Table of Contents
The Karnataka Public Service Commission, also known as KPSC, is the recruitment board for the state of Karnataka. It was established five years after Indian Independence, i.e., on 18th May 1951. The Commission consists of about 16 chairmen and 64 members. The present chairman of this commission is Mr Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, the Secretary is Mr Suralkar Vikas Kishor, and the controller of this examination is Ms Nalini Atul.
There are about seven members of the commission who are solely responsible for the recruitment process. The headquarters is located in UDYOG Souda, Ambedkar Veedhi in the capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru. This board recruits candidates by conducting various examinations and interviews for various services.
| Organization | Karnataka Public Service Commission |
| Post Name | Posts – Group A, B, C & D |
| Vacancy | To Be Announced |
| Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Recruitment Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Education Qualification | Must have a degree from a recognized University |
| Age Limit | 21 – 38 years |
| Salary | INR 14550 – INR 97100 |
| Official website | Click here |
The important events and their dates are announced by the Karnataka Public Service Commission on their website. Candidates should check the latest updates on a regular basis by visiting the KPSC official website for more official information.
| Important events | Date |
| KPSC Group C Notification 2025 | To Be Announced |
| Registration Start | To Be Announced |
| Registration Ends | To Be Announced |
| Admit card | To Be Announced |
| Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| KPSC Result | To Be Announced |
| KPSC Score Card | To Be Announced |
Candidates should regularly check notifications and news updates for any changes or delays in important dates, such as admit card distribution, exam date revisions, or crucial instructions. This includes updates on required documents and any postponements or preponements, ensuring they stay informed about key events.
The KPSC exam is one of the top government exams in the state of Karnataka. Each candidate applying for the KPSC exam 2025 must fulfill all the criteria to take the examination. Hence, candidates must check the eligibility criteria for educational qualifications, nationality, and age limit.
Age limit plays a huge role in selecting candidates for any competitive examination. This age limit is similar across different job roles. However, the age limit differs according to social categories. The minimum age limit to appear for the exam is 21 years. Any candidate under 21 years old is not eligible to apply for the KPSC recruitment exam.
| Category | Age Limit | Relaxation |
| General Category | 38 years | No relaxation |
| OBC | 38 years | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 43 years | 5 years |
| Physically Handicapped/ Widows | 45 years | 10 years |
| CAT-1 | 43 years | 5 years |
| 2A | 41 years | 3 years |
| 2B | 41 years | 3 years |
| 3A | 41 years | 3 years |
| 3B | 41 years | 3 years |
| Ex-serviceman MP | NA | Number of years in service |
Candidates belonging to different categories can benefit from age relaxation. They need to generate category proof as and when asked.
Educational qualifications differ as per the posts. However, possessing a graduate degree is mandatory for every candidate from any recognized or deemed university. The following are the details of the eligibility criteria:
| Name of Position | Educational Qualification |
| Industrial Extension Officer | Degree in Science, Commerce or Business Administration |
| Librarian | Degree in Library Science |
| Junior Engineer | Diploma in Civil/ (Public Health Engineering) |
| Water Suppliers | Must have passed SSLC or its equivalent examination |
| Subsidiary Water Supplier | Must have passed SSLC or its equivalent examination |
| Junior Health Inspector | Must have passed SSLC or its equivalent examination |
| Assistant Librarian | Must have passed SSLC or its equivalent examination |
Aspirants should take note that the eligibility criteria for every post are similar but not the same. They should check the detailed criteria before applying for a particular post.
Among all these qualifications, nationality is another important aspect of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) examinations.
Every year KPSC recruits candidates for multiple posts. Candidates willing to appear for any of the examinations must keep checking the KPSC notifications. They must fill out the online exam application forms that will be available on the official website.
Candidates can apply for any position in the KPSC examination online using the official website. All candidates must check the eligibility criteria before applying for the KPSC recruitment exam 2025. The application fee for the KPSC exam differs according to social categories as mentioned below:
| Category | KPSC Application Fees |
| Generak Category | INR 600/- |
| Reserved | INR 300/- |
| Ex-servicemen | INR 50/- |
| SC/ST/Cat-1/PWD | Nil |
Candidates can pay the application fee for the exam online using a Debit/Credit Card, net banking, UPI, or other online payment methods. Candidates should pay the fees on time to avoid rejection of the application.
