KAS Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern – Complete KPSC KAS Exam Details
KAS (KPSC)
Group-A & Group-B
Offline Exam
No Optional (Mains)
Group-A & Group-B
Offline Exam
No Optional (Mains)
The Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) examination is conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to recruit Group-A and Group-B Gazetted Officers in Karnataka. Understanding the latest KAS syllabus and exam pattern is essential for focused and effective preparation.
Latest Update: Optional subjects have been removed from the KAS Mains examination.
The exam now consists of only compulsory papers.
The exam now consists of only compulsory papers.
KAS Exam Overview
- Exam Name: Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS)
- Conducting Authority: Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)
- Posts: Group-A & Group-B Gazetted Officers
- Mode of Exam: Offline (OMR for Prelims, Descriptive for Mains)
- Selection Stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview
KAS Preliminary Examination – Exam Pattern
Paper-1: General Studies
200 Marks • 2 Hours • Objective (OMR)
Negative: 0.25 mark
- Prelims is qualifying in nature.
- Marks are not counted for final merit.
Paper-2: CSAT / Mental Ability
200 Marks • 2 Hours • Objective (OMR)
Negative: 0.25 mark
- Focus on aptitude + reasoning + comprehension.
- Accuracy matters due to negative marking.
KAS Prelims Syllabus
Paper-1: General Studies
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian History & Freedom Movement
- Karnataka History & Culture
- Indian & Karnataka Geography
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy
Paper-2: State, Science & Mental Ability
- Karnataka Current Affairs
- State Government Schemes
- General Science & Technology
- Environment & Climate Change
- Mental Ability (SSLC Level)
- Logical Reasoning & Numeracy
KAS Mains Exam Pattern (Revised – No Optional)
- Paper-1: Essay (National, International & Karnataka Issues)
- GS Paper I: Heritage, Modern History, National Movement, Karnataka History
- GS Paper II: Constitution, Governance, Polity, International Relations
- GS Paper III: Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Disaster Management, Science & Tech
- GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, Case Studies
- Optional Subjects: Removed
KAS Interview (Personality Test)
- Marks: 25
- Focus Areas: Communication, Current Affairs, Ethics & Integrity, Leadership, Decision Making
- Final Merit: Mains Marks + Interview Marks
- Grand Total: 1275 Marks
Important Points for KAS Aspirants
- Prelims is qualifying only.
- Karnataka-specific topics carry high importance.
- Mental Ability questions are of SSLC level.
- Strong focus on Ethics & Governance in Mains.
- Answer writing practice is crucial for Mains success.
FAQ – KAS Exam
Are optional subjects removed from KAS Mains?
Yes. Optional subjects have been removed. KAS Mains now includes only compulsory papers.
Are Prelims marks counted for final selection?
No. KAS Prelims is qualifying in nature and marks are not counted for final merit.
Is there negative marking in KAS Prelims?
Yes. 0.25 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the final merit based on?
Final merit is based on Mains marks plus Interview (Personality Test) marks.