Karnataka Civil Police Constable OMR Sheet 2026: Mandatory Filling Rules, 5th Option & Negative Marking

The Karnataka Civil Police Constable Written Exam 2026 will be held on August 2, 2026, for 3,991 vacancies. Candidates must follow the official Karnataka Civil Police Constable OMR Sheet 2026 rules, including OMR filling instructions, the mandatory 5th option, correct register number shading, blue or black ballpoint pen usage, and 0.25 negative marking. Read the complete exam-day guidelines to avoid mistakes.

📌 Quick Reference: Karnataka Civil Police Constable Exam 2026 – Key Highlights

📅 Examination Details

• Exam Name: Karnataka Civil Police Constable Written Examination 2026
• Conducting Authority: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
• Exam Date: 02 August 2026 (Sunday)
• Exam Mode: Offline (OMR-Based)
• Question Type: Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Exam Language: Kannada & English (Bilingual)

⏰ Exam Timings

• RPC (Residual Parent Cadre): 10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
• KK/HK (Kalyana Karnataka – Article 371J): 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Revised Afternoon Shift)

📝 Exam Pattern

• Total Questions: 100
• Maximum Marks: 100
• Duration: 90 Minutes (1½ Hours)
• Marks per Question: 1 Mark

During the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Written Examination 2026, candidates who do not know the correct answer to a question must shade the 5th option (Option E) instead of leaving it blank. To facilitate this, KEA provides an additional 5 minutes after the examination exclusively for marking Option E on unattempted questions. If a candidate leaves all five options (A, B, C, D, and E) completely blank, 0.25 marks (¼ mark) will be deducted for each such question as per the official KEA examination guidelines. Proper use of the 5th Option helps ensure accurate OMR evaluation and avoids unnecessary loss of marks.

📊 Marking Scheme

• ✅ Correct Answer: +1 Mark
• ❌ Wrong Answer: −0.25 Mark
• ⭕ Option E (Not Attempted): 0 Mark (No Negative Marking)
• ⚠️ Question Left Completely Blank: −0.25 Mark
• 🚫 Multiple Options Marked: Response treated as invalid as per KEA rules

📝 Mandatory 5th Option Rule

• Every question has 5 options (A, B, C, D & E).
• Option E means "Not Attempted."
• If you skip a question, shade Option E.
• Do not leave any question completely blank.
• ⏳ 5 Extra Minutes are provided after the exam to mark Option E for unattempted questions.

✍️ OMR Sheet Instructions

KEA New OMR Pattern 2026 for the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Exam, including OMR sheet instructions, mandatory 5th option (E), correct bubbling method, and 0.25 negative marking rules.

• Use Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen only.
• Do not use a pencil, gel pen, ink pen, or whitener.
• Shade OMR bubbles completely and neatly.
• Mark only one option for each question.
• Fill the Register Number, Booklet Number, and Booklet Version correctly.
• Verify all candidate details before starting the exam.
• Do not fold, tear, or damage the OMR sheet.

For the latest CPC 2026 Civil Police Constable Exam Dress Code, Bell Timings, and other official notifications, visit the Official KEA CPC 2026 Portal.

📄 Documents to Carry

• KEA Hall Ticket (Admit Card)
• Original Government Photo ID Proof
• Reach the examination centre at least one hour before the examination.

👕 Official Dress Code

• Wear simple and comfortable clothing.
• Religious items are permitted as per KEA guidelines after the security check.
• Candidates wearing religious attire must report 2½ hours before the examination.
• Cooperate with the Dress Code Officer during the inspection.

KEA KSP Civil Police Constable OMR Sheet 2026: Mandatory Filling Rules

Candidates appearing for the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Written Examination 2026 must strictly follow the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) OMR sheet instructions. The examination is conducted in offline (OMR-based) mode, and incorrect filling of the OMR sheet may result in invalid answers or evaluation issues. The written examination is scheduled for 2 August 2026.

Important: Read all instructions printed on the OMR sheet before marking your answers. Proper OMR filling is as important as answering the questions correctly.

 Use Only the Permitted Pen

• Use only a Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen.
• Do not use a pencil, gel pen, ink pen, sketch pen, or whitener/correction fluid.
• Using any other writing instrument may affect OMR scanning or evaluation.

Verify Candidate Details

Before attempting the questions, carefully check and fill:

• Candidate Name
• Register/Roll Number
• Question Booklet Number
• Question Booklet Version/Series (if applicable)
• Candidate Signature
• Any other details required on the OMR sheet

Ensure all details match your Hall Ticket.

Bubble the Register Number Correctly

• Write your Register/Roll Number neatly in the boxes provided.
• Shade the corresponding bubbles completely.
• Do not leave any digit blank.
• Incorrect or incomplete bubbling may cause evaluation problems.

Shade OMR Bubbles Properly

Follow these instructions while marking answers:

• Shade the selected bubble completely and darkly.
• Mark only one bubble for each question.
• Do not tick (✓), cross (✗), circle (○), or partially fill the bubble.
• Do not overwrite an answer.
• Never use whitener or correction fluid.