The application process for KPSC recruitment 2025 has started. Candidates must be aware of the correct application process so that they do not make any mistakes while filling out the form. Here are the steps that can be followed to apply for the exam.
Applicants must also take a print of the KPSC Application form for future use. Candidates applying for this exam have a specified number of attempts to qualify for the KPSC exam. However, relaxations for the number of attempts differ as per their categories.
| Category | Number of attempts |
| General Category | 5 Attempts |
| SC/ ST/ CAT-1 | No limit |
| OBC | 7 attempts |
An admit card or hall ticket is an essential document that identifies the candidate appearing for the KPSC exam. Candidates appearing for the exam must carry along with them an admit card and any one of the photo identity documents such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, Voter’s card, or Passport. Candidates without admit cards are not allowed to enter the exam centre.
The hall ticket for KPSC Recruitment 2025 will be released a few days or a month before the examination. All applicants who will apply for the exam are required to visit the official KPSC website to download their Admit Card. Candidates appearing for the exam should verify the details printed on their admit card. once verified, candidates can download their admit card by clicking on the download link and take a printout of the admit card to be carried along with them to the exam center. Candidates can follow a few basic steps to download the admit card.
As per the exam authorities, an admit card is a document compulsory to be carried to the exam centre. Candidates should preserve their admit cards safely till the entire selection process is completed. KPSC exam authorities will not be responsible for candidates losing their admit card.
Candidates should ensure that the information on their admit card is correct and has no errors or mistakes. The admit card for the exam contains the following information:
The list of exam centres is released on their official website. Candidates must pick the exam centres correctly. Exam centres can be chosen based on the distance of the exam venue from the residence.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | To Be Notified |
| Exam Date | To Be Notified |
| Common Exam Centers | – Bengaluru – Mysuru – Mangaluru – Hubballi – Dharwad – Belagavi – Tumakuru – Hassan – Shivamogga – Bidar |
| Total Vacancies | Various |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, and Interview |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduate, age 21 to 38 years |
| Languages Required | Proficiency in English and Kannada |
| Official Website | KPSC Official Site |
This table summarizes the key aspects of the Karnataka PSC Exam for 2025, including the exam date, shift timings, and other important details related to the exam process.
KPSC exam pattern explains the complete flow of the exam. The selection process takes place in three stages:
The first stage of the examination is the preliminary exam. Candidates who pass the preliminary exam are eligible to take the main exam. As per KPSC 2020 notifications, two optional papers were removed from a total of 9 (nine) papers, hence there is a total of 7 (seven) papers in the Mains exam. The selection of candidates is based on the marks scored in the mains and personality tests.
| Papers | Topics | Marks | Duration |
| Paper I- (100 MCQs of 2 marks each) | General Studies | 40 | 2 hours |
| Humanities | 60 | ||
| Paper-II- (100 MCQs of 2 marks each) | General Studies | 40 | 2 hours |
| Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology | 30 | ||
| General Mental Ability | 30 |
Note:
For each incorrect answer, a penalty of 0.25 points is applied as part of the negative marking system.
The Mains Examination is the second phase The candidates who qualify in the KPSC prelims exam become eligible to appear for the KPSC Mains exam.
After passing the Mains exam with the required certification mark, candidates are invited to a personal interview.
The personal interview is the final stage of the hiring procedure. Candidates who pass both the preliminary and the main examinations show up for the interview.
Candidates appearing for the KPSC 2025 exam should be aware of the KPSC exam pattern in order to prepare well and qualify for the exam with high ranks.
| Paper | Subject | Total marks | Duration (minutes) |
| Paper 1 | General Knowlege (GK) | 100 | 90 |
| Paper 2 | General kannada General English Computer awareness | 35 35 30 | 120 |
The Karnataka Public Service Commission releases the KPSC syllabus as per the exam conducted by the department. KPSC conducts service examinations twice every year in three stages for recruiting aspirants for posts including First Division Assistant, Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Assistant Director, and other administrative posts across government offices in the state of Karnataka.
