Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026: 3,991 Constable Vacancies — Eligibility, Physical Standards, Exam Pattern, Salary & Apply Online

If you have been looking for a government job in Karnataka that comes with real responsibility, solid pay, and long-term career stability, Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026 is something you should not scroll past. The Karnataka State Police (KSP) has released a major recruitment notification for 3,991 Police Constable (Civil) posts — and applications are already open.

This is not a small-scale hiring drive. Nearly four thousand vacancies spread across two separate notifications make this one of the largest Karnataka government job opportunities in recent years. Whether you are a fresh PUC pass-out or someone who has been preparing for a police job for a while, the window is open right now and it will not stay open for long.

This guide covers every detail you need — from vacancy breakdown and eligibility to physical standards, written exam pattern, salary, and the exact steps to apply online. Read it carefully, bookmark it, and use it as your reference throughout the application process.

Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

Recruitment Body	Karnataka State Police (KSP)
Post Name	Police Constable (Civil)
Total Vacancies	3,991
Educational Qualification	PUC / Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board
Age Limit (General)	18 to 33 years
Application Mode	Online only
Application Portal	cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
Registration Window	June 8, 2026 to July 3, 2026
Fee Payment Deadline	July 4, 2026
Written Test Date	August 2, 2026 (tentative)
Salary Range	₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month
Job Type	State Government (Permanent)
Training Period	9 months, followed by 2.5 years probation

Latest Notification Details

The KSP Constable Recruitment 2026 has been issued through two separate notifications, both targeting the same post — Police Constable (Civil) — but for different cadres and vacancy pools.

Notification 1 covers 596 vacancies specifically reserved for the SC cadre under the Kalyana-Karnataka region. This notification is aimed at candidates from the historically underdeveloped districts falling under the Kalyana-Karnataka Development Board (KKDB) jurisdiction. Candidates from this region with SC category certificates should look at this notification separately.

Notification 2 is the larger of the two, covering 3,395 vacancies from the general mixed cadre across Karnataka. This applies to candidates across all districts and categories, with the usual reservation structure.

Both notifications are managed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) and the application portal is the same for both. Candidates eligible for Notification 1 should check whether they need to apply separately or whether a single application covers both, as per the official notification documents.

Vacancy Details

Notification	Cadre / Category	Vacancies
Notification 1	SC / Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre	596
Notification 2	General / Mixed Cadre (All Categories)	3,395
Total	Combined KSP Constable (Civil)	3,991

The final category-wise and district-wise vacancy breakup will be mentioned in detail inside the official notification PDF. Always refer to the original notification document available on the official KSP or KEA website for the exact figures, as small adjustments may happen before the exam date.

Post-wise Vacancy Breakdown

All 3,991 vacancies are for the post of Police Constable (Civil). This is an entry-level post within the Karnataka State Police force and falls under the civil police wing — not the armed or special battalion units. The role involves general law enforcement, community policing, traffic management, and support duties at police stations across Karnataka.

Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. The vacancy split between male and female candidates will be clearly defined in the official notification for each cadre. Female candidates are typically allocated a fixed percentage of seats under the women reservation policy applicable in Karnataka Police recruitments.

Candidates from specific communities including SC, ST, Category 1, Category 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B will have reserved seats within the total vacancy pool. Ex-servicemen, sports persons, and candidates from forest areas may also have additional reservations as per the notification details.

Educational Qualification

Minimum Qualification	PUC (Class 12 / 10+2) or equivalent
Recognised Boards	Karnataka State Board, CBSE, ICSE, or any equivalent State Board
Higher Education	Not mandatory; graduates can also apply

The good thing about this recruitment is that you only need to have cleared Class 12. A degree is not required. So if you passed your PUC from any stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts — you are eligible as long as you meet the age and other criteria. Candidates who are graduates or postgraduates can also apply; having a higher qualification does not disqualify you, it just is not a requirement.

What matters more here is your physical fitness and performance in the written test. The educational bar is deliberately set at PUC to allow a wider pool of young candidates to enter the force. Make sure your Class 12 certificates are genuine, from a recognised board, and that all your documents are consistent in name spelling and date of birth.

