year BTEC Course | Accepted as PUC equivalent if one language and one academic subject passed with minimum marks |
| Karnataka GTC (Vocational) | Treated as PUC equivalent for competitive exams (as per government order) |
| 3-Year Diploma | Treated as PUC equivalent if passed before 2015 from recognized technical institution |
| Kannada Language (Mandatory) | Candidates without Kannada at the 10th/PUC level must qualify a separate mandatory test with a minimum of 50 marks (out of 150) |
Candidates appearing in PUC examinations and awaiting results are not eligible to apply. All required subjects and marks must have been secured before the application closing date. Karnataka Rajyotsava Kannada exam holders are exempted from the mandatory Kannada language test requirement.
Vacancy Details and Job Profile
| Cadre | Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Kalyana Karnataka / Article 371(J) Area | Police Constable (Civil) | 596 |
| Mikkili (Okkalida) Cadre | Police Constable (Civil) | 3395 |
Cadre 1 – Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371(J)) – Vacancy Breakdown
| Post Name | Pay Scale | Male | Female | Ex-Servicemen Male | Ex-Servicemen Female | Third Gender | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Constable (Civil) | Rs. 37,500-76,100 | 398 | 133 | 46 | 14 | 5 | 596 |
Cadre 2 – Mikkili/Okkalida Cadre – Vacancy Breakdown
| Post Name | Pay Scale | Male | Female | Ex-Servicemen Male | Ex-Servicemen Female | Third Gender | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Constable (Civil) | Rs. 37,500-76,100 | 2266 | 755 | 257 | 82 | 35 | 3395 |
Category-wise and district-wise vacancy distribution will be published separately. “Budakattu Community” comprises tribal and indigenous populations from Karnataka’s forest regions, including Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru areas, encompassing Siddi, Jenu Kuruba, Kadu Kuruba, Yerava, Soliga, Kudiya, Gowda, Hasalaru, Malekudiya, and Koraga communities.
Role & Responsibilities
Police Constables in the Civil cadre serve as frontline law enforcement officers responsible for community patrol, crime prevention, and public order maintenance across their assigned districts and talukas. Daily responsibilities include conducting beat patrols, responding to public complaints, assisting in crime investigations, managing traffic and crowd control, and preparing detailed incident reports for higher authorities. This position operates within high-pressure environments requiring physical fitness, quick decision-making, and the ability to de-escalate tense situations while maintaining strict protocol adherence.
The role demands proficiency in the Kannada language for effective community interaction, along with strong observational skills and mental aptitude to handle diverse situations. Constables work under the supervision of senior officers and may be assigned rotating shifts, including night duties and weekend patrols. Career progression within Karnataka Police offers pathways to Head Constable, Sub-Inspector, and Inspector positions through competitive examinations and merit-based promotions.
Expert Insight: Karnataka Police holds a strong reputation for professional training and officer development. The 9-month foundational training at Police Training Schools ensures recruits are well-prepared for field assignments. Candidates who demonstrate integrity, physical stamina, and community engagement during initial posting often advance to specialized units like traffic police, dog squads, or crime investigation branches, significantly expanding long-term career prospects within the force.
Monthly Salary and Pay Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs. 37,500-76,100/- per month |
| Grade Pay | As per the 6th Karnataka Pay Commission |
| Position Type | Full-time Government Service |
| Probation Period | 2 years and 6 months after the appointment |
| Training Requirement | 9 months basic foundational training at Police Training Schools (DIGI/IGPI) |
Application Fee Structure
| Applicant Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit & Cat-2A / Cat-2B / Cat-3A / Cat-3B candidates | Rs. 750/- |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen / Third Gender candidates | Rs. 500/- |
Fee payment is mandatory and must be completed online only through the KEA portal. The fee payment deadline is 04-07-2026 (if this date falls on a public holiday, the next working day becomes the final date). Fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Selection Process Overview
| Stage | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written Examination (Offline-OMR) | 100 questions / 100 marks / 90 minutes; conducted at district centres; minimum qualifying score: 30 marks |
| Stage 2 | Physical Standards Test & Endurance Test | Qualifying stages; called at a 1:5 ratio per vacancy; dates published on the official portal |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination | Comprehensive medical assessment; only medically fit candidates proceed to final selection |
| Stage 4 | Final Selection & Appointment | Merit-based selection at a 1:2 ratio per vacancy based on written examination marks after medical clearance |
Candidates must successfully qualify each stage to advance to the next. Physical Standards Test and Endurance Test are qualifying in nature and carry no marks. No marks are awarded for medical examination-it serves as a final fitness check before appointment confirmation.
