Karnataka State Police, Bengaluru
Last Date: 22 July 2026

The Karnataka State Police has opened applications for 1600 Armed Police Constable posts across two separate notifications, both released on June 19, 2026. These are male-only positions in the CAR (Civil Armed Reserve) and DAR (District Armed Reserve) wings of Karnataka Police. The application window runs from June 22 to July 22, 2026, with the written test scheduled for September 6, 2026.

Karnataka Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

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Karnataka Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026: Quick Intro

The Karnataka State Police Department has released two simultaneous notifications for a combined 1600 Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) posts – 1421 under the general state cadre and 179 under the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) reservation. Both posts carry identical eligibility, the same pay scale, and also run through the same application portal under the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). but the only thing that differentiate is the geographic service zone and a separate merit list for the Kalyana Karnataka component.

The 179 Kalyana Karnataka posts are protected under Article 371(J) of the Indian Constitution, which provides special provisions for the region formerly known as Hyderabad-Karnataka, covering Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara districts. Only candidates who are domicile residents of these districts can apply for and benefit from those 179 posts. Candidates from the rest of Karnataka apply under the 1421 general cadre notification.

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Vacancy Details

The total vacancy is 1600 posts, all for the position of Sashastra Police Constable (Armed Police Constable) in the CAR and DAR units.

Both notifications list reservations across categories including GM, SC, ST, Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, Ex-Military (XMP), Rural, Kannada Medium Students (KMS), and Project Displaced Persons (PDP) and these category-wise vacancy breakup (classification of posts) are provided in the Important Links section toward end of the page.

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Application Fee

General merit and OBC category candidates (Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) pay a fee of Rs. 750/-. SC, ST, Category 1, and Ex-Military (XMP) applicants pay Rs. 500/-. Payment is through online mode only on the KEA portal during the application process.

The application fee is non-refundable once paid. There is no provision for refund even if an application is later rejected for eligibility reasons at any stage. Therefore, pay the fee only after confirming that you meet all eligibility conditions. The fee payment window closes on July 24, 2026 i.e., two days after the application deadline.

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Age Limit

The minimum age is 18 years for all candidates, calculated as of the last date for submitting applications (July 22, 2026).

Ex-servicemen get an additional 3 years of relaxation over and above their applicable category's upper limit, as per Government Order No. DI-13 ZSR-92 (dated 01-04-1992) and subsequent orders.

The upper limit of 33 years for general category is reasonable for a constable post and is consistent with Karnataka Police's past recruitments at this level. Moreover, the 38 year extended upper age limit for forest and tribal area candidates is a deliberate policy provision that opens this recruitment to a different demographic, particularly in regions where access to competitive government jobs has historically been limited.

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Educational Qualification

The minimum qualification is a pass in PUC (Pre-University Certificate/Class 12) or a recognized equivalent. Candidates who have appeared for PUC and are awaiting results as of the last date of application are NOT eligible. The qualification must be obtained.

Equivalent qualifications recognized for this post include Class 12 passed through CBSE or ICSE boards, Class 12 from other state government examination boards, the Higher Secondary Course or H.S.C. from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), and in specific cases, candidates who completed a two-year ITC/ITI course through NVTI with one language course and one vocational subject meeting PUC-level standards.

No higher qualification beyond PUC is specified as a requirement, which means graduates, diploma holders, and degree holders are equally eligible without any upper qualification bar. 

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Selection Process

There is 4 stages in this recruitment process which are described below:-

Stage 1: Written Test

The written exam is offline (OMR-based) and will be conducted at district-level centers across Karnataka on September 6, 2026. Candidates applying under the 1421 posts general cadre appear in the morning session from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Candidates under the 179 posts Kalyana Karnataka vacancies appear in the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

The paper has 100 questions for 100 marks, to be completed within 90 minutes. Subjects cover General Knowledge and Science, Geography, History, Indian National Polity, Civic Sense, Mental Aptitude, Ethical Education, and General Studies.

Negative marking applies: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. 

Based on written test merit, candidates are shortlisted at a 1:5 ratio per vacancy per category for the next stage. Only five candidates per vacancy advance to PST and PET.

Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)

The PST checks height and chest measurements. Before the PST begins, a color blindness screening is done using color circles. Candidates who cannot correctly identify the presented colors are not permitted to proceed and are eliminated from the process.

Physical standards for this stage:

For general male candidates: minimum height of 168 cm.

For Karnataka forest/tribal area male candidates: minimum height of 155 cm, minimum chest measurement of 75 cm when fully expanded, with at least 5 cm expansion.

For Ex-servicemen male candidates: minimum height of 168 cm; chest minimum 86 cm with at least 5 cm expansion.

Stage 3: Physical Endurance Test (PET)

The PET is conducted immediately following the PST on the same occasion. All events are qualifying in nature and there are no marks for PET performance, only a pass or fail will be the outcome here. Three attempts are allowed for jump and shot put events.

After PST and PET, candidates are shortlisted again at a 1:2 ratio per vacancy for the medical examination.

