For 10th pass, 12th pass, and graduate candidates across Karnataka — from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Davangere, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Vijayapura, Raichur and every district in the state — the Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026 for Police Constable (Civil Police/Armed Reserve) and Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) posts is the most physically demanding, most socially respected, and most career-secure state government employment in Karnataka this year.
With Karnataka Police Constable gross salary of ₹30,000–₹44,000, PSI at ₹52,000–₹68,000, Karnataka Government pension, police housing, uniform allowance, risk allowance, and the honour of protecting Karnataka’s 7 crore citizens — the Karnataka Police 2026 notification from KPSC (Karnataka Public Service Commission) and Karnataka State Police Recruitment Board demands every physically fit candidate’s immediate attention.
Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authorities | KPSC (PSI) + Karnataka Police Recruitment Board (Constable) |
| Official Portals | kpsc.kar.nic.in and karnataka.gov.in/police |
| Posts | Police Constable (Civil / AR / DAR) + PSI Civil + PSI (Armed) |
| Total Expected Vacancies | 4,000–8,000 (Constable) + 500–1,500 (PSI) |
| Application Mode | Online at respective portals |
| Selection | Written Test → PET/PMT → Medical → DV |
| Notification | 2026 — monitor kpsc.kar.nic.in and karnataka.gov.in |
Post 1: Karnataka Police Constable 2026
Types of Constable Posts
| Post | Nature |
|---|---|
| Civil Police Constable | Station duties, patrol, investigation support |
| Armed Reserve (AR) Constable | Law and order operations, VIP security |
| DAR (District Armed Reserve) | District-level armed deployment |
| KSRP (Karnataka State Reserve Police) | State reserve force — statewide deployment |
Constable Eligibility
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | 10th Standard (SSLC) Pass from KSEEB or recognised board |
| Age (General/2A/2B/3A/3B) | 18 – 25 years |
| Age (Category 1) | 18 – 28 years |
| Age (SC/ST) | 18 – 28 years |
| Age (Ex-Servicemen) | Relaxation as per Karnataka rules |
| Gender | Male and Female both eligible |
Important: Karnataka has a strict 25-year upper age limit for General (GM) category Constable — one of the most restrictive among all states. Candidates must apply while young and well-prepared.
Constable Physical Standards (PMT)
Male Candidates:
| Measurement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 168 cm |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | Minimum 86 cm |
| Chest (Expanded) | Minimum 91 cm |
Female Candidates:
| Measurement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 158 cm |
| Weight | Minimum 47 kg |
Relaxations: SC/ST, Category 1, and Ex-Servicemen receive 5 cm height relaxation.
Constable Salary 2026
| Component | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹17,000–₹20,000 |
| DA (~50%) | ₹8,500–₹10,000 |
| HRA | ₹1,360–₹5,400 |
| City Compensatory Allowance | ₹500–₹2,170 |
| Risk/Hazard Allowance | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Other Allowances | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Total Gross | ₹30,000–₹44,000 |
Post 2: Karnataka Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) 2026
PSI Types
| Post | Qualification | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| PSI Civil | Graduation | Station investigation and command |
| PSI (Armed) | Graduation | Armed operations command |
| PSI (Excise) | Graduation | Excise enforcement |
| PSI (KSRP) | Graduation | State Reserve Police command |
PSI Eligibility
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Age (General) | 21 – 28 years |
| Age (OBC/Category 2A/2B/3A/3B) | 21 – 31 years |
| Age (SC/ST/Category 1) | 21 – 33 years |
PSI Physical Standards
Male: Height 168 cm | Chest 86/91 cm Female: Height 158 cm | Weight 47 kg
PSI Salary 2026
| Component | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400–₹48,200 |
| DA (~50%) | ₹17,700–₹24,100 |
| HRA | ₹2,832–₹13,014 |
| Risk Allowance | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
| Other Allowances | ₹2,000–₹4,500 |
| Total Gross | ₹52,000–₹68,000 |
Karnataka Police Benefits Package
Police Lines Quarters: Karnataka Police maintains housing in police lines at every district headquarters. In Bengaluru — nominal ₹500–₹2,000 licence fee versus market rent of ₹15,000–₹40,000/month.
Karnataka Government New Pension Scheme: 14% employer contribution monthly — retirement corpus of ₹60–₹85 lakh over 30 years.
Uniform and Equipment: Full uniform — provided and replaced periodically by Karnataka Police at no cost.
Risk/Hazard Allowance: ₹500–₹2,000/month for operational duty.
Karnataka Police Welfare Trust: Educational scholarships for children, marriage assistance, medical aid, funeral expenses.
