Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026: 869 KEA Warder, Jailer and Instructor Posts for SSLC Pass Candidates
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has opened online applications for the Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department. This is one of the biggest openings of the year for government jobs in Karnataka, with 869 vacancies across four roles — Jailer, Warder (Supervisor), Warder cum Nursing and Instructor Grade-II. Most of these roles need only an SSLC pass, so if you finished school and have been waiting for a stable state government job, this one is genuinely within your reach.
One thing you must understand before you start: this drive runs on two separate advertisements, not one. Advertisement ED/KEA/23/NE.VI/2026(K.K) covers the Kalyana Karnataka local cadre, and advertisement ED/KEA/22/NE.VI/2026(R.P.C) covers the remaining parent cadre. They have different exam dates. The window is open from 19 September 2026 to 15 October 2026. Read this full guide on GovtJobsAlert.in before you fill anything.
What are the Key Highlights of Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), Bengaluru |
| Department | Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department |
| Advertisements | ED/KEA/23/NE.VI/2026(K.K) and ED/KEA/22/NE.VI/2026(R.P.C) |
| Notification Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 869 |
| Posts | Jailer, Warder (Supervisor), Warder cum Nursing, Instructor Grade-II |
| Pay Scale | ₹34,100 to ₹1,12,900 depending on the post |
| Job Location | Across Karnataka |
| Application Window | 19 September 2026 to 15 October 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online only |
How Many Vacancies are There in Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026?
Both advertisements were issued on the same day for the same department, but you apply against one cadre, and your exam day depends on which one you choose. The Kalyana Karnataka advertisement is the local cadre created under Article 371J for Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari and Yadgir districts, and it needs an Annexure-A eligibility certificate from the Assistant Commissioner of your sub-division. The parent cadre advertisement carries no such condition.
| Advertisement Number | Cadre Covered | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| ED/KEA/23/NE.VI/2026(K.K) | Kalyana Karnataka local cadre | 293 |
| ED/KEA/22/NE.VI/2026(R.P.C) | Remaining (parent) cadre | 576 |
| Both advertisements together | Whole drive | 869 |
| Post Name | Cadre | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Jailer | Kalyana Karnataka | 5 |
| Warder (Supervisor) | Kalyana Karnataka | 275 |
| Warder cum Nursing | Kalyana Karnataka | 5 |
| Instructor Grade-II | Kalyana Karnataka | 8 |
| Warder (Supervisor) | Parent cadre | 560 |
| Instructor Grade-II | Parent cadre | 16 |
The category-wise classification of these vacancies (GM, SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and the horizontal quotas) is not printed in either notification — both say the department’s classification is published separately. So do not go by any category chart on social media; use only the separate classification list from KEA.
What is the Eligibility for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification
| Post | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Jailer | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Preference to a degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology or Correctional Administration |
| Warder (Supervisor) | Pass in SSLC or equivalent |
| Warder cum Nursing | Pass in SSLC or equivalent, plus a certificate in First Aid |
| Instructor Grade-II | Pass in SSLC or equivalent, plus a Diploma or Certificate from a Government-recognised institution |
For Instructor Grade-II, the trades listed include Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile, Weaving and Carpet making. If you are a 10th pass candidate looking for government jobs, the Warder route is the widest door here. Jailer is the only post that asks for a full degree, so graduates should look at that row first.
Candidates who have not studied Kannada must pass a separate Kannada Language Examination — one paper of 150 marks, with a minimum of 50 marks to qualify — unless they are exempt under the government notifications quoted in the advertisement. Its timetable will be announced later.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 31 years |
| SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 33 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 31 or 33 years, plus the service period served and 3 more years |
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including any age relaxation you qualify for. →
The minimum age is 20 years, counted as on the last date for receipt of applications. These upper limits already include the one-time five-year relaxation the state ordered in January 2026, so do not add another five years on top of them. Note one detail people get wrong every year: a dependant can claim ex-servicemen reservation only if the ex-serviceman died or was permanently disabled in service, and such dependants get no age relaxation.
What is the Physical Standard and Endurance Test for Karnataka Warder 2026?
| Standard | Men and Ex-servicemen | Women and Third Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 168 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest | 86 cm fully expanded, with 5 cm expansion | Not prescribed |
| Weight | Not prescribed | 46 kg |
| Ex-servicemen height | Shorter ex-servicemen are considered only if 168 cm candidates are not available | Not applicable |
| Event | Men | Women, Third Gender, Ex-servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| 100 metre run | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High jump | 1.20 metre | 0.90 metre |
| Long jump | 3.80 metre | 2.50 metre |
| Shot put | 7.26 kg — 5.60 metre | 3.63 kg — 3.75 metre |
| Distance run | 800 metre in 2 min 50 sec | 200 metre in 40 seconds |
You get three chances each in high jump, long jump and shot put. You must clear at least 3 of these 5 events to stay in the selection process. The endurance test carries no marks — it is purely qualifying — and every event is video-recorded or CCTV-recorded. Start your running practice the day you apply, not the week before the test.
