Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Vacancy, Exam Dates & Syllabus

Last Updated on January 28, 2026 by khanderaya3@gmail.com

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 is one of the most anticipated opportunities for candidates aspiring to join the Karnataka State Police as a Police Sub‑Inspector. The official notification will provide complete details about eligibility criteria, vacancy distribution, exam dates, syllabus, admit card, and the selection process. Aspirants preparing for this recruitment drive should stay updated with the latest announcements from the Karnataka Police Department to secure their chance in this competitive exam.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Overview

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 marks a significant opportunity for graduates aspiring to serve in the Karnataka State Police as Police Sub‑Inspectors. The upcoming notification will outline essential details such as eligibility criteria, vacancy distribution, exam dates, syllabus, and the selection process. With thousands of candidates expected to apply, this recruitment drive is not only a gateway to a respected government career but also a chance to contribute directly to maintaining law and order in the state. Aspirants should prepare early by focusing on both physical fitness and academic knowledge, as the competition is expected to be intense.

The KSP PSI 2026 exam notification will be released by the Karnataka State Police, outlining all essential information for aspirants. It will include eligibility criteria, vacancy distribution, exam dates, syllabus, and the selection process. Candidates should regularly check the official portal to stay updated on the latest announcements.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Notification Highlights

• Post Name: Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) – Civil / Armed (as per notification)
• Recruiting Authority: Karnataka State Police (KSP) / Karnataka Police Recruitment Board
• Recruitment Year: 2026
• Job Type: Karnataka Government Police Jobs
• Application Mode: Online
• Official Website: ksp.karnataka.gov.in
• Vacancy Details: Post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be announced in the official notification
• Job Location: Across Karnataka State
• Selection Process: Written Examination, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST) & Document Verification
• Eligibility: Degree qualification from a recognized university (post-wise as per rules)
• Age Limit: As per Karnataka Police recruitment norms with reservation benefits
• Salary Pay Scale: As per Karnataka Government PSI pay matrix
• Notification Release Date: To Be Announced
• Online Application Start Date: To Be Announced

The official notification for the Karnataka Police Sub Inspector recruitment provides essential information related to vacancies, eligibility conditions, reservation rules, exam stages, and application guidelines. It also outlines the written examination pattern, physical standards, selection procedure, and important instructions for candidates. Aspirants are advised to carefully review the notification PDF released by the Karnataka Police Department to ensure they meet all requirements before submitting the online application and to stay updated on any official changes.

Candidates interested in Panchayat Development Officer jobs can check the complete details in our Karnataka PDO Recruitment 2026 – Notification, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Dates & Online Application guide, which covers official updates, eligibility criteria, full syllabus, important exam dates, and the step-by-step online application process.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Information

For the 2026 recruitment phase, the Karnataka State Police is expected to announce a significant intake for Police Sub Inspector posts. Although the detailed notification has not yet been officially published, early administrative guidelines and state government directions already offer clarity on the expected structure and scale of the recruitment process.

Expected Vacancy Distribution

The Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 vacancies will be distributed to ensure fair representation across the state. As per draft rules, around 600 Sub‑Inspector posts are expected to be announced. Recruitment will follow quota guidelines: 60% through direct recruitment for graduates, 10% reserved for in‑service personnel such as PCs, HCs, and ASIs, and 30% filled via promotions within the department.

As per existing recruitment guidelines, these posts are generally distributed under the following quotas:

• Direct Recruitment (60%): Open to eligible graduate candidates applying through the public recruitment process.
• In-Service Candidates (10%): Reserved for serving departmental staff such as Police Constables, Head Constables, and Assistant Sub Inspectors who meet the required service criteria.
• Promotion Quota (30%): Filled through internal promotions based on departmental norms and eligibility.

Candidates looking for forest-related government jobs in Karnataka should also check the Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – Forest Guard Notification & Apply Online page for detailed information on vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection process, important dates, and the online application procedure.

Candidates searching for postal department government jobs in Karnataka can check the complete details in Karnataka Postal Circle Recruitment 2026 – Latest Jobs, Notification, Eligibility & Apply Online, which includes the latest vacancy updates, eligibility criteria, important dates, and the direct apply online link.

Category-Wise Distribution and Reservation Policy

To maintain fair and inclusive representation, the vacancy allocation for the 2026 recruitment cycle will strictly follow the reservation norms prescribed by the Karnataka government. Under the vertical reservation system, posts will be distributed among General Merit (GM), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes, including Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B.

In addition, horizontal reservation will be applied to provide opportunities to specific groups. This includes reserved quotas for Ex-Servicemen, a designated percentage of seats for women candidates to promote gender diversity, and region-specific reservations under Kalyana Karnataka (Local Cadre) as per Article 371(J), ensuring representation for candidates from the Hyderabad–Karnataka region.

