Prelims · Paper 1
- Current events
- History of India & Karnataka
- Geography
- Polity & governance
- Economic & social development
Exam Central · State PSC
KPSC Exam Guide
Complete Karnataka PSC (KAS) guide: eligibility, latest notification, prelims and mains syllabus, previous year papers, timed mock tests and a preparation strategy.
- 7 guides
- 2 timed tests
- Verified official links
- Mock tests
- 2
- Guides
- 7
- Practice questions
- 75
- Official links
- 7
At a glance
KPSC: Gazetted Probationers (Group A & B) Examination – KAS
- Conducted by
- Karnataka Public Service Commission, Bengaluru
- Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised university
- Age limit
- 21–35 years (GM); 38 for 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B; 40 for SC, ST and Category-1
- Mode
- Offline (OMR prelims, written mains) · As notified by KPSC (not always every year)
- Negative marking
- ¼ of the question's marks (prelims)
- Final merit
- Mains 1,250 + Personality test 50 = 1,300 marks
- Selection
- Prelims (2 GS papers) → Mains (qualifying Kannada & English + Essay and 4 GS papers) → Personality test
The usual KPSC year
- NotificationAs announced by KPSC
- PrelimsA few months after applications close
- MainsA few months after the prelims result
- Personality test & final listAfter the mains result
Typical timing from recent years — exact dates come with the official notification. Official website
Exam pattern
Selection process & marks
How the KPSC exam works from the first paper to the final merit list.
-
Stage 1 Prelims
2 objective papers · screening only
-
Stage 2 Mains
Descriptive · 1,250 marks for merit
-
Stage 3 Interview
50 marks for merit
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time | Counts for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | ||||
| Paper 1 – General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 h | Counts for the cut-off |
| Paper 2 – General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 h | Counts for the cut-off |
| Mains | ||||
| Kannada | — | 150 | 3 h | Qualifying |
| English | — | 150 | 3 h | Qualifying |
| Essay | — | 250 | 3 h | Merit |
| General Studies I – IV | — | 1,000 | 3 h each | Merit |
| Interview | ||||
| Personality test | — | 50 | — | Merit |
Final merit: Mains 1,250 + Personality test 50 = 1,300 marks
Negative marking: ¼ of the question's marks (prelims)
Syllabus
KPSC syllabus at a glance
The subjects each paper tests. Read the full syllabus guide for every topic, and keep the official PDF as your checklist.
Prelims · Paper 2
- General science & technology
- Environment & ecology
- General mental ability
Mains · GS I – IV
- History, culture & society
- Constitution, governance & IR
- Economy, S&T, environment
- Ethics, integrity & aptitude
Mains · Karnataka focus
- Dynasties & unification
- Article 371J
- Karnataka economy & IT
- Water & regional issues
Guides
Everything about KPSC
Read them in order, or jump straight to what you need.
01 About KPSC & Latest Notification
02 KPSC Syllabus & Exam Pattern
03 Practice, Papers & Mock Tests
04 KPSC Preparation Strategy
Practice
KPSC mock tests
Timed online tests with instant scoring, the correct answers and an explanation for every question. Free, no sign-up.
Official sources
KPSC official links
Straight to the exam body's own pages – apply, download the syllabus and check notices only here.
Official website
Karnataka Public Service Commission kpsc.karnataka.gov.in
Latest notifications
Current recruitment notices kpsc.karnataka.gov.in
Syllabus & schemes
Official syllabus and exam schemes kpsc.karnataka.gov.in
Previous question papers
Official past papers kpsc.karnataka.gov.in
Answer keys
Provisional and final keys kpsc.karnataka.gov.in
Exam calendar
Planned exam dates kpsc.karnataka.gov.in
Apply online
KPSC online application portal kpsconline.karnataka.gov.in
LearnFrenzy is not affiliated with the exam body. These links open its official website in a new tab; always confirm dates and rules in the current notification.
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