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The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has announced the KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026, inviting online applications for 319 Gazetted Probationers (Group A & B) posts. Graduates aspiring for a prestigious career in Karnataka's state administration can apply through the official KPSC portal by 31 August 2026.
KPSC KAS 2026: Gazetted Probationers Recruitment
ProJobAlert.com | |
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| KPSC KAS Gazetted Probationers Recruitment 2026 Advertisement No.:- KPSCKA/EXA1/EXMF/9/2026-EXAM-1/I/251710/2026 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) |
| Post Name | Gazetted Probationers (Group A & Group B) |
| Total Vacancies | 319 |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Start Date to Apply | 1 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's Degree |
| Age Limit | 21 to 45 Years (as per category) |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Interview |
| Salary | ₹43,100 – ₹83,900 (Approx.) |
| Application Fees |
General Category: Rs. 600/- OBC (2A, 2B, 3A & 3B): Rs. 300/- Ex-Servicemen: Rs. 50/- SC, ST, Category-1 & PwBD: Exempted |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Syllabus & PYQs PDF | View Syllabus |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | kpsc.kar.nic.in |
| 👉 Apply Online Now | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 31 July 2026
- Application Start: 1 August 2026
- Last Date : 31 August 2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 15 November 2026 (Tentative)
- Main Exam Date: To be Notified
- Interview Date: To be Notified
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 40 Years (General Merit)
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Category 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B): 43 Years
- SC, ST & Category-1: 45 Years
- One-time 5-year age relaxation for all categories as per Govt. Order.
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
Candidates must pay the application fee online as per their category. Fees are non-refundable.
- General Category: Rs. 600/-
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B: Rs. 300/-
- Ex-Servicemen: Rs. 50/-
- SC, ST, Category-1 and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Exempted
Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or institution. Candidates from any academic discipline are eligible to apply for the KPSC KAS Examination 2026.
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor's Degree from a University established by Law in India or an equivalent qualification.
- Final Year Students: Candidates who have appeared for the final year examination, but whose results have not been declared, are also eligible to apply for the Preliminary Examination.
- Internship Completion: Medical graduates who have passed their final professional year but not completed their internship can also apply provisionally, provided they submit proof of passing the final medical examination.
Full Eligibility
To be eligible for KPSC KAS 2026, candidates must meet specific criteria including citizenship, marital status, physical fitness, and educational qualifications as prescribed by the Commission.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a citizen of India. |
| Marital Status | Male candidates having more than one living wife and female candidates married to a person already having a living wife are not eligible, unless exempted by the Government. |
| Physical Fitness | Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to perform the duties of the post without any health issues that might hinder performance. |
| Disqualification | Candidates dismissed from service by any State or Central Public Service Commission or any Government recruitment body are not eligible. |
Physical Test Criteria
Specific physical standards are mandated for certain posts within the KPSC KAS recruitment, ensuring candidates possess the necessary physical attributes for their roles.
| Post Name | Gender | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka State Police (Group A) | Male | 165 | 84 (Expanded: 5 cm) | Not Applicable |
| Female | 157 | Not Applicable | 46 | |
| Karnataka Prisons Department (Group B) | Male | 168 | 86 (Expanded: 5 cm) | Not Applicable |
| Female | 157 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | |
| Deputy Superintendent of Excise (Group B) | Male | 163 | 81 (Expanded: 5 cm) | Not Applicable |
| Female | 157 | Not Applicable | 49 |
Salary
While the KPSC KAS 2026 notification does not explicitly detail post-wise salaries, it references a pay scale of ₹43,100 – ₹83,900 for Class-II officers, which can serve as an approximate range.
| Post Group | Pay Scale (Approximate) | Grade Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Group A & Group B Gazetted Probationers | ₹43,100 – ₹83,900 | As per State Government Rules |
- The mentioned pay scale is indicative and based on a reference in the official notification for reservation and income verification purposes.
- The exact salary and allowances will be as per the official appointment order issued by the Karnataka Government.
- KAS officers are entitled to various allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits.
Selection Process
The KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026 involves a rigorous three-stage selection process: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Candidates must qualify at each stage to proceed further.
