Calling all candidates ready to serve the state — KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is now officially open. The Karnataka State Police (KSP) Department has announced 1600 vacancies for the post of Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) under Notification No. 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27. Applications are being accepted online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea until 24 July 2026.
This is one of the biggest police recruitment drives in Karnataka this year. If you hold a PUC or 12th standard pass certificate and meet the physical requirements, this is your chance to secure a stable state government job with a pay scale of ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month. Here is everything you need to know before you apply — eligibility, vacancies, selection stages, salary, and a step-by-step apply guide.
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KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Karnataka State Police (KSP) Department |
| Post Name | Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) |
| Total Vacancies | 1600 |
| Notification No. | 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27 |
| Pay Scale | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Dates | 22 June 2026 to 24 July 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 6 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Conducting Body | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Important Dates — Don’t Miss the Deadline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 19 June 2026 |
| Online Registration Opens | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | 24 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 July 2026 |
| Written Exam (OMR-based) | 6 September 2026 (10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon) |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
⚠️ Government portals slow down significantly near deadlines. Submit your application at least 5–7 days before 24 July 2026 to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Karnataka Police Constable Vacancy 2026 – Category-Wise Breakdown
The 1600 vacancies are split across two recruitment categories:
| Recruitment Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) Region | 179 |
| Residual Cadre (Remaining Districts/Units) | 1421 |
| Grand Total | 1600 |
Separate notification PDFs have been released for each category. Make sure you apply under the correct category based on your domicile and eligibility.
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KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
You must have passed PUC (Pre-University Course) / 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or institution. The following are considered equivalent:
- Class 12 from CBSE or ISC Board
- Class 12 from any State Government Board
- NIOS Senior Secondary Course or H.S.C.
- Two-year ITI course (with one language subject and one academic subject passed through distance learning mode or equivalent)
✅ Important: Candidates who have appeared for the qualifying exam and are awaiting results are not eligible to apply. You must possess the mark sheet on or before the last date of application.
Kannada Language Requirement
Candidates must have studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent, or studied in Kannada medium. Those who have passed the compulsory Kannada language examination conducted by any authorised selection body are also exempt from the separate language test. Candidates who do not qualify for the exemption must secure at least 50 out of 150 marks in the Kannada language component.
Age Limit (as on 24 July 2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit (Male) | 18 years | 33 years |
| SC / ST / Cat-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A (Male) | 18 years | 35 years |
| Tribal Candidates (Forest Areas) | 18 years | 38 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 18 years | 3 years + service period |
✅ Age relaxation of 5 years applies to SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A candidates, and up to 10 years for eligible tribal candidates.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) | ₹500/- |
| SC / ST / Cat-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹250/- |
| Ex-Servicemen (Category-1) | ₹500/- |
| Ex-Servicemen (Category-2 / 3) | ₹250/- |
Payment must be made online through the KEA portal before the last date of 24 July 2026. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
KSP Armed Police Constable Salary 2026
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month |
At the entry level, your basic pay starts at ₹37,500. On top of this, Karnataka state government employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other standard allowances as applicable under state pay rules. The actual in-hand take-home at entry level is typically in the range of ₹40,000 – ₹48,000 per month depending on posting location and applicable allowances.
A career with Karnataka Police also brings the stability of permanent state government employment, assured career progression, and service benefits including gratuity and pension provisions.
Selection Process – 5 Stages You Need to Clear
Selection for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 involves five stages. You must clear each one to move to the next.
Stage 1: Written Examination (OMR-Based)
Conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), this is an objective-type test with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Exam Date: 6 September 2026, 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
⚠️ Negative marking applies: 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Unanswered questions also carry a deduction of 0.25 marks each — so do not leave questions blank without attempting them carefully.
Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates are shortlisted for PST in a 1:5 ratio based on written exam merit. The physical standards required are:
| Parameter | Male Candidates | Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 168 cm | 168 cm |
| Minimum Chest (Normal) | 86 cm | 86 cm |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cm (minimum) | 5 cm (minimum) |
Stage 3: Physical Endurance Test (PET)
Candidates must pass the endurance and fitness test. Physical fitness is mandatory for all police constable duties.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
Candidates shortlisted in a 1:2 ratio after the PST/PET undergo a detailed Medical Board examination. Key requirements include:
- Distant vision: 6/9 and 6/12
- Near vision: 0/6 and 0/8
- No colour blindness, squint, or eye/eyelid deformity
- Hearing tests (Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and vertigo tests)
- No musculoskeletal conditions such as knock knees, flat foot, bow legs, cubitus valgus, or cubitus varus
Stage 5: Document Verification
Original documents including educational certificates, caste certificate, rural candidate certificate, Kannada medium certificate (if applicable), and other relevant certificates are verified at this stage.
