KEA Karnataka Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026

The Karnataka State Police has announced a major recruitment drive for the year 2026, offering a fantastic career opportunity for male job seekers in the state. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is managing the registration process for 1600 vacant positions of Armed Police Constables. These positions are distributed across the City Armed Reserve (CAR) and District Armed Reserve (DAR) cadres.

This recruitment drive is highly anticipated by defense and police job aspirants in Karnataka. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can submit their applications online through the official portal. Below, you will find all the essential details regarding the recruitment schedule, vacancy distribution, eligibility criteria, physical requirements, and the step-by-step application process.

Important Dates to Remember

To secure a spot in the state police force, staying updated with the official timeline is crucial. The online application window opens on June 22, 2026, and will remain active for exactly one month. Candidates must complete their registration and fee payment within the specified deadlines to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Vacancy Distribution

The total pool of 1600 vacancies has been strategically divided into two distinct operational regions to streamline administrative processes and offer localized employment opportunities across Karnataka. This division helps candidates choose their preferred operational zones during the application phase.

Eligibility Criteria

Before proceeding with the online application, candidates must ensure they satisfy the structural eligibility requirements set by the Karnataka State Police Board. Applications of candidates who do not meet these criteria will be rejected at later stages.

1. Educational Qualifications:
Candidates must have successfully passed their Pre-University Course (PUC), Class 12, or an equivalent secondary qualification from a recognized educational board. It is important to note that candidates who are currently awaiting their final results are not eligible to apply. Additionally, applicants must have studied Kannada as either their primary or secondary language at the SSLC (Class 10) level, or they must be prepared to qualify in the mandatory language exam administered by the KEA.

2. Age Limits (As of July 22, 2026):
The age criteria vary depending on the category to which the candidate belongs. The specific age brackets are outlined in the table below:

Note: 10% of the total vacancies are reserved exclusively for Ex-Servicemen and their immediate dependents.

Selection Process Explained

To secure a position in the Karnataka State Police under the CAR/DAR cadres, candidates must successfully clear a multi-stage selection process. The stages are designed to test both the mental aptitude and physical fitness of the applicants.

Stage 1: Written Examination (OMR Based)
The first hurdle is an offline, objective-type written test. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, with a total weightage of 100 marks. The paper will cover General Science, Geography, History, the Indian Constitution, Reasoning, and General Studies. Candidates must be careful while marking their answers, as there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect response.

Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates who score above the cut-off marks in the written test will be called for the physical screening round. The minimum physical requirements are as follows:

• Minimum Height: 168 cm
• Chest Measurement: 86 cm (with a mandatory minimum expansion of 5 cm)

Stage 3: Physical Endurance Test (PET)
Those who meet the physical standards must qualify in the Physical Endurance Test (PET). This stage is qualifying in nature and does not add to the final merit score, but passing it is mandatory to proceed further.

Salary and Allowances:
Candidates who successfully clear all stages and make it to the final merit list will be placed on a standard state government pay scale ranging between Rs. 37,500 and Rs. 76,100. Along with the basic pay, selected candidates will enjoy comprehensive state government medical benefits, uniform allowances, and other standard perks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

Follow these simple, practical steps to submit your application on the official KEA recruitment portal without any hassle:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to the official KEA registration link provided in the important links section above.
2. New Registration: Click on the "New Registration" option. Enter your basic details such as name, mobile number, email address, and create a secure password.
3. Fill the Application Form: Log in using your newly generated credentials. Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and preferred exam center choices carefully.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and relevant educational/category certificates in the prescribed format and size.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the application fee using online payment modes (Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI) before July 24, 2026.
6. Submit and Print: Double-check all entered details for accuracy. Submit the form and download a copy of the completed application form and payment receipt for future reference.