KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026: The Karnataka Examination Authority has announced the KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 to fill vacancies across the Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department. Eligible candidates can make use of this recruitment opportunity by submitting their applications within the prescribed deadline. This detailed notification covers 869 vacancies across both the Kalyana Karnataka and Residual Parent Cadre divisions.

KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 Overview
The recruitment drive aims to appoint qualified personnel for custodial, instructional, and healthcare duties across state correctional facilities. All online applications and competitive written examinations are administered directly by the Karnataka Examination Authority.
- Organization: Karnataka State Prisons and Correctional Services Department
- Recruiting Body: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
- Recruitment Name: KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026
- Posts Announced: Jailor, Warder, Instructor Grade-II, Warder-cum-Nursing
- Total Vacancy: 869 Posts
- Application Mode: Online
Important Dates of KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 18.09.2026 |
| Application Start | 19.09.2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15.10.2026 |
| Compulsory Kannada Exam Date | Not Mentioned in the Official Notification |
Vacancy Details for KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026
Vacancies are classified across Kalyana Karnataka (KK) and Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) regions.
| Post Name | Cadre Region | Vacancy |
| Jailor | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 05 |
| Warder | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 275 |
| Warder-cum-Nursing | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 05 |
| Instructor Grade-II | Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 08 |
| Warder | Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 560 |
| Instructor Grade-II | Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) | 16 |
| Total | Combined Vacancies | 869 |
KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill all educational and age conditions by the prescribed closing date.
Educational Qualification
- Jailor: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Preference is given to graduates in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Correctional Administration.
- Warder: Must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or possess an equivalent qualification.
- Instructor Grade-II: SSLC pass with a recognised Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Tailoring, Textile, Weaving, or Carpet making.
- Warder-cum-Nursing: SSLC pass along with a valid First Aid certificate.
Age Limit
Candidates must be at least 20 years old as on 15.10.2026. Upper age limits include a one-time 5-year relaxation.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| General Merit (GM) | 20 Years | 31 Years |
| SC, ST, Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 20 Years | 33 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 20 Years | Service Years + 3 Years |
Application Fee
The application fee must be remitted online and is strictly non-refundable.
| Category | Fee |
| General Merit, Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | Rs. 750 |
| SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen, Transgender | Rs. 500 |
Also Read: India Post Office GDS Recruitment 2026
KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The competitive selection process consists of three sequential stages:
- Written Competitive Examination: An offline OMR examination comprising 100 objective questions for 100 marks.
- Physical Standards and Endurance Test: Shortlisted candidates in a 1:5 ratio undergo physical standard measurement and five endurance events. Qualifying in at least three events is compulsory.
- Medical Board Examination: Conducted for shortlisted candidates in a 1:2 ratio before final appointment.
Exam Pattern
The test contains 100 objective questions covering General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, Freedom Movement, and Mental Ability. Duration is 90 minutes. A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every incorrect response or if an unattempted question’s fifth bubble is unshaded.

How to Apply
- Visit the official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- Open the recruitment portal for the Prisons Department.
- Complete candidate registration and fill in all educational details.
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the notified specifications.
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
- Submit the online form and print the confirmation page and fee receipt.
Documents Required
- SSLC marks card or equivalent for proof of date of birth
- Qualifying Degree, Diploma, or Technical trade certificates
- Valid caste certificate (Form D, E, or F)
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport)
- First Aid certificate (for Warder-cum-Nursing applicants)
- Relevant reservation certificates for Rural, Kannada Medium, or Ex-Servicemen quotas
Important Instructions
Candidates should not wait until the last date and must carefully check all details before submitting the application. Submitted details cannot be edited later. The photograph must be in JPEG format (50KB to 200KB) and signature in black marker ink (50KB to 70KB).
Important Links
| Link | Details |
| Official Website | Get Details |
| Apply Online | Apply Now! |
| Notification PDF | Available on KEA Portal |
| Notification PDF | Karnataka Prisons Department Official Notification for Jailor, Warder (RPC) |
| Notification PDF | Karnataka Prisons Department Official Notification for Jailor, Warder (KK) |
| Admit Card | Not Mentioned in the Official Notification |
| Result | Not Mentioned in the Official Notification |
KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 FAQs
What is the KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 selection process?
Candidates must clear the written examination, pass at least three endurance tests, and qualify in the medical screening.
What is the minimum age to apply?
Applicants must be at least 20 years old as of 15.10.2026.
Can candidates awaiting final exam results apply?
No, candidates awaiting qualifying examination results on the closing date are not eligible.
Is there negative marking in the written test?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect response or unshaded blank bubble.
What is the application fee for SC and ST candidates?
SC, ST, Category-1, and Ex-Servicemen applicants must pay Rs. 500 online.
Conclusion
The KEA Karnataka Prisons Recruitment 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for candidates seeking government employment across Karnataka. Applicants should thoroughly check the official notification to ensure they satisfy all eligibility, reservation, and physical criteria prior to applying online.
