The KAS (Gazetted Probationers) exam has three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination

2. Main Examination

3. Personality Test / Interview

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination Syllabus

The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers — both compulsory.

Paper 1 – General Studies (Compulsory)

(200 Marks – 2 Hours)

Topics:

1. Current Affairs

   • National & International importance

   • State (Karnataka) current events

2. Humanities

   • History of India and Karnataka

   • Indian National Movement

   • Indian and World Geography

   • Indian Polity and Constitution

3. Economy

   • Indian Economy, Planning, Rural Development, Poverty, Employment, etc.

4. Environment and Ecology

   • Environmental Issues, Biodiversity, and Climate Change (no subject specialization required)

5. General Mental Ability

Paper 2 – General Studies (Compulsory)

(200 Marks – 2 Hours)

➤ Topics:

1. General Science & Technology

   • Developments in science and technology

   • Space, IT, Biotechnology, and their applications

2. Current Events (Karnataka Focus)

   • Government policies, welfare programs, and state initiatives

3. Geography (Karnataka-specific)

   • Natural resources, physical and economic geography

4. Social Sciences

   • Issues related to women, children, education, and social justice

5. Mental Ability & Reasoning

   • Logical reasoning, decision making, problem-solving, data interpretation, and numerical ability

???? Both papers are qualifying for Mains shortlisting only.

Stage 2: Main Examination Syllabus

The Mains Exam is descriptive (essay-type) with 7 papers in total.

Paper 1 – Kannada (Qualifying)

• Comprehension, précis writing, vocabulary, grammar, translation, and short essays.

Paper 2 – English (Qualifying)

• Comprehension, précis writing, grammar, vocabulary, short essays, and translation.

(Both Kannada & English papers are qualifying only – minimum 35% marks required.)

Paper 3 – Essay (250 Marks)

• Two essays:

  • One on a national or international issue

  • One on a topic related to Karnataka or administrative issues

Paper 4 – General Studies I (250 Marks)

Subjects Covered:

• Ancient, Medieval & Modern History of India and Karnataka

• Indian Culture and Heritage

• Geography of India and Karnataka (Physical, Social, and Economic)

• Indian Polity, Constitution, and Political System

• State Governance and Political Development in Karnataka

Paper 5 – General Studies II (250 Marks)

Subjects Covered:

• Science and Technology (General Awareness)

• Role of Science & Tech in Development

• Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change

• Public Health, Education, and Social Welfare

• Disaster Management

Paper 6 – General Studies III (250 Marks)

Subjects Covered:

• Indian Economy: Planning, Resource Mobilization, Growth, and Development

• Agriculture, Rural Development, and Poverty Alleviation

• Industrial Development, Infrastructure, and Employment

• Public Finance, Budget, and Taxation

• Karnataka Economy: Trends, Development, and Issues

Paper 7 – General Studies IV (250 Marks)

Subjects Covered:

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

• Emotional Intelligence and Public Service Values

• Probity in Governance and Case Studies

• Attitude, Aptitude, and Foundational Values for Civil Services

Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview (200 Marks)

• No fixed syllabus — evaluates:

  • General awareness, communication skills

  • Administrative aptitude and decision-making ability

  • Knowledge of current affairs, Karnataka issues, and personality traits

Summary: KAS Exam Syllabus Overview