Karnataka Police Constable Recruitment 2026 : Notification Out 2314 Vacancies, Apply Online

2,​314 Police Constable Posts Across Three Cadres in Karnataka

Karnataka State Police opened a major recruitment drive on July 12,​ 2026. The notification covers two separate advertisement numbers and spreads 2,​314 constable positions across three distinct cadres. This is one of the larger police recruitment cycles in the state in recent years,​ offering opportunities across the Residual Cadre and the Kalyan Karnataka Local Cadre. Applications are live now,​ and the window closes on August 10.

Understanding the Vacancy Breakdown

The 2,​314 positions split between two recruitment streams. The Residual Cadre advertisement (03/​3-3) contributes 1,​455 posts,​ while the Kalyan Karnataka Local Cadre (07/​3-3) adds 859 posts. Both streams focus on filling constable-level roles,​ but they serve different operational needs within the state police force.

The Residual Cadre vacancies consist almost entirely of Special Reserve Police Constable (KSRP) positions: 1,​382 for male candidates and 73 for female candidates. The Kalyan Karnataka Cadre is more mixed. It includes 284 KSRP male posts,​ 50 KSRP female posts,​ 274 KSISF (Industrial Security Force) male posts,​ 90 KSISF female posts,​ and 161 IRB (Indian Reserve Battalion) male-only posts.

Female candidates have meaningful representation in KSRP and KSISF roles,​ but IRB positions are male-only. If you're a female candidate,​ focus on the KSRP and KSISF openings. The Kalyan Karnataka Cadre is specifically designed for local recruitment in backward regions,​ so eligibility may vary slightly depending on which cadre you're applying for.

Timeline: When to Apply and When to Prepare

You have exactly 29 days from July 13 to complete your registration and pay the fee by August 10. Note that the fee payment window closes one day after registration,​ so don't delay. Once registration closes on August 10,​ the portal will not accept new applications. The written exam happens 40 days later on September 20,​ giving you time to prepare if you apply early.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility rules are straightforward but strict. You must hold a 2nd PUC (Class 12) certificate from the Karnataka Pre-University Board. If you studied outside Karnataka,​ you need an equivalent qualification: CBSE or ISC Class 12,​ NIOS Higher Secondary,​ a 3-year Diploma,​ or a 2-year ITI with required language courses. Candidates without Class 12 or equivalent cannot apply,​ regardless of other qualifications.

Language proficiency is also required. You must have studied Kannada or English as a language subject at the Class 12 level. If your ITI is a 2-year course,​ the language requirement applies there too. This ensures all selected constables can communicate effectively in the state.

Age Limits and Relaxation

The age framework is tiered by category. General Merit candidates must be between 18 and 33 years old as of the application date. SC,​ ST,​ and OBC candidates get a 2-year relaxation,​ pushing their upper limit to 35 years. Tribal candidates working in forest areas receive the highest relaxation: 38 years. Ex-servicemen get special treatment: they can add their service period to their age,​ plus an additional 3 years on top of that.

For example,​ if you're an ex-serviceman who served 5 years and are currently 40 years old,​ your relaxed age would be calculated as 40 minus 5 (service period) plus 3 (additional relaxation) = 38 years,​ which falls within the General upper limit of 33 plus 5 years of service relaxation. Check the official notification if you're an ex-serviceman to confirm your exact eligibility.

Application Fee Structure

The standard fee is Rs. 750 for General and OBC categories,​ and Rs. 500 for SC,​ ST,​ Category-1,​ and Ex-Servicemen. If you apply for multiple posts under the same exam syllabus,​ you pay an extra Rs. 100 per additional post. Payment happens through the KEA online gateway only. No offline payment or bank transfer is accepted. Once you pay,​ you cannot get a refund,​ so double-check your application before submitting payment.

What You'll Earn: Salary and Pay Scale

Selected constables join on a consolidated monthly pay starting at Rs. 37,​500 and progressing to Rs. 76,​100 depending on service years and performance. The pay structure includes incremental bands,​ so your salary rises predictably as you complete years of service. Additionally,​ all constables are enrolled in the National Pension System (NPS),​ which provides retirement security separate from the monthly salary.

The consolidated pay includes basic salary,​ dearness allowance,​ and other statutory allowances bundled together. There's no separate breakdown in the notification,​ but this consolidated structure is typical for police constable roles in Karnataka. Along with the salary,​ you get government job benefits: medical facilities,​ leave entitlements,​ and job security.

