Karnataka State Police (KSP) has officially released two recruitment notifications dated 19 June 2026 for the direct recruitment of 1,600 Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) posts across two separate cadres — General Karnataka with 1,421 posts under the Civil Armed Reserve (CAR) category, and Kalyana Karnataka with 179 posts under the District Armed Reserve (DAR) category. This is one of the most significant state police recruitment drives in Karnataka in recent years, and it is open exclusively to male candidates who have passed PUC (Class 12) and meet the prescribed physical standards. Online applications are open from 22 June 2026 through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) portal. The written examination is scheduled for 6 September 2026.
This article provides a thorough, original breakdown of every important aspect of the KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 — vacancy details, eligibility, age limits, physical standards, exam pattern, selection stages, salary, and the step-by-step application process.
KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Karnataka State Police (KSP) / Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Notification No. | 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27 |
| Notification Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Post Name | Armed Police Constable (Civil/DIAR) |
| Cadres | Civil Armed Reserve (CAR) + District Armed Reserve (DAR) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,600 |
| General Karnataka (CAR) | 1,421 posts |
| Kalyana Karnataka (DAR) | 179 posts |
| Gender | Male only |
| Application Start Date | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 July 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 24 July 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 6 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Shift — General Karnataka | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Exam Shift — Kalyana Karnataka | 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Educational Qualification | PUC / Class XII pass |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 37,500 – Rs. 76,100 |
| Application Portal | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| Official Website | ksp.karnataka.gov.in |
Vacancy Breakdown: 1,600 Posts Across Two Cadres
KSP has released these 1,600 vacancies through two separate notifications — one for General Karnataka (also referred to as RPC/CAR cadre) and one for Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka region under Article 371-J). The division-wise breakup is as follows:
| Cadre / Division | Post Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| General Karnataka (Residual Cadre) | Armed Police Constable – CAR | 1,421 |
| Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) | Armed Police Constable – DAR | 179 |
| Grand Total | 1,600 |
For the Kalyana Karnataka division, 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 benefit must submit a valid eligibility certificate in the prescribed Annexure-2 format, issued by the competent sub-divisional authority.
Editorial note: Candidates who are domiciled in the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region — covering districts such as Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara — have the option to apply under both the General Karnataka notification and the Kalyana Karnataka notification if otherwise eligible, giving them a strategic advantage of being considered under two separate merit lists. This is particularly relevant for candidates near the age ceiling, since Kalyana Karnataka reservation and relaxation provisions may differ slightly from the general cadre.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidates must be Indian citizens. Only individuals holding valid Indian citizenship are eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential | Passed PUC (Class XII) or equivalent examination recognized by the State Government |
| Awaiting results | NOT eligible — results must be declared on or before the last date of application |
| ITI holders | May be considered eligible under specific Government Orders (refer official notification) |
| 3-Year Diploma holders | May be eligible under specific Government Orders |
| Kannada language | Mandatory requirement (see below) |
Kannada Language Requirement:
Candidates must have studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC (Class X) or equivalent, or must have studied in Kannada medium, or must have passed the compulsory Kannada language examination conducted by the Commission or any other recognized selection authority. Candidates who meet any of the above conditions are exempted from the Kannada language test. Those who do not qualify for exemption must secure a minimum of 50 marks out of 150 in the Kannada language test.
Age Limit (As on Last Date of Application)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) / Unreserved | 18 years | 33 years |
| SC / ST / OBC (Cat-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | 18 years | 35 years |
| Category-1 | 18 years | 35 years |
| Forest Tribal / Budakattu residents of Karnataka | 18 years | 38 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Age relaxation of 3 years in addition to length of military service rendered |
Note: The Government of Karnataka has provided a one-time relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit as per GO No. 262/2025 (dated 29.01.2026). This relaxation is already reflected in the age limits above. All ages are calculated as on the last date of application.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit (Unreserved) | Rs. 500 |
| SC / ST / Cat-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | Rs. 250 |
Fee must be paid online only through the KEA portal. The last date for fee payment is 24 July 2026. Fee once paid is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.
Physical Standards Test (PST): Mandatory Requirements
Clearing the Physical Standards Test is a non-negotiable qualifying stage. Candidates who do not meet the prescribed physical measurements are eliminated from the process regardless of their written examination score.
| Measurement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Height (Male – General) | Minimum 168 cm |
| Chest – Unexpanded | 86 cm |
| Chest – Expanded (minimum expansion) | 91 cm (minimum 5 cm expansion from 86 cm) |
Candidates from tribal/forest area categories may be entitled to specific relaxations in physical standards — refer to the official notification PDF for category-wise details.
