Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 – Apply for 576 Warder and Instructor Positions

The Karnataka State Prisons Department has released Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 notifications inviting applications from eligible candidates across India. Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 offers 560 Warder (Watchman) positions and 16 Instructor Grade-II posts, making this one of the year’s largest state correctional service opportunities. Released on 18 September 2026, Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 provides direct entry into permanent government employment with pension, medical benefits, and job security.

Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority through an online application system. The notification is available on the official portal https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Candidates from all states are eligible to apply for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 provided they meet the qualification and age requirements specified in the official notification.

Candidates applying for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 must follow this strict schedule:

• Application window opens: 19 September 2026
• Online application closes: 15 October 2026
• Fee payment deadline: 16 October 2026
• Written examination date: 21 November 2026
• Examination timing: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM (90 minutes duration)

Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 allows only online applications through https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. No offline, postal, or manual applications are accepted. The examination for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 will be conducted in offline OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) format across designated district examination centres throughout Karnataka state.

Vacancy Structure

Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 divides the 576 total positions into two distinct roles:

Warder (Watchman) – 560 Posts:

The Warder position under Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 is an entry-level role suitable for SSLC (10th standard) pass candidates. Warders hired through Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 are responsible for prison security, inmate supervision, facility maintenance, and daily operational duties. Selected candidates undergo nine months of foundational training at government-designated correctional facilities before permanent posting.

Instructor Grade-II – 16 Posts:

Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 includes specialist Instructor positions requiring diplomas or certificates in mechanical work, electrical work, carpentry, tailoring, textiles, weaving, or carpet making from government-recognized institutions. Instructors hired under Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 train prison inmates in vocational skills, contributing to rehabilitation and skill development programmes.

Salary and Benefits

Warder Positions: Candidates selected through Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 for Warder roles receive salary according to state norms with annual increments, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and various statutory benefits. Permanent government employment through Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 includes pension after 20 years of service, medical facilities, and annual leave entitlements.

Instructor Grade-II Positions: Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 offers Instructor posts with a starting salary of ₹37,500 monthly, escalating to ₹76,100 through eight structured pay bands. The salary includes regular annual increments, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, medical benefits, and pension eligibility. Instructor Grade-II positions under Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 offer career progression into senior training and supervisory roles.

Eligibility Requirements

Educational Qualifications:

For Warder positions , candidates must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or an equivalent examination from a recognized education board. The qualification certificate must be obtained before the application closing date.

For Instructor Grade-II positions under Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026, candidates require SSLC qualification plus a diploma or certificate in one of these trades: Mechanical work, Electrical work, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textiles/Weaving, or Carpet making, issued by a government-recognized institution. Partial qualifications are not accepted.

Age Limits: Check your age in CALCULATOR

• General candidates applying for Job: Maximum 31 years
• SC/ST/Category-1/OBC candidates: Maximum 33 years
• Ex-servicemen applying for this job- Additional relaxation of up to 5 years permitted

Age is calculated on the application closing date: (15 October 2026).

Application Fee Structure

All fees for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 are non-refundable regardless of examination outcome. Payment must be completed online via net banking, credit card, or debit card before 16 October 2026.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 – Registration:
Visit https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and click the Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 link. Create a new login account using your email address and mobile number. These contact details will be used for all Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 communications.

Step 2 – Document Preparation:
Scan a recent passport-sized photograph in JPEG format (file size 50-200 KB) and your signature in black ink, also as JPEG (file size 50-70 KB). Prepare digital copies of SSLC certificates, diploma certificates, and category/reservation certificates if applicable.

Step 3 – Form Completion:
Log in to your account and complete the Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 application form. Enter personal information, educational qualifications, work experience, and contact details accurately. Upload your photograph and signature in the specified formats. Select your preferred examination centre from the list provided for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026.

Step 4 – Post and Category Selection:
Choose whether you are applying for Warder or Instructor Grade-II position under Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026. Select your reserved category (SC/ST/Category-1/OBC/Women/Ex-servicemen) if applicable. The system will automatically verify your eligibility for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026.

Step 5 – Fee Payment:
Proceed to the payment gateway and complete your application fee payment online. After successful payment, download and print your receipt. This receipt is mandatory for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 exam entry and must be carried to the examination centre.

Step 6 – Confirmation:
After submission, the system generates a confirmation page. Download and save this page as your application receipt. No changes or corrections are permitted after submission for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026.

Selection Process

Written Examination (100 marks, 90 minutes):

The written test for Karnataka Prison Recruitment 2026 covers general knowledge, science, geography, history, Indian Constitution, independence movement, and mental reasoning at 10th standard level. Each question carries 1 mark. Negative marking applies: 0.25 marks deducted per incorrect answer. Candidates must attempt the examination at their assigned centre.

Physical Fitness Tests:

Candidates clearing the written examination proceed to physical fitness assessments. Tests include 100-metre run, long jump, high jump, shot-put, and 800-metre run. Lower benchmarks are prescribed for female candidates and ex-servicemen, but all candidates must complete all tests.

Endurance Test:

Candidates must qualify in at least 3 of 5 endurance test components. These tests are videographed for transparency and fairness.

Medical Examination:

A medical board evaluates candidates’ health, vision, hearing, chest measurements, and overall fitness for correctional service work.

Document Verification:

Original documents must be produced during verification. Candidates are ranked by merit for final selection.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Apply only through the official portal at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Provide completely accurate information; false details result in disqualification. Upload documents in exact specified formats. Do not contact the authority regarding individual applications. Selected candidates must join within the notified timeframe; joining is mandatory.

FAQs About the Recruitment

What is the closing date? 15 October 2026 for applications.

Can I apply for both posts? No, only one application per candidate.

Is there an exam syllabus? Use standard 10th-grade general knowledge resources.

Where is the exam held? At assigned district centres in Karnataka.

What if I fail physical tests? You are not advanced further.

Apply Now for Government Jobs

Visit https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ today. For official details, check https://prisons.karnataka.gov.in/en. Contact the information hotline at 080-23460460 (10 AM–6 PM) for exam-related queries only.

Related Resources:

• Latest Government Jobs
• State Government Jobs
• 10th Pass Jobs