The KPSE exam, also known as the KPSC Gazetted Probationers Exam, is a competitive examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to recruit candidates to various Group A and B posts in the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS).
Overview

The exam is held annually and is open to Indian citizens who have completed their graduation from a recognized university.
Eligibility Criteria
The following are the KPSE exam eligibility criteria:
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Age Limit: The minimum age limit for the KPSE exam is 21 years and the maximum age limit is 35 years. There is an age relaxation of up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Candidates who are in their final year of graduation are not eligible to apply for the exam.
In addition to the above criteria, there may be specific eligibility criteria for certain posts. For example, candidates applying for posts in the technical department may be required to have a degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
Exam Pattern
Stage | Exam Type | Number of Papers | Duration | Full Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary | Objective Type | 2 | 2 hours (each paper) | 400 (200 for each paper) |
Main | Written | 9 | 3 hours (each paper) | 1750 (250 for each paper) |
Personality Test | Interview | 1 | 1 hour | 100 |
Application Process
The KPSE exam application process is online and candidates can apply through the official KPSC website. The following are the steps involved in the application process:
- Visit the KPSC website and create an account.
- Once you have created an account, log in and click on the “Apply Online” link.
- Select the KPSE exam that you want to apply for.
- Fill in the application form carefully and provide all of the required information.
- Upload the required documents, such as your scanned signature, passport-size photograph, and caste certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- Review your application form carefully and submit it.
Once you have submitted your application form, you will receive a confirmation email. You should keep this email for your records.
The KPSE exam application process is usually open for a period of two to three weeks. Candidates are advised to apply for the exam as early as possible to avoid any last-minute problems.
Syllabus
The KPSE exam syllabus is divided into three parts: General Studies, Kannada (Compulsory), and English (Compulsory).
General Studies
- Indian History: Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, and Post-Independence India
- Indian Geography: Physical Geography of India, Indian Climate, Indian Rivers, Indian Minerals, Indian Agriculture, Indian Industries, Indian Transport, and Indian Population
- Indian Polity: Indian Constitution, Indian Government, Indian Federalism, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties, and Indian Elections
- Indian Economics: Indian Economy, Indian Agriculture, Indian Industry, Indian Service Sector, Indian Banking and Finance, and Indian Economic Planning
- Current Affairs: National and international current affairs
Kannada (Compulsory)
- Kannada Grammar
- Kannada Literature
- Kannada Culture
English (Compulsory)
- English Grammar
- English Vocabulary
- English Comprehension
Important Dates
Event | Date |
---|---|
Application Form Release Date | September 2023 |
End Date to apply | October 2023 |
Admit Card release date | November 2023 |
Exam Date | November 2023 |
Result Release Date | December 2023 |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: The first step to preparing for the KPSE exam is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. This will help you to identify the topics that you need to focus on. You can find the exam pattern and syllabus on the KPSC website.
- Create a study plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, you should create a study plan. This will help you to stay on track and to cover all of the required topics. Your study plan should be realistic and achievable.
- Gather study materials: There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you prepare for the KPSE exam. Gather study materials that are relevant to the topics that you need to cover. Some popular study materials include books, online courses, and practice questions.
- Solve practice questions: Solving practice questions is a great way to test your knowledge and to identify your weaknesses. There are many practice questions available online and in books. Try to solve as many practice questions as possible before the exam.
- Revise regularly: It is important to revise regularly to ensure that you retain the information that you have learned. Create a revision schedule and stick to it.
- Stay focused and motivated: Preparing for the KPSE exam is a long and challenging process. It is important to stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation. Take breaks when you need them, but don’t give up.
FEES
Category | Application Fee |
---|---|
General | INR 600 |
Reserved (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) | INR 300 |
Ex-Servicemen | INR 50 |
FAQ?
To be eligible for the KPSE exam, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Have completed their graduation from a recognized university.
- Fulfill the age limit requirements for the post they are applying for.
The KPSE exam pattern consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: This is a multiple-choice examination consisting of two papers: General Studies and Kannada (Compulsory).
- Main Examination: This is a written examination consisting of nine papers: General Studies, Kannada (Compulsory), English (Compulsory), and one optional subject.
- Personality Test (Interview): This is a final stage of the exam where candidates are assessed on their overall personality, communication skills, and knowledge of current affairs.
The following are some of the key topics covered in the KPSE exam syllabus:
- General Studies: This includes topics such as Indian history, geography, polity, economics, and current affairs.
- Kannada (Compulsory): This includes topics such as Kannada grammar, literature, and culture.
- English (Compulsory): This includes topics such as English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Optional Subject: Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of subjects such as Public Administration, History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science.