Mark Only One Answer

For every question:

• Select only one option.
• If multiple options are marked, the response may be treated as invalid according to the examination rules.

Mandatory 5th Option (Option E)

The Karnataka Civil Police Constable examination follows the Mandatory 5th Option Rule.

• Every question contains five options (A, B, C, D and E).
• If you do not wish to answer a question, you must shade Option E.
• Do not leave any question completely blank.

Marking Scheme

• ✅ Correct Answer (A, B, C, or D): +1 Mark
• ❌ Wrong Answer (A, B, C, or D): −0.25 Mark
• ⭕ Unattempted Question (Option E Shaded): 0 Mark (No Negative Marking)
• ⚠️ Question Left Completely Blank (No Option Shaded): −0.25 Mark
• 🚫 Multiple Options Marked for the Same Question: The response will be treated as invalid as per KEA examination rules.
• 📝 Mandatory 5th Option Rule: Shade Option E for every unattempted question to comply with the official KEA instructions.

The examination follows 0.25 negative marking for incorrect responses. Candidates should also follow the official instructions regarding the mandatory 5th option while filling the OMR sheet.

Keep the OMR Sheet Clean

• Do not fold or crease the OMR sheet.
• Do not tear or damage it.
• Avoid unnecessary pen marks outside the designated areas.
• Keep the barcode and printed sections clean.

Follow Invigilator Instructions

• Verify the Question Booklet Code before starting.
• Sign wherever instructed.
• Do not exchange question booklets or OMR sheets.
• Submit the OMR sheet only to the invigilator before leaving the examination hall.

Final Checklist Before Submission

• ✔ Use only a Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen
• ✔ Fill Candidate Details correctly
• ✔ Bubble Register Number accurately
• ✔ Shade only one option per question
• ✔ Mark Option E for every unattempted question
• ✔ Do not use whitener or correction fluid
• ✔ Check the OMR sheet before submitting

Exam Tip: Spend the last 2–3 minutes checking your Register Number, Question Booklet Code, and OMR bubbles before handing over the answer sheet. A small mistake in the OMR sheet can affect the evaluation of your performance.

What is the Mandatory 5th Option Rule in the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Exam?

The Mandatory 5th Option Rule is an OMR evaluation rule introduced by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for competitive recruitment examinations, including the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Examination. Under this system, every question has five answer options (A, B, C, D, and E). If a candidate chooses not to attempt a question, they must shade Option E instead of leaving the question completely blank. The rule is intended to improve the integrity and transparency of the OMR evaluation process.

1. How the 5th Option Rule Works

• Every question contains five options: A, B, C, D, and E.
• Options A, B, C, and D are the regular answer choices.
• Option E indicates "Not Attempted."
• If you do not wish to answer a question, shade Option E.
• Do not leave any question completely blank.

Example: Mandatory 5th Option Rule

Suppose Question 25 has the following options:

25. Which is the capital of Karnataka?

• A. Mysuru
• B. Mangaluru
• C. Hubballi
• D. Bengaluru
• E. Not Attempted

Scenario 1 – You know the correct answer

• ✔ Shade Option D (Bengaluru)
• Result: +1 Mark (if correct)

Scenario 2 – You do not know the answer

• ✔ Shade Option E (Not Attempted)
• Result: 0 Mark (No Negative Marking)

Scenario 3 – You leave the question completely blank

• ❌ Do not shade A, B, C, D, or E
• Result: −0.25 Mark

Remember: If you choose not to answer a question, always shade Option E. Never leave all five options blank.

Additional 5 Minutes for Option E

• After the examination time ends, KEA provides an additional 5 minutes only for shading Option E for unattempted questions.
• During these 5 minutes, candidates are not permitted to answer or change answers; they may only mark Option E where applicable.
• Candidates must strictly follow the invigilator's instructions during this period.

Marking Rules

• ✅ Correct Answer (A, B, C, or D): +1 Mark
• ❌ Wrong Answer (A, B, C, or D): −0.25 Mark
• ⭕ Option E Shaded (Not Attempted): 0 Mark (No Negative Marking)
• ⚠️ Question Left Completely Blank: −0.25 Mark

Important Instructions

• Use only a Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen.
• Shade the selected bubble completely and neatly.
• Mark only one option for each question.
• Do not use a pencil, gel pen, ink pen, or whitener.
• Read all instructions printed on the OMR sheet carefully before starting the examination.

Karnataka Civil Police Constable Exam 2026 Dress Code: Official KEA Guidelines

Candidates appearing for the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Written Examination 2026 must strictly follow the official KEA dress code and carry only permitted items to the examination centre. Candidates who fail to comply with the dress code or carry prohibited items may be denied entry or subjected to additional security checks. KEA has issued these guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent examination process.