Editorial note: The chest expansion requirement of a minimum 5 cm is an often-underestimated standard. Many candidates who otherwise meet the height requirement fail here because chest girth and chest expansion are two very different things — girth is structural, while expansion is a function of respiratory and muscular training. Candidates should begin breathing exercises, swimming drills, and chest-expansion-focused workouts immediately rather than waiting for the admit card date to prepare.
Physical Endurance Test (PET): Qualifying Events
After clearing the written examination and PST, candidates must complete the Physical Endurance Test. All events are qualifying in nature — they do not add to the final merit score but must be cleared to remain in the selection process.
| Event | Standard / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Running | Distance and timing as prescribed in the official notification |
| Additional physical activities | As notified by KSP at the time of PET |
Specific event-wise standards for male candidates are detailed in the official notification PDFs for each cadre. Candidates are strongly advised to download the relevant notification PDF (General Karnataka or Kalyana Karnataka) and prepare accordingly.
Exam Pattern: Written Examination
The KSP Armed Police Constable written examination is an offline OMR-based objective test with the following structure:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Type of Questions | Objective (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 30% of total marks |
| Language of Paper | Kannada and English |
Syllabus Areas
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | Indian history, geography, culture, science, current events, Karnataka-specific GK |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics |
| Indian Constitution & Polity | Fundamental rights, duties, government structure, judiciary |
| Reasoning & Mental Ability | Logical reasoning, coding-decoding, series, analogies |
| Mathematics | Basic arithmetic, percentages, ratio, time and work |
| Karnataka-specific Knowledge | History, geography, economy, and culture of Karnataka |
Candidates scoring below 30% in the written examination are disqualified and not called for the PST/PET stage regardless of the number of vacancies available.
Selection Process: Stage-by-Stage
The complete selection process for KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 consists of the following stages:
| Stage | Name | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written Examination (OMR-based) | Merit-determining (100 marks) |
| 2 | Physical Standard Test (PST) | Qualifying (height, chest measurement) |
| 3 | Physical Endurance Test (PET) | Qualifying (running and physical events) |
| 4 | Medical Examination | Qualifying |
| 5 | Document Verification | Qualifying |
| 6 | Final Merit List & Selection | Based on written exam score |
The written examination is the only scoring stage. All subsequent stages are qualifying only. Final selection and merit ranking are determined purely on the basis of the written examination marks among candidates who clear all qualifying stages.
Selected candidates receive a provisional selection intimation from KSP/KEA, followed by document verification and detailed medical examination at designated centres. Thereafter, selected candidates undergo induction training at the Karnataka Police Academy or a designated Police Training School as prescribed by the DGP and IGP. Candidates who fail training examinations are discharged from service. After successful training completion, candidates serve a probationary period of two years and six months before being confirmed as permanent Armed Police Constables.
Salary & Pay Scale
Selected Armed Police Constables are placed under the Karnataka Civil Services pay framework with the following pay structure:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs. 37,500 – Rs. 76,100 per month |
| Pay Level | Level 7 (Karnataka Pay Matrix) |
| In-hand Salary (estimated) | Approximately Rs. 37,500 at entry level |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, uniform allowance, and other state government benefits |
| Probation Period | 2 years 6 months |
The detailed pay progression is: Rs. 37,500 → 39,300 → 43,300 → 47,800 → 52,800 → 58,300 → 64,300 → 74,200 → 76,100, with annual increments as per the pay scale.
In addition to the structured pay scale, selected candidates enjoy job security as permanent state government employees, career growth opportunities through internal departmental promotion examinations to Head Constable and above, and pension coverage under the National Pension System.
Role and Duties of Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR)
The Armed Police Constable in CAR and DAR units performs duties fundamentally different from Civil Police Constables. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing armed security and riot control support across the state
- Guarding important government establishments, VIP residences, and sensitive installations
- Assisting in law and order situations, bandhs, and public demonstrations
- Rapid deployment as part of mobile armed units during emergencies and civil unrest
- Conducting border area and communally sensitive area patrolling
- Undergoing regular weapons training and maintaining operational readiness
- Following orders of senior officers and DGP/IGP directions for special deployment
Postings are made across Karnataka in CAR or DAR units depending on cadre and vacancy. Candidates should be prepared for posting in any district including remote or border areas of the state.
