Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026: 3991 Civil Vacancies, Eligibility & Apply Online

Last Updated on: 10 June 2026 | Application Start Date Revised to 10 June 2026

Karnataka Civil Police Recruitment 2026 Latest Update

The Karnataka State Police (KSP) has officially released the Civil Police Constable (CPC) Recruitment 2026 notification for 3,991 vacancies, including 596 posts in Kalyana Karnataka and 3,395 posts in Non-Kalyana Karnataka.The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) will conduct the online application process and written examination. Eligible PUC-qualified candidates can submit their applications from 10 June to 03 July 2026.

The Karnataka State Police (KSP) has officially released a major recruitment notification for the year 2026, announcing a total of 3,991 Civil Police Constable (CPC) vacancies across Karnataka, including both Kalyana Karnataka and Non-Kalyana Karnataka regions. This large-scale recruitment is being conducted under the supervision of the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), ensuring a transparent and streamlined selection process from online application to the final written examination.

This recruitment drive is one of the most significant opportunities for PUC-qualified aspirants seeking a secure and respected government career in the Karnataka Police Department. With structured eligibility criteria, detailed physical standards, and a multi-stage selection process, candidates are advised to carefully understand every aspect of the notification. This complete guide provides a clear breakdown of vacancy details, age limit, application procedure, and selection process to help aspirants prepare effectively and stay ahead in the competition.

KSP Civil Police Constable Notification 2026:Overview

To help you grasp the essential structural highlights of this recruitment notification at a single glance, the key administrative components are organized below:

Recruitment Parameter	Official Notification Details
Recruiting Department	Karnataka State Police (KSP)
Exam Conducting Authority	Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
Post Title	Police Constable (Civil) – Male, Female & Transgender
Total Combined Vacancies	3,991 Positions
Official Notification Date	June 5, 2026
Job Location	Various Districts & Units across Karnataka State
Mode of Application	Online Only via the KEA Portal
Selection Stages	Written Examination, Physical Standard Test (PST), Endurance Test (ET), and Medical Examination
Official Registration Portals	cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/

KSP PC Detailed Vacancy Distribution Matrix

The total pool of 3,991 vacancies is officially issued under two distinct notifications to balance regional requirements. The allocations are split cleanly between the Residual Cadre (Remaining Core Cadre) 3,395 and the Local Cadre (Kalyana Karnataka Region) 596 under the provisions of Article 371(J).

To give you the most transparent view possible, here is the complete category-wise structural breakdown of the vacancies:

KSP PC RPC (Remaining Core Cadre) – 3,395 Vacancies

This cadre encompasses general recruitments across all standard city units and district divisions of Karnataka (Notification Reference: 02/3-4/2026-27).

Candidate Recruitment Category	Number of Allocated Posts
Direct Recruitment – Male Candidates	2,266 Posts
Direct Recruitment – Female Candidates	755 Posts
In-Service Candidates – Male	257 Posts
In-Service Candidates – Female	82 Posts
Transgender Candidates	35 Posts
Total Residual Cadre Strength	3,395 Vacancies

Kalyana Karnataka CPC Vacancy 2026 – 596 Posts

This cadre provides dedicated local reservations under Article 371(J) specifically for eligible regional candidates (Notification Reference: 01/3-4/2026-27).

Candidate Recruitment Category	Number of Allocated Posts
Direct Recruitment – Male Candidates	398 Posts
Direct Recruitment – Female Candidates	133 Posts
In-Service Candidates – FeMale	14 Posts
In-Service Candidates – Male	46 Posts
Transgender Candidates	5 Posts
Total Local Cadre Strength	596 Vacancies

Critical Application Notice: The department explicitly mandates that candidates can apply to only one specific unit or operational cadre division. Dual or multiple applications across separate units can cause critical issues during the structural validation phase and may result in candidate disqualification.

Karnataka Police Constable Important Dates 2026

Failing to register within the stipulated timeline is the primary reason many candidates miss out. KEA enforces a highly strict, automated application window:

• Online Registration Window Opens: June 10, 2026

• Final Deadline for Online Application Submission: July 3, 2026

• Absolute Last Date for Online Fee Payment: July 4, 2026

• Official Written Examination Date: August 2, 2026

Important: KEA has revised the Karnataka Police CPC Recruitment 2026 application schedule. The online application portal will open on 10 June 2026. Candidates are advised to follow the updated schedule and avoid relying on older notices mentioning 08 June 2026.

Written Examination Shift Timings:

Because both cadre examinations are coordinated on the exact same date across the state, KEA has split the testing sessions precisely to prevent scheduling overlaps:

• Residual Cadre Exam Shift: August 2, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Morning Session).
• Local Cadre (Kalyana Karnataka) Exam Shift: August 2, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Afternoon Session).

