Agnishamaka : Fast-Tracking Fire & Emergency Services Recruitment: 490 Vacancies Announced for Kalyana Karnataka
Job seekers across the Kalyana Karnataka region have reason to celebrate. In a major development for the region’s youth, the Home Minister of Karnataka, along with Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge, has directed officials to fast-track the recruitment process for 490 vacant posts in the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services (KSFES) Department.
This special recruitment drive is being conducted under the Article 371(J) special status quota, ensuring that local candidates from Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara receive dedicated reservation benefits.
Key Overview of the Recruitment Drive
The recruitment drive aims to strengthen the state’s disaster management capabilities, emergency response infrastructure, and fire station staffing levels across the region.
- Department: Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services (KSFES)
- Designation: Fireman / Fire Personnel (Agnishāmaka)
- Total Vacancies: 490 Posts
- Target Quota: Article 371(J) Special Reservation (Kalyana Karnataka local candidates)
- Current Status: Finance Department clearance and inter-departmental coordination underway
Mandatory Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates should ensure they meet the standard departmental qualifications:
Educational Qualifications
- Minimum Education: Candidates must have passed the SSLC (10th Standard) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Age Limit Guidelines
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- General Merit (GM): Maximum 26 years
- OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): Maximum 28 years
- SC / ST / Category-1: Maximum 28 years (Government relaxations apply as per standard norms)
Physical Standard Test (PST) Requirements
Firefighting is a physically demanding service requiring strict adherence to medical and endurance standards.
| Measurement Parameter | Required Criteria |
| Minimum Height | 168 cm |
| Minimum Weight | 50 kg |
| Chest Measurement | 81 cm (normal) with a minimum 5 cm expansion |
Health Note: Applicants must be free from physical conditions such as knock knees, flat feet, color vision deficiency, or skeletal deformities that could hamper active emergency duties.
Stage-by-Stage Selection Process
The recruitment process for KSFES Firemen consists of four sequential stages:
[ Stage 1: Physical Standard Test (PST) ]
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[ Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) ]
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[ Stage 3: Merit List Generation (SSLC + PET) ]
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[ Stage 4: Document Verification & Medical Exam ]
1. Physical Standard Test (PST)
Initial measurement of candidate height, weight, and chest circumference to filter candidates based on prescribed standards.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Shortlisted candidates are tested across 5 physical events (such as a 100m sprint, high jump, long jump, shot put, and heavy load carry). Candidates must typically clear at least 3 out of 5 events to qualify. Points earned in these events directly contribute to the overall evaluation.
3. Comprehensive Merit List
The final provisional merit list is prepared by combining candidate performance in their SSLC (10th Standard) exams with their PET scores, ranked according to Article 371(J) reservation rules.
4. Document Verification & Medical Examination
Candidates selected in the 1:1 ratio list submit their original credentials—including the 371(J) Local Person Certificate issued by the relevant Assistant Commissioner—and undergo a final physical stamina and vision screening before receiving appointment letters.
Official Website Links to Track
Karnataka Recruitment Portal: link
Official KSFES Website: official link
- Get Documents Ready: Ensure your Article 371(J) eligibility certificate, caste/income certificates, and SSLC marks card are updated.
- Begin Physical Training: Start regular physical conditioning for running, long jump, and high jump events early.
- Monitor Official Channels: Keep an eye on official Karnataka Government recruitment portals for the formal notification release and online application links.
For detailed updates on the application timeline, check out this Karnataka Fire Department Recruitment Video which breaks down the recruitment process and application procedures.