Age Limit

Category	Minimum Age	Maximum Age
General / Unreserved (UR)	18 years	33 years
SC / ST / Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B	18 years	35 years
Candidates from Forest Areas	18 years	38 years
Ex-Servicemen (General)	18 years	38 years
Ex-Servicemen (Reserved Categories)	18 years	40 years

Age is calculated based on the reference date mentioned in the official notification. Always check that date carefully — do not assume it is the application closing date. The official notification will clearly state the cut-off date for age calculation, and your eligibility must be established as of that date.

Age Relaxation

Karnataka Police follows the state government's reservation and age relaxation norms. Here is a summary of who gets relaxation and by how much:

Category	Age Relaxation
SC / ST / OBC (Cat 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B)	2 additional years over General upper limit (effective upper age: 35 years)
Forest Area Candidates	Up to 38 years
Ex-Servicemen (General)	Up to 38 years
Ex-Servicemen (Reserved)	Up to 40 years
Persons with Disabilities (PwD)	As per Karnataka Government norms — check official notification
Sports Persons	As per Karnataka Government norms — check official notification

One thing worth understanding is that age relaxation does not mean automatic eligibility — you must still meet all other criteria including educational qualification, physical standards, and domicile requirements. Category certificates must be issued by the competent authority and must be valid as of the application date.

Application Fee

Category	Application Fee
General / OBC / Other Unreserved	₹750
SC / ST and Other Reserved Categories	₹500
Fee Payment Mode	Online — Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI
Fee Payment Deadline	July 4, 2026

Application fees are non-refundable once paid, so make sure your application is complete, accurate, and fully filled before making the payment. Do not pay the fee as a placeholder thinking you will correct the form later — many fields lock after payment. Keep your payment receipt and transaction ID safely stored.

Selection Process

Getting selected as a Karnataka Police Constable is not just about cracking a written exam. The selection process is physical and medical as well, and all four stages must be cleared. Here is how the process flows:

Stage	Test	Details
Stage 1	Written Test	100 objective-type questions, 90 minutes, covering General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Stage 2	Physical Standards Test (PST)	Height, weight, and chest measurements as per category norms
Stage 3	Physical Endurance Test (PET)	Running, long jump, and shot put events for male and female candidates separately
Stage 4	Medical Examination	Vision, hearing, musculoskeletal fitness, and general health assessment

Clearing the written test does not guarantee selection. You must also pass the physical stages. Many candidates who score well on paper are rejected at the PST or PET because they did not start physical training in time. Treat all four stages as equally important from day one of your preparation.

Physical Standards Test (PST)

The Physical Standards Test checks whether candidates meet the minimum height and chest measurements required to serve in the police force. These are qualifying criteria — you either meet them or you do not. There is no scoring here.

Category	Height (Male)	Chest (Unexpanded / Expanded)	Height (Female)
General / OBC	168 cm	86 cm / 91 cm	157 cm
SC / ST	165 cm	84 cm / 89 cm	155 cm
Candidates from Hilly / Forest Areas	165 cm	84 cm / 89 cm	155 cm
Ex-Servicemen	As per service record	As per service record	N/A

Height and chest measurements are taken by official medical staff at designated centres. Candidates who are borderline on height should get measured at a government hospital beforehand to confirm their standing. Footwear is not allowed during measurement, and clothing must be standard. Always verify the exact standards from the official KSP notification since these can differ slightly between notification batches.

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

The PET is where physical preparation matters most. Candidates who have cleared the PST proceed to the endurance test, which evaluates running speed, jumping ability, and throwing power.

Event	Male Requirement	Female Requirement
Running	1600 metres within the qualifying time	800 metres within the qualifying time
Long Jump	3.80 metres (2 chances)	2.75 metres (2 chances)
Shot Put	7.26 kg shot — 5.60 metres (2 chances)	4 kg shot — 3.75 metres (2 chances)

The running event is typically the elimination round where most candidates fall out. Starting your running training at least 3 to 4 months before the PET gives you a real advantage. Build stamina gradually — start with shorter distances and increase over weeks. Do not attempt to cram running fitness into the last few weeks; it does not work that way with endurance sports.

For the shot put and long jump events, technique matters as much as raw strength. A few sessions with a trained athletics coach can significantly improve your distance and reduce the chance of fouls that disqualify your attempts.

