ESIC Medical Services Department Announces Pharmacy Officer Recruitment

Karnataka Examination Authority has invited applications online for the recruitment of Pharmacy Officer vacancies in the remaining basic cadre of the Department of Workers' State Insurance Scheme Medical Services through competitive examination from eligible candidates. Eligible candidates should appear for the competitive examinations conducted by Karnataka Examination Authority to be eligible for the recruitment to the said posts.

Post : Pharmacy Officer

Number of posts : 98
The vacancy numbers and category-wise distribution may be revised by the appointing authority in accordance with subsequent Government orders.
Pay scale in Rs. : 44425-83700
Educational Qualification:- 1. Must possess Diploma in Pharmacy from an Institution recognised by the Government of Karnataka.
2. Must have registered with Karnataka Pharmacy Council.

Important qualification conditions
Candidates who do not possess the prescribed qualification will not be eligible.
If it is subsequently discovered that a candidate did not possess the required qualification, their candidature may be cancelled at any stage without prior notice.
Candidates who have completed the required qualification but are waiting for examination results as of the application deadline are not eligible.
No qualification other than the qualifications specifically prescribed in the notification will be accepted.
Candidates must possess the relevant marks cards/certificates by the last date for submission of applications.
Original educational qualification documents must be produced during original document verification. Failure to produce them will result in cancellation of candidature.

Age Limit
The minimum age is 18 years as on the last date prescribed for submission of applications.
The notification refers to the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977 and a Government order dated 29 January 2026, under which a one-time relaxation of 5 years has been provided in the upper age limit.
The resulting maximum ages are:
Category Maximum Age
General Merit candidates : 40 years
Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B candidates : 43 years
SC / ST / Category-1 candidates : 45 years
Additional age relaxations are provided for certain categories, including :
• Persons who have served in the Karnataka State Government/local authorities/corporations established under State or Central legislation and controlled or owned by the Karnataka Government: relaxation corresponding to the period of service, subject to a maximum of 10 years.
• Ex-servicemen : period of military service plus an additional 3 years, subject to the applicable rules.
• National Cadet Corps full-time Cadet Instructors: relaxation corresponding to the period of service.
• Certain Gram Sevak/Gram Samuh Parikshak categories: relaxation corresponding to the qualifying service.
• Persons who have served in the Government of India Census organisation in Karnataka : service period or 5 years, whichever is less.
• Widows: up to 10 years.
• Certain bonded labourers released under the applicable law : up to 10 years.

National Pension Scheme
The posts of Pharmacy Officer under the Employees' State Insurance Scheme Medical Services Department are covered by the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

Application Fee
The fee is payable online only.
General Merit and other categories, including 2A/2B/3A/3B : ₹750
SC / ST / Category-1 / Ex-servicemen / Third Gender candidates : ₹500
The fee consists of the applicable application fee plus processing fee.
The fee is non-refundable.
Candidates are advised to verify their educational qualification, reservation status, age and all other eligibility requirements before paying the fee

Competitive Examination
The competitive examination will be conducted either:
• Online (CBT – Computer Based Test), or
• Offline – OMR type.
The examination centres will be announced later.
Candidates will have to download their Admission Ticket/Hall Ticket from the KEA website.
Candidates must bring the admission ticket together with an original identity document such as:
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Government Employee ID
Candidates without the required documents will not be permitted to enter the examination centre.
The examination centre cannot be changed for any reason

Kannada Language Test
Candidates will be exempt from the Kannada Language Test if they have:
• Studied Kannada as a first or second language in SSLC or an equivalent examination;
• Studied in Kannada medium and passed the relevant examination; or
• Previously passed a Kannada language/compulsory Kannada examination conducted by the Commission or another selection authority.
For candidates who are not exempt:
• The Kannada Language Test will be multiple choice.
• Maximum marks: 150
• Minimum qualifying marks: 50
• Candidates who do not appear for the test or score below 50 will not be eligible for the selection process.
• The paper will be prepared at approximately the SSLC first-language Kannada level.
• Marks obtained in the compulsory Kannada Language Test will not be considered for seniority or selection to posts.

Question Paper and Syllabus
Paper 1 — General Knowledge
100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours
The syllabus includes:
1. General knowledge relating to current affairs.
2. Matters relating to everyday comprehension.
3. Broad/general aspects of the Constitution of India.
4. Indian history, with particular reference to Karnataka.
5. Geography of India, particularly relating to Karnataka.
6. State and regional administration.
7. Development of Karnataka's economy, including:
o Rural development
o Panchayat Raj institutions
o Rural cooperative institutions and related initiatives.
8. Environmental issues and development relating to Karnataka.
Paper 2 — Specific Subject
100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours
The subject-specific syllabus is published separately.
Candidates must obtain at least 35% marks in the competitive examination to qualify. Candidates obtaining less than the minimum qualifying marks will be disqualified from the selection process.

Special Instructions
• After submitting the online application, candidates must verify all information and download and retain a copy of the application.
• The fee-payment challan/receipt should be retained until completion of the recruitment process.
• Requests to modify the application after submission will not normally be accepted.
• Candidates already serving or who have previously served must provide the required NOC/permission/service certificate from their appointing authority if selected.
• Service details must be correctly entered in the application.
• Providing false information can result in disqualification.
• The mobile number and email address provided in the application will be treated as final. Important information will be communicated through those contact details, and later requests to change them will not be entertained.
• Candidates who have appeared for the qualifying examination but whose results have not been announced by the application deadline are not eligible to apply.
• If there is any doubt regarding an educational qualification or reservation certificate, the selection will not be finalised until the matter is resolved by the competent authority.
• Candidates must read the detailed notification/instructions before completing the application.
• Candidates are responsible for ensuring that the application is properly completed.
• Any attempt to influence or improperly publicise the selection process can lead to disqualification.
• Participation in examination malpractice or activities contrary to Central/State Government rules may result in legal action.
• Marks obtained in the written examination will be forwarded to the Employees' State Insurance Scheme Medical Services Department, which will thereafter conduct the remaining recruitment process according to the rules.