The KAS syllabus for Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) consists of three stages: the Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Personality Test. The Preliminary Exam assesses general knowledge and aptitude. The Mains includes General Studies papers, Essay writing, and no optional subjects anymore. The final stage, the Personality Test, evaluates the candidate’s administrative skills and personal attributes. These changes aim to streamline the exam and focus on essential administrative capabilities.
Table of Contents
KAS Prelims Syllabus and Exam Pattern
- The question paper will be available in both Kannada and English.
- The preliminary examination’s General Mental Ability section will be at the X standard/SSLC level, while other papers will be at the Degree Level.
- Candidates admitted to the main examination will be 20 times the number of vacancies, based on merit from the preliminary exam, with provisions for reserved categories (Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Backward Classes).
- Negative marking will be applied for incorrect answers in most questions, as per the Karnataka Recruitment of Gazetted Probationers (Appointment by Competitive Examinations) (10th Amendment) Rules, 2013.
- Negative Marking: One-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted as a penalty for each incorrect answer.
- Multiple Answers: Providing more than one answer to a question, even if one is correct, will be treated as a wrong answer and incur the same penalty as a single incorrect answer.
- No Penalty for Unattempted Questions: There will be no penalty for questions left blank (unanswered).
| SUBJECT AREA | No of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| PAPER-1 | ||
| 1. General studies related to National and International importance | 40 | 80 |
| 2.Humanities | 60 | 120 |
| TOTAL | 100 | 200 |
| PAPER-2 | ||
| 1. General studies related to State importance | 40 | 80 |
| 2. General Science and Technology Environment and Ecology | 30 | 60 |
| 3. General Mental Ability | 30 | 60 |
| TOTAL | 100 | 200 |
| Grand Total | 200 Questions | 400 Marks |
- Each paper carrying 100 questions with each question carrying two marks
- Each paper shall be of a maximum of 200 marks and of a duration of two hours (Total for two papers 400 marks) in the following description, namely
KAS Mains Syllabus and Exam Pattern
- Qualifying Papers: Kannada and English are qualifying papers, requiring a minimum of 35% (52.5 marks) in each. Marks from these papers are not considered for merit but are essential for eligibility for further selection processes like personality tests.
- Examination Type: The examination is conventional and descriptive, with all papers being compulsory.
- Language Options: Question papers are set in both Kannada and English. Candidates can answer papers entirely in either language, except for qualifying papers and Group 2 optional subject papers.
- Examination Standard: The main examination, excluding qualifying Kannada and English papers, will be of Degree level. The qualifying Kannada and English papers will be of First Language Kannada and First Language English standards at the SSLC level.
- Paper Structure: All 5 papers are compulsory. Papers II to V are divided into three sections.
- Marking and Duration: Each paper carries a maximum of 250 marks and has a duration of three hours only.
- Result Announcement: Marks for the written and personality tests will be announced alongside the final selection list.
| SUBJECTS | MARKS | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| QUALIFYING PAPERS | ||
| Kannada | 150 | 2 |
| English | 150 | 2 |
| 300 | ||
| Paper-1 Essay | 250 | 3 |
| Paper-2 General Studies-1 | 250 | 3 |
| Paper-3 General Studies-2 | 250 | 3 |
| Paper-4 General Studies-3 | 250 | 3 |
| Paper-5 General Studies-4 | 250 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 1250 | |
| Personality Test (interview) | 25 | |
| TOTAL ( 1250+25 ) | 1275 |
| KAS Mains Syllabus |
|---|
Qualifying paper Kannada |
| Qualifying paper English The aim of the paper is to test the candidate’s ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and to express his ideas clearly and correctly in English. The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:- 1. Comprehension of given passages 25 marks 2. Precis writing 25 marks 3. Usage 25 marks 4. Vocabulary 25 marks 5. Short Essay 25 marks 6. Communication Skills 25 marks |
| PAPER – I Essay 250 Marks 3 Hours Two Essays ( in Kannada/English Language), 125 marks each Essay – 1: Topics of International / National Importance, Essay – 2: Topic of State Importance / Local Importance |
| PAPER – II General Studies 1 Section-I : History and Cultural Heritage ( India & Karnataka ) – (6 Units) Section-II : Social and Political Perspective – ( 7 units ) Section-III : Indian Economy – Planning- Rural Development (8 units) |
| PAPER – III General Studies 2 Section-I : Physical Features and Natural Resources Section-II : Overview of Indian Constitution (7 units) Section-III : Public Administration and Management – International Relations ( 7 Units) |
| PAPER – IV General Studies 3 Section-I : Role and Impact of Science and Technology in Development of Indian, Information Technology In Public Domain Section-II : Advancement and Modern Trends in Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Agricultural Science, Health and Hygiene – (7 Units) Section-III : Challenges and Issues of Development on Environment & Ecology (6 units) |
| PAPER – V General Studies 4 Section-I : Ethics Section-II : Integrity Section-III : Aptitude |
Personality Test (Interview) 25 Marks
In the KAS Personality Test interview, it typically focuses on quickly assessing the core qualities of the candidate, such as personality traits, confidence, decision-making skills, and awareness of current affairs. Since this is a brief assessment, the interviewers aim to gauge a candidate’s suitability for administrative responsibilities efficiently.