Written Examination Pattern

The written test is the first round of selection, and it determines who qualifies for the physical stages. Here is what the exam looks like:

Mode	Offline / OMR-based (Objective Type)
Total Questions	100
Total Marks	100
Duration	90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes)
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Language	Kannada and English (bilingual)

Topics Covered in the Written Test

Subject Area	Key Topics
General Knowledge	Indian history, geography, polity, economy, science and technology, environment
Current Affairs	National and international events, awards, sports, Karnataka state news (last 6 months)
Karnataka State-specific GK	Karnataka history, culture, government schemes, districts, rivers, famous personalities
Basic Mathematics	Arithmetic, percentages, ratios, basic algebra, simple calculations
General Science	Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics at PUC level
Reasoning / Mental Ability	Logical reasoning, series, analogies, coding-decoding

The written test is conducted on OMR sheets and answers are marked using a pen or pencil as specified in the hall ticket instructions. Carry only what the hall ticket permits — extra items can get you disqualified from the exam hall. The paper is bilingual (Kannada and English), so you can read questions in whichever language you are more comfortable with.

Salary and Benefits

Here is what selected candidates can expect to earn as a Karnataka Police Constable (Civil):

Pay Scale	₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month
Dearness Allowance (DA)	As per Karnataka Government norms (revised periodically)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	Applicable based on posting location
Medical Benefits	Government medical facilities for employee and family
Pension	National Pension Scheme (NPS)
Training Pay	Stipend during 9-month training period
Probation Period	2.5 years after training completion
Leave Entitlements	Earned leave, casual leave, medical leave as per government rules

The base pay of ₹37,500 per month is just the starting point. When you add DA, HRA, and other allowances, the effective take-home for most constables is considerably higher. Career growth brings increments and potential promotions to Head Constable, ASI, and further through departmental exams — so the long-term earning potential is solid.

Required Documents

Before applying online, gather and scan all the documents listed below. Uploading blurry or incorrectly cropped documents is one of the top reasons for application rejection.

• SSLC (Class 10) Marks Card and Certificate — for date of birth proof
• PUC (Class 12) Marks Card and Certificate — proof of educational qualification
• Caste / Community Certificate issued by the competent authority (if applicable)
• Kalyana-Karnataka Region certificate (if applying under Notification 1)
• Karnataka domicile / resident certificate
• Aadhaar Card (for identity and address verification)
• Recent passport-size photograph (white background, as specified)
• Scanned signature on white paper
• Ex-Serviceman Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
• Sports Achievement Certificate (if claiming sports quota)
• PwD Certificate from a government medical board (if applicable)
• Valid email ID and mobile number (must remain accessible throughout the process)

Keep both physical and digital copies of all documents. You will need originals at the time of physical verification after the written test, and again at the time of final document verification before joining. Inconsistencies in name spellings or dates of birth across documents are a common source of avoidable complications — sort these out before you apply.

How to Apply Online

The entire application process is online through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) portal. Here is the step-by-step flow:

1. Open the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ on a desktop or laptop browser (avoid applying on a mobile phone to reduce errors).
2. Look for the KSP Constable Recruitment 2026 notification link on the homepage or under the recruitment section.
3. Click on New Registration if you are a first-time user. Enter your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number exactly as they appear on your official documents.
4. A registration number and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile. Save these immediately.
5. Log in with your registration credentials and open the KSP Constable 2026 application form.
6. Fill in all personal, educational, and category details carefully. Cross-check every field against your original documents before moving ahead.
7. Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the format and file size specified on the portal. Typical requirements are JPG format with a file size between 10 KB and 50 KB — check the portal for the exact specs.
8. Select your preferred exam centre and provide any other mandatory details as required by the form.
9. Preview the full application. Read through every field before submitting — pay special attention to name spelling, date of birth, category, and qualification details.
10. Submit the form and proceed to the fee payment section. Pay using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.
11. After successful payment, download and save your application confirmation slip. Take a screenshot as well. This is your proof of application.

Apply as early as possible — preferably in the first week of the registration window. Government portals experience very high traffic in the last 2 to 3 days before the deadline, and slow servers or technical glitches during peak times are not uncommon. Missing the deadline because the server was slow will not get you an extension.

Apply Here — Official KEA Portal (KSP Constable Recruitment 2026)

Important Dates

Event	Date
Online Registration Opens	June 8, 2026
Online Registration Closes	July 3, 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment	July 4, 2026
Admit Card / Hall Ticket Release	To be notified on official website
Written Test (Tentative)	August 2, 2026
Physical Standards Test (PST)	After Written Test result — date to be announced
Physical Endurance Test (PET)	After PST — date to be announced
Medical Examination	After PET — date to be announced
Final Merit List	Post medical examination — to be announced

Dates beyond the written test are not yet finalised and will be announced on the official KSP and KEA websites as the process progresses. Keep checking regularly and avoid relying on third-party websites or social media groups for date updates — these are often inaccurate and can cause you to miss key announcements.