Written Examination Details
Exam Pattern
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Objective (Multiple Choice – OMR-based) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes) |
| Subjects | General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Integration, Current Affairs, Mental Aptitude, General Studies |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer; 0.25 marks deducted if 5+ options marked or answer struck out after final bell |
| Minimum Pass Score | 30 marks (competitive candidate threshold) |
Examination Schedule
| Cadre | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kalyana Karnataka / Article 371(J) Area | 02-08-2026 | 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Mikkili / Okkalida Cadre | 02-08-2026 | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Mandatory Kannada Language Test | To be notified after the written exam result | For candidates without Kannada qualification |
Candidates must download admit cards from the official portal and carry one original identity proof to the examination centre. The Kannada language test (mandatory for those without prior Kannada qualification) will be scheduled after the written examination results are announced.
Physical Standards Test Requirements
Height & Chest Measurements
| Category | Minimum Height | Chest Expansion (Male) | Minimum Weight (Female) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male (General) & Ex-Servicemen Male | 168 cm | 86 cm unexpanded; minimum 5 cm expansion | Not applicable |
| Female & Third Gender | 157 cm | Not applicable | 45 kg minimum |
| Budakattu Male (Forest Tribal) | 155 cm | Minimum 5 cm expansion; overall chest ≥75 cm | Not applicable |
| Budakattu Female (Forest Tribal) | 150 cm | Not applicable | Physical assessment by a medical authority |
Endurance Test Standards
| Category | Event 1 | Event 1 Standard | Event 2 | Event 2 Standard | Event 3 | Event 3 Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male & Ex-Servicemen Male | 1600m Run | Within 6 min 30 sec | High Jump or Long Jump | ≥1.20m (High) or ≥3.80m (Long) | Shot Put (7.26 kg) | ≥5.60m (3 chances) |
| Female, Third Gender & Ex-Servicemen Female | 400m Run | Within 2 minutes | High Jump or Long Jump | ≥0.90m (High) or ≥2.50m (Long) | Shot Put (4 kg) | ≥3.75m (3 chances) |
Candidates must qualify in all endurance test events. Failure in any single event results in immediate disqualification. High Jump and Long Jump offer a choice (3 attempts maximum per event), and Shot Put allows 3 attempts. No marks are awarded for the Endurance Test; it is strictly a qualifying assessment.
Medical Examination Standards
The medical examination assesses fitness for police duties across vision, hearing, physical structure, and overall health. Key disqualification criteria include:
- Vision Requirements: Distant vision of 6/9 (best eye) and 6/12 (other eye) without glasses; near vision 6/6 and 6/8; full field of vision in each eye required. Any condition, including squint, colour blindness, or pathological eye disease, disqualifies candidates.
- Hearing Assessment: Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and Vertigo tests must be normal; any hearing deficiency is disqualifying.
- Physical Deformities: Varicose veins with flatfoot, knock knees, flat foot, bow legs, cubitus valgus/varus, or any musculoskeletal defect observed during examination is disqualifying.
- Speech & Mental Health: Speech impediment or any physical or mental condition that impairs police duty performance is disqualifying.
How to Apply for KSP Civil Police Constable Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Karnataka Examinations Authority portal at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Locate the Police Constable (Civil) recruitment notification and click on the application link for your preferred cadre.
- Create a new user account using your email address and mobile number, or log in if you have an existing account.
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact information.
- Upload your recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, 50-200 KB) and signature in black ink (JPEG format, 50-70 KB).
- Verify all submitted information for accuracy before proceeding to payment.
- Pay the applicable fee online through the available payment gateway and obtain the fee payment receipt.
- Submit the completed application and download the confirmation page for record-keeping.
💡 Expert Tip: Prepare and verify all document scans (photograph, signature) meet the exact size specifications (50-200 KB for photo, 50-70 KB for signature in JPEG format) before uploading to avoid application rejection. Keep your registration ID, application number, and fee challan receipt safely stored until the entire recruitment process concludes, as these may be required during physical testing and document verification stages.
Required Documents and Certificates
Documents to Upload at Application Stage
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (JPEG format, 50 KB to 200 KB maximum)
- Signature in black ink on white background (JPEG format, 50 KB to 70 KB maximum)
- Active mobile number and email ID (must remain active throughout the recruitment process)
Documents to Present During Physical Test, Verification, and Engagement
- Aadhaar Card (compulsory for identity verification)
- Marks cards and pass certificates for all subjects/semesters of your qualifying qualification (as of application closing date)
- Date of birth proof: SSLC marks card or 10th standard certificate
- Discharge certificate and pension payment documentation (if applying as Ex-Servicemen)
- Caste certificate in the Government of India prescribed format (SC/ST: Form D; Category-1: Form E; Category-2A/2B/3A/3B: Form F) – must be currently valid with the tahsildar seal, signature, and security features
- Rural reservation certificate (Form 1 or Form 2 as applicable) signed by the school Headmaster and the Field Education Officer
- Kannada Medium Study certificate (if claiming KMS reservation)
- Project Displaced Person certificate (if applicable)
- Income and caste certificate from the tahsildar in the prescribed format (for OBC categories)
- No Objection Certificate or service certificate from current employer (if presently employed)
- One original government-issued photo identity: Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, State/Central/PSU/Private Company Service ID, Bank Passbook with photo, Registered property deed with photo, Caste certificate with photo, Ex-Servicemen pension book, NREGS Job Card, Voter ID, or Aadhaar Card
Post-Recruitment Training and Probation
All candidates selected through direct recruitment must undergo 9 months of basic foundational training at authorized Police Training Schools (DIGI – Directorate of In-Service Training, and IGPI – Institute of Police Training). Training includes physical conditioning, legal studies, firearms training, community policing, and professional ethics. Candidates failing prescribed examinations during training will be dismissed from service.
