The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), on behalf of the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Department, has released a notification inviting online applications for recruitment to 869 vacancies of Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing, and Instructor Grade-II posts. This is a golden opportunity for SSLC pass and graduate candidates in Karnataka looking for a stable government job in the state prisons cadre. Below is a complete breakdown of vacancies, eligibility, pay scale, important dates, and the selection process.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026: Overview
The recruitment is being conducted separately for two cadres, the General or Rest of Karnataka (R.P.C.) cadre and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre, under Article 371(J) provisions. Candidates must check which cadre applies to their region of eligibility before applying.
Post-wise and Cadre-wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Post Name | General/R.P.C. Cadre | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Cadre | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jailor | Nil | 5 | 5 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | 560 | 275 | 835 |
| Instructor Grade-II | 16 | 8 | 24 |
| Warder cum Nursing | Nil | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 576 | 293 | 869 |
The R.P.C. cadre total (560 + 16 = 576) and the Kalyana Karnataka cadre total (5 + 275 + 8 + 5 = 293) together add up correctly to the officially stated 869 posts, with no discrepancy found across sources.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Jailor: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, with preference generally given to candidates holding degrees in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Correctional Administration.
- Warder (Vikshakaru): SSLC (10th standard) pass or equivalent.
- Instructor Grade-II: SSLC pass along with a diploma or recognized certificate in the relevant technical trade (such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Carpentry).
- Warder cum Nursing: SSLC pass along with a First Aid certificate.
- Kannada Language: Candidates who have studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC are exempted from a separate Kannada language test; others must clear a qualifying Kannada test.
Age Limit (as on the cutoff date specified in the notification)
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 31 years for General Merit candidates
- Maximum age: 33 years for SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B candidates
- Ex-servicemen are entitled to additional age relaxation of 3 years as per government rules
Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Jailor | Rs. 61,300 to Rs. 1,12,900 |
| Warder (Vikshakaru) | Rs. 37,500 to Rs. 76,100 |
| Instructor Grade-II | Rs. 37,500 to Rs. 76,100 |
| Warder cum Nursing | Rs. 34,100 to Rs. 67,600 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit and Categories 2A/2B/3A/3B | Rs. 750 |
| SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender | Rs. 500 |
Fee must be paid online through the application portal before the specified deadline.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 18 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Examination | 21 November 2026 (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM) |
Selection Process
Candidates will be selected through the following stages:
- Competitive Written Examination: 100 marks, 90 minutes duration, based on SSLC-level General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, and the Indian Constitution for Warder-level posts, with a graduate-level paper for the Jailor post.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) and Endurance Test (ET): Shortlisted candidates, typically at a 1:5 ratio based on written exam performance, will be called for physical measurements and endurance testing.
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official Karnataka Examinations Authority recruitment portal from 19 September 2026 to 15 October 2026. Candidates should carefully read the official notification for their applicable cadre (R.P.C. or Kalyana Karnataka) before submitting the application, upload the required documents and photograph, and pay the applicable fee before the deadline.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Application Portal | Click Here |
| Official Notification (General/RPC Cadre) | Click Here |
| Official Notification (Kalyana Karnataka Cadre) | Click Here |
| Karnataka Prisons Department Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many total vacancies are there in the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
There are 869 total vacancies across Jailor, Warder (Vikshakaru), Warder cum Nursing, and Instructor Grade-II posts.
2. What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
The online application window closes on 15 October 2026, with fee payment accepted until 16 October 2026.
3. What is the minimum educational qualification required for the Warder post?
Candidates must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or an equivalent examination.
4. What is the age limit for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
The minimum age is 20 years and the maximum age is 31 years for General Merit candidates, extended to 33 years for SC, ST, Category-1, and other reserved category candidates.
5. When will the written examination be conducted?
The written examination is scheduled for 21 November 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
6. What is the application fee for this recruitment?
The fee is Rs. 750 for General Merit and Category 2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, and Rs. 500 for SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-servicemen, and Third Gender candidates.
7. Is a Kannada language test compulsory for all candidates?
No, candidates who studied Kannada as a first or second language up to SSLC are exempted; others must clear a separate qualifying Kannada test.
8. What is the selection process for this recruitment?
Selection involves a written examination, followed by a Physical Standard Test, Endurance Test, document verification, and a medical examination.
9. What is the pay scale for the Jailor post?
The Jailor post carries a pay scale of Rs. 61,300 to Rs. 1,12,900.
Disclaimer: JobShouter.com is not affiliated with the Karnataka Prisons Department or the Karnataka Examinations Authority. Shared for informational purposes only, please verify details on the official website.
