KPSC Group C Exam – Complete Guide
1. What is KPSC Group C Exam?
- Conducted by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
- Recruits candidates for clerical, assistant, inspector, supervisor, and departmental-level jobs in Karnataka State Government.
- Considered the largest recruitment category since Group C jobs are numerous and cover almost every department.
- Unlike Group A & B, Group C does not involve a KAS-style Prelims & Mains → mostly direct written exam + interview/document check.
2. Posts under KPSC Group C (Job List & Salary)
Common Group C Posts:
- Junior Engineer (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical)
- First Division Assistant (FDA)
- Second Division Assistant (SDA)
- Stenographer
- Accountant / Auditor
- Lab Technician
- Statistical Inspector
- Commercial Tax Inspector
- Cooperative Society Inspector
- Field Supervisor / Extension Officer
- Typist / Clerk
- Sub-Inspector (Excise)
Salary Range (Approx.)
|
Post Type |
Salary (Pay Band) |
|
Technical (e.g., JE, Lab Technician) |
₹33,450 – ₹62,600 |
|
Non-Technical (FDA, SDA, Clerks, Inspectors) |
₹21,400 – ₹42,000 |
|
Junior Level Assistants |
₹19,950 – ₹37,900 |
💰 In-hand Salary (Approx.): ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 depending on post.
📈 Promotions:
- FDA → Senior Assistant → Section Officer.
- SDA → FDA → Senior Assistant.
- Inspector → Senior Inspector → Superintendent.
- JE → AE → Executive Engineer (with departmental promotions).
3. Eligibility Criteria
(a) Nationality
- Must be an Indian citizen.
(b) Age Limit
- General: 18 – 35 years
- OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): Up to 38 years
- SC/ST/Cat-I: Up to 40 years
- PWD: Up to 45 years
(c) Educational Qualification
- Varies by post:
- SDA/FDA/Clerk/Typist: 10+2 / Bachelor’s Degree.
- Junior Engineer (JE): Diploma in relevant branch.
- Inspector/Accountant/Auditor: Bachelor’s Degree (Commerce/Arts/Science depending on post).
- Lab Technician: Diploma/Degree in Medical Lab Technology.
4. Selection Process
Unlike Group A/B, Group C has a simpler exam process.
Stages of Recruitment
- Written Exam (Objective/Descriptive depending on post).
- Skill Test (if applicable – e.g., Typing/Stenography).
- Interview/Document Verification.
👉 Final Merit is based on Written Exam + Interview (if applicable).
5. Exam Pattern (General Group C Posts – FDA/SDA, Inspectors, etc.)
|
Paper |
Subject |
Marks |
Duration |
Type |
|
Paper 1 |
General Knowledge (Karnataka + India) |
100 |
90 mins |
Objective |
|
Paper 2 |
General Kannada |
35 |
120 mins |
Descriptive |
|
Paper 2 |
General English |
35 |
Descriptive |
|
|
Paper 2 |
Computer Knowledge |
30 |
Objective |
|
|
Total |
— |
200 Marks |
— |
— |
6. Syllabus Overview
(a) General Knowledge
- Indian History & Karnataka History
- Geography (World, India, Karnataka)
- Constitution, Polity, Governance
- Indian & Karnataka Economy
- Science & Technology
- Environment & Ecology
- Current Affairs (National, International, Karnataka)
(b) Language Papers (Kannada & English)
- Essay Writing (Current/administrative issues)
- Precise Writing
- Translation (English ↔ Kannada)
- Grammar & Comprehension
(c) Computer Knowledge
- Basics of Computers & Internet
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Email, Networking
- Digital Karnataka (E-Governance Initiatives)
7. Application Process
- Visit kpsc.kar.nic.in.
- Register via One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Apply for Group C Notification.
- Pay fee online and upload documents.
Application Fees
- General: ₹600
- OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): ₹300
- SC/ST/Cat-I: ₹50
- Ex-Servicemen: ₹50
8. Books & Study Resources
- NCERT Books (6th–12th) for History, Geography, Polity, Science.
- Karnataka State Board Textbooks → essential for GK.
- General Kannada → KPSC Kannada Grammar Guides & Magme’s Guide
- General English → Wren & Martin (Grammar) + Essay practice & Magme’s Guide
- Computer Knowledge → Arihant / Lucent Computer Awareness & Magme’s Guide
- Current Affairs → The Hindu + Kannada daily (Prajavani/Vijaya Karnataka) & Magme’s 360
- Group C Previous Papers → must for practice.
9. Quick Facts Table
|
Category |
Details |
|
Exam Authority |
Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) |
|
Exam Level |
State-level recruitment (clerical + technical posts) |
|
Posts |
FDA, SDA, JE, Inspector, Clerk, Typist, Accountant, Steno |
|
Age Limit |
18–35 (Gen), with relaxations |
|
Qualification |
10+2 / Diploma / Degree (depending on post) |
|
Stages |
Written Exam + Skill Test (if any) + Document Verification |
|
Salary |
₹19,950 – ₹62,600 (in-hand ₹25k–₹50k) |
10. Preparation Strategy
Step 1 – Basics
- Read Karnataka State Board 6–12th books for History, Economy, Polity.
Step 2 – Subject Focus
- GK for FDA/SDA/Clerical posts.
- Technical subjects for JE/Inspector roles.
Step 3 – Language Mastery
- Daily practice of Kannada essay & grammar.
- English comprehension & essay writing.
Step 4 – Computer Skills
- Practice MS Office & E-Governance basics.
Step 5 – Revision & Tests
- Solve last 10 years KPSC Group C PYQs.
- Take mock tests for speed & accuracy.
11. Why Choose KPSC Group C?
- Mass recruitment → Higher chances compared to Group A & B.
- Good starting salary (₹25k–₹50k).
- Job security + promotions to higher posts (FDA → Section Officer, JE → AE).
- Diverse job roles across Karnataka Government.
- Stepping stone → Many use Group C as entry-level and later prepare for Group A/B/KAS.
✅ In short:
- Posts → FDA, SDA, JE, Inspectors, Clerks, Accountants, Typists.
- Salary → ₹25k–₹50k (in-hand).
- Stages → Written Exam (200) + Skill Test/Interview.
- Best Prep → Karnataka Board Books + GK + Kannada + Computer Skills.
