Karnataka Police PC (AR) 2026: A Big Chance for 12th Pass Youth in Karnataka
Great news for young men in Karnataka who dream of joining the police force. The Karnataka State Police (KSP) has released a large recruitment for the post of Armed Police Constable (PC AR — CAR/DAR) with a total of 1,600 vacancies. The drive is held under two notifications — 1,421 posts for General Karnataka and 179 posts for the Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371-J) region. If you have passed PUC (12th) and are physically fit, this is a wonderful chance to get a stable Karnataka government job with a good salary.
Online application starts on 22 June 2026 and the last date is 22 July 2026. Selection is through a written exam, physical tests (PST and PET) and a medical check. In this article on GovtJobsAlert.in, we explain all the details — vacancies, eligibility, physical standards, salary, fees and important dates — in very simple words. For more such openings, see our Karnataka government jobs page. Please read fully before you apply.
Key Highlights — KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
The Karnataka State Police is one of the largest and most respected police forces in South India. This recruitment is conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) on behalf of KSP. Armed Police Constables serve in the City Armed Reserve (CAR) and District Armed Reserve (DAR) units, doing important law-and-order and security duties.
- Organisation: Karnataka State Police (KSP), through KEA
- Post Name: Armed Police Constable (PC AR — CAR/DAR)
- Total Vacancies: 1,600 posts (General Karnataka 1,421 + Kalyana Karnataka 179)
- Pay Scale: ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month
- Job Location: Karnataka
- Last Date to Apply: 22 July 2026
Vacancy Breakdown — KSP PC (AR) Posts 2026
The 1,600 posts are spread across two separate notifications, as shown below:
| Notification | Region | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Advt. 04 (5-A) | General Karnataka | 1,421 |
| Advt. 04 (5-B) | Kalyana Karnataka (371-J) | 179 |
| Total | All Karnataka | 1,600 |
All posts are for male candidates. The Kalyana Karnataka posts come under the Article 371-J local cadre, so those applicants need a valid Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) eligibility certificate from the competent authority.
Eligibility Criteria — KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed PUC (Pre-University Course / 10+2 / 12th standard) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. Candidates who studied in Kannada medium, or who pass the prescribed Kannada language test, may be exempted from the Kannada language qualifying paper. These are open, 12th-pass level government jobs — so a large number of students can apply.
Age Limit
The minimum age is 18 years. The upper age limit depends on category:
- General Merit: up to 33 years
- SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: up to 35 years
- Karnataka forest-dwelling tribes: up to 38 years
The Government has also allowed a one-time relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit, and ex-servicemen get relaxation as per the rules.
Physical Standards (PST & PET) — KSP PC (AR) 2026
Since this is a police post, you must clear the physical tests. For male candidates, the measurement standards are:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 168 cm (155 cm for forest-dwelling tribes) |
| Minimum Chest | 86 cm fully expanded, with at least 5 cm expansion |
The Physical Endurance Test (PET) events are:
| Event | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1600 metre run | Within 6 minutes 30 seconds |
| Long Jump OR High Jump | 3.80 m OR 1.20 m |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 5.60 metres |
Both the PST and PET are qualifying in nature. Start your fitness practice early so you can clear the running and jumping events comfortably.
What is the Salary for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
Selected Armed Police Constables get a strong, stable salary. The pay scale is ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 per month, along with dearness allowance and other benefits as per Karnataka Government rules. The New Pension Scheme (NPS) applies to these posts.
Your starting basic pay is ₹37,500 per month, which grows with regular increments up to ₹76,100 over your service — a respectable and secure income for a government job.
Besides pay, a police job brings job security, uniform and duty allowances, and a clear path for promotion within the force.
What is the Selection Process for KSP PC (AR) 2026?
The selection has the following stages:
- Written Examination — objective (OMR) type, 100 questions for 100 marks, 90 minutes, with negative marking of 0.25 mark for each wrong answer.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) — height and chest measurement (qualifying).
- Physical Endurance Test (PET) — running, jump and shot-put events (qualifying).
- Document / Certificate Verification.
- Medical Examination by the medical board.
Candidates are shortlisted for the PST and PET based on written-exam merit. For preparation help, check our exam syllabus and pattern guide.
| Exam Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline OMR (Objective) |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Written Exam Date | 6 September 2026 |
How to Apply Online for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
The application is online only. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official KEA application portal (link in Essential Links below).
- Register and fill the online form with your personal and educational details.
- Upload your photo (JPEG, 50–200 KB) and signature (JPEG, 50–70 KB).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your record.
- Your written-exam admit card will be released later on the KEA/KSP website — keep checking our admit card page.
Note: Only one application per candidate is allowed.
Important Dates — KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application start | 22 June 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 22 July 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment | 24 July 2026 |
| Written exam date | 6 September 2026 |
Application Fees — KSP PC (AR) 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| GM / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen | ₹500 |
The fee is paid online during the application process. Pay it before the fee-payment last date so your form is accepted.
Essential Links — KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF (General Karnataka)
- Download Official Notification PDF (Kalyana Karnataka)
- Apply Online via KEA Portal
- Visit KSP Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Karnataka Govt Jobs Telegram Channel
A government police job is a matter of pride, respect and security. With 1,600 vacancies, KSP Armed Police Constable 2026 is a great opportunity for the fit and determined youth of Karnataka. Begin your written-exam and fitness preparation early, and apply well before 22 July 2026. For more Karnataka government job updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in. We wish you all the best!