Following successful training completion, selected officers enter a probation period of 2 years and 6 months. During probation, candidates remain subject to performance evaluation, conduct assessment, and may be dismissed if they fail to meet departmental standards or violate conduct rules.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Candidates submitting applications must carefully verify all information before final submission and retain a printed copy along with the fee payment challan until recruitment completion. No modifications are permitted after submission. Online applications are the only accepted submission mode; physical copies must not be mailed to the authority.
If applying for both cadres, submit separate applications for each cadre; apply for only one post per application form. General category candidates belonging to the OBC Creamy Layer are ineligible for OBC reservation and must apply under General Merit. Caste certificates must be currently valid as on the application closing date; SC/ST certificates have no expiry requirement, whereas OBC category certificates must show 5-year validity. Only caste certificates issued for employment purposes are considered; certificates for educational or other benefits are not accepted.
Married female candidates from OBC or other reserved categories must provide caste certificates issued in their husband’s name (not father’s name) to claim reservation benefits. Candidates currently employed or having prior government service must obtain a written No Objection Certificate from their employer and include service details in the application form.
The recruitment authority will not maintain correspondence with individual candidates. Applicants must regularly visit the official website for updates, notifications, corrigenda, and result announcements. Mobile numbers and email addresses submitted in applications are final-no subsequent changes are entertained.
Candidates engaging in misconduct, malpractice, canvassing, or cheating at any recruitment stage will be disqualified from the entire selection process. Answer sheets evaluated by the Karnataka Examinations Authority will be shared with the Karnataka Police and the recruitment board for subsequent stages. The recruitment authority reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the recruitment process at any stage without advance notice. All disputes arising from this recruitment fall under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru courts only.
KSP Civil Police Constable Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| Kalyana Karnataka Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Mikkili/Okkalida Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Official Website | Official Website |
| KEA Portal | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for the KSP Civil Police Constable Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The last date for online application submission is 03-07-2026, and the fee payment deadline is 04-07-2026. If the final date falls on a public holiday, the next working day becomes the extended deadline.
Q2. How many total vacancies are available in this recruitment?
Ans. A total of 3991 Police Constable (Civil) posts are available: 596 vacancies in the Kalyana Karnataka cadre (under Article 371(J)) and 3395 vacancies in the Mikkili/Okkalida cadre across various districts.
Q3. What is the educational qualification required for this recruitment?
Ans. Candidates must possess PUC (Pre-University Certificate) or equivalent qualification completed as on the application closing date. CBSE/ICSE Class 12, other state board Class 12, NIOS HSC, NIOS BTEC, and approved vocational courses are accepted as equivalents.
Q4. Is the Kannada language test compulsory for all applicants?
Ans. Only candidates without Kannada language qualification at the 10th or PUC level must take a mandatory Kannada language test. Those who passed Kannada as a first or second language at the PUC level, or have cleared the Karnataka Rajyotsava Kannada exam, are exempted.
Q5. What are the physical fitness requirements for this position?
Ans. Physical fitness is assessed through the Physical Standard Test (height and chest expansion for males) and the Endurance Test (running, high jump/long jump, and shot put). Candidates must meet minimum height and chest specifications and qualify in all endurance test events. Detailed standards vary by category and gender.
Q6. What is the written examination pattern and marking scheme?
Ans. The written examination consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks, conducted in 90 minutes using the OMR format. Subjects include General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Integration, Current Affairs, Mental Aptitude, and General Studies. Each incorrect answer incurs a 0.25 mark (1/4th) deduction. Minimum qualifying score is 30 marks.
Q7. What is the selection process after clearing the written examination?
Ans. After the written test, candidates who qualify at a 1:5 ratio per vacancy proceed to the Physical Standards Test and Endurance Test. Candidates who pass these stages are called for medical examination. Final selection is made at a 1:2 ratio per vacancy based on written examination marks, following medical fitness clearance.