- Preliminary Examination: This is an objective-type screening test designed to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. It is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not counted for final merit.
- Main Examination: Consists of descriptive papers. Candidates are evaluated based on their performance in these papers, which determine their eligibility for the interview.
- Personality Test (Interview): Candidates shortlisted from the Main Examination appear for a Personality Test to assess their overall suitability for administrative roles.
Exam Pattern
The KPSC KAS examination comprises a Preliminary Exam (objective) and a Main Exam (descriptive), followed by a Personality Test. Both stages have specific structures and marking schemes.
Phase I: Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers (multiple choice) for a total of 400 marks. It is a screening test, and marks are not considered for final merit.
| Paper | Subject Area | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies (National & International Importance) | 40 | 80 | 2 Hours |
| Humanities (History of India, Karnataka focus) | 60 | 120 | ||
| Total Paper-I | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | |
| Paper-II | General Studies (State Importance) | 40 | 80 | 2 Hours |
| General Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology | 30 | 60 | ||
| General Mental Ability | 30 | 60 | ||
| Total Paper-II | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | |
| Grand Total (Prelims) | 200 | 400 | 4 Hours |
- Language: Question papers are set in both Kannada and English.
- Standard: General Mental Ability questions are of SSLC/10th standard, while other papers are of Degree level.
- Negative Marking: One-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer. If more than one answer is given, it will be treated as wrong. No penalty for unanswered questions.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for the Main Exam in a 1:15 ratio of vacancies.
Phase II: Main Exam Pattern
The Main Examination is descriptive and consists of qualifying papers and compulsory papers. Marks from compulsory papers and the Personality Test are considered for final merit.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Papers (Minimum 35% marks required in each) | |||
| Kannada | Kannada Language | 150 | 2 Hours |
| English | English Language | 150 | 2 Hours |
| Compulsory Papers (Marks counted for merit) | |||
| Paper-1 | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-2 | General Studies - 1 | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-3 | General Studies - 2 | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-4 | General Studies - 3 | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-5 | General Studies - 4 | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks for Written Examination | 1250 | ||
| Personality Test (Interview) | 25 | ||
| Grand Total (Main Exam + Interview) | 1275 | ||
- Qualifying Papers: Marks obtained in Kannada and English papers are qualifying in nature. A minimum of 35% (52.5 marks) in each is mandatory. These marks are NOT considered for final merit.
- Compulsory Papers: All five General Studies papers are compulsory, and their marks are counted towards the final merit list.
- Language: Question papers are set in both Kannada and English. Candidates can answer papers (except qualifying papers) entirely in Kannada or English.
- Standard: The standard of the Main Examination (except qualifying papers) is Degree level. Qualifying Kannada and English papers are of SSLC level.
- Personality Test: Candidates are called for the Personality Test in a 1:3 ratio of vacancies based on Main Exam performance. It assesses personal qualities, mental aptitude, and suitability for public service.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
The KPSC KAS 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill 319 Gazetted Probationer vacancies across various Group A and Group B services. These vacancies are distributed under Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) categories, with further breakdown by reservation categories.
