The Police Sub-Inspector (Civil) recruitment is run by the Karnataka State Police for the entry-level officer rank in police stations across the state. Selection combines physical standards, an endurance test and a two-paper written examination.
PSI at a glance
| Recruiting body | Karnataka State Police |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree |
| Age limit | 21 – 30 years (General Merit) |
| Written exam | 2 papers, 200 marks |
| Physical tests | Physical Standard Test + Endurance Test |
PSI eligibility
Educational qualification
- A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
Age limit
- General Merit: 21 to 30 years.
- SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B: 21 to 32 years.
- Separate limits apply to in-service candidates — see the notification.
Other requirements
- Minimum height: 168 cm for men and 157 cm for women, with relaxations for candidates from notified tribal communities. Men must also meet a chest measurement.
- Standards change between notifications — confirm the exact figures in the one you apply under.
PSI selection process
- Endurance Test (ET)Qualifying. Men: 1,600 m run, long/high jump and shot put. Women: 400 m run, long/high jump and shot put — timings and distances are in the notification.
- Physical Standard Test (PST)Qualifying. Height (and chest for men) is measured.
- Written ExaminationPaper I (descriptive, 50 marks) + Paper II (objective, 150 marks).
- Medical & document verificationFor provisionally selected candidates.
PSI exam pattern
Written examination
| Paper | Type | Content | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Descriptive | Essay – 20; précis writing – 10; translation Kannada ↔ English – 20 | 50 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper II | Objective (MCQ) | General studies, current affairs and mental ability | 150 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
- Paper II has negative marking: 25% of the marks for a question are deducted for a wrong answer.
PSI syllabus
Paper I
- Essay on social issues, law and order, administration or current events
- Précis / summary writing
- Translation from English to Kannada and Kannada to English
Paper II
- Current affairs and general knowledge
- Indian freedom struggle and history
- Geography
- Indian Constitution
- General science
- Art, literature and culture
- Mental ability and reasoning
How to prepare for PSI
- Start endurance training months before the notification — the physical round comes first and is pass/fail.
- Paper I rewards clear Kannada and English writing; practise one essay and one translation each week.
- For Paper II, balance speed with accuracy because of the 25% negative marking.
Prepare for PSI with Sadhisu
Previous year papers, subject-wise practice tests, daily current affairs and bilingual study notes in Kannada and English.
PSI — frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for Karnataka PSI?
General Merit candidates must be 21 to 30 years old; SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates 21 to 32 years. In-service candidates have separate limits.
What is the minimum height for Karnataka PSI?
Recent notifications require 168 cm for men and 157 cm for women, with relaxations for notified tribal communities.
Is there negative marking in the PSI exam?
Yes, in the objective Paper II — 25% of the marks allotted to a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is in PSI Paper I?
Paper I is descriptive: an essay (20 marks), précis writing (10 marks) and English–Kannada translation (20 marks).