Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 576 Warder & Instructor Posts (KEA)
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has invited online applications for Warder and Instructor Grade-II posts in the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services under the RPC (Rest of State) English notification dated 18.09.2026. As per the official PDF vacancy table: 560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II = 576 posts. Apply on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea from 19.09.2026 to 15.10.2026 (fee payment till 16.10.2026).
Official Notification PDF: Download Karnataka Prisons RPC English Notification PDF
576 Posts – 560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II (RPC English notification PDF)
Short Summary: Karnataka Prisons (KEA) RPC notification: 576 posts (560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II). Apply 19 Sep–15 Oct 2026. Pay scale ₹37,500–76,100. Written OMR + PST/Endurance.
Important Dates – Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 |
|
| Notification Dated: | 18.09.2026 |
| Application Begin: | 19.09.2026 |
| Last Date for Online Apply: | 15.10.2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment: | 16.10.2026 |
| Written Exam (OMR) Date: | 21.11.2026 (tentative as per notification) |
| Apply Portal: | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Application Fee |
|
| General Merit / Other Categories: | ₹750/- |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen: | ₹500/- |
| Payment Mode: | Online via KEA portal |
| Pay the examination fee online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or as per options available on the official portal. | |
📺 Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 – Form Filling & Exam Guide
Watch our video guide covering eligibility, important dates, fee, vacancy details, and how to apply online.
Important Links |
|
| Apply Online: | Apply Online – KEA Portal |
| Download Official Notification PDF: | Download Karnataka Prisons RPC English Notification PDF |
| Official Website: | Visit Karnataka Prisons Official Website |
| Watch Updates on YouTube: | Sarkari Job Selection YouTube |
| Join Our Channels for Live Updates: | |
Vacancy Details (PDF Truth: 576)
| Post | Pay Scale | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Warder | ₹37,500–76,100 | 560 |
| Instructor Grade-II | ₹37,500–76,100 | 16 |
| Total (this RPC English PDF) | 576 | |
Clarification: Some portals listed 869 posts by combining this RPC cadre (576) with a separate Kalyana Karnataka (KK) cadre notification (~293). This page uses the RPC English PDF total of 576. Always verify both cadre PDFs on the KEA site before applying.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Warder | Must have passed SSLC examination or possess an equivalent qualification. |
| Instructor Grade-II | (1) SSLC or equivalent; and (2) Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical / Electrical / Carpentry / Tailoring / Textile / Weaving / Carpet making etc. from a Government-recognised institution. |
Recruitment is governed by the Karnataka Prisons Service (Recruitment) Rules 2002 and subsequent amendments.
Age Limit
Age limits as prescribed in the Karnataka Prisons Service Recruitment Rules / KEA notification (with relaxations for reserved categories as applicable). Check the PDF for exact min/max and cut-off date.
Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test
Karnataka Prisons Warder / Instructor Gr-II In-Hand Salary
₹68,158
₹62,092
₹58,342
| Compensation Component | X Cities (Tier 1) | Y Cities (Tier 2) | Z Cities (Tier 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Monthly Earnings & Allowances (Gross Additions) | |||
| +Basic Pay | ₹37,500 | ₹37,500 | ₹37,500 |
| +Dearness Allowance (DA @ 55%) | ₹20,625 | ₹20,625 | ₹20,625 |
| +House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹11,250 (30%) | ₹7,500 (20%) | ₹3,750 (10%) |
| +Transport Allowance (TPT + DA) | ₹5,580 | ₹2,790 | ₹2,790 |
| Total Gross Monthly Salary | ₹74,955 | ₹68,415 | ₹64,665 |
| Part 2: Government Deductions (Monthly Recoveries) | |||
| -NPS Contribution (10% Basic + DA) | ₹5,813 | ₹5,813 | ₹5,813 |
| -CGHS (Medical Benefits) | ₹450 | ₹450 | ₹450 |
| -CGEGIS (Insurance Fund) | ₹60 | ₹60 | ₹60 |
| -Estimated Monthly Income Tax (TDS) | ₹474 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Total Monthly Deductions | ₹6,797 | ₹6,323 | ₹6,323 |
| Net In-Hand Salary (Take Home) | ₹68,158 | ₹62,092 | ₹58,342 |
• X Cities (30% HRA): Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad.
• Y Cities (20% HRA): All state capitals and cities with population > 500,000.
• Z Cities (10% HRA): Small towns, districts, and rural postings.
• Dearness Allowance: Active at 55% of Basic Pay.
• NPS: 10% mandatory employee deduction (matched with 14% Government contribution).
• TDS: Estimated under standard slab rates with standard deduction applied.
Written Exam Pattern (Offline OMR)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective (General knowledge / aptitude related as per notification) | 100 | 100 | 1½ hours (90 minutes) |
Negative marking: 0.25 for each wrong answer. Tentative exam slot: 21.11.2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (confirm on admit card).
Syllabus Overview
OMR paper covers general knowledge / aptitude topics listed in the KEA prisons notification (Kannada & English sections as applicable). Download the official PDF for the detailed topic list and language medium.
Selection Process
Exam Centres
Written exam centres across Karnataka as allotted by KEA on the admit card. Updates on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea and prisons.karnataka.gov.in.
How to Apply Online – Karnataka Prisons 2026
Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 – Important Candidate Instructions (Prevent Rejection!)
Ensure strict compliance with the following directives:
- PDF cadre check: Confirm whether you are applying under RPC or KK cadre — vacancy numbers differ.
- SSLC mandatory: Both posts require SSLC; Instructor needs an additional trade diploma/certificate.
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer in the OMR paper.
- PET readiness: Prepare for height/chest/endurance standards in the official PDF.
- Official portals only: Use KEA and prisons.karnataka.gov.in for updates.
- Print form: Keep application printout and fee receipt for DV.