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How to Apply for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
You can apply online through the Karnataka Examination Authority portal. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Go to the official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Click on the “Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) – 2026” recruitment link
- Register with your personal details, mobile number, and email ID
- Fill in the application form with your educational qualifications, category, and other required information
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, 50 KB to 200 KB)
- Upload your signature in black ink (JPEG format, 50 KB to 70 KB)
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway
- Review all details carefully before final submission
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application form
💡 Scan your photograph and signature before you begin — it makes the process significantly faster and prevents uploading errors at the last step.
Documents Required to Apply
Keep these documents ready before you start filling the application form:
- Aadhaar Card
- SSLC / 10th marks card (proof of date of birth)
- PUC / 12th marks card and pass certificate
- Caste certificate (if applying under reservation)
- Rural Candidate Certificate (Form-1 and Form-2, if applicable)
- Kannada medium study certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-servicemen discharge certificate and pension/gratuity certificate (if applicable)
- Project Displaced Person certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph (JPEG, 50 KB–200 KB)
- Signature in black ink (JPEG, 50 KB–70 KB)
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Kalyana Karnataka Notification PDF (179 Vacancies) | Download PDF |
| Residual Cadre Notification PDF (1421 Vacancies) | Download PDF |
| Apply Online | Apply at KEA Portal |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Exam Syllabus | [Check official notification PDF] |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026?
The last date for both online registration and fee payment is 24 July 2026. Do not wait until the last day — government portals often slow down due to heavy traffic near deadlines.
How many vacancies are there in KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1600 vacancies have been announced: 179 posts for the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region and 1421 posts for the Residual Cadre covering the remaining districts and units of Karnataka.
What is the educational qualification required for Karnataka Police Constable Recruitment 2026?
You must have passed PUC / 12th Standard or an equivalent examination (such as CBSE, ISC, NIOS Senior Secondary, or a two-year ITI with an academic language subject) from a recognised board. Candidates awaiting results are not eligible.
What is the age limit for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
The minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age is 33 years for General Merit male candidates, 35 years for SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A candidates, and 38 years for tribal candidates from forest areas. Ex-servicemen get a relaxation of 3 years plus their service period.
Is there negative marking in the KSP Armed Police Constable written exam?
Yes. A deduction of 0.25 marks applies for every wrong answer. Importantly, unanswered questions also attract a deduction of 0.25 marks each — so random guessing and leaving questions blank both carry a penalty.
What is the salary after selection as KSP Armed Police Constable?
The pay scale is ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month. Including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other applicable allowances, the estimated in-hand salary at entry level is around ₹40,000 – ₹48,000 per month, depending on posting location.
Can female candidates apply for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026?
The current notification specifies physical standards for male candidates. Please refer to the official notification PDFs (links above) to confirm if female candidates are eligible under this specific recruitment cycle, as separate provisions may apply.
Summing Up…
KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is a genuine opportunity for any 12th-pass candidate in Karnataka who aspires to a career in state police service. With 1600 vacancies, a solid pay scale of ₹37,500 – ₹76,100, and a clear five-stage selection process, this is one of the most substantial state-level police drives of 2026. The application window closes on 24 July 2026 — so start your preparation now and submit your form well before the deadline.
Stay ahead of application deadlines — follow GovtServiceInfo.com for daily Sarkari Naukri alerts, state government job updates, and recruitment guides.
📌 Also Read: UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 – Complete Guide for Aspirants
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been sourced from the official recruitment notification published by the Karnataka State Police Department and the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). GovtServiceInfo.com is not a recruiting authority and does not accept job applications. We strongly recommend reading the full official notification before applying and verifying all details — especially dates, eligibility, and fees — directly from the official KEA website. We are not responsible for any changes made by the recruiting authority after the date of publication.
