Vacancies: 1600 · Gender: Male Only · Posts: 2 Cadres (CAR & DAR) · Type: Regular (Permanent) · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹750/₹500 · Apply: 22 June–22 July 2026 · Salary: ₹37,500–₹76,100 · Selection: Written Exam + PST + PET + Medical · Location: Karnataka (CAR/DAR Units)
Karnataka State Police has opened a dedicated recruitment for 1600 Armed Police Constable posts under Civil Armed Reserve (CAR) and District Armed Reserve (DAR) cadres — the first major armed police drive in recent cycles for male candidates only. This is not a general civil constable recruitment; it targets physically fit candidates ready for armed and field duties across the state.
The notification was released on 19 June 2026. Online applications are open from 22 June to 22 July 2026 through the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) portal. The written exam is scheduled for 6 September 2026 with separate sessions for the two cadres. Separate detailed PDFs exist for General Karnataka (CAR/RPC – 1421 posts) and Kalyana Karnataka (DAR/KK – 179 posts).
Male candidates who have passed PUC or equivalent, meet the strict physical standards (168 cm height, 86 cm chest with 5 cm expansion), and possess Kannada proficiency should apply immediately. This is a permanent government job with a pay scale of ₹37,500–₹76,100 and 2 years 6 months probation. Ex-Servicemen and candidates from the Kalyana Karnataka region get specific relaxations and separate cadre allocation.
Also Read: Karnataka Police Constable Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 3991 Civil Police Constable Posts
Who Should Apply? (Quick Eligibility Check)
- Male PUC/12th pass candidates (results declared by the last date) with Kannada language proficiency (studied as 1st/2nd language in SSLC or passed compulsory Kannada exam) → Armed Police Constable (CAR) – 1421 posts + Armed Police Constable (DAR) – 179 posts
- Male candidates meeting physical standards (Height 168 cm, Chest 86 cm normal with minimum 5 cm expansion) and age 18–33 years (GM) / 18–35 years (reserved categories) → Both CAR and DAR cadres
- Ex-Servicemen (with service period relaxation) → 10% reservation across the 1600 posts; separate age and fee benefits
- Tribal / Budakattu / Forest area candidates (age up to 38 years) → Eligible with applicable physical standard relaxations in respective cadres
- Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) domicile candidates under Article 371(J) → Separate 179 DAR posts with local reservation benefits
Special Reservation Note: 10% posts earmarked for Ex-Servicemen. Rural reservation, Kannada medium students, and Project Displaced Persons get preference as per Karnataka government rules.
About Karnataka State Police & Why This Role Matters
Karnataka State Police – Overview
Karnataka State Police (KSP) is the law enforcement agency of the Government of Karnataka, responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime, and providing armed support through specialised units like CAR and DAR. Headquartered in Bengaluru, it operates across all 31 districts with a large force strength. Recent modernisation drives have focused on better training, equipment, and welfare for armed police personnel.
Why Candidates Search for KSP Armed Police Constable Jobs
KSP jobs offer strong job security as permanent state government posts with structured pay revisions, pension under the National Pension System, and opportunities for departmental promotions to Head Constable and above. Armed Police Constable roles provide field exposure, weapons training, and a sense of uniform service that many aspirants prefer over desk jobs. However, the work involves physical demands, shift duties, and potential posting in any part of Karnataka — including remote or border areas. Candidates seeking purely sedentary roles or frequent home postings should evaluate this carefully before applying. Pay is competitive for the state police constable cadre, but the real attraction remains the permanent status and long-term career in uniformed service.
Why is this Armed Police Constable recruitment attractive:
- Permanent regular post in Karnataka State Police with clear promotion avenues.
- Dedicated armed police cadre (CAR/DAR) offering specialised training and duties.
- The separate Kalyana Karnataka quota (179 posts) reduces competition for local candidates.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take – Is This KSP Armed Police Constable Role for You?
This is a solid opportunity for physically fit male candidates in Karnataka who want a permanent uniformed job with a good pay scale and state government benefits. With 1600 posts split across two cadres and a clear physical + written selection process, it suits those who have been preparing for state police recruitments rather than banking or SSC-style exams.