Karnataka Civil Police constable Recruitment Notification PDF (RPC) Download 2026

Karnataka Police CPC Recruitment 2026 Application Fee

The registration fee is determined by your reservation category status and must be processed strictly via KEA’s integrated online payment gateways:

• GM / OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): ₹750/-

• SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen, and Transgender Candidates: ₹500/-

Karnataka Police Constable Eligibility Criteria 2026

Mandatory Educational Qualifications

To successfully qualify for the Civil Police Constable selection process, an applicant must satisfy the following minimum educational standards as of the application closing date:

• Must have completed and passed Pre-University Course (PUC) / 12th Standard or an explicitly approved equivalent qualification from the Karnataka Pre-University Education Board.
• Recognized Educational Equivalents Include:
  • Class 12 examinations completed under the CBSE or ISC boards.
  • 12th Standard certificates obtained from any other recognized state government boards.
  • Senior Secondary Senior High School courses cleared via the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
  • A 3-Year Technical Diploma course certified by the Department of Technical Education.
  • A 2-Year ITI course, provided the individual has cleared one language exam and one academic subject directly through NIOS or the PU Board.
  • Job Oriented Courses (JOC) are treated as equivalent strictly under the specific guidelines outlined by the government.

Important Warning: Applicants who have appeared for their 12th examinations but are currently awaiting their official results or revaluation marks are not eligible to apply.

Revised Age Limits (With 5-Year Special One-Time Relaxation)

To accommodate and assist aspirants who have been waiting for recruitment notifications, the Government of Karnataka has applied a one-time 5-year age limit expansion across all primary categories for this specific drive. The absolute baseline age requirement is 18 years across the board.

Candidate Category Classification	Minimum Age Requirement	Revised Maximum Age Upper Limit
General Merit (GM) Candidates	18 Years	33 Years
SC / ST / Category-1 / OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B)	18 Years	35 Years
Forest-Dwelling Tribal Communities (Karnataka)	18 Years	38 Years
In-Service Candidates (General Merit)	18 Years	38 Years
In-Service Candidates (SC / ST / OBC Groups)	18 Years	40 Years

Karnataka Police CPC Selection Process 2026 Explained

The selection framework utilizes a strict multi-tier evaluation system to assess both the intellectual capabilities and physical conditioning of the applicants.

• Written Examination
• Physical Standard Test (PST)
• Endurance Test (ET)
• Medical Examination
• Document Verification

Karnataka Civil Police Exam Pattern 2026

This serves as the main filtration phase of the selection process. The test will be an offline examination using physical OMR answer booklets.

Detailed Written Exam Pattern

The competitive exam consists of a single paper containing objective, multiple-choice questions. The comprehensive breakdown of the test layout is detailed in the table below:

Exam Component	Pattern Details & Rules
Mode of Examination	Offline (OMR Answer Sheet Method)
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Number of Questions	100 Questions
Maximum Marks	100 Marks
Time Allotted	90 Minutes (1 Hour 30 Minutes)
Marking Scheme	+1.0 Mark for every correct answer
Negative Marking Penalty	0.25 Marks deducted for each wrong answer
Blank Question Penalty	0.25 Marks deducted if no circle is shaded (leaving all 5 options blank)

Compulsory Kannada Language Eligibility Paper:

For candidates who did not select Kannada as a first or second language in their SSLC (or equivalent higher standards), a descriptive qualification test is mandatory. This paper carries a maximum of 150 marks, and achieving a score of at least 50 marks is required to qualify.

Karnataka Police Constable Physical Test Details

Candidates are shortlisted in a clean 1:5 ratio per reservation category based on their written examination performance to move on to physical testing. All physical test metrics are qualifying and do not add to your final rank score.

Measurements are verified transparently using automated medical equipment and complete CCTV/video recording coverage:

• Male Candidates (General / SC / ST / OBC):
  • Minimum Height Requirement: 168 cm
  • Minimum Chest Circumference: 86 cm when fully expanded, with a mandatory expansion capability of at least 5 cm.
• Female and Transgender Candidates:
  • Minimum Height Requirement: 157 cm
  • Minimum Body Weight Baseline: 45 kg
• Tribal Communities (Forest-Dwelling Classes):
  • Male Candidates: Height 155 cm (Chest boundary must expand to at least 75 cm).
  • Female Candidates: Height 150 cm.