It is essential to prepare for all the subjects and topics covered in the syllabus from various recommended resources and answer all the questions correctly within the specified duration.
| Paper I | Paper II |
| Indian History – Indian National Movement and History of Karnataka | Current affairs and events related to the state of Karnataka |
| Geography of Karnataka, India, and World geography | Important schemes related to the Karnataka state government |
| Geography of Karnataka, India and World geography | Broad understanding of topics from general science and technology |
| Polity and Indian Economy – The political system of India and economic reforms | Ecology and environment – climate change, Biodiversity, Ecology and Health |
| General mental ability for basic numeracy, data interpretation, charts, tables, graphs, comprehension, and logical reasoning. |
| Subject | Syllabus |
| Paper 1 – Kannada Language | Basics of Kannada Language |
| Paper 2 – English Language | Role and impact of science & technology in Indian development, Use and spread of Information Technology in public domain Basics of Science, Technology, Space Tech, and Energy Resources Disasters, Pollution, and Pests Knowledge society, related perception, rural upliftment with science and technology Advancement and modern trends in Natural Sciences, Life sciences, and agricultural sciences Horticulture, Sericulture, initiative of biotechnology Animal Husbandry (dairy, fishery, and veterinary sciences) Development policies, hygiene & health challenges and issues to maintain environment & ecology Environment Conservation, National resources, biodiversity & ecosystem Solid Waste Management, Importance of state community civil society interface. Role of Information Technology for the environment and human health. |
| Paper 3 – Essay | Essay 1 – Topic of National/International Issues Essay 2 – Topic of State/Local Issues |
| Paper 4 – General Studies I | History and Cultural Heritage of India & Karnataka Modern history of India Vijaynagar Empire Modern Mysore Karnataka freedom movement Political and social perspectives Post-independence Karnataka Social change & modernization Political system & government Socio-economic system Rural social system and development Planning, Indian economy, rural development Data collection, analysis & interpretation Indian economy, development patterns, decentralization Planning and goals, rural development initiatives |
| Paper 5 – General Studies II | Physical features and natural resources Lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere Continental physiography & demographic distribution Indian physiography, industrial planning & development Physiographic divisions of Karnataka Urban land-use policy and urbanization of Karnataka Overview & nature of Indian constitution Fundamental rights, distribution of legislative powers Welfare machinery in India Union and state services Public administrative management, Organizational structure, behaviour & concepts of management Informal and formal organization Administrative reforms, management techniques and tools UN and specialized agencies |
| Paper 6 – General Studies III | Role and impact of science & technology in Indian development, Use and spread of Information Technology in public domain Basics of Science, Technology, Space Tech, and Energy Resources Disasters, Pollution, and Pests Knowledge society, related perception, rural upliftment with science and technology Advancement and modern trends in Natural Sciences, Life sciences, and agricultural sciences Horticulture, Sericulture, initiative of biotechnology Animal Husbandry (dairy, fishery, and veterinary sciences) Development policies, hygiene & health challenges and issues to maintain environment & ecology Environment Conservation, National resources, biodiversity & ecosystem Solid Waste Management, Importance of state community civil society interface. Role of Information Technology for environment and human health. |
| Paper 7 – General Studies IV | Ethics, Determinants, Essence, and Consequences Ethics in public administration Accountability and ethical governance RTI and Concept of public service Human values, Integrity, and Aptitude Impartiality, Integrity, objectivity, and non-partisanship Aptitude and foundational values for civil services Emotional intelligence and contribution of social thinkers Case studies of the above issues |
The results of the KPSC preliminary, mains, and interview tests conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission are declared on the KPSC official website. Candidates can enter their registration number and access their results for the exam they appeared for. The successfully passing candidate will receive the certificate under the signature of the Secretary and Controller of the Departmental Examination.
The Karnataka Public Service Commission declares the results of the exam within 30 days from the date of the examination. Candidates who have appeared for the exam can check their results by visiting KPSC’s official website and entering their registration number. The names of qualified candidates will be published in the Karnataka Gazette.