The Written Exam: Pattern and Marking

The selection process begins with an OMR-based written examination on September 20,​ 2026. You'll face 100 questions testing your General Studies and Mental Ability. The exam runs for 90 minutes,​ and each correct answer earns 1 mark. This is where negative marking applies: 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong or blank answer. So if you leave a question blank or guess incorrectly,​ you lose a quarter mark.

The total marks available are 100. Negative marking means careless guessing costs you. If you're unsure about an answer,​ it's often safer to leave it blank and lose 0.25 marks than to guess and risk the same penalty. Aim for accuracy over speed. General Studies covers current affairs,​ history,​ geography,​ polity,​ and science at a Class 12 level. Mental Ability tests reasoning,​ pattern recognition,​ and problem-solving.

The written exam is OMR-based,​ meaning you mark answers on a sheet that's machine-scanned. There's no subjective component. Your performance here determines your ranking. Candidates who score above the cutoff move to the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test. The notification doesn't specify cutoff marks,​ so prepare thoroughly to secure a comfortable margin above the minimum qualifying score.

After the Written Exam: Selection Process Stages

Passing the written test is just the first hurdle. The full selection process has four stages:

1. Written Examination: 100 marks,​ 90 minutes,​ General Studies and Mental Ability with 0.25 negative marking.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates meeting height and chest measurements proceed. The notification doesn't specify exact measurements,​ so check the official PDF or KEA website for male and female standards.
3. Physical Endurance Test (PET): Tests running speed,​ agility,​ and stamina. Typically includes 1600m run or similar distance-based tests.
4. Medical Examination and Document Verification: Final stage where selected candidates undergo medical checks and document authenticity verification.

Only candidates who pass all four stages receive appointment letters. The medical exam is thorough and checks for any disqualifying conditions. Document verification ensures your educational certificates,​ age proof,​ and category certificates are genuine. Start gathering these documents now if you haven't already.

How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide

The application portal is hosted on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/​kea. Here's what to do:

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit the KEA portal and click on the KSP Constable Recruitment link. Fill in your basic details like name,​ email,​ phone number,​ and date of birth. Create a strong password. You'll receive a confirmation email. Click the verification link to activate your account.

Step 2: Complete Your Registration

Log in and fill the full registration form. Enter your educational qualifications,​ father's name,​ address,​ and category. Select the cadre you're applying for: Residual Cadre or Kalyan Karnataka Local Cadre. Choose the specific post type: KSRP,​ KSISF,​ or IRB. If you're applying for multiple posts,​ you can do so during this stage.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Prepare digital copies of your documents before starting. You'll need to upload:

• Passport photo: 50 to 200 KB in JPEG format,​ 3x4 cm size
• Signature: 50 to 70 KB in JPEG format
• Educational certificate (Class 12 or equivalent): PDF format
• Age proof (birth certificate or school leaving certificate)
• Category certificate (if applicable)

File sizes matter. If your photo exceeds 200 KB,​ compress it using an online tool before uploading. A signature file smaller than 50 KB may be rejected as too small. Test your files before the final submission day to avoid last-minute glitches.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

After filling the form and uploading documents,​ proceed to payment. Select your category to see the applicable fee. Payment is through the KEA online gateway only. You can pay via credit card,​ debit card,​ or net banking. The fee payment window closes on August 11. Do not wait until the last day,​ as server overload is common on final dates.

Step 5: Final Submission

Review all details once more before submitting. The notification states there is no correction window,​ so errors cannot be fixed after submission. Print your confirmation receipt and save it. The portal will generate an application number. Note this down for future reference.

Applications submitted after August 10 for registration will not be accepted. Fee payment must be completed by August 11. If you miss these deadlines,​ you cannot apply in this cycle.
 

Document Checklist: Get Ready Now

Gather these documents before you start your online application:

• 2nd PUC certificate (or equivalent Class 12 proof)
• Birth certificate or school leaving certificate for age proof
• Category certificate (SC/​ST/​OBC) if applicable
• Ex-serviceman certificate if you've served in the armed forces
• Aadhar card or any government ID
• Passport-size colour photograph (digital copy,​ 50-200 KB,​ JPEG)
• Signature (digital copy,​ 50-70 KB,​ JPEG)

Scan or photograph these documents in high quality before registration opens. Low-quality scans may be rejected during document verification. If you're an ex-serviceman or belong to a reserved category,​ have the relevant certificate ready. Delays in document gathering are the biggest reason candidates miss deadlines.