KSP Civil Police Endurance Test Details 2026

Candidates must clear every single physical event in the exact sequence outlined below:

For Male & In-Service Male Applicants:

1. 1,600 Meter Run: Must be completed in a maximum time of 6 minutes 30 seconds.
2. High Jump OR Long Jump: High Jump must clear a minimum height of 1.20 meters, OR the Long Jump must span a distance of at least 3.80 meters (Maximum of 3 trials permitted).
3. Shot Put Throw: A standard 7.26 kg metal ball must be thrown a minimum distance of 5.60 meters (Maximum of 3 trials permitted).

For Female, Transgender, and Ex-Servicemen Applicants:

1. 400 Meter Run: Must be completed in a maximum time of 2 minutes.
2. High Jump OR Long Jump: High Jump must clear a minimum height of 0.90 meters, OR the Long Jump must span a distance of at least 2.50 meters (Maximum of 3 trials permitted).
3. Shot Put Throw: A lighter 4.00 kg metal ball must be thrown a minimum distance of 3.75 meters (Maximum of 3 trials permitted).

KSP PC Final Shortlisting and Medical Examination

Upon completing the physical endurance standards, candidates are filtered down to a 1:2 ratio relative to the available vacancies, based strictly on their written test scores. These shortlisted individuals must pass a medical check-up conducted by a certified state Medical Board:

• Ocular Visual Standards: Distance vision capability must meet a clear 6/9 or 6/12 tracking score without relying on field obstructions. Diagnoses of color blindness, squint conditions, or structural eyelid abnormalities will result in disqualification.
• Auditory Hearing Tests: Candidates must demonstrate clear hearing across clinical diagnostics, including Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and tests for inner-ear vertigo issues.
• Skeletal/Structural Conditions: Conditions such as knock knees, flat feet, bow legs, severe varicose veins, or noticeable speech impediments are explicit grounds for medical disqualification.

Karnataka Police CPC Exam Syllabus 2026

To successfully clear the first phase of the recruitment process, you must thoroughly understand the structure of the OMR-based written examination. The final selection merit list is directly built upon the marks you score in this paper, making it the most critical stage of your preparation.

Comprehensive Syllabus Breakdown

The questions are curated to evaluate a candidate’s basic academic knowledge, awareness of current events, and logical reasoning capabilities. The core subject areas include:

1. General Studies & Current Affairs

• History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, with a high concentration on the History of Karnataka and major regional ruling dynasties.
• Indian National Movement: Major milestones of the freedom struggle, prominent freedom fighters from Karnataka, and post-independence challenges.
• Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India and Karnataka (rivers, soils, climates, wildlife sanctuaries, and major minerals).
• Indian Constitution & Polity: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), Preamble, structure of State and Central governments, Judiciary, and the Panchayat Raj system in Karnataka.
• General Science: Basic principles of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, environmental sciences, and daily-life scientific phenomena.
• Moral Education: Core values, ethics in public service, social responsibility, and behavioral awareness.

2. Mental Ability & Logical Reasoning

• Quantitative Aptitude: Basic Arithmetic, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Work, Distance, and Averages.
• Logical Reasoning: Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense tests, Number Series, Analogies, Syllogisms, and Data Interpretation.

Karnataka Police Constable Preparation Strategy 2026

With the exam scheduled for August 2, 2026, time management is key. A structured approach will help you maximize your written exam score.

1. Navigate the OMR Rules and Shading Changes Safely

Because KEA enforces a 0.25-mark penalty for unshaded/blank questions, you must budget your time to address every question on the OMR sheet.

• An extra 5 minutes is given at the final bell specifically to handle the 5th circle for questions you choose to skip.
• Incorporate realistic OMR sheet practice into your study routine so this process becomes second nature on exam day.

2. Focus heavily on Karnataka-Specific Topics

State-level police exams place significant weight on regional aspects. Dedicate ample time to mastering the geography, political systems, history, and cultural heritage of Karnataka. Thoroughly review state-published school textbooks to build a strong foundation for these questions.

3. Dedicate 25 Questions Worth of Focus to General Awareness

General Awareness can make a big difference in your final score. Develop a daily habit of tracking recent national breakthroughs, defense updates, regional welfare policies, and award announcements. Keeping concise notes on key events will make your final revision much easier.

4. Daily Revision for Speed and Accuracy

The 90-minute time limit can feel brief when solving complex mental ability and arithmetic problems.

• Spend at least one hour every day practicing logical reasoning and shortcut methods.
• Take full-length mock tests weekly to build your pacing, track your accuracy, and lower your error rate under timed conditions.

