Karnataka Police KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 1600 CAR/DAR Posts

KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026: Karnataka State Police (KSP) has officially released two recruitment notifications dated 19 June 2026 for the direct recruitment of 1600 Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) posts across two divisions - General Karnataka (1421 posts) and Kalyana Karnataka (179 posts). This is a major government job opportunity for male candidates who have passed PUC (Class 12) and wish to serve in the Karnataka Police Department. Online applications are open from 22 June 2026 to 22 July 2026. Candidates must apply through the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 - Overview

Karnataka State Police is recruiting 1600 Armed Police Constable posts with 12th pass qualification, last date 24 July 2026.

KSP Armed Police Constable Vacancy Details 2026

The Karnataka State Police has released a combined total of 1600 vacancies under two separate notifications for the same post of Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR). Both notifications carry identical eligibility criteria, selection process, and pay scale. The division-wise vacancy breakdown is as follows:

Note: Separate merit lists and category-wise vacancy details will be published by the recruiting authority. Candidates may apply for one or both divisions as eligible.

Important Dates - KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026

Candidates must note all the key dates for the KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026. Missing any deadline - especially the fee payment window - will result in rejection of the online application.

KSP Armed Police Constable Notification Out

Karnataka State Police has officially released the KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 notification on 19 June 2026. Two separate notifications have been issued - one for General Karnataka (Notification No. 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27) covering 1421 posts, and one for Kalyana Karnataka (Notification No. 04/Recruitment-5(B)/2026-27) covering 179 posts. Both notifications are available for download via the official KEA recruitment portal. Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying.

KSP Armed Police Constable PDF Download Link

Download the official KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 notification PDFs from the links below. Always refer to the official notification for complete and accurate information before filling out the application form.

• Official Notification - General Karnataka (1421 Posts): Download PDF from KEA Portal
• Official Notification - Kalyana Karnataka (179 Posts): Download PDF from KEA Portal
• KSP Official Website: ksp.karnataka.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria - KSP Armed Police Constable 2026

Before applying for the KSP Constable recruitment 2026, candidates must verify that they meet all the eligibility requirements including educational qualification, age limit, and nationality. Ineligible candidates who apply will be disqualified at any stage of the selection process.

Nationality

The applicant must be an Indian citizen.

Educational Qualification

The minimum educational qualification for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is PUC (Class 12) or equivalent. Candidates who are currently studying and awaiting results are NOT eligible. All candidates must have passed PUC or hold equivalent marks on or before the last date of application.

• Class 12 passed from CBSE / SSLC board
• Class 12 from any other State Government examination board
• Higher-level education (H.S.C.) conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
• Two-year ITI course holders: one language course + one technical subject at the PUC level (distance / regular) in one language and one subject is the minimum

Special Note (GO No. 19 TVA 2019, dated 06.08.2021): Vocational Training Courses (J.O.C.) are treated as equivalent to PUC under the following conditions only:

• Students awaiting compassionate / same-rotation appointment, or those whose appointment orders are pending - JOC is treated as equivalent to PUC.
• If PUC or JOC marks are being considered only for competitive exams (not for employment), JOC is treated as the minimum qualification.

Three-year Diploma holders (GO No. 33 TVA 2021, dated 30.09.2021): A 3-year diploma from a technical institution is treated as equivalent to PUC subject to the following:

• For direct or compassionate recruitment and for higher education, a 3-year technical diploma is treated as PUC equivalent.
• Students who obtained a 3-year technical diploma before 2015 must additionally pass the Kannada language exam conducted by KPSC alongside the departmental test.

Important (Note-b): As per GO No. 43 / 2020 (dated 5.3.2021) and GO No. 102 / 2022 (dated 24.03.2025), candidates appearing for the KSP recruitment exam must have passed the Kannada language test conducted by SSLC/PUC authorities or any State Government-recognized body, or must have studied Kannada as a first or second language. Candidates who have not passed a Kannada language test before will be exempted from further Kannada testing only if they score at least 50 out of 150 marks in Kannada in the SSLC-level examination.

