KPSC KAS Syllabus 2026: Prelims and Mains Topic Guide

The KPSC KAS syllabus covers two stages of the Karnataka Gazetted Probationers (Group A and B) Examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission: an objective preliminary exam of two papers and a descriptive main exam of seven papers. Karnataka's history, geography, economy and current affairs run through almost every paper, which is what sets this exam apart from a general civil services plan.

This guide is written for the 2026-27 cycle, notified on 31 July 2026 with the preliminary exam tentatively on 15 November 2026. It lists what each paper covers, where to start, which topics serve both prelims and mains, and how to plan the syllabus in phases. Always check the topic list against the official syllabus document on the KPSC website before you finalise your plan.

Table of Contents

KPSC KAS Syllabus at a Glance

Key Points Before You Start

• No optional subject: The current main exam has only compulsory papers. Older pages and books that list optional subjects describe a scheme KPSC no longer uses.

• Karnataka weightage is high: Prelims Paper II has 40 questions on matters of State importance, and GS I and II in mains have full sections on Karnataka history, unification and post-independence Karnataka.

• Two levels of difficulty: General Mental Ability is set at SSLC (Class X) level. The other prelims sections and the mains GS papers are set at degree level.

• Language papers are qualifying but strict: You need at least 35% in both Kannada and English. They do not add to merit, but failing either one ends your attempt.

• Use the official document as the final word: KPSC publishes a detailed syllabus on its website. The lists below summarise it in study order and flag where to start, so treat them as a working checklist.

Official KPSC website: https://kpsc.kar.nic.in/

KPSC KAS Prelims Syllabus: Paper I

Paper I has two parts: 40 questions (80 marks) on General Studies of national and international importance and 60 questions (120 marks) on Humanities.

Humanities carries the largest share of Paper I, so history, geography, polity and economy should take most of your early study time. Karnataka-specific questions in history and geography are often the deciding marks.

KPSC KAS Prelims Syllabus: Paper II

Paper II has 40 questions (80 marks) on General Studies of State importance, 30 questions (60 marks) on General Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, and 30 questions (60 marks) on General Mental Ability.

Mental ability is the most predictable section in prelims. Regular timed practice can turn its 60 marks into a dependable base, which takes pressure off the less predictable State GS section.

KPSC KAS Mains Syllabus: Language Papers

The Kannada and English papers are of SSLC first-language standard. They test whether you can read, summarise and write clearly in both languages.

The exact question types can vary between cycles, so look at recent language papers on the KPSC previous question papers page before you set your practice routine.

KPSC KAS Mains Syllabus: Essay and General Studies

Paper 1: Essay (250 marks)

You write two essays of 125 marks each: one on a topic of national or international importance and one on a topic of State or local importance. Examiners look for a clear argument, relevant examples and balanced conclusions. Karnataka examples help in both essays, not only the State-level one.

Paper 2: General Studies I (250 marks)

• History and cultural heritage of India and Karnataka: Cultural heritage of India, major schools of thought, Karnataka dynasties from the Kadambas to the Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara empire and after, Modern Mysore (1799 to 1947), the freedom movement in Karnataka and the unification of Karnataka.

• Social and political perspective: Post-independence Karnataka, social change and social movements, modernisation, and the government and political system.

• Indian economy, planning and rural development: Features of the Indian economy, India's international economic relations, development patterns, planning, decentralisation and rural development.

Paper 3: General Studies II (250 marks)

• Physical features and natural resources: Geography of the world, India and Karnataka, including resources, agriculture and population.

• Overview of the Indian Constitution: Nature of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights, distribution of legislative powers, legislatures, judiciary and constitutional bodies.

• Public administration, management and international relations: Public and private administration, organisation structure, organisational behaviour, management concepts, and India's foreign relations.

Paper 4: General Studies III (250 marks)

• Science and technology in Indian development: Basics of science and technology, space and energy, IT in the public domain, disasters and pollution.

• Advances in natural, life, agricultural and health sciences: Agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, biotechnology, health and hygiene.

• Development and the environment: Natural resources, ecosystems and biodiversity, pollution, solid waste management and environmental challenges of development.

Paper 5: General Studies IV (250 marks)

• Ethics: Essence of ethics, ethics in public administration, accountability and ethical governance, the concept of public service.

• Integrity: Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship and objectivity in public life.

• Aptitude: Aptitude and foundational values for civil service, emotional intelligence and case studies.

Karnataka-Specific Topics to Prioritise

Because the exam is built around the State, a short list of Karnataka topics appears again and again across prelims, GS papers and the essay. Cover these early and revise them often.

Use the official State budget and economic survey documents for scheme data instead of second-hand summaries, since figures change every year.

Overlap Between Prelims and Mains

Much of the KPSC KAS syllabus is shared between stages. Studying these areas once, at mains depth, saves time later.

Two areas have no overlap: General Mental Ability (prelims only) and Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude (mains only). Plan separate time for each.

Personality Test: Is There a Syllabus?

The personality test has no written syllabus. The board assesses your suitability for public service: clarity of thought, judgement, awareness of Karnataka's administration and current issues, and your understanding of the posts you have opted for. Your application details, degree subject and home district often shape the questions.

How to Cover the KPSC KAS Syllabus

1. Weeks 1 to 8, build the core: History, polity, geography and economy at degree level, with Karnataka chapters alongside the national ones. Start a daily reading habit for current affairs.

2. From week 3, add current affairs: Spend 30 to 40 minutes a day and keep separate monthly notes for national and Karnataka events.

3. From week 6, add topic tests and mental ability: Take short topic-wise tests on finished chapters and 20 to 30 minutes of mental ability practice a day.

4. From week 10, start answer writing: Write two or three mains answers a day and one essay a week. Begin language practice in Kannada and English.

5. Final phase before prelims: Full-length timed papers for Paper I and Paper II, same-day analysis and error-log revision.

KPSC previous question papers: https://kpsc.kar.nic.in/questionpaper.html