Stage 4: Medical Examination

The medical exam covers vision (minimum 6/9 in both eyes, or 6/9 and 6/12), hearing (Rinne's Test, Weber's Test, and tests for vertigo), and screening for varicose veins, speech impediments, and musculoskeletal deformities including knock knees, flat foot, bow legs, cubitus valgus, and cubitus varus. A chest X-ray is mandatory. Color blindness is a disqualifying condition at the medical stage as well.

Only candidates who pass the medical examination make the final merit list. Candidates who pass PST/PET but fail medical are not considered for appointment.

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Mandatory Kannada Language Test

As per Government Order No. 43 Sevane 2020 (dated 5.3.2021) and Order No. 102 Sevane 2022 (dated 24-03-2025), all candidates must clear a Kannada language examination. Candidates who have already passed a Kannada language test at the SSLC (Class 10) level or above through a recognized board are considered to have met this requirement. Candidates who have not previously cleared any Kannada language exam must pass the Kannada test that is conducted alongside the main written test in this recruitment.

Failing the Kannada language test results in disqualification from the entire selection process, regardless of the written test score. But one exception applies: candidates who previously failed the Kannada language test but cleared it through a recognized government exam before the application's last date are treated as eligible under the relevant government order.

If you studied in a Hindi-medium or English-medium school throughout and have no Kannada language certification to your name, this is the most important eligibility condition to address before you apply as the Kannada language test is not something you can clear at the last minute it requires preparation equal to any other exam paper.

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Salary, Job Location, and Service Conditions

The pay scale is Rs. 37,500 – 76,100/- per month, with incremental steps as follows: 37500-900-39300-1000-43300-1125-47800-1250-52800-1375-58300-1500-64300-1650-74200-1900-76100. The applicable pension scheme is the National Pension System (NPS), per Government Order No. FD (SPFL) 04/FIT 2005 (dated 31.03.2006). 

Job location for the 1421 general cadre posts is anywhere across Karnataka, subject to departmental posting decisions. CAR and DAR units operate at the state range and district levels respectively, and inter-district transfers are standard for this cadre. The 179 Kalyana Karnataka posts are service-restricted to the Kalyana Karnataka region under the Article 371(J) framework. Transfers within this component do not extend to other parts of Karnataka.

Selected candidates undergo basic training at Police Training Schools as designated by the DGP and IG. The probationary period after joining is two years and six months. Candidates who do not clear in-training examinations can be discharged from service during this period.

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How to Apply

1. Go to the official website at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
2. Find the Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) recruitment link for 2026 on the homepage
3. Register using a valid email ID and an active mobile number, as this number will be used for all future communications
4. Fill in the application form with accurate personal details, educational qualifications, and category information
5. Upload your recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format (file size: 50KB to 200KB) and your signature in JPEG format (file size: 50KB to 70KB) by scanning them
6. Pay the applicable application fee through the online payment mode on the KEA portal
7. Review the entire form thoroughly before final submission because form once submitted, no changes or corrections are permitted under any circumstances
8. Download and save a printout of the submitted application form for future reference
9. Keep this printout along with all original documents and one attested copy ready for use at PST/PET and medical stages
10. Follow the official @KEA_KARNATAKA account on X (Twitter) for real-time updates on admit card release and exam schedule

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Required Documents and Important Instructions

If you are shortlisted for subsequent stages, carry originals and one attested copy of all of the following to the PST/PET and medical examination venues:

• Aadhaar card
• SSLC marks card and school certificate (for age proof)
• PUC marks card and certificate from the qualifying board
• Caste/category certificate in the prescribed format (SC, ST, OBC, Category 1, etc.) in the relevant Namune (Form) as specified in the official notification (available in the Important Links section toward end of the page)
• Ex-military discharge certificate, pension/service proof, and relevant military-related documents (for XMP candidates)
• Rural candidate domicile certificate from the competent authority (for Rural quota)
• Kannada Medium School certificate (for KMS candidates)
• Kannada language examination pass certificate (if applicable)
• NOC or service certificate from the current employer for in-service candidates

Key instructions every candidate must read carefully:

Once submitted, the application form cannot be edited. An error in date of birth, category, name, or any other field cannot be corrected after submission. Take the time to verify every entry before Submitting.

The fee payment deadline of July 24, 2026 is separate from the application submission deadline of July 22. Candidates who submit their application on July 22 but fail to pay the fee by July 24 will have their application treated as invalid.

Admit cards must be downloaded only from the official website. Candidates must carry the downloaded admit card along with one original photo ID (PAN card, driving license, Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, or government employee ID) to the exam center.

The exam center assigned at the time of registration is fixed and any requests to change exam centers will not be considered under any circumstances.

For candidates currently employed elsewhere in government service, an NOC (No-Objection Certificate) or service certificate must be submitted at the appropriate stage of selection. The service details must also be disclosed in the application.

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Following practical insights may help candidates better understand this recruitment process:

The 1600m Run Is the key factor, Not the Written Test

The PET's 1600m run in 6 minutes 30 seconds is achievable, but only with consistent training starting well before the exam because from the written test on September 6 to the PST/PET dates, candidate will not get much time. A candidate who clears both confidently will always outperform one who excels at only one of them.