Age Limit (as on last date of application)

The minimum age requirement for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026 is 18 years on the last date of application. The maximum age limit varies by category as shown below. The Government of Karnataka provides age relaxation as per GO No. 262 / 2025 (dated 29.01.2026), allowing a one-time relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit.

Note for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-servicemen are eligible for age relaxation of 3 years in addition to the length of military service rendered. The term "Ex-serviceman" carries the meaning defined in applicable service regulations.

Application Fee - KSP Constable Recruitment 2026

The application fee for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 must be paid online only. Candidates are required to pay the fee before the deadline of 24 July 2026. Fee once paid is non-refundable.

Fee is non-refundable. Pay online only through the KEA portal.

Selection Process - KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026

The selection process for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 consists of multiple stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. The selection is competitive and based on merit at each stage.

1. Written Examination (Offline - OMR-based)
2. Physical Standard Test (PST)
3. Physical Endurance Test (PET)
4. Medical Examination
5. Final Merit List and Appointment

Written Examination Pattern

The written exam is of the Offline OMR type and will be held at district-level examination centres across Karnataka. Candidates must download their hall tickets from the official KEA website and carry a valid photo identity proof. The written exam will be conducted at 4 district centres per division. The exam centre cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Written Exam Date: 06 September 2026

• General Karnataka Division: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Kalyana Karnataka Division: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Negative Marking: Yes. Each wrong answer carries a deduction of 0.25 marks. There are 4 options per question and only one correct answer is to be marked. In the OMR sheet, if 5th or subsequent options are marked after originally selecting an answer, candidates must cancel the first answer and wait 5 minutes before marking the new answer; 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer if the process is not followed correctly.

Note for Ex-Servicemen: As per Government Letter No. BOI 207 / 2018 (dated 05.02.2019), qualified ex-servicemen are selected on merit basis with zero and minimum score benchmarks applicable under those norms.

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Physical Standard Test (PST)

Candidates who qualify the written examination (shortlisted at a 1:5 ratio per category per vacancy) will be called for the Physical Standard Test. The PST is qualifying in nature and no marks are awarded for it. The PST checks candidates' height and chest measurements.

Note: Ex-servicemen who do not meet the minimum height of 168 cm will be proportionally considered alongside other qualifying ex-servicemen at the same height. Candidates with lower marks who meet the ex-serviceman minimum height will be considered after all qualifying ex-servicemen are ranked first.

The "Budakattu" (Forest Tribal) community includes candidates from: Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Mysuru forest areas (Siddara, Jenukuruba, Kadukuruba, Yerva, Soliga, Kudiya, Gowdlu, Hasalaru, Malekudiya) and Koraga Budakattu community.

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

The Physical Endurance Test checks a candidate's physical fitness across multiple events. All PST-qualified candidates must complete all PET events in the sequence prescribed. Failing or withdrawing from any event will render the candidate ineligible. PET marks are qualifying only and are not added to the final merit score.

Special Note: Candidates appearing for the PET must be physically fit. Any injury during the PET is the sole responsibility of the candidate. Neither the police department nor the recruitment committee is liable for any injury sustained. Candidates must self-certify fitness before participating. All PET events will be videographed for record purposes.

Shortlisting after PST/PET: From candidates who qualify both PST and PET, a shortlist of 1:2 ratio per category per vacancy will be prepared. These shortlisted candidates will be called for the medical examination and final selection. The final selection methodology has been approved by the Government of Karnataka vide GO dated 13.04.2026.

Medical Examination

Candidates shortlisted after PST and PET will appear for a comprehensive medical examination conducted by an authorized Medical Board. The medical exam schedule, venue, and time will be published on the official recruitment portal. Candidates must bring original documents to the medical exam. Admission to the medical exam is based on a provisional list and appearing in the medical exam does not guarantee appointment.