Who Should Think Twice Before Applying

This recruitment is open and competitive,​ but it's not for everyone. Consider carefully if you fall into any of these situations:

Tight deadline: You have 29 days from July 13 to August 10 to register and pay. If you're still gathering documents or unsure about your eligibility,​ you're cutting it close. The portal will not grant extensions.

No Class 12 qualification: The notification is strict on this. If you don't have 2nd PUC or an equivalent Class 12 certificate from a recognized board,​ you cannot apply. No exceptions are mentioned. Applying without this qualification will result in automatic rejection at document verification.

Age just over the limit: If you're 34 years old and General Merit category,​ you're ineligible. Relaxations exist for SC,​ ST,​ OBC,​ and ex-servicemen,​ but not for General candidates. Check your exact age against the cutoff. There's no flexibility here.

High competition: With 2,​314 posts and potentially tens of thousands of applicants across Karnataka,​ the written exam cutoff will be high. You're competing against serious candidates. If you haven't prepared for General Studies and Mental Ability exams before,​ start studying immediately. Three months is a reasonable timeframe,​ but you need consistent effort.

No correction window: Once you submit your application and pay the fee,​ you cannot edit anything. If you upload the wrong certificate or misspell your name,​ it's too late. This is a significant disadvantage for candidates who rush through the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the last date to apply for KSP Constable Recruitment 2026?
A. Registration closes on August 10,​ 2026,​ and application fee payment must be completed by August 11,​ 2026. Applications submitted after August 10 will not be accepted. There is no extension.

Q. How many total vacancies are there in this recruitment?
A. There are 2,​314 vacancies across two cadres: Residual Cadre (1,​455 posts) and Kalyan Karnataka Local Cadre (859 posts). These are split between KSRP,​ KSISF,​ and IRB posts,​ with both male and female positions.

Q. What is the application fee,​ and does it vary by category?
A. The fee is Rs. 750 for General and OBC categories (2A,​ 2B,​ 3A,​ 3B),​ and Rs. 500 for SC,​ ST,​ Category-1,​ and Ex-Servicemen. An additional Rs. 100 is charged per extra post under the same syllabus. Payment is online only through the KEA gateway.

Q. What qualifications do I need to apply?
A. You must have a 2nd PUC (Class 12) certificate from the Karnataka Pre-University Board or an equivalent qualification such as CBSE/​ISC Class 12,​ NIOS Higher Secondary,​ a 3-year Diploma,​ or a 2-year ITI. You must have studied Kannada or English as a language subject.

Q. Is there negative marking in the written exam?
A. Yes,​ there is negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong or blank answer. Each correct answer earns 1 mark. The exam has 100 questions on General Studies and Mental Ability,​ totalling 100 marks,​ conducted in 90 minutes.

Q. What is the age limit for applying?
A. The minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age is 33 years for General Merit,​ 35 years for SC/​ST/​OBC categories,​ and 38 years for tribal candidates in forest areas. Ex-servicemen receive their service period plus an additional 3 years as relaxation.

Q. When is the written examination scheduled?
A. The written examination is scheduled for September 20,​ 2026. This is the first stage of the selection process. Candidates who pass this stage move on to the Physical Standard Test,​ Physical Endurance Test,​ and Medical Examination.

Q. Can I apply for multiple posts in this recruitment?
A. Yes,​ you can apply for multiple posts under the same syllabus. Each additional post costs Rs. 100 in application fee on top of the main fee. You select all posts during the registration stage.

What to Do Right Now

The application portal opens on July 13. Before that date,​ gather all your documents and verify your eligibility. Check that you have your 2nd PUC certificate,​ birth proof,​ and category certificate if applicable. Prepare digital copies of your photograph (3x4 cm,​ 50-200 KB JPEG) and signature (50-70 KB JPEG). Create a strong password and use a reliable email for registration.

On July 13,​ log in to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/​kea and start your registration immediately. Don't wait. The first week will be the least congested time on the portal. Complete registration,​ upload documents,​ and pay your fee by August 10 to avoid any last-minute failures. Once August 10 passes,​ the portal closes permanently for this cycle.

After submitting your application,​ focus on studying for the written exam. You have 40 days. Review General Studies topics relevant to Class 12 level and practice Mental Ability problems. Solve mock tests under exam conditions to build speed and accuracy. The 0.25 negative marking means precision matters more than guessing.

Related reading: Check out DSSSB recruitment across Delhi and Bihar Police Sub-Inspector recruitment if you're exploring other government police and security roles in India.