KAS Exam Pattern - Complete Details
Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) releases the official KAS exam pattern each year. The notification from KPSC is considered the official notification for the KAS exam pattern. For the official notification and more information regarding the KAS exam pattern and syllabus, candidates can visit the official KPSC website of the commission. The official notification is considered a reliable source of information for the KAS exam pattern. Candidates interested in a career in the Karnataka Administrative Services must start preparing for the examination by understanding the KAS exam pattern.
Following are the basic details concerning the KAS exam pattern:
- The KAS examination is the main gate for candidates to start as a gazetted officer in the state government post.
- The examination is held in different stages.
- Applicants have to first clear the preliminary examination to be eligible to appear for the mains.
- Once the candidates clear the mains, they have to appear for the interview where the final selection of candidates takes place. The final merit list is based upon the performance of candidates in the Mains and Interview stages.
KAS Exam Pattern
- The first stage is the preliminary examination that consists of two papers, both of which are objective type (MCQs).
- The second stage is the mains. There are 7 papers in all that include descriptive/essay-type questions. Previously there were 2 optional papers; however, they have been eliminated now.
- The final stage is the interview round.
The KAS exam pattern for the preliminary exams can be understood by the following points:
- The exam comprises mainly 2 papers.
- The examination is held through an offline mode.
- Papers 1 and 2 have MCQ-based questions.
- Each correct answer is given 2 marks, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
- Both the papers will be of 200 marks each.
KAS Exam Pattern for the Preliminary Examination
The KAS exam pattern for the preliminary examination is designed to help filter the candidates for the main examination. As per the KPSC GPE 9th Amendment Rules (established in the year 2011), the KAS exam pattern is such that it includes two papers.
Following are the details of the KAS exam pattern:
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|
|
|
KAS Exam Pattern for the Mains
The KAS exam pattern for the mains can be understood by the following main points:
- The mains exam includes 7 papers.
- The mains exam includes descriptive-type questions, for example, essays.
- For wrong answers, there is no negative marking.
Based on the KPSC KAS exam pattern, only those candidates who clear the KAS Prelims examination successfully can appear for the mains. The main examination includes nine theory papers. Out of these nine papers, two (Kannada and English Language) are of qualifying nature. Suppose a student does not qualify for the English paper. In that case, the answer sheets of other papers are not evaluated, and the students are then declared as disqualified for the KAS main examinations.
Following is the KAS exam pattern for mains of the KPSC Gazetted Probationers examination:
Qualifying Papers:
- English
- Kannada
| English | Kannada |
|---|---|
| 2 hours of time duration | 2 hours of time duration |
| 150 marks | 150 marks |
| 35% qualifying criterion | 35% qualifying criterion |
| Syllabus | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Precise – 25 marks | Precise – 25 marks |
| Usage- 25 marks | Usage- 25 marks |
| Short Essay – 25 marks | Short Essay – 25 marks |
| Comprehension – 25 marks | Comprehension – 25 marks |
| Communication Skills – 25 marks | Communication Skills – 25 marks |
| Vocabulary – 25 marks | Vocabulary – 25 marks |
The syllabus for the remaining papers in the KPSC Mains exam is tabulated below:
| Paper | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Essay | National and International issues and State or Local Issues |
| General Studies 1 | Cultural Heritage of India, Decentralization of Power, Modern History of India (beginning of the 19th century onwards), Socio-economic system, Kadambas – Hoysalas, Rural social system and Rural dev, The Vijaynagar Empire (1336-1799), Indian Economy, Modern Mysore (1799-1947), India and International Economic Relations, Karnataka Freedom movement and Unification (1885-1956), Development Patterns, Post-Independence Karnataka, Planning and Planning Goals, Social Change & Movements, Decentralisation, Social Change & Modernisation, Rural Dev, Political System and Government, Rural Development Initiatives, Data Collection Analysis & Interpretation |
| General Studies 2 | Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere Distribution of Powers (Legislative), Continental physiography and demographic distribution, Unicameral and Bicameral legislatures, Indian Physiography, Important Amendments, Industrial Planning & Development Welfare machinery in India, Physiographic divisions (Karnataka), Union and State services, Urban land use policy and Urbanisation (Karnataka) Public and Private Administration, Nature of the Indian Constitution, Organisation structure, Fundamental Rights, Organisational behaviour and concepts of management, Informal and formal organization, Administrative Reforms, Management techniques and tools, UN and Specialised agencies |
| General Studies 3 | Basics of Science and Tech, Biotechnology initiatives, Space Tech & Science, Animal Husbandry (dairy, fishery and veterinary sciences), Energy Resources, Development policies (Agriculture), programmes and trade, Disasters, Pollution and Pests Hygiene & health, Related Perception, Environment Conservation, Knowledge society, Natural Resources, Rural upliftment and Science & Tech, Biodiversity & Ecosystem, Natural Science, Solid Waste Management & Environmental Pollution, Agriculture Science, Role of Information Tech in Environment and Human Health, Sericulture and Horticulture, State-community-civil society interface |
| General Studies 4 | Ethics – determinants, essence and consequences, Ethics in public administration, Accountability and ethical governance, RTI and concept of public service, Human values, Impartiality, integrity and non-partisanship, Aptitude and foundational values for civil service, Emotional intelligence and contribution of social thinkers |
Interview in the KAS Exam Pattern
The KAS exam pattern is such that an interview is conducted for the final selection of the candidates. The interview aims to assess if the candidate is suitable or appropriate for a job in the public service. The interview test is set up to assess if the candidate is mentally strong for the post. Some of the factors that are evaluated in the interview are:
- Logical and clear exposition
- The capability of leadership and social cohesion
- Essential powers of assimilation
- Depth and variety of interest
- Mental attentiveness
- Stability of judgment
- Moral and intellectual integrity
A panel of members of the JKPSC conducts the KAS interview. These panel members have access to the candidates record of career. The is a purposive interview and a direct conversation between the board members and the candidates. The commission is assisted by experts in the Behavioural Sciences and Public Administration, as may be nominated/selected by the commission's Chairman.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the required details of the KAS exam pattern, it should be easy for you to start preparing on all the topics part of the KAS syllabus. Candidates who study the syllabus carefully can get through the KAS examination easily. The KAS syllabus is the toughest as almost a million aspirants appear for this exam. The KAS exam pattern may also seem challenging at it is vast and lengthy. It is important to adhere to each of the points while preparing for the KAS exam.
FAQs
You can apply for the exam online by visiting kpsc.kar.nic.in
According to the KAS Exam pattern, KAS Prelims is divided into 2 papers, each of which is 2 hours duration.
The vacancy varies every year. The vacancy for 2022 is yet to be released by the KPSC on their official website. Meanwhile, the applicants can check out the vacancy of 2020.
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