Karnataka Police Constable Recruitment 2026: 1,600 Posts Announced

The Karnataka State Police Department has officially released two separate recruitment notifications, both numbered 04/ನೇಮಕಾತಿ-5/2026-27 and dated 19 June 2026, inviting applications for the post of Civil Police Constable (PC/AR) on a local candidate basis. Together, these two notifications open up 1,600 vacancies across the state: one covering 179 posts and the other covering 1,421 posts. Candidates with PUC (12th Class) or an equivalent qualification are eligible to apply. One detail worth noting: this is a combined recruitment drive issued as two unit-wise notifications rather than a single advertisement, so candidates should check which unit-wise vacancy list applies to their district before applying.

Based on official notifications by Karnataka State Police Department. Verified: June 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

Local candidate status and category-wise certificates are central to this recruitment; candidates should confirm their district/unit eligibility before applying, since this is a local-cadre recruitment, not a state-wide open competition.

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Important Dates

Vacancy Breakdown Across Both Notifications

The 1,421-vacancy notification accounts for nearly 89% of all posts in this recruitment cycle, making it the larger of the two by a wide margin. Neither notification breaks down vacancies by individual category (UR/SC/ST/OBC) in the pages provided; category-wise reservation will apply as per standard Karnataka Civil Services rules, and candidates should check the unit-wise detailed vacancy list on the official portal for their specific district allocation. Given the scale of 1,600 combined posts against what is typically several lakh applicants for Karnataka PC recruitment cycles, competition will be high, though significantly more seats are open this cycle than in many recent years, which works in applicants’ favour compared to smaller single-district drives.

Pay and Allowances

Application Fee

Fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstance. Candidates should double-check their category selection before payment, since incorrect category claims cannot be corrected after submission.

Age Limit

Age is calculated as on 13 April 2026, the reference date specified in the notification. Minimum age is 18 years for all categories, with no separate minimum age relaxation mentioned.

Physical Standards

Disqualifying musculoskeletal conditions include knock knees, flat foot, bow legs, cubitus valgus, and cubitus varus. Vision standards require 6/9 distant vision in the better eye and 6/12 in the other, with near vision of N6/N8. Candidates should review the complete medical standards in the official notification before applying, as these tests are conducted only after written test qualification.

Selection Process

Written Examination

The written test covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Science, Mental Ability, and basic numerical ability, carrying 100 questions for 100 marks within 1.5 hours (90 minutes). This stage is qualifying for shortlisting toward the physical tests.

Physical Standard Test (PST)

Candidates who clear the written test in a 1:5 ratio per vacancy and category are called for PST, which checks height and chest measurements against the prescribed standards.

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

Male candidates must complete 1,600 metres within 6 minutes 30 seconds, plus long jump or high jump and shot put, each with limited attempts. Ex-servicemen face a separate, adjusted PET standard.

Document Verification & Medical Examination

Candidates shortlisted at 1:2 ratio per category based on combined PST/PET marks proceed to document verification, followed by a medical examination covering vision, hearing, and musculoskeletal standards.

Your first 7 days after applying:

1. Confirm which of the two notifications (179 or 1,421 vacancies) applies to your home district or local candidate unit
2. Register on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea using the official Twitter handle @KEA_KARNATAKA for any updates
3. Begin revising General Knowledge and Current Affairs, since this carries the bulk of written test weight
4. Start basic physical training immediately, given the 1,600m run and jump/throw events in PET
5. Keep your caste/category certificate and local candidate proof ready well before the fee payment deadline

Exam Pattern

Each question carries 1 mark, with negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer; questions left unanswered or marked with more than one answer also attract this 0.25 mark deduction. The written exam will be held on 6 September 2026.

How to Apply

1. Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea or ksp.karnataka.gov.in
2. Register with a valid mobile number and email ID
3. Fill in personal, educational, and category details accurately
4. Upload a recent photograph in JPEG format (50KB to 200KB)
5. Upload your signature in JPEG format (50KB to 70KB)
6. Review all entered details carefully, since corrections after submission are not allowed
7. Pay the applicable fee online based on your category
8. Submit the form and save the confirmation for future reference

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approximate in-hand salary for Karnataka Police Constable after deductions?

Basic Pay starts at ₹37,500 per month, but the notification does not break down DA, HRA, or other allowances. An exact in-hand figure cannot be confirmed from the official notice. Candidates should verify the current allowance structure on the Karnataka Police website before relying on third-party salary estimates.

What is the last date to apply for these recruitments?

Online applications close on 22 July 2026, with fee payment accepted until 24 July 2026. Both notifications, covering 179 and 1,421 vacancies, share this same application window. Candidates should apply early given the scale of vacancies and expected application volume.

How many total vacancies are there across both notifications?

As per the two notifications, there are 1,600 combined vacancies for Civil Police Constable (PC/AR): 179 in one notification and 1,421 in the other. Both carry the identical pay scale of ₹37,500-76,100. Candidates should check the unit-wise detailed list to confirm which notification covers their district.

What is the minimum educational qualification required?

Candidates need PUC (12th Class) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised board. The notification does not specify a particular stream requirement. Equivalent qualifications are accepted, though candidates should verify acceptance of their specific certificate with the recruitment authority if uncertain.

What is the age limit for General category candidates?

Approximately 33 years is the maximum age limit for General Merit candidates, calculated as on 13 April 2026. SC/ST and other reserved categories get a relaxation up to 35 years, and candidates from notified forest areas get up to 38 years. Ex-servicemen receive a separate age adjustment based on actual military service.

What are the height and physical requirements for this post?

Under the notification, male General category candidates need a minimum height of 168 cm, with relaxations for ex-servicemen and forest-area residents down to 155 cm. Chest measurement and the full Physical Endurance Test, including a 1,600m run, are mandatory after clearing the written exam. Candidates should begin physical conditioning well before the PST/PET stage, since these are qualifying, non-compensable standards.

Is there negative marking in the written test?

Based on the notification, yes, each wrong answer carries a 0.25 mark deduction, and so does leaving a question blank or marking more than one answer. All 100 questions carry 1 mark each within a 90-minute test. Candidates should attempt only questions they are reasonably confident about, given this penalty structure.

Can I apply for both notifications at the same time?

According to the notifications, both are issued for the same post title and pay scale but represent separate local-candidate vacancy pools, likely tied to different recruitment units or districts. The documents do not explicitly state whether dual applications are permitted. Candidates should check the official portal or contact the helpline to confirm if applying to both is allowed for their situation.

What is the helpline number for queries regarding this recruitment?

Candidates with doubts about notification or written test details can call 080-23460460 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. This helpline does not handle queries about candidates’ personal eligibility status. For eligibility-specific questions, candidates should refer to the detailed notification rather than the helpline.