Kannada Language Test
Candidates who have not studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC or equivalent, or who have not studied in Kannada medium, must compulsorily appear in and pass the Kannada language examination conducted by KEA or the designated selection authority. The minimum passing marks for this test are 50 out of 150. Failure to qualify the Kannada language test disqualifies the candidate from the recruitment process.
How to Apply Online for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
Step 1: Visit the official KEA recruitment portal: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
Step 2: Click on the active recruitment link for “Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) Recruitment 2026” for the relevant cadre — General Karnataka or Kalyana Karnataka.
Step 3: Register by providing your personal details, mobile number, and active email ID.
Step 4: Fill in the complete application form with your personal, educational, and category details.
Step 5: Upload your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and required supporting documents in the format specified by KEA.
Step 6: Pay the application fee online (Rs. 500 for General / Rs. 250 for reserved categories) through the KEA portal.
Step 7: Submit the application and download/print the confirmation page. Retain this for your records.
Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 19 June 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 July 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 6 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Shift — General Karnataka | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Exam Shift — Kalyana Karnataka | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many total vacancies are there in KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,600 vacancies have been notified — 1,421 posts for General Karnataka (CAR cadre) and 179 posts for Kalyana Karnataka (DAR cadre) — under Notification No. 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27, dated 19 June 2026.
Q2. Who can apply for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
Only male Indian citizens who have passed PUC (Class XII) or an equivalent recognized examination and meet the physical standards and Kannada language requirements are eligible to apply.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 22 July 2026. The last date for fee payment is 24 July 2026.
Q4. When is the KSP Armed Police Constable written exam 2026?
The written examination is scheduled for 6 September 2026. General Karnataka candidates will appear from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and Kalyana Karnataka candidates from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
Q5. What is the age limit for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
The minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age is 33 years for General Merit candidates, 35 years for SC/ST/OBC/Category-1 candidates, and 38 years for Forest Tribal (Budakattu) residents. A one-time relaxation of 5 years has already been incorporated as per GO No. 262/2025 dated 29.01.2026.
Q6. What are the physical standards for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
Male candidates must have a minimum height of 168 cm, chest of 86 cm unexpanded with a minimum expansion of 5 cm to 91 cm.
Q7. What is the application fee for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
General Merit candidates must pay Rs. 500, while SC/ST/Cat-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates must pay Rs. 250. Payment is online only through the KEA portal and is non-refundable.
Q8. What is the exam pattern for KSP Armed Police Constable written test?
The written examination is an offline OMR-based test with 100 objective MCQs for 100 marks, lasting 90 minutes. Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies per wrong answer. Minimum qualifying marks are 30%.
Q9. Is Kannada language knowledge mandatory for KSP Armed Police Constable?
Yes. Candidates who have not studied Kannada as first or second language in SSLC or equivalent must pass a compulsory Kannada language test (minimum 50/150 marks) conducted by KEA.
Q10. What is the salary of KSP Armed Police Constable after selection?
Selected candidates are paid as per the pay scale of Rs. 37,500 to Rs. 76,100 per month under Level 7 of the Karnataka Pay Matrix, along with DA, HRA, TA, and other state government allowances.
Q11. What is the probation period for KSP Armed Police Constable?
Selected candidates serve a probationary period of two years and six months. Candidates who fail training examinations during this period are discharged from service.
Q12. What is the difference between CAR and DAR in KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
CAR (Civil Armed Reserve) units serve under the General Karnataka cadre and are deployed across the state for armed security and law and order duties. DAR (District Armed Reserve) units fall under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre and operate specifically in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region under Article 371(J) reservation provisions.
Q13. Can candidates apply for both General Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka notifications?
Yes, eligible candidates — particularly those domiciled in the Kalyana Karnataka region — may apply under both notifications if they meet the respective eligibility conditions, giving them consideration under two separate merit lists.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF — General Karnataka (CAR/1421 Posts) | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/keawebentry456/apcrpc/APC_RPC19062026english.pdf |
| Official Notification PDF — Kalyana Karnataka (DAR/179 Posts) | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/keawebentry456/apckk/APC_KK19062026english.pdf |
| Apply Online (KEA Portal) | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| KSP Official Website | https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in |
Disclaimer: This article is based on two official KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 notifications (dated 19 June 2026) and verified public sources as of June 30, 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the complete official notification PDFs from the KEA portal and verify all eligibility conditions, physical standards, and dates before submitting their application.
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