Best-fit candidates are PUC-qualified males who already meet or can quickly achieve the 168 cm height and chest standards, have basic Kannada proficiency, and are ready for rigorous PST/PET and police training. Ex-Servicemen and Kalyana Karnataka candidates have a clear advantage due to reservations and separate cadre allocation.
If you are not physically fit for the chest expansion and endurance tests, or if you need a desk job with minimal field work, skip this recruitment. Do not apply just because vacancies are high — the physical tests eliminate a large number of applicants every year.
Practical tip: Start physical training immediately (running, push-ups, chest expansion exercises) because PST/PET is qualifying but conducted in a high ratio (often 1:5). Do not wait for the admit card. Unlike many central police forces, KSP does not conduct a full written exam for all stages — focus equally on physical fitness and the 100-mark OMR written test.
Compared to previous KSP Civil Constable drives or neighbouring state police recruitments (e.g., Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu police constable drives), this one is specifically for Armed Police with higher physical demands and armed unit posting. If you cleared physical tests in earlier attempts but missed the written cut-off, this format gives you another strong chance.
Quick Overview – Karnataka State Police Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
- Organisation: Karnataka State Police (KSP)
- Sector: State Government – Police & Law Enforcement
- Recruitment / Exam Name: Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) Recruitment 2026
- Notification / Advertisement No.: Not mentioned in aggregated sources (separate PDFs for each cadre)
- Post / Trade / Exam Name(s): Armed Police Constable – Civil Armed Reserve (CAR) + District Armed Reserve (DAR)
- Total Vacancies: 1600 (Male Only)
- Job Location / Exam Centre: Karnataka – CAR units (General Karnataka – 1421 posts) and DAR units (Kalyana Karnataka – 179 posts)
- Job Type / Nature: Regular (Permanent) – Uniformed Armed Police Post
- Approx. Pay: ₹37,500 – ₹76,100 (as per Karnataka State Pay Scale)
- Apply / Register Between: 22 June 2026 to 22 July 2026
- Apply Online: Through the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) portal
- Notification PDF: Separate PDFs for each cadre (links in the Important Links section)
- Official Portal: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in/
Important Dates – Karnataka State Police Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply / Register | 22 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 July 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) | To be notified later |
| Physical Endurance Test (PET) | To be notified later |
| Medical Examination & DV | To be notified later |
| Result / Merit List (Tentative) | To be notified later |
What Is the Application Fee? – Armed Police Constable 2026
| Category | Application / Exam Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) / OBC (Cat 2A/2B/3A/3B) | ₹750 | Non-refundable |
| SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-Servicemen | ₹500 | Applicable relaxations |
Payment Mode: Online only through KEA portal (net banking, credit/debit card, UPI, etc.).
How to Apply for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026? (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Main Application Process on KEA Portal
- Visit the official KEA recruitment portal: Karnataka Examination Authority – Apply for Armed Police Constable 2026 (open until 22 July 2026).
- Register as a new user or log in with your existing KEA credentials.
- Select the appropriate cadre (CAR – General Karnataka or DAR – Kalyana Karnataka) based on your eligibility and domicile.
- Fill in personal, educational, and category details carefully. Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, 50–200 KB) and signature (JPEG, 50–70 KB).
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
- Download and print the application form and fee receipt for future reference. Need to resize a photo or a signature? Use our Photo & Signature Resizer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading photo/signature in wrong format or size — this is the most common rejection reason at the scrutiny stage.
- Applying for the wrong cadre (CAR vs DAR) without checking domicile eligibility for Kalyana Karnataka posts.
- Missing the Kannada language proficiency requirement — many candidates get rejected later during document verification.
- Not keeping the printed application and fee receipt safely — these are required at every subsequent stage.
- Ignoring physical fitness preparation until the admit card — PST/PET eliminates a large number of applicants every cycle.
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಶಸ್ತ್ರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಕಾನ್ಸ್ಟೇಬಲ್ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ 2026 – ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಮಾಹಿತಿ
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ (KSP) 2026ರಲ್ಲಿ ಶಸ್ತ್ರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಕಾನ್ಸ್ಟೇಬಲ್ (CAR/DAR) ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ 1600 ಖಾಲಿ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳನ್ನು ಭರ್ತಿ ಮಾಡಲು ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆ ಹೊರಡಿಸಿದೆ. ಈ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಪುರುಷ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಮುಕ್ತವಾಗಿದೆ. CAR (ಸಿವಿಲ್ ಆರ್ಮ್ಡ್ ರಿಸರ್ವ್)ಗೆ 1421 ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು DAR (ಡಿಸ್ಟ್ರಿಕ್ಟ್ ಆರ್ಮ್ಡ್ ರಿಸರ್ವ್)ಗೆ 179 ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳು (ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ) ಇವೆ.
