Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 – Apply for 576 Posts
▣ Job Summary
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 – Apply for 576 Posts

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru has released the Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 notification on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 576 vacancies, including 560 posts of Warder (Vikshakaru) and 16 posts of Second Grade Instructor (Instructor Grade-II). Interested and eligible candidates who have passed SSLC can apply online through the official KEA portal from 19 September 2026 to 15 October 2026. Full details regarding eligibility, application fee, selection process, and exam pattern are given below.
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Department | Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services |
| Post Name | Warder (Vikshakaru) & Instructor Grade-II |
| Total Vacancy | 576 |
| Notification No. | ಇಡಿ/ಕೆಇಎ/22/ನೇ.ವಿ/2026(ಆರ್.ಪಿ.ಸಿ) |
| Notification Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Category | State Govt Jobs |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Important Date
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 21 November 2026 |
| Exam Time | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹750/- |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-servicemen / Third Gender | ₹500/- |
Payment mode: Online only. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Age Limit
Minimum age should be 20 years as on the last date of application submission.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Candidates | 31 Years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 33 Years |
Ex-servicemen get age relaxation equal to their service period plus 3 years, applied over the upper age limit.
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Vacancy Details Category Wise
| Post Name | Pay Scale (₹) | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 37,500 – 76,100 | 560 |
| Second Grade Instructor (Instructor Grade-II) | 37,500 – 76,100 | 16 |
| Total | — | 576 |
Note: Category-wise reservation (SC/ST/OBC/EWS etc.) will be applicable as per Karnataka State Government reservation rules and will reflect at the time of application submission on the official portal.
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Education Qualification
Warder (Vikshakaru)
Candidate must have passed SSLC examination or possess an equivalent qualification.
Second Grade Instructor (Instructor Grade-II)
- Must have passed SSLC examination or possess an equivalent qualification, AND
- Must hold a Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical / Electrical / Carpentry / Tailoring / Textile-Weaving / Carpet Making or a similar trade granted by a government-recognized institution.
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Selection Process
Candidates will be selected through the following stages:
1. Written Competitive Exam
Objective type exam of 100 marks based on General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle and Mental Ability.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates shortlisted from the written exam (in 1:5 ratio) will undergo height, chest and weight measurement.
3. Endurance Test
Includes 100m run, high jump, long jump, shot put and 800m/200m run depending on gender category. This is qualifying in nature.
4. Medical Examination
Final medical fitness test conducted by the Medical Board before appointment.
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Salary Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive pay in the scale of ₹37,500 – 76,100 per month, along with allowances as per Karnataka Government rules. Newly appointed candidates must undergo one month of basic training and a probation period of two years. NPS (National Pension Scheme) benefits are applicable.
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive Exam | General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle & Mental Ability | 100 | 100 | 1.5 Hours (90 Minutes) |
- Mode: Offline (OMR-based)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Compulsory Kannada Language Test for candidates exempted from the Kannada Language paper under SSLC (as applicable)
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | Documents Required
- Aadhar Card
- SSLC or equivalent marks card (proof of date of birth)
- Educational qualification certificates (relevant to post)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B, if applicable)
- Rural candidate certificate (if applicable)
- Kannada medium study certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-servicemen service/discharge certificate (if applicable)
- Third gender certificate issued by District Magistrate (if applicable)
- Income & Assets certificate for non-creamy layer (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, 50KB–200KB)
- Signature scan (JPEG, 50KB–70KB)
Karnataka Prisons Warder Recruitment 2026 | How to Apply
- Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Click on the online application link for Warder/Instructor Grade-II Recruitment 2026.
- Register with basic details and create login credentials.
- Fill the application form carefully with personal, educational and category details.
- Upload photograph and signature as per specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee online through the available payment options.
- Review the form and submit it before the last date.
- Download and save the confirmation page/application printout for future reference.
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A total of 576 vacancies are available, including 560 Warder posts and 16 Instructor Grade-II posts.
The online application last date is 15 October 2026.
Candidates must have passed SSLC or an equivalent examination.
₹750/- for General/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates and ₹500/- for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-servicemen/Third Gender candidates.
The competitive written exam is scheduled for 21 November 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