Candidates preparing for the Karnataka Police Constable examination should also check the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Recruitment 2026 (KSP CPC) – Notification, Eligibility & Apply Online page for complete details on vacancies, eligibility criteria, and application dates. For broader updates, the KSP Recruitment 2026 – Karnataka Police Constable & PSI Notification, Eligibility, Apply Online guide provides information on upcoming police recruitment notifications in Karnataka.

Candidates preparing for the VAO examination can also explore other latest Karnataka government recruitment updates to stay informed about similar job opportunities. You may find the VAO Recruitment 2026 | Village Accountant Officer Jobs, Eligibility & Apply Online useful for complete notification and application details. Aspirants can also check the Village Accountant Recruitment 2026 Karnataka – VA Jobs Eligibility & Exam Guide for a detailed overview of eligibility criteria and exam guidance.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 (KSP PSI Exam), candidates must satisfy strict requirements regarding age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards. For 2026, a Bachelor’s Degree from a UGC-recognized university is mandatory for all applicants. Candidates must also meet specific KSP fitness benchmarks, including a minimum height of 168 cm for men and 157 cm for women, along with chest measurements and weight requirements. Additionally, clearing the Endurance Test (ET)—which includes a 1600m run for men and 400m for women—is a prerequisite. Meeting these official Karnataka Police eligibility rules is the first and most crucial step toward qualifying for the written examination.

Eligibility Requirements for PSI Examination

To secure a position in the Karnataka State Police through the Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet a multi‑tiered eligibility framework. This ensures that only qualified and physically capable individuals advance to the Sub‑Inspector rank.

Academic and Language Proficiency

A Bachelor’s Degree from any university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is mandatory for the PSI Examination 2026, regardless of stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce). In addition, since the role requires serving communities across Karnataka, proficiency in Kannada — reading, writing, and speaking — is a compulsory requirement.

Age Criteria for PSI Examination (2026)

For the 2026 PSI recruitment in Karnataka, age criteria are designed to ensure equal opportunity across categories. General Merit (GM) candidates must be between 21 and 30 years, while applicants from SC, ST, and OBC groups (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) enjoy an extended upper limit of 32 years. In‑service personnel with at least five years of service in the Karnataka State Police may apply up to 35–40 years, depending on departmental rules.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

As of early January 2026, the official detailed schedule for the Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 has not yet been formally released by the Karnataka State Police (KSP). However, based on draft notifications and past recruitment cycles, candidates can expect the following projected timeline:

• Notification Release Date: To Be Announced
• Online Application Start Date: To Be Announced
• Last Date to Apply Online: To Be Announced Soon

📝 Note: The official Karnataka Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Recruitment 2026 notification has not yet been released by the Karnataka State Police (KSP) Recruitment Board. The information shared on this page is based on expected recruitment patterns and previous notification schedules to help candidates stay prepared in advance. As of now, the online application process has not started. Once the official notification is published, this page will be promptly updated with complete and accurate details, including vacancy numbers, category-wise reservation, eligibility criteria, confirmed dates, exam schedule, and the apply online link. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official KSP website and this page for the latest verified updates to avoid missing any important announcements.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

To succeed in Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026, candidates are required to qualify in a structured written examination conducted in two stages. This examination is designed to assess writing skills, subject knowledge, and analytical thinking essential for Police Sub Inspector responsibilities.

Paper I (Descriptive – 50 Marks) is qualifying in nature and evaluates language proficiency and clarity of expression. It includes essay writing on contemporary or administrative topics, translation between English and Kannada, and precis writing to test summarization skills.

Paper II (Objective – 150 Marks) is the main scoring paper consisting of multiple-choice questions. It covers subjects such as the Indian Constitution, history, geography, economics, general science, mental ability, and current affairs. Negative marking applies for incorrect responses. Candidates must clear both papers to move on to physical tests.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Application Process

The application process for Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 will be conducted entirely online through the official Karnataka State Police recruitment portal. Interested candidates must complete registration, enter personal and educational details, upload the required documents, and pay the prescribed application fee. Applicants are advised to submit the online form well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues or disqualification.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Salary & Benefits

Candidates selected through Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 will receive a competitive salary package as per the Karnataka State 7th Pay Commission guidelines. In addition to the basic pay, the post includes allowances and benefits applicable to state government employees. The Police Sub Inspector role offers long-term job security, promotion opportunities, and a well-defined career progression within the Karnataka State Police Department.

PSI Salary Details (7th Pay Commission)

As per the revised pay matrix applicable in 2026, the salary for a Police Sub-Inspector in Karnataka falls under a structured pay scale. The pay range is ₹37,900 to ₹70,850 per month, with an initial basic pay of ₹37,900 during the first two years of service.

