KAS EXAMINATION (KPSC) Pattern

• 28 Jan 2026

Table of Contents

1. Pattern of Examination
2. Pattern of Preliminary Examination
3. Pattern of Main Examination
4. Personality Test
5. Eligibility Criteria
6. Educational Qualification
7. Age Criteria
8. No. of attempts

The Karnataka Gazetted Probationers Examination, also known as the KAS Exam, is conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) for the purpose of recruiting candidates to Group 'A' and Group 'B' posts in various State Government departments through a competitive examination. It comprises the following stages: 

• Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) – for selection to the Main Exam 
• Main Examination (Descriptive Type) – for selection to the Interview 
• Personality Test (Interview) 

Pattern of Examination 

Pattern of Preliminary Examination  

Comprises two papers: Paper-I and Paper-II. 

• Both are Objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions). 
• Each paper will consist of 100 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks, making the total 200 marks per paper. 
• The duration of each paper shall be two hours, and the combined total for both papers is 400 marks. 
• Negative marking: One fourth (0.25 marks) deducted for each wrong answer. 
• The question paper shall be set both in Kannada and English. 
• The standard of General Mental Ability questions of Preliminary Examination (aptitude test) shall be that of X Standard/SSLC Level and the remaining questions are of Degree Level.

	Subject	Number of Questions	Marks Allocation	Total Marks	Duration
Paper- I	General Studies (National and International Importance)	40	80	200	2 hours
	Humanities	60	120
Paper- II	General Studies (State Importance)	40	80	200	2 hours
	General Science and Tech. Environment and Ecology	30	60
	General Mental Ability	30	60

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Pattern of Main Examination 

• The Main Examination consists of Two Qualifying papers (Kannada and English) and five merit-based papers (Essay and General Studies I to IV). 
• The Kannada and English papers are of qualifying nature, and candidates must secure at least 35% (52.5 marks) in each to be eligible for evaluation of the remaining papers. 
• Marks of the qualifying papers are not counted for final merit; candidates not securing the minimum in these will be disqualified from the Personality Test and final selection. 
• The Main Examination shall be of conventional descriptive type in nature and all papers are compulsory. 
• The question papers shall be set in both Kannada and English, and candidates may answer a paper either entirely in Kannada or in English, except for the qualifying papers. 
• The standard of the Main Examination papers, excluding the qualifying Kannada and English papers, shall be of Degree level. 
• The standard of qualifying Kannada paper shall be that of First Language Kannada and First Language English respectively at SSLC Level.  
• All Five papers are compulsory.  
• Paper 2 to Paper 5 consists of three sections. Each paper carries a maximum of 250 marks and duration of three hours only. 

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration
Qualifying Paper	Kannada	150	2 hours
	English	150	2 hours

Papers Counted for Merit
Paper	Subject	Description
Paper -I	Essay	There will be two essays (Kannada or English) of 125 marks each  The first topic will be on national or international issues  The second topic will on state or local issues
Paper -II	GS Paper 1	3 Sections:  History and Cultural Heritage (India & Karnataka)  Social and Political Perspective  Indian Economy- Planning -Rural Development
Paper -III	GS Paper 2	3 Sections:  Physical Features and Natural Resources  Overview of Indian Constitution  Public Administration and Management- International Relations
Paper -IV	GS Paper 3	3 Sections:  Role and Impact of Science & Technology in Indian Development, Information Technology in Public Domain  Advancement and Modern Trends in Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Agriculture Science, Health and Hygiene   Challenges and Issues of Development on Ecology and Environment
Paper -V	GS Paper 4	3 Sections:  Ethics  Integrity  Aptitude
Note: Each of the above-mentioned papers carries 250 marks and has a duration of 3 hours.

Personality Test 

• The Personality Test will be conducted for candidates who are declared eligible based on merit in the Main Examination for Group A and Group B services of the State Civil Services.  
• The objective of the interview is to assess the candidate's mental capability, reasoning, judgment, moral character, intelligence, and suitability for public service. 
• Marks allotted for the Personality Test shall be 25, and these will be added to the Main Examination marks for final merit and selection. 

Grand Total (1275) = Total marks for the written examination (1250) + Total marks for the Personality Test (25) 

Eligibility Criteria 

Educational Qualification 

• As per the Karnataka Recruitment of Gazetted Probationers Rules (1997 and its 8th Amendment, 2010), candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from a University established by law in India or an equivalent qualification. 
• According to the 6^th Amendment (2009) to these rules, candidates awaiting the results of a qualifying exam that would make them eligible for the Preliminary Examination can also apply for the Preliminary Exam. 
• Candidates who have passed the final professional year or any other medical examination but have not completed their internship at the time of submission of their applications for the Gazetted Probationers (Main) Examination, will be provisionally admitted to the examination provided they submit along with their application a copy of certificate from the concerned authority of the University/Institution that they had passed the requisite final professional medical examination. In such cases, the candidates shall be required to upload and produce at the time of their interview original degree or a certificate from the competent authority of the University/Institution that they have completed all requirements (including completion of internship) for the award of the Degree. 

Age Criteria 

• Minimum Age: All candidates must be at least 21 years  
• Maximum Age (based on category): 
  • General category: up to 38 years 
  • 2A/2B/3A/3B categories: up to 41 years 
  • SC/ST/Category-1: up to 43 years 
• Additional Relaxations: 
  • Physically disabled: 10 years extra relaxation 

NOTE: The categories 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B refer to Other Backward Classes (OBC) recognized by the State Government, particularly in Karnataka. These are non-creamy layer backward classes that are eligible for reservation and age relaxation in government jobs and exams. 

No. of attempts 

• General Category: 5 Attempts                      
• OBC Category: 7 Attempts 
• SC/ST: Unlimited up to age limit 

A clear understanding of the KAS exam pattern is essential for effective and exam-focused preparation. Knowing the structure of Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test helps aspirants plan better and stay aligned with KPSC requirements.

Related Resources
KPSC KAS Exam Syllabus	Click Here
KPSC KAS Previous Year Papers	Click Here
KPSC KAS Exam Strategy	Click Here
Karnataka State GK	Click Here
Monthly CA Consolidations	Click Here

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the selection process for the KPSC KAS Examination?
+

The selection process consists of three specific stages:

• Preliminary Examination: An objective-type test serving as a screening mechanism for the Main Exam.
• Main Examination: A descriptive-type written exam used to shortlist candidates for the interview.
• Personality Test: An interview to assess suitability for public service, carrying 25 marks.

2. Is there negative marking in the KAS Preliminary Examination? +

Yes. For every wrong answer in the Preliminary Examination (Paper-I and Paper-II), 0.25 marks (one-fourth) are deducted. Each paper consists of 100 questions worth 200 marks.

3. Which papers in the Main Examination are counted for the final merit list?
+

Final merit is determined by the marks secured in five specific papers: one Essay paper and four General Studies papers (GS I to IV), totalling 1250 marks.

4. Are the Kannada and English papers in KAS Mains counted for merit?
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The Kannada and English papers are qualifying only; candidates must score at least 35% (52.5 marks) in these, but their scores are not added to the final ranking.

5. How many attempts are allowed for the KAS Examination? +

The number of attempts varies by category:

• General Category: 5 attempts.
• OBC Category (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): 7 attempts.
• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts up to the age limit.