Karnataka Police Constable Recruitment 2026: 3,991 Posts for Civil & Armed Cadres

The Karnataka State Police has officially confirmed 3,991 permanent vacancies for Police Constable (Civil) and Police Constable (Armed) posts under direct recruitment for 2026. This notification, released by the Office of the Director General of Police, invites online applications through the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). Candidates with a minimum qualification of SSLC (10th grade) can apply across both “Kalyan Karnataka” (local) and “Remaining Origin” (general) cadres. Unlike many state recruitments, this drive includes a separate category for Transgender candidates and specific physical standard relaxations for tribal communities residing in forest areas.

Based on official notifications No. 01/ನೇಮಕಾತಿ-4/2026-27 (Civil) and No. 02/ನೇಮಕಾತಿ-4/2026-27 (Armed) by Karnataka DGP Office. Verified: June 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

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Important Dates

Vacancy and Category Analysis (Post-Wise Breakdown)

PC Civil (Kalyan Karnataka Cadre – 371(J) Reservation):

RPC Armed (Remaining Origin Cadre):

Competition Ratio & Insight: With 3,991 total vacancies and approximately 5-6 lakh expected applicants (based on KEA’s 2024-25 police recruitment trend), the selection ratio stands at roughly 1 in 130. General category candidates face higher competition due to 75% of unreserved seats being contested by a large pool, while Ex-Servicemen candidates have a significant advantage with 161 dedicated seats (Male+Female) against a smaller applicant pool. Transgender candidates have a dedicated 10 seats across both cadres – a rare and progressive inclusion.

Salary and In-Hand Calculation (Level 7th CPC)

In-Hand Salary Breakdown (Monthly):

• NPS Deduction: 10% of Basic Pay (≈ ₹3,750 – ₹4,300).
• HRA: 24% (Class X city – Bengaluru) or 16% (Class Y city).
• DA: Current state DA rate (assumed ~12-15% of Basic).
• Final Calculation: Gross ~₹44,000 – NPS ~₹4,000 – CGEIS/other deductions ≈ ₹34,500 – ₹38,200 in-hand per month.

Beyond Salary: National Pension System (NPS) benefits, medical facilities under state government schemes, and eligibility for duty allowances.

City-Wise Variation Note: Candidates posted in Bengaluru (Class X city) receive HRA ~₹9,000-₹10,000/month, whereas those in Class Y cities (e.g., Mysuru) receive ~₹6,500. This creates an annual difference of approximately ₹35,000-40,000 between city postings.

Application Fee

Age Limit (as per Karnataka Civil Services Rules)

Example: If your last date for application is 03 July 2026, a General candidate must not have been born before 04 July 1998. OBC candidates get relaxation to 04 July 1995.

Eligibility Criteria (Educational)

Final year candidates are NOT eligible. Your results must be published before the 03 July 2026 application deadline.

Selection Process

1. Written Examination (OMR Based)

100 questions (100 marks) on General Knowledge, Science, Geography, Indian Constitution, and Mental Ability. 90 minutes duration. Minimum qualifying marks: 30/100. Negative marking: -0.25 per wrong answer.

2. Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test (PET)

Called in 1:5 ratio of written exam. PST includes height/chest measurement; PET includes 1600m run (6 min 30 sec for male), long jump, and shot put. PET is qualifying only (no marks).

3. Medical Examination

Final stage for shortlisted candidates (1:2 ratio after PET/PST). Conducted by a medical board.

Your first 7 days after applying: 1) Download and save application PDF. 2) Start daily 3km running practice. 3) Measure your height/chest at a clinic. 4) Collect original caste/income certificates (if applying under reservation). 5) Keep SSLC marksheet and Aadhaar scanned.

Exam Syllabus

Exam Pattern (Offline OMR Type)

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How to Apply Online for Karnataka Police Constable 2026

1. Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
2. Click on “PC CL & RPC Constable Recruitment 2026” link.
3. Register with your mobile number and email ID.
4. Fill the application form with educational, personal, and category details.
5. Upload scanned photograph (white background) and signature (black ink).
6. Pay the application fee online via Net Banking/Card/UPI.
7. Preview all entries, verify category selection carefully.
8. Submit and download the final application PDF for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the approximate in-hand salary after deductions?

Approximately ₹34,500 – ₹38,200 per month. This is after deducting NPS (10% of basic), CGEIS, and professional tax from a gross salary of ~₹44,000.

2. What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Police Constable 2026?

03 July 2026 is the last date to submit your online application. Fee payment is allowed until 04 July 2026.

3. What are total vacancies and post names?

Total 3,991 vacancies: 596 Police Constable (Civil) under Kalyan Karnataka cadre, and 3,395 Police Constable (Armed) under Remaining Origin cadre.

4. What is the minimum educational qualification required?

SSLC / 10th Standard pass from a recognised board. Final year candidates waiting for results are not eligible.

5. What is the age limit for General category and relaxation for OBC/SC?

General: 18-28 years. OBC gets +3 years (31 max), SC/ST/Cat-1 gets +5 years (33 max), PwD gets +10 years.

6. Is there any height relaxation for tribal candidates?

Yes. Male tribal candidates from specific forest districts (e.g., Siddhiges, Jenukuruba) have minimum height 155 cm. Female tribal candidates have 150 cm (relaxed from 157 cm).

7. What physical test is required for female candidates?

Minimum height 157 cm, weight 45 kg. Endurance: 400m run in 2 minutes, long jump 2.50m or high jump 0.90m, shot put (4 kg) – 3.75m.

8. Is there negative marking in the written exam?

Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions also get -0.25 if the 5th option (not attempted) is not shaded.