Group 'A' Posts Vacancy Details
| Post Name & Department | RPC Vacancies | HK Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Commissioner (Junior Scale), DPAR | 36 | 3 | 39 |
| Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Commercial Taxes Dept | 50 | – | 50 |
| Assistant Director, Treasuries Department | 2 | – | 2 |
| Executive Officer / Assistant Secretary, RDPR | 13 | 2 | 15 |
| Assistant Director Grade-I, Social Welfare Department | 11 | – | 11 |
| Total Group 'A' Vacancies | 112 | 5 | 117 |
Group 'B' Posts Vacancy Details
| Post Name & Department | RPC Vacancies | HK Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahsildar (Grade-2), Revenue Dept | 18 | 7 | 25 |
| Commercial Tax Officer, Commercial Taxes Dept | 74 | – | 74 |
| Assistant Superintendent, Prisons Dept | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Co-operation Dept | 19 | 2 | 21 |
| Assistant Director, Agricultural Marketing (Co-operation Dept) | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Excise Dept | 5 | – | 5 |
| Employment Officer, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood Dept | 3 | – | 3 |
| Chief Officer (Grade-1), Urban Development Dept | 18 | 2 | 20 |
| Assistant Treasury Officer, Finance Dept (Treasuries) | 12 | – | 12 |
| Assistant Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Dept | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Section Officer, Karnataka Government Secretariat | 5 | – | 5 |
| Section Officer, Karnataka Public Service Commission | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Assistant Director Grade-2, Social Welfare Dept | 11 | – | 11 |
| Total Group 'B' Vacancies | 185 | 17 | 202 |
Overall Vacancy Summary
| Post Group | RPC Vacancies | HK Vacancies | Grand Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 'A' | 112 | 5 | 117 |
| Group 'B' | 185 | 17 | 202 |
| Overall Total | 297 | 22 | 319 |
Job Profile & Responsibility
Gazetted Probationers in the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) hold significant roles in state governance. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of administrative, executive, and developmental functions, contributing to policy implementation and public welfare.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Administrative Duties | Managing government departments, ensuring smooth functioning, and implementing state policies. |
| Executive Functions | Enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and overseeing various government schemes. |
| Developmental Roles | Initiating and monitoring development projects, especially in rural and urban areas. |
| Revenue Collection | For posts like Tahsildar and Commercial Tax Officer, duties include revenue assessment and collection. |
| Public Grievance Redressal | Addressing citizen complaints and ensuring efficient public service delivery. |
| Policy Implementation | Translating government policies into actionable plans and ensuring their effective execution at the ground level. |
- Assistant Commissioner: Oversees revenue administration and general law and order in a sub-division.
- Tahsildar: Manages land records, revenue collection, and various administrative tasks at the taluk level.
- Executive Officer: Responsible for rural development and Panchayat Raj administration.
- Commercial Tax Officer: Deals with commercial tax assessment and collection.
- Assistant Superintendent (Prisons): Manages prison administration and inmate welfare.
How To Apply
Candidates interested in the KPSC KAS 2026 recruitment must submit their applications online through the official KPSC website. Ensure all details are accurate and documents are uploaded correctly before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
- Step 1: Visit Official Website: Go to the official KPSC website: kpsc.kar.nic.in.
- Step 2: One-Time Registration (OTR): If not already registered, complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process on kpsconline.karnataka.gov.in.
- Step 3: Login: Log in using your generated credentials (Enrollment Number/Mobile Number/E-mail ID and OTP).
- Step 4: Fill Application Form: Access the KPSC KAS 2026 application form and fill in all required personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
- Step 5: Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, educational certificates, identity proof, and relevant category/PwBD certificates (if applicable). Ensure documents meet specified size and format.
- Step 6: Pay Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee online using available payment modes (Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI).
- Step 7: Review and Submit: Carefully review all entered details to avoid errors. Once satisfied, submit the application form.
- Step 8: Print Confirmation: Download and print the confirmation page for your records and future reference.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | kpsc.kar.nic.in |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Karnataka Jobs | Click Here |
| State Civil Services Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What are the total vacancies for KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 319 vacancies for Gazetted Probationers (Group A & B) posts under the KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026.
What is the last date to apply for KPSC KAS 2026?
The last date to submit online applications for KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026 is 31 August 2026.
What is the eligibility criteria for KPSC KAS Gazetted Probationers?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university. The minimum age is 21 years, with upper age limits varying by category (e.g., 40 for General Merit, 45 for SC/ST/Cat-1).
What is the selection process for KPSC KAS 2026?
The selection process includes a Preliminary Examination (objective), a Main Examination (descriptive), and a Personality Test (Interview).
Is there negative marking in the KPSC KAS Preliminary Exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the KPSC KAS Preliminary Examination.
What is the application fee for KPSC KAS 2026?
The application fee is Rs. 600 for General Category, Rs. 300 for OBC, and Rs. 50 for Ex-Servicemen. SC, ST, Category-1, and PwBD candidates are exempted from fees.
Where can I find the KPSC KAS syllabus?
The detailed syllabus for the KPSC KAS examination is available on the official KPSC website under the "Syllabus" section.
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