Transform IAS Academy

Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS)

KAS Examination Pattern Conducted By KPSC

Preliminary Examination: Stage 1

  • The Preliminary examination consists of two papers: Papers I & II.
  • Objective-type questions.
  • The marks obtained in this examination are not counted in merit, the same is only qualifying in nature.
  • The duration of each of these papers is 2 hours.
  • Negative marking exists wherein; (0.25 marks penalty for every incorrect answer)

Mains Examination: Stage 2

  • Only descriptive-type questions will be asked in KAS main exam.
  • The Mains exam consists of 9 papers.
  • There will be no negative marking.
  • The minimum qualifying mark in Kannada and English papers is 35%.
  • The maximum number of marks that can be obtained is 1750.

Interview ( Personality ): Stage 3

  • The candidates who score above the cut-off in the KAS Mains will be shortlisted for the KPSC board interview. Here are a few points to note:
  • Usually, the ratio of the number of vacancies in that year, and candidates called for an interview is 1:3. Reportedly, it has been increased to 1:5
  • The KPSC Chairman constitutes the Personality test board.
  • The maximum marks for the interview are 200
  • The number of candidates to be summoned for interviews will be about twice the number of vacancies to be filled.
  • The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of his career. He will be asked questions on matters of general interest.
  • The panel members will not be told the candidate’s marks in the Mains stage.
  • The KAS interview tests the mental caliber, societal awareness, balance of judgment, and leadership abilities.
  • The four-panel members will give marks individually, and then the average of those marks will constitute the candidate’s marks in the interview.
  • The KPSC KAS result or the merit list is the sum of marks in the Mains and the Interview.