Job Description
Overview
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has initiated a recruitment drive for the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department. This process aims to fill 869 base-cadre positions, including Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing, and Instructor Grade-II. These roles are distributed across the General (Rest of State) and Kalyana Karnataka (K.K.) regions, offering a structured career path within the state's correctional services.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintaining security and discipline within prison premises to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.
- Supervising daily activities of prisoners and ensuring compliance with institutional regulations.
- Assisting in the rehabilitation and vocational training programs for inmates to facilitate their reintegration into society.
- Monitoring health and hygiene standards within the facility and coordinating with medical staff when necessary.
- Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to inmate conduct, movement, and daily operations.
- Performing administrative duties as assigned by senior prison officials to support the smooth functioning of the department.
Why Apply
Joining the Karnataka Prisons Department provides a stable career in the public sector with competitive pay scales and government benefits. Employees contribute directly to the maintenance of law and order while playing a vital role in the correctional and reformative processes of the state.
Important Dates
- Application Start: 19 September 2026
- Application End: 15 October 2026
- Fee Payment End: 16 October 2026
- Written Exam: 21 November 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 869
- Pay Scale: ₹34,100 to ₹1,12,900
- Location: Karnataka
- Category: State Govt. Exams
Karnataka Prisons Department Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 869 Jailor, Warder Posts Overview
Registration Date
19 Sep 2026 –
15 Oct 2026
Exam Date
21 Nov 2026
Salary
34,100 – 1,12,900
Vacancies
869
Eligibility
SSLC, Bachelor's Degree, Diploma
Application Link
Vacancy Details
- General/Rest-of-State Cadre: 576 Posts
- Kalyana Karnataka Cadre: 293 Posts
- Total: 869 Posts
How to Apply
- Visit the official KEA website at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Review the detailed notification for the specific cadre you are applying for.
- Register and fill in all required personal, educational, and category details accurately.
- Upload necessary documents as per the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee online through the provided payment gateway.
- Submit the application form before 15 October 2026.
- Download and print a copy of the submitted application and fee receipt for future reference.
Cutoff Marks
Not specified; based on competitive performance.
Application Fee
General Merit and other categories (2A/2B/3A/3B): ₹750. SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender: ₹500. Payment must be made online via the KEA portal.
Age Limit
Minimum 20 years; Maximum 31 years (General) and 33 years (Reserved categories).
Selection Process
The selection process consists of a 100-mark Competitive Written Examination conducted in an offline OMR format. Candidates who qualify are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio for the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Endurance Test, which includes events like running, high jump, long jump, and shot put. Final selection is based on the performance in these stages, followed by mandatory Document Verification and a comprehensive Medical Examination to ensure physical and mental fitness for the role.
Exam Pattern
The written examination consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes. The syllabus covers General Knowledge, Science, Geography, History, Indian Constitution, National Freedom Struggle, Current Affairs, and Mental Ability. A negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for every incorrect answer.
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Organization
The Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department operates under the Government of Karnataka. It is responsible for the administration, security, and management of correctional facilities across the state. The department focuses on the safe custody of inmates, their rehabilitation through vocational training, and the overall maintenance of prison infrastructure. It functions under the state home ministry to ensure law and order within the prison system while upholding human rights and correctional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to two related notifications by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) - for the general (Rest-of-State) cadre and the Kalyana Karnataka cadre — inviting applications for 869 base-cadre posts of Jailor, Warder, Warder cum Nursing, and Instructor Grade-II in the Karnataka Prisons and Reforms Services Department.
There are 869 total vacancies: 576 under the general cadre (560 Warder + 16 Instructor Grade-II) and 293 under the Kalyana Karnataka cadre (5 Jailor + 275 Warder + 5 Warder cum Nursing + 8 Instructor Grade-II).
The online application closes on 15.10.2026, and fee payment must be completed by 16.10.2026.
A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification is required, with preference given to candidates holding a degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Correctional Administration.
Candidates must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or an equivalent examination.
The minimum age is 20 years; the maximum age is 31 years for General Merit candidates and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, as on the closing date of application.
The fee is ₹750 for General Merit and other categories, and ₹500 for SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen candidates.
Selection involves a 100-mark Competitive Written Examination, followed by a Physical Standard Test and Endurance Test for shortlisted candidates (1:5 ratio), and finally Document Verification and a Medical Examination.
The Competitive Examination is scheduled for 21.11.2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Jailor: ₹61,300–₹1,12,900; Warder and Instructor Grade-II: ₹37,500–₹76,100; Warder cum Nursing: ₹34,100–₹67,600.
