Kerala PSC Armed Sub Inspector (SI) 2026 – Apply Online, Eligibility, PET, Salary & Selection Process

By Super Notes

The Kerala PSC Armed Police Sub Inspector (Trainee) post is one of the most demanding and disciplined uniformed services under the Kerala Government. Unlike clerical or office-based PSC posts, this role is meant for candidates who are physically strong, mentally alert, and genuinely prepared for field-level police duties.

This recruitment is not just about clearing a written exam. Physical fitness, discipline, and consistency matter just as much as academic preparation. In this guide by Super Notes, we explain the notification details, eligibility, physical standards, selection stages, and what aspirants should realistically expect from the Armed SI recruitment 2026.

Kerala PSC Armed SI 2026 – Important Dates

The Kerala Public Service Commission released the Armed Sub Inspector notification on 28 November 2025, and the online application process started on the same day. The last date to apply is 31 December 2025 (12 midnight).

The written OMR examination date, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), certificate verification, and training schedule will be announced later through the official PSC website. Candidates are advised to regularly check PSC notifications rather than waiting for third-party updates.

Vacancy Details – What to Know Before Applying

The Kerala PSC has reported anticipated vacancies for the Armed Police Sub Inspector (Trainee) post. Vacancies are divided into:

• Open Market candidates
• Departmental candidates (Graduate Head Constables, Police Constables, and officers of equivalent rank)

The rank list prepared by PSC will remain valid for one year. Appointments during this period will be made strictly according to government rules and vacancy reporting by departments. If vacancies remain unfilled, they will be carried forward as per existing government orders.

Eligibility Criteria – Armed SI Is Not for Everyone

Before applying, candidates must clearly understand the eligibility requirements. Armed SI recruitment is strict, and no relaxation is given once physical standards are failed.

Age Limit

For Open Market candidates (Category I), the age limit is 20 to 31 years, with eligible date of birth between 02.01.1994 and 01.01.2005. Age relaxation applies for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per PSC rules.

For Departmental candidates (Category II – Constabulary), the upper age limit is extended to 36 years. Selection in this category is purely merit-based, without reservation benefits.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university.

In rare cases where sufficient SC/ST graduate candidates are not available, candidates with Intermediate / Pre-University qualification may be considered, strictly as per PSC rules.

Additional qualifications like NCC (A/B/C certificates), sports achievements, military training, or SPC certificates are desirable and carry weightage. NCC certificates can add 2% to 5% marks, which can be decisive in close competitions.

Physical Standards – Non-Negotiable Requirements

Physical measurement is conducted before PET, and candidates who fail at this stage are eliminated immediately.

Minimum standards include:

• Height: 167 cm (SC/ST relaxation to 160 cm)
• Chest: 81 cm with minimum 5 cm expansion (SC/ST relaxation to 76 cm)
• Vision (without glasses):
  • Distant vision: 6/6 in both eyes
  • Near vision: 0.5 in both eyes

Candidates must be free from defects such as flat feet, knock knees, varicose veins, colour blindness, squint, hearing or speech impairment. A Civil Surgeon’s medical certificate is mandatory, and vague terms like “vision normal” are not accepted by PSC.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Where Many Fail

After physical measurement, candidates must qualify in the Physical Efficiency Test. To pass PET, candidates must clear any 5 out of 8 events. There is no re-test, even in case of injury.

The events include:

• 100 metres run – 14 seconds
• High jump – 132.2 cm
• Long jump – 457.2 cm
• Shot put (7.264 kg) – 609.6 cm
• Cricket ball throw – 609.6 cm
• Rope climbing (hands only) – 365.8 cm
• Pull-ups / chin-ups – 8 times
• 1500 metres run – 5 minutes 44 seconds

Aspirants often underestimate PET and focus only on written preparation. This is a serious mistake. Physical training must start months in advance.

Selection Process – Step-by-Step Reality

The selection process for Kerala PSC Armed SI follows multiple elimination stages:

First, candidates appear for the OMR-based written examination, which tests general knowledge, reasoning, and basic aptitude. Only those who qualify are called for physical measurement and PET.

Candidates who clear PET undergo document verification and medical examination to confirm eligibility. Final selection is based on combined performance and category-wise rules. Departmental vacancies are filled first, followed by Open Market candidates.

Training & Service Conditions

Selected candidates undergo one year of rigorous training at the Police Training College or designated institutions. During training, candidates receive only a stipend, and this period does not count for increments or service benefits.

After training, candidates must complete two years of probation within a three-year period. Only after successful probation are full service benefits granted.

Salary – What You Actually Earn

The Armed Police Sub Inspector post carries a pay scale of ₹45,600 – ₹95,600.

After completing training, officers receive full salary along with:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Travel Allowance (TA)
• Special and risk-related allowances
• Medical benefits, leave benefits, and pension

It is a financially stable post, but the responsibilities and discipline required are equally high.