The Kerala PSC Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver post is more than just a government job—it’s a dream opportunity for many PSC aspirants who seek a stable, respectable, and service-oriented career in public safety. It opens the door to a fulfilling future in uniformed service. For those passionate about maintaining law and order, and who possess both physical fitness and driving skills, this post represents a golden chance to turn their PSC dreams into reality. Here is the complete details about this post
Know more about the post
The Kerala PSC Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver post is a unique and vital role under the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services Department. It combines the responsibilities of a prison officer with those of a trained heavy vehicle driver, making it a dual-duty position that ensures both the secure transportation of inmates and the maintenance of prison discipline. This position offers a stable government career for SSLC-qualified candidates with a valid heavy vehicle licence. With a respectable salary, opportunities for promotion, and a role that contributes directly to the state’s law enforcement and correctional system, the Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver post is an excellent opportunity for eligible aspirants seeking a disciplined, service-oriented profession.
The official notification for the Kerala PSC Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver post was published in the Kerala Gazette on 31 December 2024. Following the release, the online application window was opened on the same day and remained active until 29 January 2025, allowing eligible candidates to apply through the Kerala PSC’s One-Time Registration portal.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
The age limit for applicants is 18 to 39 years, with the date of birth falling between 02‑01‑1985 and 01‑01‑2006; age relaxations apply to candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories.
Educational Qualification
The minimum required qualification is SSLC (10th Standard pass) or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by the Government of Kerala.
Driving Licence: Must hold a current Heavy Passenger and Heavy Goods Vehicle licence with badge, plus pass a practical driving test by PSC
Physical Standards
All applicants must be physically fit and meet the following minimum physical standards:
Height: Must not be less than 165 cm
Chest Measurement: Minimum of 85.3 cm with an expansion of at least 5 cm
Vision Requirements: Specific vision standards must be met, details of which are provided in the official notification.
Vision | Right Eye |
Distant Vision | 6/6 Snellen |
Near Vision | 0.5 Snellen |
Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver (Warder‑Driver) under the Kerala Public Service Commission is placed in Pay Level 5 of the state’s revised pay matrix, with a monthly salary range of ₹ 26,500 to ₹ 60,700
Starting Pay (Entry Level): ₹ 26,500 per month.
Promotional Increments: Over time, the pay advances through annual increments and efficiency bar promotions, eventually reaching the maximum of ₹ 60,700.
After including allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other applicable perks, the gross monthly income typically falls between ₹ 31,000 to ₹ 40,000+ at the entry stage, scaling higher with seniority .
Plays a dual role as both a prison warder and a heavy vehicle driver, making it a unique and vital position in the prison system.
Ensures the safe and secure transport of prisoners between jails, courts, hospitals, and other designated locations.
Maintains and operates prison vehicles, keeping them in proper working condition while logging all movements and duties.
Assists in supervising inmates, maintaining discipline, conducting security checks, and managing routine prison tasks.
Requires high levels of discipline, alertness, physical fitness, and the ability to handle emergencies effectively.
Involves irregular duty hours, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays, depending on the operational demands.
The career path for an Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver begins at the entry-level position, with opportunities for steady progression within the Prisons and Correctional Services Department. After gaining experience, individuals may be promoted to the role of Assistant Prison Officer (non-driving), followed by advancement to Deputy Prison Officer, and eventually to senior administrative positions such as Police Prison Superintendent and other higher ranks. With dedication and consistent performance, the role offers a clear and rewarding path for long-term career growth in the government sector.
The selection process for the Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver post under Kerala PSC is a multi-stage procedure designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge, physical fitness, and driving ability. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:
Written/OMR Examination
The first stage is a written exam conducted in OMR or online mode, usually consisting of 100 objective-type questions.
Subjects typically include General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General English, Simple Arithmetic, Basic Malayalam, and basic knowledge of driving and traffic rules.
This test is qualifying in nature and shortlists candidates for the next round.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Shortlisted candidates must undergo a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which includes seven out of eight standard physical events such as running, long jump, high jump, pull-ups, etc.
Events:
100-meter sprint
High jump
Long jump
Shot put
Cricket ball throw
Rope climbing
Pull-up or chin-up
1500-meter run
No | Item | Minimum Standards of Efficiency |
1 | 100 Metres Run | 14 Seconds |
2 | High Jump | 132.20 cm(4’6”) |
3 | Long Jump | 457.20 cm(15’) |
4 | Putting the Shot (7264 gms) | 609.60 cm(20’) |
5 | Throwing the Cricket Ball | 6096 cm(200’) |
6 | Rope Climbing(only with hands) | 365.80 cm(12’) |
7 | Pull-ups or chinning | 8 times |
8 | 1500 Metres Run | 5 minutes and 44 seconds |
Candidates must also meet the required height, chest expansion, and vision standards as per the official notification.
Practical Driving Test
Eligible candidates who pass PET must undergo a practical driving test, where their ability to operate Heavy Passenger and Goods Vehicles is evaluated.
This includes maneuvering, parking, traffic signal response, and safe driving practices.
Medical Examination
Those who clear the driving test must undergo a detailed medical and ophthalmological examination to ensure they meet the required physical and visual standards.
The medical certificate must be issued in the prescribed PSC format by a government-approved medical officer.
Final Rank List
The final selection is based on the combined performance in the written exam, physical test, driving test, and medical fitness.
Kerala PSC publishes a ranked list of selected candidates on its official website.
This structured process ensures that only the most qualified, physically fit, and capable candidates are appointed to this demanding and responsible position.
As per the official Kerala PSC exam calendar, the written examination for the Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver post is scheduled to be held on 22nd July 2025. The exam will be conducted either in OMR or online mode and will carry a total of 100 marks.
With the exam date nearing, this is the time for candidates to concentrate on strategic last-minute preparation. Practicing mock tests, solving previous year question papers, and focusing on effective time management can make a significant difference. Staying calm, confident, and well-informed during this final phase will help candidates perform at their best.
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