Key Aspects of a 25-Marks Personality Test Interview:
- Time Duration:
- A 25-mark interview is shorter, usually around 20-30 minutes.
- Evaluation Focus:
- Communication Skills: How clearly and confidently the candidate can express thoughts.
- General Awareness: Knowledge of current events, especially related to Karnataka and national issues.
- Decision-Making Skills: Ability to handle hypothetical situations relevant to administration.
- Ethics and Integrity: Understanding of moral values, honesty, and the principles guiding public service.
- Leadership Qualities: Ability to handle challenging situations, display empathy, and demonstrate leadership skills.
- Sample Questions:
- Personal Background: “Tell us about yourself” or “What inspired you to pursue a career in civil services?”
- Current Affairs: “What is your opinion on a recent government policy in Karnataka?”
- Situational Questions: “If you were in charge of a district facing a flood crisis, what immediate steps would you take?”
- Moral Dilemmas: “If you encounter a conflict between your duty and your personal beliefs, how would you handle it?”
- Scoring Breakdown:
- Confidence and Presentation: 5 Marks
- General Awareness: 5 Marks
- Analytical Skills: 5 Marks
- Ethics and Integrity: 5 Marks
- Decision-Making and Leadership: 5 Marks
Tips for a 25-Mark Personality Test Interview:
- Be Concise and Clear: Given the limited time, ensure answers are to the point.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Focus especially on recent issues affecting Karnataka.
- Demonstrate Integrity: Show ethical understanding and commitment to public service.
- Practice Hypothetical Situations: Prepare for questions on administrative decision-making.
This short interview format is still impactful, as it gives the panel insight into the candidate’s readiness for a career in public administration.
Education Qualification
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized board or university ( BA, B.COM, BSC, BCA, BBA, etc. )
Age Limit
Minimum 21 years
Maximum
GM = 38 years
2A, 2B, 3A, 3B = 41 years
SC, ST, Cat-1 = 43 years
Exam attempt limit
GM = 5
2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, Cat-1 = 7
SC, ST = Unlimited
“Candidates belonging to the General category can appear for a maximum of 5 attempts. The maximum number of attempts for candidates from 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and Cat-1 categories is 7. For candidates from SC and ST categories, there is no limit on the number of attempts until they reach their respective upper age limits.”
Application Fee
GM = Rs. 600
2A, 2B, 3A, 3B = Rs. 300
SC, ST, Cat-1, PH = Rs. 0
FAQ
How many total papers are there in the KAS Prelims Exam?
2 Papers
What is the total marks for the KAS Interview?
25 Marks
What are the educational qualifications required for the KAS exam?
bachelor’s degree from a recognized board or university
How many total papers are there in the KAS Mains Exam?
2+5 total 7 papers
KAS Syllabus PDF Download
Useful Links
| Useful Links |
|---|
 KAS Question Papers |
| KAS Best Books List |
Sir is there any medical test after cleaning KAS exam
Yes, Shivu.
TQ sir