KPSC Syllabus & Exam Pattern · Guide 3 of 7
KPSC KAS Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Dates, vacancies and fees can change. Always confirm on the official KPSC website before you apply.
The KAS exam closely follows the UPSC civil services model, with a strong Karnataka element in every General Studies paper. Unlike many states, both prelims papers count for the prelims cut-off.
Prelims exam pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 – General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 – General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Objective questions in Kannada and English. Negative marking: one-fourth of the question's marks for each wrong answer.
Prelims syllabus
Paper 1
- Current events of state, national and international importance
- Humanities – history of India and Karnataka, Indian national movement, world and Indian geography, Karnataka geography
- Indian polity and governance – Constitution, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues
- Economic and social development – sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives
Paper 2
- General science and technology
- Environment and ecology – biodiversity and climate change
- General mental ability – reasoning, basic numeracy and data interpretation
Mains exam pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Kannada | 150 | Qualifying |
| B | English | 150 | Qualifying |
| 1 | Essay | 250 | Merit |
| 2 | General Studies I – history, culture, society, geography | 250 | Merit |
| 3 | General Studies II – Constitution, polity, governance, international relations | 250 | Merit |
| 4 | General Studies III – economy, development, science & technology, environment | 250 | Merit |
| 5 | General Studies IV – ethics, integrity and aptitude | 250 | Merit |
| Total for merit | 1,250 | ||
Each paper is 3 hours. Add the 50-mark personality test for a final total of 1,300.
Karnataka focus in the mains
- GS I: Karnataka's dynasties, saints and reformers (Basavanna, Purandara Dasa), unification of Karnataka
- GS II: Karnataka's administration, Panchayati Raj, Article 371J and regional development
- GS III: Karnataka's economy – agriculture, IT and biotechnology, irrigation and inter-state water issues
- Essay: topics on Karnataka's development, society and governance are common
Tip: the qualifying Kannada paper is at a fairly high level. Candidates who are not fluent in Kannada should start practising it early.