There will be no separate mark sheet apart from the result declared on the official website. The candidates who appeared for the KPSC preliminary, mains, or interview tests can check their results by visiting the KPSC official website, and by taking the following steps.
Cutoff marks are the minimum marks required for candidates to score to qualify for a respective exam. The cutoff marks are decided based on the total number of candidates appearing for the exam and the individual test results scored over the past few years. The cutoff marks are the basis of a qualified candidate’s eligibility to appear in the next round of exams. KPSC declares cutoff marks on its official website every year for each exam. Candidates scoring more than the cutoff marks qualify to appear in the next stage of the KPSC exam.
The cutoff marks depend on various factors and vary from subject to subject, the position applied for, and the candidate’s category. It also depends on the total number of vacancies available for the year 2025, the total number of candidates appearing in the exam, and the level of difficulty of the exam.
As mentioned, the cutoff marks vary as per the category mentioned in the tabular format listed below.
| KPSC Expected Cut off 2025 | |
| Category | KPSC Cut-off marks |
| General | 185 – 195 |
| 3A / 3B | 175 – 185 |
| 2A / Category 1 | 170 – 180 |
| SC / ST | 160 – 170 |
| 2B | 170 – 180 |
Steps to check cut-off marks of any KPSC exam – preliminary, mains, interview test are pointed out below:
The Karnataka Public Service Commission releases notifications regarding vacancies, syllabus, exam dates, application dates, along salaries for every post. The salary structure depends on the type of post the candidate is applying for. The salary structure of the employees increases as per yearly increments. The KPSC Posts list and salary are provided below.
| KPSC Post | Salary |
| Industrial Extension Officer | Rs 33,450 to Rs 62,600 |
| Librarian | Rs 37,900 to Rs 70,850 |
| Junior Engineer | Rs 33,450 to Rs 62,600 |
| Water Suppliers | Rs 27,650 to Rs 52,650 |
| Subsidiary Water Supplier | Rs 21,400 to Rs 42,000 |
| Junior Health Inspector | Rs 23,500 to Rs 47,650 |
| Assistant Librarian | Rs 30,350 to Rs 58,250 |
Along with the monthly salary, KPSC officers are also entitled to get additional perks for KPSC Posts – Retirement Holidays, Paid Holidays, Health Insurance, Maternity & Paternity Leaves, Professional Development, and many more.
Aspirants preparing for the KPSC exam should have a plan of how to prepare for the exam, what reference materials should be referred from the recommended resources, the syllabus and the topics covered. Here are a few tips for candidates to prepare and qualify for the exam to be recruited by government offices.
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is vital for recruiting candidates for state government positions. The selection process includes a Preliminary exam, Main exam, and interview, aimed at evaluating candidates comprehensively. Eligible candidates must be graduates aged 21 to 35 years, with proficiency in English and Kannada. A total of 384 vacancies are available, including roles like Tehsildar and Assistant Director. The exam will be held across various centres in key cities, ensuring accessibility for all candidates.
Ans. Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university. The age limit varies by category, generally between 21 to 38 years (with relaxations for reserved categories).
Ans. No, the exam can’t be given straight after completing the 12th. Every candidate appearing for the exam must have completed at least 3 years of graduation from a recognized university or College. Also, the minimum age limit to appear for KPSC is 21 years.
Ans. After successfully qualifying the KPSC Preliminary and Mains examinations, candidates are required to appear for the interview (viva-voce) stage.
The interview panel will comprise KPSC members and subject matter experts.
Selection will be based on the average marks awarded by the panelists.
The interview process will follow a 1:3 ratio, meaning three candidates will be interviewed for every one available post.
Each candidate’s interview will typically last between 25 to 30 minutes.
Ans. The KPSC exam is a civil services exam conducted by the Karnataka government to recruit officials for the vacancies in Groups A, B (Gazetted Prohibitions) C, and D positions. KPSC conducts exams for around 500 posts every year.
Ans. Candidates can go to KPSC’s official website and download their admit card by entering their registration number and date of birth. KPSC will announce the notification for the activation date for the download link for the admit card. The KPSC preliminary exam admit card for the year 2025 will be available for download in August 2025. Candidates should download the admit card within the given time frame.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
