KSP Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) Recruitment 2026

The Karnataka State Police Department has released a recruitment notification for the post of Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) with a total of 1600 vacancies. The recruitment is being processed through the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), and candidates can apply online. Eligible candidates who have passed PUC/12th (or equivalent) can submit their applications before the last date.

This recruitment is notified under Notification No. 04/Recruitment-5(A)/2026-27 and is split into two categories: 179 vacancies for the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region and 1421 vacancies for the Residual Cadre (remaining) across various districts/units in Karnataka. Online registration begins on 22 June 2026 and closes on 24 July 2026, with fee payment also ending on the same date. The selection process includes a written test followed by physical and medical stages, and it also involves a Kannada language test scheduled for 22 August 2026.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed P.U.C. (Pre-University Course) / 12th Standard (or an equivalent qualification) from a recognized board or institution. The notification also lists the following as equivalent qualifications:

1. CBSE/ISC Board’s Class 12 examination
2. Class 12 examination from other State Government Boards
3. NIOS Senior Secondary Course / H.S.C.
4. Two-year ITI course candidates who have passed one language course and one academic subject through distance learning mode (or an equivalent qualification)

Important condition: Candidates who have only appeared for the qualifying examination and are awaiting results are not eligible to apply. Applicants must possess the marks card of PUC/12th (or equivalent) on or before the last date of application submission.

Kannada language proficiency is also required. Candidates must have studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC (or equivalent), or have studied in Kannada medium, or have passed the compulsory Kannada language examination conducted by the Commission or any other selection authority. Exemption from the Kannada language test is available for candidates who meet any of these conditions. Candidates without exemption must score at least 50 marks out of 150 in the Kannada language test.

Age Limit

The minimum age for all candidates is 18 years. The maximum age depends on the category and relaxation provisions as applicable on the last date of application submission.

Age relaxation is provided as follows:

Application Fee

How to Apply

1. Go to the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
2. Open the recruitment link for “Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) – 2026”.
3. Complete the registration by entering personal details, a mobile number, and an email ID.
4. Fill in the application form with educational qualifications and other required details.
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format (size range: 50KB to 200KB).
6. Upload the signature in black ink in JPEG format (size range: 50KB to 70KB).
7. Pay the application fee through the online payment method available on the portal.
8. Review all entered information carefully and submit the application.
9. Download the submitted application form and keep a copy for future reference.

Salary & Pay Scale

Selection Process

The recruitment selection process for Armed Police Constable (CAR/DAR) includes multiple stages. First, candidates appear for a written examination conducted by KEA. The written test is an OMR-based objective (multiple-choice) test with 100 questions and 100 marks, and the duration is 90 minutes. Negative marking is applicable: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each unanswered question.

Next, candidates who are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio based on written test marks will be called for the Physical Standard Test (PST). The notification specifies minimum physical standards for male candidates and ex-servicemen, including minimum height of 168 cm, minimum chest (normal) of 86 cm, and chest expansion of at least 5 cm.

After PST, candidates must qualify in the Physical Endurance Test (PET). Candidates who clear the endurance stage will then undergo a Medical Examination by the Medical Board. The medical requirements include distant vision of 6/9 and 6/12, near vision of 0/6 and 0/8, and disqualification for color blindness, squint, or any eye/eyelid deformity. Hearing tests include Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and tests for vertigo. The medical stage also checks for musculoskeletal deformities such as knock knees, flat foot, bow legs, cubitus valgus, and cubitus varus. Finally, shortlisted candidates proceed to document verification, where original documents such as educational certificates and caste/reservation-related documents are verified.

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements should complete their online registration and fee payment on or before 24 July 2026 to be considered for the recruitment process.