Why Join Karnataka Police?

Many candidates chase private-sector jobs for the pay, but Karnataka Police offers something that most private jobs cannot — long-term stability, a clear growth path, and a role that genuinely matters to your community. Here is why this recruitment is worth serious consideration:

• Permanent State Government Job: Once you complete training and probation, this is a permanent position — not a contract or short-term role. Karnataka Police employment comes with the full security of state government service.
• Competitive Salary with Allowances: The base pay of ₹37,500 per month, combined with DA, HRA, and other benefits, translates to a solid and growing monthly income that keeps up with cost of living.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Constables can progress to Head Constable, ASI (Assistant Sub-Inspector), and beyond through departmental exams, seniority-based promotions, and merit-based advancement. Some constables reach the rank of Sub-Inspector over a 10 to 15-year career.
• Medical Benefits for Family: Government medical facilities are available for you and your family, reducing a major financial burden that affects most private-sector employees.
• Pension Through NPS: While the Old Pension Scheme no longer applies to new government recruits, the National Pension Scheme provides a structured retirement savings mechanism that private employment rarely offers with the same structure.
• Social Respect and Community Impact: Being part of Karnataka State Police carries real social weight. You contribute to law enforcement, public safety, and community trust — a dimension of work that most desk jobs simply cannot offer.
• Training and Skill Development: The 9-month residential training programme builds physical fitness, legal knowledge, investigation skills, and discipline — all of which stay with you throughout your career.

Preparation Tips

Many applicants ask how to best prepare for this recruitment. Here is a practical breakdown that actually works:

For the Written Test

• Start with Karnataka GK — this section differentiates candidates who score in the same range on national GK. Know Karnataka's districts, major rivers, historical monuments, government schemes, and famous personalities.
• Read a daily newspaper or use a current affairs app to stay updated on events from the past six months. Focus on national news, Karnataka state news, and major international events.
• Practice previous years' KSP Constable written test papers if available. The question pattern repeats significantly, and solving old papers tells you where to focus your energy.
• For the reasoning and mathematics sections, practice speed. The time limit is 90 minutes for 100 questions — that is less than a minute per question. Build question-solving pace through timed mock tests.
• Do not try to cover everything at the last minute. Study consistently for 2 to 3 hours daily over 6 to 8 weeks rather than studying frantically for 10 hours a day in the final week.

For the Physical Tests

• Start running immediately — do not wait until after the written test result to begin physical training. Build your endurance for the 1600m (male) or 800m (female) run over at least 3 months.
• Practice long jump on a soft surface and work on your run-up and take-off technique. Two chances are given, so learn how to maximise your second attempt if the first falls short.
• For shot put, work with the correct weight (7.26 kg for men, 4 kg for women) under guidance. Technique — particularly grip, stance, and rotation — matters more than brute strength for clearing the qualifying distance.
• If you are borderline on height, get your official measurement done at a government medical institution beforehand to avoid surprises at the PST venue.
• Do not neglect flexibility and injury prevention. Pulled muscles and joint injuries in the weeks before PET can cost you months of preparation. Warm up properly before every training session.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Every recruitment cycle, a portion of eligible candidates make avoidable errors. Here are the most frequent ones and how to sidestep them:

• Applying under the wrong notification: There are two notifications — one for the SC/Kalyana-Karnataka cadre and one for the general cadre. Read both carefully before deciding which to apply under (or whether you need to apply for both separately).
• Mismatched document details: Name spelling, date of birth, or address inconsistencies between your Aadhaar, SSLC certificate, caste certificate, and application form can lead to cancellation during document verification.
• Uploading the wrong photo or signature: Use a recent photograph with a plain white or light background. Do not use a photo from a phone camera in poor lighting. The signature should be done in black ink on white paper.
• Ignoring the physical preparation: Candidates who focus only on the written test and assume they will figure out the PET later lose a lot of ground. Physical fitness takes weeks and months to build — start now.
• Waiting until the last day to apply: Portal congestion, internet issues, or bank payment delays in the final 48 hours have cost many candidates their opportunity. Apply at least a week before the closing date.
• Not downloading the confirmation slip: The confirmation page is your only proof that your application went through successfully. Always download it immediately after payment confirmation and keep it saved in multiple places.
• Relying on unofficial information: Coaching centres, Telegram groups, and social media pages often circulate incorrect or outdated recruitment details. Always verify from the official KSP or KEA websites.