The medical examination covers the following:

a) Vision:

• Distance Vision: Best eye - 6/9 or 6/9; Worst eye - 6/9 or 6/12
• Near Vision: 0/6 (Best), 0/8 (Worst)
• Each eye must have complete field of vision
• Colour blindness, squint, or any abnormal condition of the eyelid or retina is disqualifying

b) Hearing: Rinne's Test, Weber's Test, and Tests for Vertigo. Any deficiency detected in the above tests is disqualifying.

c) Other Disqualifications:

• Varicose Veins
• Impediment in speech
• Chest X-Ray (and any other tests recommended by the Medical Board)
• Musculoskeletal Deformities: Knock Knees, Flat Foot, Bow Legs, Cubitus Valgus, Cubitus Varus
• Any physical or mental disability that prevents the candidate from performing duties

Note: Only physically fit candidates are eligible for appointment. Candidates appearing for PET, written exam, and medical examination are not eligible for any employment benefits. Police personnel who serve and are found medically unfit must not carry any physical disability while on duty.

Training Period and Probation

Selected candidates will undergo basic training at the designated Police Training Schools as prescribed by the DGP and IGP. Candidates who fail in training exams will be discharged from service. After training, selected candidates will serve a probationary period of two years and six months in the Karnataka Police Department.

KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 - Pay Scale and Other Benefits

The selected candidates for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026 will receive a structured pay scale under the Karnataka Civil Services pay framework. The pay scale is revised as per the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

• Pay Scale: ₹37,500-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800-1,375-58,300-1,500-64,300-1,650-74,200-1,900-76,100
• Pension: National Pension System (NPS) as per GO No. FD (SPFL) 04 / FIT 2005, dated 31.03.2006

Free In-Hand Salary Calculator India

How to Apply - KSP Armed Police Constable 2026

The application process for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is entirely online. There is no offline application mode. Candidates must follow the steps below carefully to submit a valid application. Once submitted, no details in the application can be modified or corrected under any circumstances.

1. Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
2. Click on the active recruitment link for "KSP Armed Police Constable 2026"
3. Register using a valid mobile number and email ID
4. Fill in all personal, educational, and category details accurately
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format (50 KB - 200 KB) and your signature in JPEG format (50 KB - 70 KB)
6. Pay the application fee online (₹750 or ₹500 depending on category)
7. Download and save a copy of the submitted application. Keep the fee payment receipt/challan safe until the selection process is complete
8. Only one application per candidate per division is allowed

Important: Candidates must read all notifications displayed on the official website before applying. Any incorrect information submitted in the application can result in disqualification or criminal action. The mobile number and email ID provided in the application will be used for all future communications. Changes will not be entertained after submission.

The authority conducting correspondence with candidates: Follow the official 'X' account @KEA_KARNATAKA on the web portal for all recruitment-related updates.

KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026  - Apply Online

The online application window for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is open from 22 June 2026 to 22 July 2026. The last date to pay the application fee is 24 July 2026. Click the link below to apply directly through the official KEA recruitment portal.

• Apply Online (KEA Portal): https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
• KSP Official Website: https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in/

Documents Required at the Time of Application and Later Stages

Candidates must keep the following documents ready when applying online and must produce originals at the time of document verification, PST/PET, and the medical examination. Do NOT carry Aadhaar Card to the examination.

• Aadhaar Card (for identity verification at application stage only)
• Marks sheets/certificates for all subjects from the last qualifying examination
• Date of Birth proof (SSLC/PUC certificate or equivalent)
• Discharge certificate (for ex-servicemen) and pension / gratuity payment proof
• Caste/Community certificate in the prescribed format (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
• Rural reservation certificate in Form 1 and Form 2 (for rural candidates)
• Kannada Medium certificate in the prescribed format
• No-Objection Certificate from the employer (for currently employed candidates)
• Project Displaced Person (PDP) certificate (if applicable)
• Permanent Disability certificate (for dependants of deceased / permanently disabled ex-servicemen, if applicable)

Category / Caste Certificate Format

Candidates claiming reservation must submit caste/community certificates in the prescribed format. The format required varies by category:

• Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe: Form D
• Category-1 candidates: Form I
• Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B candidates: Form F

The certificate must be current and issued by the concerned Tahsildar. Certificates must be in the prescribed format with the Tahsildar's signature, seal, and barcode / QR code. SC/ST and Category-1 certificates must be valid; OBC certificates (Cat 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) must not be older than 5 years from the date of application submission. For employment purposes, only caste and income certificates should be submitted (not education or other benefit certificates).