Compassionate Appointment: Family employment consideration in case of in-service death.
Selection Process: Karnataka Police 2026
Stage 1: Written Test (Merit Determining)
Constable Written Test (100 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes):
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Kannada Language | 35 |
| General Knowledge (Karnataka + National) | 35 |
| Arithmetic | 20 |
| English | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
PSI Written Test (KPSC — Combined Prelims + Mains):
| Paper | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies + Kannada | 200 |
| Paper II | General Aptitude + Reasoning | 150 |
| Paper III | Karnataka History, Polity, Economy | 200 |
| Total | 550 |
Stage 2: PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
Male PET Standards:
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 1,600 Metres Run | Within 6 minutes 30 seconds |
| 100 Metres Sprint | Within 16 seconds |
| High Jump | Minimum 1.2 metres |
| Long Jump | Minimum 3.8 metres |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | Minimum 5.6 metres |
Female PET Standards:
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 800 Metres Run | Within 4 minutes |
| 100 Metres Sprint | Within 18 seconds |
| High Jump | Minimum 0.9 metres |
| Long Jump | Minimum 2.5 metres |
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Vision, colour vision, hearing, cardiovascular, BMI — standard Karnataka Police Medical Board assessment.
Complete Syllabus: Karnataka Police Written Test 2026
Kannada Language (35 marks — Constable | Highest Priority)
This section is Karnataka Police’s biggest merit differentiator — native Kannada speakers have an inherent advantage:
- Kannada grammar — Sandhi, Samasas (Dwandwa, Tatpurusha, Bahuvrihi, Karmadharaya, Dvigu), Vibhakti Pratyayas, verb forms
- Reading comprehension in Kannada (1–2 passages)
- Vachana Sahitya (medieval Kannada devotional literature) — Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, Allama Prabhu (12th century Lingayata movement)
- Modern Kannada literature — Kuvempu (Ramayana Darshanam), Da Ra Bendre, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, Girish Karnad
- Kannada proverbs, idioms, one-word substitutions
- Official Kannada correspondence format
- Error detection in Kannada sentences
General Knowledge — Karnataka Focus (35 marks)
Karnataka State (20–22 marks — Most Important): Karnataka formation — States Reorganisation Act 1956, formation date (1 November 1956 — Karnataka Rajyotsava), renaming from Mysore to Karnataka (1973); Karnataka’s 30 districts + their headquarters (post-2020 formation); Major rivers — Cauvery (Kaveri), Krishna, Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Netravathi, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha; Major dams — Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS), Almatti, Tungabhadra, Sharavathi (Linganamakki), Supa; Karnataka’s important personalities — Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan (Srirangapatna), Sir M. Visvesvaraya (engineer, Bharat Ratna — KRS Dam builder), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Kempe Gowda (founder of Bengaluru), Kittur Rani Chennamma (freedom fighter); Karnataka Rajyotsava — 1 November significance; Karnataka Government schemes — Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya, Shakti (free bus travel for women), Grama Panchayat Strengthening; Karnataka Police structure — DGP, range IGPs, district SPs, three Bengaluru City Commissionerates (Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Rural, CID)
Karnataka Police Specific: Three Bengaluru commissionerates — Bengaluru City Police, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru North/East/South zones; KSP (Karnataka State Police) — Cyber Crime Division (CEN — Cybercrime Enforcement); KSRP (Karnataka State Reserve Police) — headquartered Bengaluru; SHE-teams equivalent in Karnataka (Mahila Safety teams); Operation Maryada (anti-eve teasing); Important women-specific police initiatives
National Current Affairs (10–12 marks): Government scheme launches (last 12 months), national awards, ISRO missions (Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1), sports achievements, PM appointments, important national events
Indian History: 1857 Revolt, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s resistance (important for Karnataka paper), Indian National Congress, major freedom movements
Indian Polity: Fundamental Rights (Part III), IPC Sections relevant to policing (FIR — CrPC 154, Cognizable vs Non-cognizable offences, Bail vs Non-bail), POCSO Act awareness, domestic violence provisions
Arithmetic (20 marks)
Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Speed-Distance-Time, Basic Data Interpretation (tables, bar graphs)
English Language (10 marks)
Reading Comprehension (1 short passage), Grammar (tenses, active/passive), Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms)
District-Wise Vacancy Patterns: Karnataka Police 2026
Bengaluru — Highest Absolute Vacancies
| Division | Expected Constable Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru City Police | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Bengaluru Rural / North | 400 – 700 |
| Bengaluru East / South | 400 – 700 |
Other Districts — Expected Vacancies
| District | Expected Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mysuru | 300 – 500 |
| Hubballi-Dharwad | 300 – 500 |
| Mangaluru | 250 – 450 |
| Belagavi | 250 – 450 |
| Kalaburagi | 200 – 380 |
| Davangere | 200 – 350 |
| Shivamogga | 200 – 350 |
| Tumakuru | 180 – 320 |
| Vijayapura | 180 – 320 |
| Raichur | 150 – 280 |
| Other Districts (21 remaining) | 100–250 each |
Karnataka Police Category System: Understanding Reservations
Karnataka’s reservation system is different from most states — using category names instead of OBC/BC:
| Category | Description | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| GM (General Merit) | Open/General | 18–25 years |
| Category IIA | OBC — Backward Class | 18–28 years |
| Category IIB | OBC — More Backward | 18–28 years |
| Category IIIA | OBC — Backward Minority | 18–28 years |
| Category IIIB | OBC — Backward Minority (other) | 18–28 years |
| Category I | Most Backward (equivalent to advanced BC) | 18–28 years |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | — | 18–28 years |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | — | 18–28 years |
Caste Certificates must be obtained from the Karnataka Competent Authority (Tahsildar or Assistant Commissioner) in the prescribed state format — the central government format is not applicable here.
