The Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department, through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), has released the Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 notification for 869 Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing and Instructor Grade-II posts.
The recruitment includes 576 posts under the General/Rest-of-State cadre and 293 posts under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre. Eligible candidates can apply online from 19 September 2026 to 15 October 2026.
EXPERIENCE / ELIGIBILITY IMPORTANT: The notification does not prescribe separate prior work experience for these posts. However, candidates must possess the post-specific educational qualification, age, Kannada-language and physical standards prescribed in the notification. Higher qualifications cannot replace the specifically prescribed qualification.
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
| Organisation | Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Names | Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing, Instructor Grade-II |
| Total Posts | 869 |
| Age Limit | 20–31 Years; up to 33 Years for specified reserved categories |
| Qualification | SSLC / Bachelor’s Degree + prescribed technical qualification, post-wise |
| Application Fee | ₹750 General/other categories; ₹500 SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Salary | ₹34,100–₹1,12,900, post-wise |
| Experience | No separate prior work experience specified |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens meeting post-wise qualification, age, physical and other conditions |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → PST & Endurance Test → DV → Medical |
Vacancy Details
| Cadre / Post | Vacancies |
| General/Rest-of-State – Warder | 560 |
| General/Rest-of-State – Instructor Grade-II | 16 |
| Kalyana Karnataka – Jailor | 5 |
| Kalyana Karnataka – Warder | 275 |
| Kalyana Karnataka – Instructor Grade-II | 8 |
| Kalyana Karnataka – Warder cum Nursing | 5 |
| Total | 869 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Written Examination | 21 November 2026, 3:00 PM–4:30 PM |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Jailor: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification.
- Warder: SSLC or equivalent.
- Instructor Grade-II: SSLC plus prescribed technical Diploma/Certificate.
- Warder cum Nursing: SSLC plus prescribed First Aid certificate.
Age Limit
The minimum age is 20 years. The maximum age is generally 31 years for General Merit candidates and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-1 and specified reserved categories, with applicable relaxations for eligible candidates.
Kannada Language
Candidates who studied Kannada as prescribed in SSLC/equivalent or through Kannada medium may be exempt from the separate Kannada Language Test. Other eligible candidates may have to qualify the prescribed Kannada Language Test.
Physical Standards
Shortlisted candidates must satisfy the prescribed Physical Standard Test (PST) and Endurance Test requirements.
Salary
The post-wise pay scales include:
- Jailor: ₹61,300–₹1,12,900
- Warder / Instructor Grade-II: ₹37,500–₹76,100
- Warder cum Nursing: ₹34,100–₹67,600
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Competitive Written Examination
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Endurance Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
The written examination consists of 100 questions for 100 marks with a duration of 90 minutes. Negative marking is applicable as prescribed by KEA.
Candidates are shortlisted for the physical tests based on the prescribed merit/shortlisting criteria.
How to Apply for Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply through the official KEA recruitment portal.
- Visit the official KEA website.
- Select the relevant General/RPC or Kalyana Karnataka/K.K. recruitment notification.
- Complete the online application with personal, educational and category details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the applicable application fee online.
- Submit the application before 15 October 2026.
- Complete fee payment before 16 October 2026.
- Download and save the final application for future reference.
Official Apply Link
Candidates should use the KEA official portal to submit the online application for the relevant Karnataka Prisons Department recruitment cadre. Applicants should carefully select the correct notification before completing the form.
Details PDF
The official notification contains important information about 869 vacancies, qualification, age limit, Kannada requirements, physical standards, examination pattern, reservation, fee and selection process. Candidates should read the applicable notification before applying.
Karnataka Prisons Recruitment Notification / KEA Portal
Important Links
| Link | Details |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Details / Notification | Click Here for Recruitment Notification |
| Official Website | Karnataka Prisons Department Official Website |
FAQs – Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are available?
There are 869 vacancies for Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing and Instructor Grade-II posts.
Q2. What is the qualification for Warder posts?
Candidates must have passed SSLC or equivalent.
Q3. What is the qualification for Jailor?
Jailor candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification.
Q4. Is prior work experience required?
No separate prior work experience is specified. Candidates must meet the prescribed educational, physical, age and other eligibility conditions.
Q5. What is the age limit?
The minimum age is 20 years, while the upper age varies by category, generally up to 31 years for General Merit and 33 years for specified reserved categories.
Q6. What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹750 for General/other eligible categories and ₹500 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen as prescribed.
Q7. What is the selection process?
Selection includes a written examination, PST, Endurance Test, document verification and medical examination.
Q8. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application is 15 October 2026. Fee payment can be completed up to 16 October 2026.