Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026: Jailor, Warder & Instructor Vacancies

Recruitment Overview

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has invited online applications for various base-cadre posts within the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. This recruitment is split into two cadres: General (Rest of State) and Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka Region).

Vacancy Details

Total Posts: 869

1. General / Rest-of-State Cadre (576 Posts)

• Warder (Vikshakaru): 560 posts
• Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II: 16 posts

2. Kalyana Karnataka Cadre (293 Posts)

• Jailor: 5 posts
• Warder (Vikshakaru): 275 posts
• Warder cum Nursing: 5 posts
• Second Grade Teacher / Instructor Grade-II: 8 posts

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

• Jailor: Bachelor's Degree (Preference for Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Correctional Administration).
• Warder: SSLC (10th) pass or equivalent.
• Instructor Grade-II: SSLC pass + Diploma/Certificate in relevant trade (Mechanical/Electrical/Tailoring, etc.).
• Warder cum Nursing: SSLC pass + First Aid Certificate.

Age Limit (as of 15.10.2026)

• General Merit: Maximum 31 years
• SC/ST/Cat-1/2A/2B/3A/3B: Maximum 33 years
• Minimum Age: 20 years

Selection Process

1. Competitive Written Exam: OMR-based test (100 marks) focusing on GK, Science, History, Constitution, and Mental Ability. (Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer).
2. Physical Standard Test (PST) & Endurance Test: Shortlisted candidates (1:5 ratio) must pass height, chest/weight requirements and endurance events (Race, Jump, Shot Put).
3. Medical Examination: Vision, hearing, and physical fitness check by a Medical Board.
4. Document Verification.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 18.09.2026
• Application Start Date: 19.09.2026
• Application Closing Date: 15.10.2026
• Fee Payment Deadline: 16.10.2026
• Written Examination Date: 21.11.2026

Application Fee

• General/Other Categories: ₹750
• SC/ST/Cat-1/Ex-Servicemen: ₹500