Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 869 Jailor, Warder Posts

The Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department, through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), has released two notifications for the direct recruitment of 869 Jailor, Warder, Instructor Grade-II, and Warder cum Nursing posts. Eligible candidates can submit their online applications via the official KEA portal starting September 19, 2026.

Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 Overview

Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department with KEA has Issued Notifications ED/KEA/23/Recruitment/2026(KK) & ED/KEA/22/Recruitment/2026(RPC) to recruit Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Instructor Grade-II, Warder cum Nursing Posts in Karnataka RPC and KK regions. 

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The Karnataka Prisons Department is hiring for a total of 869 vacancies. This includes 293 posts in the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre and 576 posts in the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC), covering roles like Jailor, Warder, Instructor, and Nursing staff.

Education Details

• Jailor: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification. Preference will be given to candidates possessing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Correctional Administration.

• Warder (Vikshakaru): Must have passed the SSLC (10th) examination or an equivalent qualification.

• Instructor Grade-II: SSLC pass along with a Government-recognized Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile, Weaving, or Carpet making.

• Warder cum Nursing: SSLC pass combined with a valid First Aid certificate. (Note: Candidates must hold their final results/marks cards on or before the application closing date to be eligible).

Salary

• Jailor: ₹61,300 – ₹1,12,900/-.

• Warder & Instructor Grade-II: ₹37,500 – ₹76,100/-.

• Warder cum Nursing: ₹34,100 – ₹67,600/-.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 20 years.

• Maximum Age (General Merit): 31 years.

• Maximum Age (SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B): 33 years. (Note: Ex-servicemen are entitled to an additional 3-year relaxation over their period of military service).

Selection Process

1. Competitive Written Examination: A 100-mark Offline OMR-based test covering General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Movement, and Mental Ability. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

2. Physical Standard Test (PST): Height and chest measurements for male candidates (min 168 cm height) and height/weight measurements for female and transgender candidates (min 157 cm height, 46 kg weight).

3. Endurance Test (ET): Qualifying physical events such as running (100m, 800m/200m), high jump, long jump, and shot put. Candidates must pass at least 3 out of 5 events to qualify.

4. Medical Examination: Conducted by a Medical Board for candidates shortlisted in a 1:2 ratio after the physical tests.

5. Document Verification: Final verification of all educational, reservation, and identity documents.

Application Fee

• General Merit and Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: ₹750/-.

• SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen & Transgender: ₹500/-.

• Payment Mode: Online only.

How to Apply

• Visit the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

• Navigate to the latest recruitment section and click on the “Karnataka Prisons Department 2026 Application Link”.

• Complete the initial registration process and carefully note down your login credentials.

• Fill in all the required personal, educational, and reservation details in the application form.

• Upload your recent passport-size photograph (50KB-200KB) and signature (50KB-70KB) in JPEG format as per the guidelines.

• Pay the prescribed application fee via the online payment gateway.

• Submit the application form before the deadline of October 15, 2026, and retain a printed copy for the document verification stage.

Official Links