The KPSC KAS (Karnataka Administrative Service) Exam 2025 is one of the most prestigious state-level civil service exams in Karnataka. Conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), it recruits candidates for Group A & B posts like Assistant Commissioner, DSP, Tehsildar, and more .
If you’re aiming to crack this exam, understanding the KPSC KAS exam pattern is crucial. This guide breaks down the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages, along with key topics, marking schemes, and preparation tips all in a simple, engaging format.
KPSC KAS 2025 🏆
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Prelims Papers | 2 (General Studies) |
| Mains Papers | 7 (Descriptive) |
| Total Marks (Prelims) | 400 (200 per paper) |
| Total Marks (Mains) | 1250 |
| Interview Marks | 50 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 per wrong answer) |
| Official Website | kpsc.kar.nic.in |
KPSC KAS Exam Pattern 2025
1. KPSC KAS Prelims Exam Pattern 📋
The Prelims stage is an objective-type screening test with two papers:
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | Duration | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Studies (National/International) | 200 | 2 hrs | Current Affairs, Indian History, Polity, Economy |
| Paper 2 | General Studies (State-level + Science/Tech) | 200 | 2 hrs | Karnataka Schemes, Mental Ability, Environment |
🔹 Important Notes:
- Negative marking (0.25 per wrong answer) .
- Qualifying nature—only top candidates proceed to Mains.
2. KPSC KAS Mains Exam Pattern ✍️
The Mains exam has 7 descriptive papers, including 2 qualifying language papers (Kannada & English).
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Essay (Kannada/English) | 250 | 3 hrs | National/State issues |
| Paper 2 | General Studies 1 | 250 | 3 hrs | Karnataka History, Economy |
| Paper 3 | General Studies 2 | 250 | 3 hrs | Constitution, Public Administration |
| Paper 4 | General Studies 3 | 250 | 3 hrs | Science & Tech, Environment |
| Paper 5 | General Studies 4 | 250 | 3 hrs | Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude |
🔹 Key Facts:
- Kannada & English papers are qualifying (35% needed) .
- No optional papers (removed recently) .
KPSC KAS Syllabus 2025
📌 Prelims Syllabus
| Paper | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Current Affairs, Indian History (Karnataka focus), Geography, Polity, Economy |
| Paper 2 | Karnataka Govt Schemes, Science & Tech, Mental Ability (Class 10 level) |
📌 Mains Syllabus
| Paper | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| GS 1 | Karnataka’s cultural heritage, freedom movement, rural development |
| GS 2 | Indian Constitution, urban policies, international relations |
| GS 3 | Agriculture, biotechnology, environmental challenges |
| GS 4 | Ethics in governance, emotional intelligence, case studies |
Expert Tips to Crack KPSC KAS 2025 🚀
- Focus on Karnataka-specific topics (History, Schemes, Geography).
- Practice answer writing daily (Mains is descriptive).
- Solve previous years’ papers to understand trends .
- Revise current affairs (The Hindu, PIB, Yojana).
🔹 Real-Life Example:
“Rahul, a 2023 KAS topper, emphasized practicing 10 essays before Mains—helping him score 140+ in GS papers.”
Final Thoughts
The KPSC KAS 2025 exam demands smart preparation—balancing Prelims MCQs and Mains answer writing. Stick to the official syllabus, revise strategically, and you’ll ace it! 🎯