KAS Exam – Complete Guide (Karnataka Administrative Service)

1. What is KAS Exam?

• KAS (Karnataka Administrative Service) exam is conducted by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
• It recruits candidates for Group A & Group B gazetted posts in the Karnataka State Government.
• Known as the state-level equivalent of UPSC Civil Services Exam.
• Exam stages: Prelims → Mains → Personality Test (Interview).

2. Posts under KAS (Job List & Salary)

(a) Group A (Gazetted)

• Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
• Assistant Commissioner (Revenue)
• Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes)
• Deputy Director (Food & Civil Supplies)
• Employment Officer
• District Backward Classes Welfare Officer
• District Treasury Officer
• Assistant Director (various departments)

(b) Group B (Gazetted & Non-Gazetted)

• Tahsildar
• Commercial Tax Officer
• Assistant Superintendent (Labour Dept.)
• Probationary Accounts Officer
• Deputy Superintendent of Excise
• Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies
• Child Development Project Officer

Salary Range (Approx.)

💰 In-hand salary (approx.):

• Group A: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000
• Group B: ₹45,000 – ₹75,000

📈 Promotions:

• Tahsildar → Assistant Commissioner → Deputy Commissioner.
• DSP → SP → DIG → IG → ADGP.

3. Eligibility Criteria

(a) Nationality

• Must be an Indian citizen.

(b) Age Limit (as per latest notifications)

• General: 21 – 35 years
• OBC: Up to 38 years
• SC/ST/Cat-I: Up to 40 years
• Physically Disabled: Up to 45 years

(c) Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

(d) Number of Attempts

• General: 5
• OBC: 7
• SC/ST: Unlimited (till age limit).

4. Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam (Objective)
   • Paper I: General Studies (100 Qs, 200 Marks)
   • Paper II: General Studies + Aptitude (100 Qs, 200 Marks)
   • Duration: 2 hours each
2. Mains Exam (Descriptive)
   • Paper I: Kannada (Qualifying, 150 Marks)
   • Paper II: English (Qualifying, 150 Marks)
   • Paper III: Essay (250 Marks)
   • Paper IV–VII: General Studies I–IV (250 each)
   • Paper VIII–IX: Optional Subject (250 each)
   • Total (Mains): 1750 Marks
3. Interview (Personality Test)
   • 200 Marks

👉 Final Merit = Mains (1750) + Interview (200) = 1950 Marks

5. Exam Pattern Summary

6. Syllabus Highlights

(a) Prelims

• History of India & Karnataka
• Indian Polity & Constitution
• Economy of India & Karnataka
• General Science & Technology
• Current Affairs (State, National, International)
• Environment & Ecology
• Mental Ability & Aptitude

(b) Mains

• Essay Writing (social, political, economic topics)
• General Studies I: History & Geography of India & Karnataka
• General Studies II: Constitution, Polity, International Relations
• General Studies III: Economy, Planning, Agriculture, Science & Tech
• General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, Public Administration
• Optional Subject (2 papers): Candidate’s choice (like UPSC).

7. Application Process

1. Visit kpsc.kar.nic.in.
2. Register with valid details.
3. Fill online application & upload documents.
4. Pay application fee (Online/Challan).

Application Fee (Approx.)

• General: ₹600
• OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): ₹300
• SC/ST/Cat-I: ₹50

8. Best Books & Resources

• NCERT (6–12th) for basics
• State Board (Karnataka History, Geography, Polity)
• Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth & Magme’s Guide
• Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh & Magme’s Guide
• History of Karnataka – R. R. Diwakar / KPSC Notes & Magme’s Guide
• Ethics – Subba Rao / Lexicon & Magme’s Guide
• Current Affairs – The Hindu, Prajavani, Indian Express, Yojana, PIB
• KAS Guides – Karnataka GK & Magme’s 360

9. Summary Table

10. Quick Reference (6Ws + How Much)

• What → Karnataka State Civil Services Exam.
• Whom → Graduates (Any Stream).
• When → Notification every 2–3 years.
• Where → Apply at kpsc.kar.nic.in.
• Why → Prestigious gazetted officer posts.
• Which → Group A & B jobs (AC, DSP, Tahsildar, etc.).
• How → Prelims + Mains + Interview.
• How Much → Salary ₹45,000 – ₹1,00,000.

11. Preparation Strategy

Step 1 – Foundation

• Read NCERT + Karnataka State Board books.
• Make short notes for History, Polity, Economy, Geography.

Step 2 – Current Affairs

• Daily newspapers (The Hindu + Kannada paper like Prajavani).
• Monthly magazines (Yojana, Kurukshetra, Spardha Spoorthi).

Step 3 – Practice

• Prelims → Mock tests, PYQs.
• Mains → Answer writing practice, structured essays.

Step 4 – Optional Subject

• Choose wisely (based on graduation background & interest).

Step 5 – Interview

• Focus on personality, confidence, state-related issues.

12. Why Choose KAS?

• Prestige → Top administrative posts in Karnataka.
• Power & Responsibility → Policy implementation & public service.
• Career Growth → Promotions up to IAS cadre (via UPSC).
• Salary & Benefits → ₹45,000–₹1,00,000 + DA, HRA, pension.
• Job Security → Permanent government service.

✅ In short:

• Posts → Group A & B (AC, DSP, Tahsildar, CTO, etc.).
• Salary → ₹45,000 – ₹1,00,000.
• Selection → Prelims + Mains + Interview.
• Best Prep → NCERT + Karnataka State Board + Current Affairs.