What is the Salary for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
| Post | Monthly Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Jailer | ₹61,300 – ₹1,12,900 |
| Warder (Supervisor) | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 |
| Instructor Grade-II | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 |
| Warder cum Nursing | ₹34,100 – ₹67,600 |
A Warder starts at a basic pay of ₹37,500 a month, which is a strong starting figure for an SSLC-level state government job, and the scale climbs to ₹76,100 over the career.
On top of basic pay you get the usual state allowances. Selected candidates go through nine months of basic foundation training at a departmental training school and must pass the prescribed examinations there. The probation period is two years, and the National Pension Scheme applies to these appointments.
What is the Selection Process for Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026?
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Written examination | Offline OMR test at district centres in the state |
| Shortlist for physical tests | Ratio of 1:5, on written marks plus qualifying exam marks |
| Physical Standard Test | Height, chest and weight measurement — qualifying only |
| Endurance Test | Five events, no marks, clear at least three |
| Shortlist for medical | Ratio of 1:2, category-wise, against notified vacancies |
| Medical examination | By a Medical Board, with original document verification |
| Final select list | Prepared by the selection authority, published by the appointing authority |
Exam Pattern and Negative Marking
| Detail | Jailer | Warder, Warder cum Nursing, Instructor Grade-II |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Degree level | Below degree level |
| Questions | 100 | 100 |
| Marks | 100 | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Negative marking | 0.25 per wrong answer | 0.25 per wrong answer |
The paper covers General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, the Constitution of India, the National Freedom Movement and Mental Ability. Every question has four options and a fifth circle for questions you choose not to answer — you get five extra minutes after the last bell to shade it. If you leave a question completely blank without shading that fifth circle, 0.25 marks are still deducted. Work through the exam pattern and syllabus pages and practise OMR shading before the exam day. Candidates who score zero or below zero in the written exam are not considered in the merit list.
What Can Disqualify You from Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026?
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Awaiting results | Candidates whose results are awaited as on the last date are not eligible |
| Marks card | You must already hold the SSLC or equivalent marks card by the last date |
| Photo and signature | Applications without an uploaded photo and signature are rejected |
| No corrections | Once submitted, nothing in the application can be changed at any stage |
| Skipping an event | All five endurance events must be taken in the printed order; refusing to take part is a disqualification |
| Medical deformities | Knock knees, flat foot, cubitus valgus and cubitus varus are a disqualification |
| Vision and hearing | Colour blindness, squint, any eye or eyelid deformity, varicose veins or speech impediment disqualify you, and any defect observed during these prescribed tests shall be a disqualification |
| Malpractice | Impersonation, forged documents or unfair means lead to criminal action and permanent debarment |
| Travel | No TA or DA is paid for the written, endurance or medical examinations |
What are the Important Dates for Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification issued | 18 September 2026 |
| Online application starts | 19 September 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 15 October 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Written exam — parent cadre advertisement | 21 November 2026, 3.00 PM to 4.30 PM |
| Written exam — Kalyana Karnataka, Warder, Warder cum Nursing and Instructor Grade-II | 22 November 2026, 10.30 AM to 12.00 noon |
| Written exam — Kalyana Karnataka, Jailer | 22 November 2026, 3.00 PM to 4.30 PM |
| Kannada Language Examination | To be announced later |
Look carefully at the fee row. The last date to submit the application is 15 October 2026, but the last date to pay the fee is 16 October 2026 — one day later. That extra day is a safety net, not an extension of the form deadline, so never plan to fill the form on the 16th.
What is the Application Fee for Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit, Category-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | ₹750 |
| SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-servicemen, Third Gender | ₹500 |
The fee is payable online only, and it is non-refundable. There is no full exemption for any category in this recruitment, so budget for it before you begin.
How to Apply Online for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the KEA online application portal (link in Essential Links below) |
| 2 | Register with a working mobile number and email, or sign in if you already have a KEA login |
| 3 | Select the correct advertisement for your cadre, then fill in your personal, educational and reservation details |
| 4 | Upload your photo in JPEG format (50KB to 200KB) and your signature in black ink in JPEG format (50KB to 70KB) |
| 5 | Pay the fee online, then submit and save the confirmation page |
Keep three things ready before you begin, because these are the ones that forfeit a claim if they are missing: your SSLC marks card showing your date of birth, your caste or category certificate in the currently prescribed format, and — if you are applying under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre — the Annexure-A certificate from the Assistant Commissioner. Rural, Kannada-medium, project-displaced, ex-servicemen and third gender claims each need their own certificate in the prescribed form too.
Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026: Official Notification PDF and Essential Links
- Download Official Notification PDF — Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (Advt ED/KEA/23)
- Download Official Notification PDF — Parent Cadre (Advt ED/KEA/22)
- Apply Online for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026
- Visit KEA Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Karnataka Government Jobs Telegram Channel
Want corporate job updates too?
Register free & upload your CV — get matched with private-sector openings daily.
Don’t let this one slip away. A drive this size does not come around often in the Karnataka Prison Department, and with most roles open to SSLC pass candidates, the competition rewards whoever starts preparing first rather than whoever is most qualified. Fill your form well before 15 October 2026, keep your certificates ready, and begin your running practice this week. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more state government job updates like this one.