The KPSC KAS (Karnataka Administrative Service) examination is conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission to fill Group A and B gazetted posts. Vijayanagara Empire history, Western Ghats ecology, IT economy of Bengaluru, and Kannada language — these Karnataka-specific topics give KPSC its distinctive character among Indian state civil service exams.
| Stage | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims Paper I (GS) | 100 MCQs, 2 hours | 100 |
| Prelims Paper II (CSAT) | 80 MCQs, 2 hours, qualifying | 80 |
| Mains GS Papers I–IV | Descriptive, 3 hrs each | 150 each |
| Mains Kannada (compulsory) | Descriptive, qualifying | 150 |
| Mains English (compulsory) | Descriptive, qualifying | 150 |
| Interview | Personality test | 60 |
Hoysala dynasty (Belur and Halebidu temples), Vijayanagara Empire (Hampi — UNESCO World Heritage), Bahmani Sultanate, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan (resistance to British, Mysore Wars), formation of Karnataka state in 1956 (States Reorganisation Act). Freedom fighters from Karnataka: S. Nijalingappa, Veerendra Patil.
Western Ghats (UNESCO Biodiversity Hotspot), Eastern Ghats (partial), Deccan Plateau. Major rivers: Cauvery (Kaveri), Krishna, Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Netravati. Coastal Karnataka (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi). Talakaveri (source of Cauvery), Jog Falls (highest plunge waterfall in India). Wildlife: Bandipur, Nagarhole, Kudremukh national parks.
Bengaluru as India's IT capital (Silicon Valley of India), aerospace industry (HAL, ISRO headquarters), silk production (Mysuru silk — world famous), sandalwood products, coffee and rubber cultivation in Coorg (Kodagu). Mangalore port, steel plant at Vijayanagar (JSPL), Kaiga nuclear power plant.
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Three stages: Prelims (GS Paper I 100Q + CSAT Paper II 80Q qualifying), Mains (9 papers — GS I-IV, Optional, Kannada compulsory, English compulsory, Essay), and Interview (60 marks). Only Mains + Interview marks determine final selection.
Yes. Kannada language paper in Mains is compulsory and qualifying. Additionally, proficiency in Kannada is expected for all KPSC posts since officers serve in Karnataka government departments where Kannada is the administrative language.
21–35 years for General (Open Competition) category. OBC (Cat 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): up to 38 years. SC/ST/Cat 1: up to 40 years. Ex-servicemen: 3 years additional relaxation over upper age limit.
General category: maximum 6 attempts (up to age 35). OBC: no attempt limit (up to age 38). SC/ST: no attempt limit (up to age 40). KPSC provides more attempts than UPSC, giving aspirants more opportunities.
Karnataka Administrative Service (equivalent to IAS at state level), Karnataka Police Service (KPS — equivalent to IPS), Karnataka Forest Service, and Karnataka Revenue Service are the top posts. An IAS officer is deputed from KAS cadre after merit-based selection.
तीन चरण: प्रारंभिक (GS Paper I + CSAT qualifying), मुख्य परीक्षा (9 पेपर — कन्नड़ अनिवार्य सहित), और साक्षात्कार (60 अंक)।
स्नातक डिग्री अनिवार्य। आयु 21–35 वर्ष (सामान्य)। कर्नाटक अधिवास और कन्नड़ भाषा ज्ञान जरूरी।
होयसल वंश, विजयनगर साम्राज्य (हम्पी), हैदर अली और टीपू सुल्तान, पश्चिमी घाट, कावेरी नदी, बेंगलुरु की IT उद्योग, मैसूर सिल्क, कूर्ग कॉफी — ये सभी KPSC में पूछे जाते हैं।
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