KPSC / KAS syllabus.

Preliminary Examination

Paper I - 200 marks, 100 questions, 2 hours

General Studies related to National & International importance

• Current events of national and international importance.

Humanities

• History of India - broad social, economic, cultural and political understanding, with focus on the Indian National Movement and special emphasis on Karnataka.
• World Geography and Geography of India, with focus on Karnataka.
• Indian Polity and Economy - political system, rural development, planning and economic reforms, sustainable development, poverty alleviation, demographics and social-sector initiatives.

Paper II - 200 marks, 100 questions, 2 hours

State Importance

• Current events of Karnataka importance.
• Important Karnataka Government programmes.

General Science, Technology, Environment & Ecology

• Contemporary developments in science and technology and their implications.
• Matters of everyday observation and experience expected from a well-educated person without specialised scientific study.
• General issues on health, environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change.

General Mental Ability

• Comprehension.
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
• Decision-making and problem-solving.
• Basic numeracy and data interpretation at SSLC / Class X level.

Main Examination

Kannada and English are qualifying papers. The 2023-24 Gazetted Probationers notification prescribes a minimum of 35% in each qualifying paper. The merit-bearing written papers total 1250 marks.

Essay - 250 marks

• Essay on a topic of national / international importance.
• Essay on a topic of state / local importance.

General Studies I

History & Cultural Heritage - India and Karnataka

• Cultural heritage of India and Karnataka.
• Modern History of India, including the freedom movement.
• Karnataka history - major dynasties and cultural developments, including Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara.
• Modern Mysore, Karnataka freedom movement and unification of Karnataka.

Social & Political Perspective

• Post-independence Karnataka.
• Social change and modernisation.
• Political system and government.
• Decentralisation of power.
• Socio-economic system, rural society and development.

Indian Economy, Planning & Rural Development

• Indian Economy and development patterns.
• Planning and planning goals.
• Decentralisation and rural-development initiatives.
• India and international economic relations.
• Data collection, analysis and interpretation.

General Studies II

Physical Features & Natural Resources

• Lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere.
• Continental physiography and demographic distribution.
• Indian physiography and natural resources.
• Physiographic divisions of Karnataka, industrial planning, urbanisation and land-use issues.

Indian Constitution & Polity

• Nature and overview of the Indian Constitution.
• Fundamental Rights and related constitutional provisions.
• Distribution of legislative powers.
• Union and State legislatures, important constitutional amendments and welfare machinery.
• Union and State services.

Public Administration, Management & International Relations

• Public and private administration; organisation structure.
• Organisational behaviour and management concepts, techniques and tools.
• Administrative reforms.
• United Nations and specialised agencies; international relations relevant to India and Karnataka.

General Studies III

Science & Technology

• Role and impact of science and technology in Indian development.
• Information technology in the public domain.
• Basics of science and technology, space, energy resources and emerging technologies.
• Science and technology for rural upliftment and knowledge society.

Life Sciences, Agriculture & Health

• Advances in natural sciences and life sciences.
• Agriculture, sericulture, horticulture and biotechnology initiatives.
• Animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries and veterinary sciences.
• Agricultural development policies, programmes and trade.
• Hygiene and health.

Environment & Ecology

• Environment conservation and natural resources.
• Biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Solid-waste management and pollution.
• Environmental challenges in development.
• Role of information technology in environment and human health; state-community-civil-society interface.

General Studies IV - Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

• Ethics - determinants, essence and consequences.
• Ethics in public administration.
• Accountability and ethical governance.
• Right to Information and concept of public service.
• Human values.
• Integrity, impartiality, objectivity and non-partisanship.
• Aptitude and foundational values for civil services.
• Emotional intelligence.
• Contributions of social and moral thinkers.
• Case studies based on ethical and administrative issues.

Personality Test

Qualified candidates are called for a personality test. The 2023-24 notification listed the Personality Test at 25 marks, with written merit papers carrying 1250 marks.