Course structure

Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is recruiting candidates through Group ‘A’ Gazetted Probationers Exam. The exam also called Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) Exam takes place in three stages.

He KPSC conducts competitive and departmental exams for filling up vacancies in Group A, B, C posts. The posts include both Technical and Non-Technical designations.

The KPSC exams for various posts include:

• First Division Assistant (FDA)
• Second Division Assistant (SDA)
• Sub-Inspector (Excise)
• Head Master and Teacher (RPC)
• Junior Training Officer
• Drug Inspectors
• Assistant Secretary
• Assistant Librarian
• Panchayat Development Officer
• Assistant Conservator of Forests
• Gazetted Probationers

Notification

KPSC will release the details regarding the recruitment process and the number of vacancies on the official website of the commission.

Exam pattern

• Prelims – 2 papers -objective-type questions
• Mains – 7 papers – essay/descriptive type
• Interview

Prelims

Mains

Interview

1. The panel will be chaired by the senior-most KPSC member present.
2. The maximum marks for the interview are 50
3. The panel members will not be told the candidate’s marks in the Mains stage.
4. The KAS interview is to test the mental calibre, societal awareness, and balance of judgment and leadership abilities.
5. The 4 members panel will give marks individually and then the average of those marks will constitute the candidate’s marks in the interview.
6. The KPSC KAS result or the merit list is the sum of marks in the Mains and the Interview.

KPSC KAS Exam Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum: 35 years

(Relaxations up to 40-45 years for different categories) 

Number of Attempts

• 5 attempts for General Category
• 7 attempts for OBC
• No limit for SC/ST/CAT-1

Educational Qualification

At least a Bachelor’s Degree or diploma from a recognized University.

Exam Syllabus

PRELIMS:

The detailed KAS syllabus of Prelims Paper 1

1. Current Affairs

National and International Importance

2. Indian History

Broad understanding of Cultural, Social, Political, and Economic aspects

Special Emphasis on Karnataka State

Focus on the Indian National Movement

3. Indian and World Geography

Focus on Karnataka Also

4. Polity and the Indian Economy

Indian Political System

Economic Reforms

Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation

Social Sector initiatives etc.

The detailed KAS syllabus of Prelims Paper 2 is:

1. Current events (State)
2. Important State Government schemes.
3. General Science and Technology

• Contemporary issues/developments and implications

4. Environment and Ecology

• Broad understanding of general issues on biodiversity, climate change, ecology, and health that do not require a subject specialization

5. General Mental Ability
   • Basic numeracy
   • Data interpretation (data sufficiency, charts, tables, graphs etc.)
   • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
   • Comprehension

KAS Mains Syllabus:

GS 1:

3 Sections:

1. Cultural Heritage and History of Karnataka and India
2. Political and Social Perspective
3. Planning, Indian Economy, Rural Development- Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation

Syllabus:

1. Cultural Heritage of India (select areas and topics)
2. Modern History of India (beginning of the 19th century onwards)
3. Kadambas – Hoysalas
4. The Vijaynagar Empire (1336-1799)
5. Modern Mysore (1799-1947)
6. Karnataka Freedom movement and Unification (1885-1956)
7. Post-Independence Karnataka
8. Social Change & Movements
9. Social Change &Modernisation
10. Political System and Government
11. Decentralization of Power
12. Socio-economic system
13. Rural social system and Rural dev
14. Indian Economy
15. India and International Economic Relations
16. Development Patterns
17. Planning and Planning Goals
18. Decentralisation
19. Rural Development Initiatives
20. Data Collection Analysis & Interpretation

GS 2:

3 Sections:

1. Natural Resources and Physical Features
2. Indian Constitution – Overview
3. International Relations, Public Administration and Management

Syllabus:

1. Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere
2. Continental physiography and demographic distribution
3. Indian Physiography
4. Industrial Planning & Development
5. Physiographic divisions (Karnataka)
6. Urban land use policy and Urbanisation (Karnataka)
7. Nature of the Indian Constitution
8. Fundamental Rights
9. Distribution of Powers (Legislative)
10. Unicameral and Bicameral legislatures
11. Important Amendments
12. Welfare machinery in India
13. Union and State services
14. Public and Private Administration
15. Organisation structure
16. Organisationalbehaviour and concepts of management
17. Informal and formal organization
18. Management techniques and tools
19. Administrative Reforms
20. UN and Specialised agencies

GS 3:

3 Sections:

1. Role/impact of Science & Technology in Indian Development, Information Technology in Public Domain
2. Modern trends and advancements in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Agriculture Science, Hygiene and Health
3. Issues/Challenges of development on Ecology and Environment

Syllabus:

1. Basics of Science and Tech
2. Space Tech & Science
3. Energy Resources
4. Disasters, Pollution and Pests
5. Related Perception
6. Knowledge society
7. Rural upliftment and Science & Tech
8. Natural Science
9. Agriculture Science
10. Sericulture and Horticulture
11. Biotechnology initiatives
12. Animal Husbandry (dairy, fishery and veterinary sciences)
13. Development policies (Agriculture), programmes and trade
14. Hygiene & health
15. Environment Conservation
16. Natural Resources
17. Biodiversity & Ecosystem
18. Solid Waste Management & Environmental Pollution
19. Role of Information Tech in Environment and Human Health
20. State-community-civil society interface

GS 4:

3 Sections:

1. Ethics
2. Integrity
3. Aptitude

Syllabus:

1. Ethics – determinants, essence, and consequences
2. Ethics in public administration
3. Accountability and ethical governance
4. RTI and the concept of public service
5. Human values
6. Impartiality, integrity, and non-partisanship
7. Aptitude and foundational values for civil service
8. Emotional intelligence and contribution of social thinkers