Clothing & Personal Items Not Allowed

The following items are prohibited inside the examination centre:

• Shoes or boots
• Caps
• Clothing covering the ears, head, or face
• Bags
• Purses
• Jeans with multiple pockets

Permitted Religious Items

The following items are allowed, subject to the prescribed security check:

For Men & Women

• Janivara (Sacred Thread)
• Shivadhara/Linga
• Waist Cord
• Amulet (Tayita)
• Rudraksha
• Religious thread tied around the wrist
• Ring

For Women

• Mangalya Sara (Mangalsutra)
• Bangles
• Nose Ring
• Toe Ring
• Anklets
• Kumkuma/Hanebottu

Candidates Wearing Religious Attire

Candidates belonging to communities that wear religious attire must report to the examination centre 2½ hours before the examination. A Dress Code Officer will conduct a security inspection in a separate room as per KEA guidelines. After successful verification, candidates will be permitted to enter the examination hall.

Exam Day Tips

• ✅ Wear simple and comfortable clothing.
• ✅ Carry only your KEA Hall Ticket, Original Photo ID, and a Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen.
• ✅ Reach the examination centre well before the reporting time.
• ✅ Cooperate with the security check and dress code verification.
• ❌ Do not carry any prohibited items to avoid delays or denial of entry.

Important: Follow the official KEA dress code and examination guidelines carefully to ensure smooth entry into the examination centre and avoid any inconvenience on the exam day.

Prohibited Electronic Items

The following electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination centre:

• Mobile phones
• Bluetooth devices
• Earphones
• Microphones
• Pagers
• Microchips
• Cameras
• Pen drives
• Electronic pens/scanners
• Wristwatches
• Smartwatches
• Modern communication devices
• Any other electronic gadgets

Food & Beverages Not Allowed

Candidates must not carry:

• Open food items
• Packed food items
• Water bottles
• Beverage bottles

Study Materials Not Allowed

Do not carry the following items:

• Books
• Notes
• Slips of paper
• Geometry box
• Pencil box
• Plastic pouch
• Calculator
• Scale
• Writing paper
• Eraser
• Log tables
• Any printed or written material

Common OMR Sheet Filling Mistakes to Avoid in the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Exam

Candidates appearing for the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Written Examination 2026 should carefully follow the official KEA OMR instructions. Even a minor mistake while filling the OMR sheet may affect the evaluation of your answer sheet. Avoid the following common mistakes on the exam day.

Using the Wrong Pen

• ❌ Do not use a pencil, gel pen, ink pen, or whitener.
• ✅ Use only a Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen.

Incorrect Register Number Bubbling

• ❌ Bubbling the wrong Register/Roll Number.
• ❌ Leaving any Register Number bubble blank.
• ✅ Write and shade the Register Number carefully.

Improper OMR Bubble Shading

• ❌ Partially shading the bubble.
• ❌ Using ticks (✓), crosses (✗), circles (○), or dots.
• ✅ Shade the selected bubble completely and neatly.

Marking More Than One Option

• ❌ Shading two or more options for the same question.
• ✅ Mark only one option (A, B, C, D, or E) for each question.

Leaving Questions Completely Blank

• ❌ Leaving all five options (A, B, C, D, and E) unmarked.
• ✅ If you do not wish to answer a question, shade Option E.

Using Whitener or Correction Fluid

• ❌ Never use whitener, correction fluid, or erasers on the OMR sheet.
• ✅ Once an answer is marked, it cannot be changed.

Damaging the OMR Sheet

• ❌ Do not fold, tear, staple, crease, or damage the OMR sheet.
• ❌ Avoid unnecessary marks outside the designated areas.
• ✅ Keep the OMR sheet clean and undamaged.

Not Verifying Candidate Details

• ❌ Entering incorrect candidate details.
• ❌ Forgetting to fill the Question Booklet Number or Version Code.
• ✅ Verify all details before starting the examination.

Ignoring Invigilator Instructions

• ❌ Starting the exam before permission is given.
• ❌ Leaving the examination hall without submitting the OMR sheet.
• ✅ Follow all instructions given by the invigilator throughout the examination.

Not Reviewing the OMR Sheet Before Submission

Before submitting your OMR sheet, make sure:

• ✅ Register Number is correctly written and bubbled.
• ✅ Question Booklet Number and Version Code are filled correctly.
• ✅ Every attempted answer is shaded properly.
• ✅ Option E is marked for every unattempted question.
• ✅ Candidate Signature is completed wherever required.
• ✅ No question is left completely blank.

Exam Tip: Spend the last 2–3 minutes reviewing your OMR sheet. A careful final check can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your answer sheet is evaluated correctly according to the official KEA examination instructions.

How to Download the KEA KSP Civil Police Constable OMR Sheet 2026 PDF

After the Karnataka Civil Police Constable Written Examination 2026, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will release the Candidate Response Sheet (OMR Sheet PDF) on its official website. Candidates can download their OMR response sheet to verify the answers they marked during the examination and compare them with the official answer key once it is published.

Steps to Download the KEA KSP Civil Police Constable OMR Sheet 2026 PDF

• Visit the official KEA website.
• Click on the Civil Police Constable Recruitment 2026 link.
• Select the Candidate Response Sheet / OMR Sheet 2026 link (when available).
• Log in using your Application Number/Registration Number and the required credentials.
• Click the Submit/Login button.
• Your OMR Response Sheet PDF will appear on the screen.
• Download and save the PDF for future reference

Details Required to Download