How to Apply: Karnataka Police 2026
For Constable: Step 1: Visit karnataka.gov.in/police or the active Karnataka Police recruitment portal → active Constable notification.
Step 2: “Apply Online” → New Registration → name, Aadhaar, mobile, email → OTP → password → save Application ID.
Step 3: Fill form — name (as per SSLC), DOB, category (from Karnataka reservation categories), educational qualification, district preference, height/chest self-declaration.
Step 4: Upload — SSLC Certificate + Marksheet, Caste Certificate (Karnataka format), Domicile Certificate, passport photo (20–50 KB JPG), signature.
Step 5: Pay fee — GM/2A/2B/3A/3B: ₹400–₹600 | Category I/SC/ST: ₹200–₹300 | via Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI.
Step 6: Submit → print confirmation → note Application Number.
For PSI: Visit kpsc.kar.nic.in → PSI recruitment notification → apply online with graduation certificate → same process as above.
90-Day Preparation Plan: Karnataka Police 2026
Physical Training (Day 1 — Mandatory): 1,600m run (male target: 6:10) + 100m sprint daily. High jump approach technique 3x weekly. Shot put practice with 7.26 kg. Chest expansion measurement weekly — must consistently achieve 5 cm expansion.
Days 1–25 — Kannada Language + Karnataka GK (70 combined marks — Decisive): Karnataka formation date, 30 districts with HQs, major rivers and dams, Visvesvaraya, Tipu Sultan, Kempe Gowda, Vachana Sahitya poets, Karnataka schemes (Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya), three Bengaluru commissionerates. Kannada grammar — Sandhi and Samasas daily practice.
Days 26–45 — Arithmetic + English: Maths: Percentage, Time-Work, DI. English: tenses + comprehension. These 30 marks are achievable with 3 weeks of targeted practice.
Days 46–60 — National GK + Current Affairs: Indian History (Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan highlighted for Karnataka), Fundamental Rights, current affairs (last 12 months).
Days 61–75 — Mock Tests: 15 full Karnataka Police Constable mock tests. Target 75+/100 for competitive district merit. Analyse Kannada section specifically.
Days 76–90 — PMT Simulation + Final Revision: Full PMT self-measurement: height (need 168 cm+), chest (86 unexpanded / 91 expanded). Revise all Karnataka districts and rivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is Karnataka’s General category age limit only 25 years — lower than most states? Karnataka consistently maintains a 25-year upper age limit for General Merit (GM) category in police constable recruitment — one of India’s strictest age cutoffs. This reflects Karnataka’s deliberate policy of recruiting younger, physically stronger candidates for frontline policing duties. The rationale: candidates joining at 18–25 years complete 30+ years of service before retirement at 58/60 — giving Karnataka Police a longer operational tenure from each recruit. Categories 2A/2B/3A/3B and SC/ST receive 3-year relaxation (up to 28 years), and Category I also receives 28-year ceiling. This strict GM age limit means General category candidates must apply in their first attempt window — repeated delays due to under-preparation cost the candidacy permanently. Karnataka’s age limit is the single most urgent reason for GM category candidates to apply in 2026 without any further delay.
