KSP Armed Constable Recruitment 2026 — 1600 Vacancies

Karnataka State Police (KSP) is hiring 1600 Armed Police Constables (CAR/DAR) across the state. If you are a male candidate who has passed PUC / 12th standard, this is a strong chance to get a permanent state government job. Applications are online through the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) portal. The salary is Rs. 37,500 to Rs. 76,100 per month, and the last date to apply is 24 July 2026.

Karnataka State Police (KSP) Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026 - 1600 Posts

The Karnataka State Police (KSP) released this notification on 19 June 2026 to fill 1600 Armed Police Constable posts in the Civil Armed Reserve (CAR) and District Armed Reserve (DAR). Armed Reserve constables are the backbone of the police force and are used for law and order duty, VIP and event security, riot control and emergency response. The recruitment is being run by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), which will hold the written exam on 6 September 2026 in two separate sessions — one for the Kalyana Karnataka region and one for the Residual Cadre. With 1600 openings, this is one of the biggest police hiring drives in Karnataka this year for 12th pass male candidates.

Vacancy Breakdown

The 1600 posts are divided between two cadres:

• Residual Cadre (rest of Karnataka): 1421 posts
• Kalyana Karnataka Region: 179 posts

The Kalyana Karnataka posts are reserved for candidates from that region under the local reservation rules, so apply for the cadre you qualify for.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You must have passed PUC / 12th standard (10+2) or an equivalent exam from a recognised board or institution.
• Gender: This recruitment is for male candidates only.
• Nationality: You should be a citizen of India.
• You must also meet the Karnataka residence and other eligibility conditions given in the official notification.

Age Limit

• Your minimum age should be 18 years.
• Maximum age is 33 years for General Merit (male) candidates.
• Age Relaxation: Up to 35 years for candidates from reserved categories, and up to 38 years for Scheduled Tribe (tribal) candidates.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a salary of Rs. 37,500 to Rs. 76,100 per month as per the Karnataka State pay scale.
• Along with the basic pay, you will get Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) and other allowances as per Karnataka government rules.
• A police constable post also gives you job security, government benefits and clear promotion chances over your career.

Physical Standards

Physical fitness is an important part of this recruitment. Male candidates must clear the following:

For Male Candidates:

• Height: Minimum 168 cm.
• Physical Endurance Test (PET): Includes a long race (running), long jump or high jump, and shot put.
• The Physical Standard Test (PST) is qualifying in nature and carries no marks. Please check the official notification for the exact chest measurement and PET distances and timings.

Application Fee

• General Merit (GM): Rs. 500
• SC / ST / Category-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B: Rs. 250

Selection Process

The selection will be done in the following stages:

1. Written Examination: An objective (OMR-based) test held on 6 September 2026, with separate sessions for the Kalyana Karnataka and Residual cadres.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST): Your height and chest are measured. This stage is only qualifying and gives no marks.
3. Physical Endurance Test (PET): You must complete the long race, long jump or high jump, and shot put within the set standards.
4. Medical Examination: A medical check to confirm you are fit for police duty.
5. Final Merit List: The final selection is made based on your overall performance.

How to Apply

1. Go to the KEA online portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
2. Register and fill in the online application form.
3. Upload your photo, signature and required documents.
4. Pay the application fee online.
5. Submit the form and take a printout for your record.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 19 June 2026
• Online Application Start: 22 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 24 July 2026
• Written Exam Date: 6 September 2026

• Maintain law and order and public peace in the assigned area.
• Perform armed reserve duties, patrolling and guard duty as directed.
• Assist in crowd control, riot control and law-and-order operations.
• Provide security during festivals, VIP visits and public events.
• Respond to emergencies and support other police units when required.
• Handle arms and equipment safely and keep them in ready condition.
• Follow the orders of senior officers and police rules and discipline.