The Karnataka State Police (KSP) Department has officially announced a major recruitment drive for the year 2026. With 1600 vacancies available for the post of Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR), this is a significant opportunity for young individuals looking to serve in the state’s police force. The recruitment process is being managed in coordination with the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).
Aspiring candidates who have completed their 12th standard or PUC can now submit their applications through the official portal. This recruitment aims to fill positions across two distinct categories: the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region and the Residual Cadre, covering various districts and units throughout the state.
KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Organization Name | Karnataka State Police (KSP) Department |
| Post Name | Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,600 |
| Notification Number | 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27 |
| Educational Qualification | PUC / 12th Pass or Equivalent |
| Pay Scale | ₹37,500 – ₹76,100/- |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Test, PST, PET, Medical Exam, Document Verification |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
Important Dates
Candidates must strictly adhere to the timeline provided by the KEA to ensure their applications are considered.
| Official Notification Release | June 19, 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | July 22, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | July 24, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | July 24, 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | September 6, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Physical Test (PST/PET) Dates | To be announced later |
Vacancy Details
| Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) Region | 179 |
| Residual Cadre (Remaining Units) | 1,421 |
Eligibility Criteria for Armed Police Constable
Educational Qualification
- Mandatory: Candidates must have passed PUC (Pre-University Course) or 12th Standard from a recognized board or institution.
Kannada Language Proficiency
- Candidates should have studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC or equivalent.
- Alternatively, they should have studied in a Kannada medium or passed the compulsory Kannada language exam.
- Those who do not meet these exemptions must secure at least 50 marks out of 150 in a dedicated Kannada language test.
Age Limit (As of the last date of application)
The minimum age for all applicants is 18 years. The maximum age limits are:
| General Merit (Male) | 33 Years |
| SC / ST / Cat-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A (Male) | 35 Years |
| Tribal Candidates (Forest Areas) | 38 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years plus the period of service rendered |
Application Fee
| General Merit (GM) | ₹500/- |
| SC / ST / Cat-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹250/- |
| Ex-Servicemen (Category-1) | ₹500/- |
| Ex-Servicemen (Category-2/3) | ₹250/- |
Selection Process
The selection for the CAR/DAR Constable post involves five rigorous stages to ensure only the most fit and qualified candidates are chosen.
Stage 1: Written Examination
- Format: OMR-based, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
- Total Questions/Marks: 100 questions for 100 marks.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. Crucially, 0.25 marks are also deducted for unanswered questions.
Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Minimum Height (Male/Ex-Servicemen): 168 cm.
- Chest (Normal): 86 cm.
- Chest Expansion: Minimum 5 cm.
Stage 3: Physical Endurance Test (PET)
Shortlisted candidates must pass various physical fitness tasks mandatory for police duties. These dates will be notified after the written exam results are declared.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
- Vision: Distant vision must be 6/9 or 6/12; Near vision must be 0/6 or 0/8.
- Disqualifications: Color blindness, squint, hearing issues (failed Rinne’s/Weber’s tests), or musculoskeletal deformities like knock knees, flat feet, or bow legs.
Stage 5: Document Verification
- Final verification of original certificates, including education, caste, and reservation documents.
Salary Structure
- Post: Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR)
- Pay Scale: ₹37,500 – ₹76,100/- per month.
Required Documents for Application
- Aadhaar Card.
- SSLC/10th Marks Card (for DOB proof).
- PUC/12th Marks Card.
- Caste/Reservation Certificates (if applicable).
- Kannada Medium/Rural Study Certificates (if applicable).
- Recent Passport Size Photograph (JPEG, 50KB–200KB).
- Signature in black ink (JPEG, 50KB–70KB).
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the Website: Go to the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Find the Link: Click on the “Recruitment” tab and select “Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) – 2026”.
- Registration: Enter your name, mobile number, and email ID to register.
- Fill Application: Log in and enter your educational details and personal information.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photograph and signature according to the specified file sizes.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee using the integrated online payment gateway.
- Review: Double-check all entered information, as errors may lead to disqualification.
- Submit & Print: Submit the form and download a copy for your records.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the KSP Armed Police Constable Exam 2026
The written exam is scheduled for September 6, 2026 (Sunday), from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Q2. How many total vacancies are available?
There are 1600 vacancies: 1421 for the Residual Cadre and 179 for the Kalyana Karnataka region.
Q3. What is the minimum educational qualification?
Candidates must have passed PUC/12th Standard or its equivalent.
Q4. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online registration and fee payment is July 24, 2026.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the written exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer and also for every unanswered question.
