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.