PUC ಅಥವಾ ಸಮಕಕ್ಷ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಹತೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಪುರುಷ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಬಹುದು. ಎತ್ತರ 168 ಸೆಂ.ಮೀ. ಮತ್ತು ಎದೆ 86 ಸೆಂ.ಮೀ. (ಕನಿಷ್ಠ 5 ಸೆಂ.ಮೀ. ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆ) ದೈಹಿಕ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳು ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ. ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷಾ ಪ್ರಾವೀಣ್ಯತೆ (SSLCಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊದಲನೆಯ ಅಥವಾ ಎರಡನೆಯ ಭಾಷೆಯಾಗಿ ಓದಿದ್ದು ಅಥವಾ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ ಕನ್ನಡ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉತ್ತೀರ್ಣ) ಅಗತ್ಯ.
ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಕೆ 22 ಜೂನ್ 2026ರಿಂದ 22 ಜುಲೈ 2026ರವರೆಗೆ KEA ಪೋರ್ಟಲ್ ಮೂಲಕ ಆನ್ಲೈನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತ್ರ ಸಾಧ್ಯ. ಬರೆಯುವ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ 6 ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್ 2026ರಂದು ನಡೆಯಲಿದೆ. ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆ: ಬರೆಯುವ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ → PST → PET → ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ → ದಾಖಲೆ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ.
ಆಯ್ಕೆಯಾದ ನಂತರ 2 ವರ್ಷ 6 ತಿಂಗಳ ಪ್ರಾಬೇಷನ್ ಅವಧಿ ಇದೆ. ವೇತನ ಶ್ರೇಣಿ ₹37,500 – ₹76,100. ಈ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಖಾಯಂ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗವಾಗಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಉತ್ತಮ ವೃತ್ತಿ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಯ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ.
Post-wise Vacancy & Eligibility – Armed Police Constable 2026
| Cadre | Vacancies | Gender | Key Eligibility | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Police Constable (CAR) – General Karnataka / RPC | 1421 | Male Only | PUC Pass + Height 168 cm + Chest 86 cm (5 cm expansion) + Kannada proficiency | Residual Cadre posts |
| Armed Police Constable (DAR) – Kalyana Karnataka (KK) | 179 | Male Only | PUC Pass + Height 168 cm + Chest 86 cm (5 cm expansion) + Kannada proficiency + Local domicile preference | Article 371(J) region posts |
Vacancy Interpretation Note: CAR cadre (1421 posts) covers the larger General Karnataka region and will see higher competition. DAR cadre (179 posts) is specifically for Kalyana Karnataka region candidates and offers better chances for local domicile holders. Both cadres require the same educational and physical standards. Ex-Servicemen get 10% horizontal reservation across both.
Eligibility – Education, Age & Domicile
1. Educational Qualification
Passed PUC (Class 12) or equivalent examination. Candidates whose results are awaited on the last date of application are not eligible. Kannada language proficiency is mandatory (studied Kannada as first or second language in SSLC or equivalent, or passed the compulsory Kannada examination conducted by the Karnataka government).
2. Age Limit (as on last date of application – 22 July 2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) | 18 | 33 | No additional relaxation |
| SC / ST / Cat-1 / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 18 | 35 | +2 years relaxation |
| Tribal / Budakattu / Forest Tribal | 18 | 38 | Additional relaxation as per the rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | 18 | As per the rules | Age = 33/35 + years of service (max as per KSP rules) |
Examples:
- ✅ A 32-year-old General Merit male candidate born on 15 March 1994 — eligible (within 18–33 limit as on 22 July 2026).
- ❌ A 34-year-old General Merit male candidate born on 10 January 1992 — not eligible (exceeds 33-year maximum by 1 year).
Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.