Important Links

Apply Online	cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
Official KSP Website	ksp.karnataka.gov.in
Official KEA Website	kea.kar.nic.in
Notification 1 PDF	Available on KSP official website
Notification 2 PDF	Available on KSP official website
Admit Card	Released on KEA portal — date to be announced

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FAQs — Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026

1. How many total vacancies are there in Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026?

A total of 3,991 Police Constable (Civil) vacancies have been announced. These are split across two notifications — 596 under the SC/Kalyana-Karnataka cadre and 3,395 under the general mixed cadre across Karnataka.

2. What is the last date to apply for KSP Constable Recruitment 2026?

Online registration closes on July 3, 2026. The last date for fee payment is July 4, 2026. Do not wait until the deadline — apply early to avoid technical issues on the portal.

3. What educational qualification is required?

You need to have passed PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent examination from any recognised board — CBSE, ICSE, or a State Board. A degree is not required, but graduate or postgraduate candidates are also eligible to apply.

4. What is the age limit for Karnataka Police Constable 2026?

General category candidates must be between 18 and 33 years. SC, ST, and other OBC categories can apply up to 35 years. Forest area candidates and Ex-Servicemen can apply up to 38 years, while reserved-category Ex-Servicemen are eligible up to 40 years.

5. What is the application fee?

General and OBC candidates pay ₹750. SC, ST, and other reserved category candidates pay ₹500. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid online by July 4, 2026.

6. What are the stages of the Karnataka Police selection process?

There are four stages: Written Test → Physical Standards Test (PST) → Physical Endurance Test (PET) → Medical Examination. All four must be cleared in sequence. Failing any stage ends your candidacy for that cycle.

7. When is the KSP Constable Written Test 2026?

The written test is tentatively scheduled for August 2, 2026. The hall ticket will be released on the KEA portal before the exam date. Always check the official website for any changes to the schedule.

8. What is the height requirement for Karnataka Police Constable?

Male General/OBC candidates need a minimum height of 168 cm with a chest of 86/91 cm. Female General/OBC candidates need 157 cm. SC/ST candidates and those from hilly or forest areas have a relaxed height requirement of 165 cm (male) and 155 cm (female).

9. What events are in the Physical Endurance Test?

The PET includes running (1600m for men, 800m for women), long jump (3.80m for men, 2.75m for women), and shot put (7.26 kg / 5.60m for men; 4 kg / 3.75m for women). Each candidate gets two chances in jumping and shot put events.

10. What salary does a Karnataka Police Constable receive?

The pay scale is ₹37,500 to ₹76,100 per month. This is supplemented by Dearness Allowance, HRA, medical benefits, and NPS coverage. Training period comes with a stipend, and the full pay begins after joining on probation.

11. Where do I apply for Karnataka Police Constable Recruitment 2026?

Applications must be submitted at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ — the official Karnataka Examinations Authority portal. Applications through any other website or offline mode are not valid.

12. Can female candidates apply for KSP Constable 2026?

Yes. Female candidates are eligible to apply for Karnataka Police Constable (Civil) posts. The physical standards and PET requirements are different for female candidates, with relaxed distances and lower height criteria compared to male candidates.

Final Takeaway

Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026 is a genuine, well-paying, permanent state government opportunity that is open right now. With 3,991 Police Constable (Civil) vacancies across two notifications, the scale of this recruitment is significant, and competition will be high. Applications open on June 8, 2026 and close on July 3, 2026 — that window is short.

The candidates who succeed in this recruitment are typically those who prepared for both the written test and the physical stages simultaneously from day one. Reading about it is the first step — now you need to act on it. Apply early, train consistently, gather your documents now, and keep checking the official KSP and KEA websites for updates throughout the process.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on available recruitment details as of the date of publication. Vacancy numbers, dates, fees, physical standards, and other details are subject to revision by the official Karnataka State Police / KEA notification. Always verify the latest requirements directly from the official notification PDF on ksp.karnataka.gov.in or cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ before submitting your application.