What CAR and DAR Duty Actually Involves

CAR units operate at the range level under the DIG's command, they are deployed for law and order situations across multiple districts, armed escort of high-value consignments, VIP protection assignments, and in sensitive zones, anti-naxal operations, whereas, DAR constables work at the district level under the Superintendent of Police for district-specific security requirements. Both posts involve carrying licensed firearms during regular duty, which creates a different accountability and training standard compared to unarmed civilian police roles. Transfers between districts happen based on operational needs and are not within a constable's control. 

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❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many total vacancies are there in this recruitment?

A total of 1600 posts have been advertised: 1421 under the general state cadre (Notification A) and 179 exclusively for the Kalyana Karnataka region (Notification B). Both are for the post of Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) and are male-only positions.

What is the last date to apply, and when does fee payment close?

Applications must be submitted online by July 22, 2026. The fee payment window stays open until July 24, 2026. If you submit the application but miss the fee payment deadline, your application is invalid.

Who is eligible to apply?

Male Indian nationals who have passed PUC (10+2) or an equivalent recognized qualification are eligible. Candidates who have appeared for PUC and are awaiting results as of the application deadline are NOT eligible. Age limits, category conditions, and physical fitness standards must also be satisfied.

What is the age limit, and what relaxations apply?

The minimum age is 18 years for all. General category candidates must be below 33 years as of July 22, 2026. SC, ST, and OBC categories (1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) get an upper limit of 35 years. Candidates from Karnataka's forest and tribal areas qualify up to 38 years. Ex-servicemen get an additional 3 years over their applicable category's ceiling.

What qualifications count as equivalent to PUC?

Class 12 passed through CBSE or ICSE, Class 12 from any state government examination board, the Higher Secondary Course from NIOS, and in certain cases, a two-year ITC/ITI course with the required language and vocational subject standards are all accepted as equivalent.

What does the selection process look like, and where are most candidates eliminated?

Selection has four stages in sequence: Written Test, PST, PET, and Medical Examination. The written test shortlists candidates at 1:5 (five per vacancy) for PST/PET, and PST/PET survivors are shortlisted at 1:2 for medical. In practice, the 1600m run during PET eliminates the highest number of candidates who made it past the written stage. The medical eye and fitness standards are an additional filter.

What is the pay scale for this post?

The pay scale is Rs. 37,500 – 76,100/- per month with defined incremental stages. The pension arrangement is the National Pension System (NPS). No in-hand figure is stated in the official notification.

What is the application fee?

General and OBC category candidates pay Rs. 750/-. SC, ST, Category 1, and Ex-Military candidates pay Rs. 500/-. The fee is non-refundable. Payment is online only through the KEA portal.

How do I apply online?

Visit https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/, find the Armed Police Constable recruitment link, register with your email and mobile number, fill the form, upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format, pay the fee online, and submit. Download and keep a printout of the submitted application — no corrections are possible after submission.

What is the official website for this recruitment?

Applications go through https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ (KEA portal). For notifications, admit card, and result updates, check both https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in/ and the KEA portal. For recruitment enquiries, the helpline number is 080-23460460 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days).

Is there negative marking in the written test?

Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. The paper has 100 questions for 100 marks in 90 minutes. OMR answers that are not fully shaded are also treated as incorrect and attract the same deduction. Random guessing carries measurable risk in a paper where cutoffs are tight.

What are the height and physical fitness standards?

General male candidates need a minimum height of 168 cm. Candidates from Karnataka forest/tribal areas qualify with a minimum height of 155 cm and a chest measurement of at least 75 cm fully expanded with minimum 5 cm expansion. The PET requires running 1600 meters within 6 minutes 30 seconds, a long jump of at least 3.80 meters or a high jump of at least 1.20 meters (3 attempts), and a shot put of at least 5.60 meters using the 7.26 kg shot (3 attempts).

What is the difference between Notification A (1421 posts) and Notification B (179 posts)?

Both notifications are for the same post with the same pay and selection process. The 1421 posts under Notification A are for the general state cadre, open to all eligible Karnataka candidates. The 179 posts under Notification B are reserved under Article 371(J) for residents of the Kalyana Karnataka region (Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara). The written exam for both falls on September 6, but at different timings – morning for Notification A and afternoon for Notification B.

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Conclusion

After reading throughout every details of this recruitment you might now be aware of everything therefore as application process going on (started from 22nd june) your next step should be to apply today as per your region because after this the preparation timeline for the September 6 written test and subsequently the physical stages that follow will become much clearer for you.

For updates on admit card release dates, exam center details, and any corrigendum to the notification, monitor both https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in/ and https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ regularly. Any correction or change from the department will appear on these two official sites first (you can also bookmark this page and follow our social media handles such as telegram and WhatsApp for quick updates). The helpline number 080-23460460 is available for specific queries about the written exam and fee payment, and if you face any application-related issue.

This article is based on the official notification and simplified for easy understanding. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official website.