3. Physical Standards (Male Only – PST Applicable)
| Category / Gender | Height (cm) | Chest Normal (cm) | Chest Expanded (cm) | Other Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Male / Ex-Servicemen | 168 | 86 | 91 (minimum 5 cm expansion) | No colour blindness, good vision, no major deformities |
| Tribal / Budakattu Male | As per the notification (lower in some cases) | As per the notification | As per the notification | Specific relaxations mentioned in the PDF |
4. Additional Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of India and a domicile of Karnataka (for certain reservations).
- Must meet medical standards prescribed for Karnataka Police (vision 6/9 and 6/12 distant, no colour blindness, no squint, no musculoskeletal deformities).
Physical Standards & PET – KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
Note: PST/PET is applicable for all posts under this recruitment. This is a uniformed armed police post; desk job candidates should not apply.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
| Category / Gender | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) (Normal–Expanded) | Weight / Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Male / Ex-Servicemen | 168 | 86–91 (minimum 5 cm expansion) | As per medical standards |
| Tribal / Budakattu Male | As notified | As notified | Relaxations as per rules |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Test Item | Male Standard | Time / Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Running / Endurance (details in official PDF) | As per KSP norms | Qualifying |
| Other events | As per KSP norms | Qualifying |
Exact PET events and qualifying standards will be published with the call letter.
What Is the Salary? – Pay Scale & Benefits – Armed Police Constable 2026
Pay Scale
₹37,500 – ₹76,100 (as per Karnataka State Police Constable pay scale).
Simplified Monthly Salary Slip (Indicative In-Hand)
Starting basic pay in the scale is ₹37,500. With the current Karnataka Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance (depending on city classification), gross salary is approximately ₹48,000–₹55,000 per month. After standard deductions (NPS, professional tax, etc.), net in-hand salary is estimated at ₹42,000–₹48,000 per month for a fresh appointee in a higher HRA city.
Actual in-hand will vary based on posting location (Bengaluru vs smaller towns), exact DA rate at the time of joining, and individual deductions.
How Are Candidates Selected? – KSP Armed Police Constable 2026
Stages Overview
- Written Examination (OMR-based) Mode: Offline OMR test (100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes, negative marking 0.25 per wrong/unanswered answer). Summary: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Kannada/English language, Basic Mathematics, etc.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) Mode: Measurement of height and chest. Summary: Qualifying in nature (1:5 ratio shortlisting likely)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET) Mode: Running/endurance events Summary: Qualifying in nature
- Medical Examination Mode: Detailed medical check-up. Summary: Vision, hearing, colour blindness, deformities check (1:2 ratio)
- Document Verification & Final Merit Mode: Verification of all original documents. Summary: Final selection based on written exam marks + qualifying PST/PET/Medical
What Documents Are Required? – Armed Police Constable 2026
At the time of the online application
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature (as per size specifications)
- PUC/12th marks card
- SSLC marks card (for Kannada language proof)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-Servicemen certificate / Discharge book (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate for Kalyana Karnataka posts (if claiming 371(J) benefit)
At Document Verification / Medical / Joining
- All original certificates + one set of self-attested photocopies
- Printed application form and fee receipt
- Aadhaar card / other valid ID proof
- Recent passport-size photographs (additional copies)
⚠️ Document Alert Specific to This Recruitment: Kannada language proficiency proof is strictly verified. Candidates who studied in other states or CBSE without Kannada must produce the compulsory Kannada exam certificate. Many applications get rejected at DV for missing or invalid Kannada proof.
Probation, Bond & Service Conditions
- Probation Period: 2 years and 6 months
- Pay During Probation: Full pay scale as applicable
- Bond / Service Agreement: Not mentioned in available sources
- Posting Liability: Anywhere in Karnataka as per CAR/DAR unit requirements. Armed police personnel are liable for transfer across the state.
This is a permanent, regular government job. There is no automatic absorption issue — selected candidates join as permanent Karnataka State Police personnel after successful probation.
What Happens After Selection? – Armed Police Constable 2026
- Selected candidates receive provisional selection intimation from KSP / KEA.
- Document verification and detailed medical examination at designated centres.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET) — candidates must qualify.
- Induction training at Karnataka Police Academy or a designated training centre (several months of rigorous physical and weapons training).