Q2. What is Karnataka Rajyotsava (1 November) — and why does it appear in every Karnataka Police exam? Karnataka Rajyotsava (Karnataka Formation Day — 1 November) marks the day in 1956 when the States Reorganisation Act 1956 came into effect — merging the former Mysore State with Kannada-speaking areas from Hyderabad, Bombay, Madras, and Coorg states to create the unified Kannada-speaking state, initially named State of Mysore. The state was renamed Karnataka on 1 November 1973. It appears in Karnataka Police exams for three reasons: (1) it is the most symbolically important date in Karnataka state history; (2) questions about “when was Karnataka formed” (1956) and “when was the state renamed Karnataka” (1973) are predictable and consistently tested; (3) November 1 is observed as a state holiday — Karnataka Police coordinates massive security operations for Rajyotsava celebrations statewide — a functionally relevant date for every police recruit to know.
Q3. What is the KSRP (Karnataka State Reserve Police) — and how does it differ from District Police? KSRP (Karnataka State Reserve Police) is Karnataka’s state reserve paramilitary force — headquartered at Bengaluru, with battalions deployed across Karnataka. KSRP Constables are statewide deployable — unlike District Police Constables who are primarily posted to one district’s police stations. KSRP duties include: election bandobast, riot control, anti-naxal operations in Kodagu and Chamarajanagar (border areas), VIP security, disaster relief. KSRP Constables receive additional deployment allowances during extended state-level operations. Candidates with strong physical fitness who accept statewide deployment should consider KSRP — it builds a broader policing profile and is valued for promotions. KSRP vacancies are typically included within the overall Karnataka Police Constable notification but listed separately.
Q4. Is Kannada language proficiency mandatory — and what if a candidate studied in a different medium? Kannada language proficiency is functionally mandatory for Karnataka Police — for two reasons: (1) The written test has a 35-mark Kannada language section — candidates who cannot read Kannada cannot score in this section, making competitive merit impossible; (2) Karnataka Police application requires Karnataka domicile — candidates who have studied in Karnataka would have had Kannada as a subject or second language up to SSLC level. Candidates who studied in Karnataka but in non-Kannada medium (Urdu, Marathi, Telugu medium schools in border areas) typically have basic Kannada literacy. Candidates from completely outside Karnataka generally lack the domicile certificate needed to apply. The 35-mark Kannada section is deliberately designed as a filter ensuring all Karnataka Police recruits can communicate in the state’s official language.
Q5. Can Karnataka Police Constables get transferred to Bengaluru City Police — and how competitive is this? Within Karnataka Police, constables are initially posted to their home district cadre or the district for which they were recruited. Transfer to Bengaluru City Police is a separate cadre — vacancies within Bengaluru Commissionerate are filled through inter-district transfer requests processed by the DGP/CP (Commissioner of Police) office. Transfer requests are considered based on: seniority, service record (ACR ratings), medical grounds, spousal proximity, and compassionate reasons. Bengaluru transfers are extremely competitive — thousands of outstation constables apply annually for limited Bengaluru vacancies. Functionally, the most reliable path to Bengaluru police posting is to directly apply for and be selected in Bengaluru District constable recruitment — which fills positions specifically for Bengaluru, making home-district domicile connection to Bengaluru a direct advantage.
Q6. What is Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s connection to Karnataka Police exams — and what facts should candidates memorise? Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (MV) — born 15 September 1860 at Muddenahalli (Chikkaballapur, Karnataka) — is Karnataka’s most celebrated engineer and statesman. His birthday, 15 September, is celebrated as Engineers’ Day in India. He served as Dewan (Prime Minister) of Mysore State (1912–1918) and was the chief architect of the Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) Dam on the Cauvery river near Mysuru — one of India’s largest dams at the time of its construction (1924). He received the Bharat Ratna in 1955. He appears in Karnataka Police exams because: (1) his KRS Dam is Karnataka’s most historically significant infrastructure achievement; (2) “Engineers’ Day — 15 September” is a current affairs question; (3) his Bharat Ratna status makes him a Karnataka personality in national honours questions. Key facts: birth date (15 September 1860), death (14 April 1962 — age 101), KRS Dam, Dewan of Mysore, Bharat Ratna 1955, Engineers’ Day.
Final Word
Karnataka Police Recruitment 2026 — with 4,000–8,000 Constable vacancies, ₹30,000–₹44,000 gross monthly salary, Karnataka Government pension, Bengaluru X-category HRA advantage, police lines housing, and a promotion ladder reaching Inspector and beyond — is the most socially respected and most physically demanding state government career in Karnataka.
The Kannada language section and Karnataka GK together carry 70 marks — your biggest merit advantage as a Kannadiga. The 25-year GM age limit is your most important deadline.
Monitor kpsc.kar.nic.in and karnataka.gov.in/police today. Begin running training tomorrow. Study Karnataka districts and rivers this week. Apply on Day 1.