Including allowances such as DA, HRA, and other applicable benefits, the gross monthly salary for a newly appointed PSI generally ranges between ₹45,000 and ₹60,000, depending on the place of posting. In addition, officers receive annual increments, typically starting at around ₹950 per year, which increase progressively as they advance through higher pay levels.

How to Access Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 Hall Ticket

The KSP PSI 2026 hall ticket is expected to be released nearly two weeks prior to the exam date. This admit card is compulsory for candidates to participate in the written examination as well as the physical endurance tests.

Complete Guide to Download the KSP PSI 2026 Admit Card

To access the Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 hall ticket, candidates must follow the official procedure on the Karnataka State Police Recruitment Portal. The step‑by‑step process is outlined below:

• Access the Website: Open the Karnataka State Police official site and go to the Current Recruitment section.
• Choose the PSI Recruitment Link: Select the option for Police Sub‑Inspector (Civil/Special/Intelligence) Recruitment 2026.
• Login Credentials: Enter your registered Application Number along with your Date of Birth to proceed.
• Download and Print: Once logged in, click on Download Hall Ticket. Save the file and print at least two copies on A4 paper for exam day use.

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 FAQs

What is Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026?

Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 is a state-level selection process conducted by the Karnataka State Police to recruit eligible candidates for Police Sub Inspector posts through written exams, physical tests, and document verification.

Who can apply for the PSI exam in Karnataka?

Graduates from a recognized university who meet the prescribed age limit and physical standards are eligible to apply for the PSI examination in Karnataka.

When is the Karnataka PSI 2026 notification expected?

The Karnataka PSI 2026 notification is expected to be released by the Karnataka State Police on its official recruitment portal. Although the exact release date has not been confirmed, candidates are advised to monitor the official website regularly for the latest updates.

Is the Karnataka PSI exam conducted every year?

No, the Karnataka PSI exam is not conducted every year. It is held based on vacancy availability and government approval, which may result in gaps between recruitment cycles.

What is the exam mode for the PSI written test?

The PSI written examination is conducted in offline (OMR-based) mode. Candidates must mark answers carefully, as negative marking is applicable.

How can I apply for the PSI exam online?

Candidates can apply through the official Karnataka State Police recruitment portal by completing registration, filling in details, uploading documents, and paying the application fee.

Who is eligible to apply for the PSI exam in Karnataka?

Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university and meet the prescribed age limit and physical standards as mentioned in the official notification.

Is there negative marking in the PSI written exam?

Yes, negative marking is applicable in the objective paper, with a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

What is the age limit for PSI recruitment in 2026?

The minimum age is usually 21 years. The upper age limit varies by category, with age relaxation applicable for SC, ST, OBC, and in-service candidates as per government rules.

When will the PSI exam dates be announced?

Exam dates will be announced along with or after the release of the official notification. Candidates should monitor the official website for confirmed schedules.

Where can I check official updates for PSI recruitment?

All official notifications, exam dates, admit cards, and results are published only on the Karnataka State Police recruitment website.

Where can candidates check the official Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 vacancy details?

The complete KSP PSI 2026 vacancy list will be published on the Karnataka State Police Recruitment Portal. Applicants should frequently visit the Current Recruitment section to download the official PDF notification, which contains the seat matrix and category‑wise distribution.

How many positions are likely to be announced in the Karnataka PSI 2026 recruitment?

The Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 vacancy count will be finalized once departmental requirements are confirmed. Early updates suggest that several hundred posts may be announced, covering Civil PSI, Armed PSI, and specialized units. For the exact number, candidates should rely on the official notification.

Will the Karnataka PSI 2026 vacancy list include regional cadre reservations?

Yes. The KSP PSI Recruitment 2026 vacancies will reserve a significant share for the Kalyana Karnataka region under Article 371(J). The official seat matrix will clearly outline the distinction between the Residual Parent Cadre and the Local Cadre, ensuring balanced opportunities and fair regional representation.

How many Karnataka PSI 2026 vacancies are reserved for In‑Service candidates?

Approximately 10% of the total Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 vacancies are set aside for In‑Service candidates. This quota is designed to benefit serving personnel such as Police Constables and Head Clerks who fulfill the eligibility requirements, offering them a direct pathway to advance into the role of Sub‑Inspector.

Are there dedicated Karnataka PSI 2026 vacancies for women and transgender applicants?

Yes. The KSP PSI 2026 vacancy notification provides horizontal reservations for women (about 33%) and specific quotas for transgender candidates. These inclusions reflect the state’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in the police force.

What age criteria apply to the Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 vacancies?

As per the 2025–2026 recruitment updates, the age limit for Karnataka PSI Recruitment 2026 has been relaxed. General category candidates can apply up to 30 years, while SC/ST and OBC applicants are eligible up to 32 years. For the most accurate details, candidates should always check the official KSP PSI 2026 vacancy notification PDF.