Reservation and Special Category Details

KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 provides reservations for various categories as per Karnataka State Government rules. Candidates must apply under the correct category to avail reservation benefits.

Ex-Servicemen (XMP)

As per GO No. DPAR 13 SRR 92 (dated 01.04.1992) and GO No. DPAR 28 SRR 95 (dated 21.10.1995), 10% of posts are reserved for ex-servicemen in direct recruitment. The definition of "ex-serviceman" under Karnataka Civil Services Rules 1977 applies. Dependent family members of ex-servicemen who died in service or who are permanently disabled are also eligible for this reservation.

Persons who quit service voluntarily, those dismissed for misconduct, those who received gratuity and left before completing service, gallantry award winners who are still serving, and persons receiving post-retirement employment pension are NOT eligible under this category.

Rural Candidates

As per GO No. 59 / 2000 (dated 06.01.2001), candidates applying under rural reservation must have studied from Class 1 to Class 10 in a rural area school. The certificate must be submitted in Form 2 with signatures of the school headmaster and field-level education authority. The certificate must be current and issued by the relevant Tahsildar.

Kannada Medium Students (KMS)

As per GO No. 71 (dated 24.10.2002), candidates who have studied in Kannada medium from Class 1 to Class 10 are eligible for KMS reservation. The certificate must be issued by the school headmaster along with a field education officer endorsement, submitted on the last date of application.

Project Displaced Persons (PDP)

As per GO No. 23 / 99 (dated 23.11.2000) and Amendment GO No. 252 / 2020 (Part-1, dated 07.07.2021), displaced family candidates are eligible for reservation as per applicable rules. The certificate must be submitted in the prescribed format by the concerned Tahsildar.

Section 371(J) - Kalyana Karnataka Reservation

For the Kalyana Karnataka division (179 posts), local reservation under Article 371(J) of the Indian Constitution applies as per the Karnataka Public Service (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region Recruitment) Rules, 2013. Candidates claiming this reservation must submit the eligibility certificate in Annexure-2 issued by the competent sub-divisional authority. Original documents must be presented for verification at the time of the medical examination.

Competition Level Analysis - Who Should Apply?

The KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 is one of the most competitive state police constable recruitments in Karnataka. With 1600 vacancies and lakhs of eligible PUC-pass candidates across Karnataka, the expected competition level is very high. Here is a realistic overview:

• Ideal candidates: Physically fit male candidates aged 18-28 years with PUC (Science/Arts/Commerce), strong general knowledge, and regular physical training background have the best chance.
• Key elimination stages: The written exam (OMR-based) and the PET (1600 m run within 6:30 minutes for general candidates) are the two stages where the largest number of candidates are eliminated.
• Recommended preparation: Focus on Karnataka-specific general knowledge, current affairs, Indian Constitution, Geography, and Mental Ability for the written exam. Begin physical training immediately - running, long jump, high jump, and shot put practice are essential.
• Ex-servicemen advantage: Ex-servicemen with the required physical standards have a significant advantage due to easier PET standards and reserved posts.
• Rural / KMS candidates: Rural reservation and Kannada Medium reservation offer additional advantage. Ensure certificates are in the correct format.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid - KSP Constable Application 2026

Many candidates make avoidable errors that lead to rejection of their application. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026:

• Uploading a photograph that is not a recent passport-size JPEG (must be 50 KB - 200 KB)
• Uploading a signature that exceeds 70 KB or is not in JPEG format
• Submitting the application without paying the fee - an unpaid application is automatically invalid
• Applying in the wrong category and submitting incorrect or mismatched caste certificates
• Applying as a current student (still awaiting PUC results) - this is NOT allowed
• Submitting multiple applications for the same division - only one application per division is permitted
• Providing incorrect mobile number or email - all communications including hall ticket links are sent to these details
• Carrying Aadhaar card alone to the exam centre - at least one photo ID from the approved list is required
• Ignoring the Kannada language test requirement - candidates who have not previously cleared a Kannada test must be aware of the SSLC-level 50-mark requirement