- Posting in CAR or DAR units across Karnataka as per the cadre and vacancy.
- Confirmation as a permanent Armed Police Constable after successful completion of 2 years 6 months probation period.
Contact & Helpline – KSP Recruitment 2026
- Helpline Phone: Check KEA portal or KSP website for the latest numbers (commonly 080-2294 3346 range in previous drives)
- Official Updates: Follow @KEA_KARNATAKA on X (Twitter) for real-time announcements
- Official Websites: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ and https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in/
Important Links – Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
| Post / Category | Notification PDF | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Police Constable (CAR) – General Karnataka | Download KSP CAR/RPC Notification 2026 PDF | Apply Online via KEA Portal |
| Armed Police Constable (DAR) – Kalyana Karnataka | Download KSP DAR/KK Notification 2026 PDF | Apply Online via KEA Portal |
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| KEA Official Portal | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| Karnataka State Police | https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in/ |
FAQs – KSP Armed Police Constable Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
A: 22 July 2026. Late applications are not accepted. Fee payment is allowed till 24 July 2026.
Q2: What is the age limit for the KSP Armed Police Constable?
A: 18–33 years for General Merit males. SC/ST and the most reserved categories get relaxation up to 35 years. Tribal candidates can go up to 38 years. Age is calculated as of 22 July 2026.
Q3: Is there an exam for KSP Armed Police Constable, or is it interview-based?
A: Yes — there is a 100-mark OMR-based written exam followed by PST, PET, and medical examination. Final merit is based primarily on the written exam marks after qualifying for the physical and medical stages.
Q4: What is the salary of a KSP Armed Police Constable?
A: Pay scale is ₹37,500 – ₹76,100. Starting in-hand salary is approximately ₹42,000–₹48,000 per month after deductions, depending on posting location and current DA/HRA rates.
Q5: Can final-year students apply for KSP Armed Police Constable 2026?
A: No. You must have passed PUC/12th and possess the mark card by the last date of application. Result-awaited candidates are not eligible.
Q6: Is a KSP Armed Police Constable a permanent government job?
A: Yes. This is a permanent regular post in Karnataka State Police with 2 years 6 months probation and full government benefits, including NPS pension.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for the KSP Armed Police Constable recruitment?
A: Karnataka domicile is generally required for most reservations and Kalyana Karnataka posts. Open competition posts may allow other state candidates, but check the detailed PDF for exact domicile rules.
Q8: Where will I be posted if I get selected for KSP Armed Police Constable?
A: Anywhere in Karnataka as per CAR or DAR unit requirements. You cannot choose your posting location. Armed police personnel are liable for statewide transfers.
Q9: What are the disadvantages of this KSP Armed Police Constable recruitment?
A: Here’s the catch — postings can be in remote or border areas with shift duties and high physical demands. If you are not prepared for rigorous field work and potential separation from family initially, this role may not suit you.
Q10: How competitive is the KSP Armed Police Constable 2026 compared to previous years?
A: Competition remains high because it is a permanent uniformed job. However, the split into two cadres and a specific Kalyana Karnataka quota gives local candidates a better shot than a single combined drive.
Q11: Is physical fitness really important, or can I clear it later?
A: Physical fitness is critical. PST and PET are qualifying but conducted at high ratios. Many candidates who clear the written exam fail the physical tests every year. Start training now.
Q12: Can Ex-Servicemen apply for KSP Armed Police Constable posts?
A: Yes. 10% horizontal reservation is available. They get age relaxation, fee concession, and priority in selection as per government rules.
Q13: What happens if I miss the physical test date?
A: No second chance is normally given. You must appear on the scheduled date mentioned in your call letter. Medical unfitness or absence leads to disqualification.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?
Use this quick checklist before you apply:
- You are a male candidate and meet the height (168 cm) and chest (86 cm with 5 cm expansion) standards.
- You have passed PUC/12th with a marks card available and possess Kannada language proficiency proof.
- You are within the age limit (18–33/35/38 years as per category) as on 22 July 2026.
- You are ready for armed police duties, shift work, and statewide posting.
- You understand this is a permanent government job with 2 years 6 months probation and full benefits.
📄 Source: Official notification released by Karnataka State Police on 19 June 2026. All details sourced from the official notification PDFs and KEA portal.