5. Maintain Consistent Physical Conditioning

While clearing the written exam is your immediate goal, do not neglect your physical preparation. Shortlisting for the physical test follows a strict 1:5 ratio. Building the stamina required to clear the 1,600-meter or 400-meter run in one go takes steady, consistent effort. Keep up a regular exercise routine alongside your studies to ensure you are fully prepared for the endurance test when the time comes.

KSP CPC Salary, Training, and Probation Details

Securing a position as a Civil Police Constable offers an attractive salary alongside reliable state employment benefits:

• Official Pay Scale Range: Selected candidates are placed on a structured monthly pay scale of ₹37,500 – ₹76,100/-. This is supplemented by standard state medical allowances, travel allowances, and dear-allowance updates.
• Mandatory Training Duration: Appointed candidates must successfully complete 9 months of basic foundation training at a government-designated Police Training School (PTS). Passing the concluding training examinations is mandatory; failing to clear these evaluations will result in termination.
• Probationary Timeline: New direct recruits will serve a mandatory probationary period of 2 years and 6 months from their initial date of appointment.
• Pension Scheme: This recruitment is fully covered under the state-managed National Pension System (NPS) provisions.

How to Apply for Karnataka Civil Police Recruitment 2026

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to submit your application on the KEA portal without errors:

Step 1: Portal Navigation

Go to the official KEA webpage at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Navigate to the active recruitment section and click on the link for Civil Police Constable (CPC) Online Application 2026.

Step 2: Basic Registration and Profile Creation

Enter your name, active mobile number, and personal email address. The portal will generate a unique user ID and password, which you will need for all subsequent stages of the recruitment process.

Step 3: Document Upload Requirements

You are required to upload digital copies of your credentials, ensuring they meet the following precise file size limits:

• Passport Photograph: A recent, clear photograph saved in JPEG format, with a file size strictly between 50KB and 200KB.
• Candidate Signature: Signed clearly using a black marker or sketch pen, saved in JPEG format with a file size between 50KB and 70KB.

Step 4: Reservation & Category Certificate Validation

Ensure you have your official category certificates on hand before the application deadline. These certificates must be signed and issued by a competent local Tehsildar, complete with valid barcoding or watermarks:

• SC / ST Candidates: Must hold a valid Form ‘D’ certificate.
• Category-1 Candidates: Must hold a valid Form ‘E’ certificate.
• 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B OBC Categories: Must hold a valid Form ‘F’ certificate.
• Special Horizontal Categories: Ensure your Rural Candidate certificates (Form-1 & Form-2) or Kannada Medium Student (KMS) documents are signed by your school principal and countersigned by the respective BEO.

Step 5: Finalizing Payment

Process your application fee online using net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI. Once paid, print out your application form and payment receipt for future reference, as KEA will not accept modification requests after the submission deadline.

Karnataka Police Constable Career Growth and Promotion Opportunities

A career as a Civil Police Constable in the Karnataka State Police Department offers more than just a stable government job. It provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and promotion through departmental examinations, seniority, and performance-based advancements. Candidates selected as Civil Police Constables can gradually move up the ranks and build a long-term career in law enforcement.

Typically, a Civil Police Constable can be promoted to Head Constable, followed by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Sub-Inspector (SI), and higher positions based on service record and departmental requirements. The Karnataka Police Department also conducts internal promotional examinations that allow deserving personnel to advance their careers faster.

In addition to promotions, employees receive periodic salary increments, government allowances, pension benefits, and specialized training opportunities. With dedication, discipline, and consistent performance, a constable can achieve significant career progression while serving in one of Karnataka’s most respected government departments.

KSP Civil Constable Recruitment Direct Links

Also Check: Udupi NHM Recruitment 2026: Apply for 13 Medical Officer & 4 ANM Posts

Recruitment Resource Title	Direct Links
KEA Official Portal Website	👉 https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
KSP Civil PC Official Notification (KK)	👉Click Here To Download
KSP Civil PC Official Notification (RPC)	👉Click Here To Download
Online Application Link KK (HK)	👉Click Here To Apply KK
Online Application Link RPC (NHK)	👉Click Here To Apply RPC
Join Our Telegram Channel	👉Click Here To Join

Strategic Advice for Aspirants

Given the large number of vacancies and the generous age relaxation, competition is expected to be high. To give yourself an edge, prioritize mastering state history, the Indian Constitution, and basic geography, while dedicating time daily to mental reasoning exercises. At the same time, maintain a steady physical training routine to prepare for the endurance running and jumping rounds.

Good luck with your preparation! Be sure to bookmark this page for the latest updates on exam centers, hall ticket download alerts, and answer key releases.

Karnataka Police CPC Recruitment 2026 FAQs