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KPSC KAS Syllabus 2024, Exam Pattern of Prelims and Mains

Candidates must understand the KPSC KAS Syllabus 2024 for Prelims and Mains before appearing for the exam. The KPSC KAS Exam is scheduled for 29 December 2024 against 384 vacancies. The final rank is based on your performance in the Mains and Interview. The KPSC KAS Prelims is just qualifying. To succeed in all three stages, candidates must understand the KPSC KAS Syllabus outlined below.

KPSC KAS Syllabus 2024

Studying the full syllabus of KPSC KAS will help candidates to strengthen their preparation for the exam. The KPSC KAS exam consists of two main stages: the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam. The Preliminary Exam includes two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, with each paper carrying 200 marks. The Mains Exam consists of seven papers in total, with a total of 1550 marks. A detailed KPSC KAS syllabus for both exams is provided below

KPSC KAS Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The KPSC Karnataka Administrative Service sets the KPSC Syllabus 2024 along with the KAS Notification. Candidates should review the syllabus and exam pattern carefully for better preparation. The exam pattern gives an idea of the question types in the exam. We have summarized the syllabus and pattern below to help candidates focus their studies.

KPSC KAS Syllabus 2024- Highlight
Name of Organization Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)
Name of Exam KPSC KAS Exam 2024
Category Syllabus
KPSC KAS Exam Date 2024 29 December 2024
Job Location Karnataka
Official website https://kpsc.kar.nic.in/

KPSC KAS Admit Card

KPSC KAS Prelims Syllabus 2024

Candidates can check the table below for the KPSC KAS Syllabus for the prelims exam. There are 2 Papers in KPSC KAS Prelims Exam. KPSC KAS Prelims Syllabus includes topics like Indian History, Polity, Geography, Indian Economy, General Science, etc.

Exam Syllabus
Paper-1
  • Current Affairs of National & International Importance:
    • This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of the latest events and developments, both within India and globally. Topics include political changes, economic updates, international relations, major national policies, and social issues. Candidates must stay updated on global news and issues to perform well in this section.
  • Humanities:
    • This area covers subjects related to human society and culture. It focuses on understanding the evolution of human civilization, culture, art, literature, and philosophy. It also involves topics that deal with human behavior, societal structures, and cultural dynamics.
  • Indian History:
    • This topic involves the study of the historical events, rulers, freedom movements, and cultural developments that shaped India. It spans from ancient history, medieval periods, to modern history, focusing on important events like the Mughal Empire, the British colonial era, and India’s struggle for independence.
  • Indian and World Geography:
    • This section assesses knowledge of the physical and political geography of India and the world. It includes understanding landforms, climate, rivers, and the political boundaries of countries. It also covers issues like migration, population distribution, and global environmental challenges, with a focus on India’s geographical features.
  • Indian Polity and Economy:
    • Indian Polity: This focuses on the structure and functioning of the Indian government, including the Constitution, the roles of various institutions (e.g., the President, Parliament, judiciary), political parties, and electoral systems.
    • Indian Economy: This involves understanding the economic systems in India, including sectors like agriculture, industry, services, and the role of government policies, economic planning, and reforms in India’s development. It also includes global economic relations and India’s position in the global economy.
Paper-2
  • Current Affairs of State and Local Importance:
    • This section focuses on the latest events, issues, and developments that are specific to the state and local areas. It includes topics like state politics, governance, local challenges, social issues, and significant policies or events impacting the local community.
  • Important State Government Schemes:
    • Candidates need to be aware of the various welfare and developmental schemes launched by the state government. This includes schemes related to education, healthcare, infrastructure, rural development, and other areas that directly impact citizens in the state.
  • General Science & Technology:
    • This area covers the fundamentals of science and technology, including key advancements, innovations, and their practical applications in fields like medicine, space research, and information technology. It does not require deep specialization but expects candidates to understand the broad impact of scientific and technological developments on society.
  • Contemporary Issues/Developments and Implications:
    • Candidates should understand current global and national developments and their social, political, and economic implications. This includes issues such as digital transformation, globalization, economic reforms, or environmental concerns, and how they affect society.
  • Environment and Ecology:
    • This section focuses on understanding environmental issues and ecological balance. It covers topics like climate change, conservation of natural resources, pollution, and sustainable development practices. The aim is to test the candidate’s awareness of environmental challenges.
  • Understanding of Issues on Biodiversity, Climate Change, Ecology, and Health (No Subject Specialization):
    • While deep specialization is not required, candidates should have a general understanding of major global issues related to biodiversity, climate change, ecology, and public health. For instance, understanding the effects of deforestation on biodiversity or how climate change impacts health and ecosystems.
  • General Mental Ability:
    • This tests a candidate’s logical and reasoning abilities. It includes:
      • Basic Arithmetic: Simple calculations, percentages, ratios, and basic arithmetic.
      • Data Interpretation: The ability to interpret and analyze data presented in the form of tables, charts, or graphs.
      • Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Problem-solving, puzzles, patterns, and identifying logical connections in a set of information.
      • Comprehension: Reading passages and answering questions based on the content to test understanding, inference, and clarity.

KPSC KAS Mains Syllabus 2024

Candidates can check the table below for the KPSC KAS Syllabus for the Mains exam. There are 7 Papers in the KPSC Mains Exam.

Exam Syllabus
Paper-1 English
  • Comprehension
  • Precis
  • Usage
  • Vocabulary
  • Short Essay
  • Communication
Paper-2 Kannada
  • Comprehension
  • Precis
  • Usage
  • Vocabulary
  • Short Essay
  • Communication
Paper-3 Essay
  • Two essays in Kannada/ English
  • Essay 1: Topic of National/ International Issues
  • Essay: Topic of State/ Local Issues
Paper-4 General Studies I

History and Cultural Heritage of India & Karnataka

  • Cultural Heritage of India
  • Modern History of India (beginning of the 19th century onwards)
  • Kadambas – Hoysalas
  • The Vijaynagar Empire
  • Modern Mysore
  • Karnataka Freedom Movement and Unification

Political and Social Perspective

  • Post-Independence Karnataka
  • Social Change & Modernisation
  • Political System and Government
  • Decentralization of Power
  • Socio-economic system
  • Rural social system and development

Planning, Indian Economy, Rural Development- Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation

  • Indian Economy
  • India & International Economic Relations
  • Development Patterns
  • Planning and planning goals
  • Decentralization
  • Rural Development Initiatives
  • Data Collection Analysis & Interpretation
Paper-5 General Studies II

Physical Features and Natural Resources

  • Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere
  • Continental physiography and demographic distribution
  • Indian Physiography
  • Industrial Planning & Development
  • Physiographic divisions (Karnataka)
  • Urban land-use policy and Urbanisation (Karnataka)

Overview of the Indian Constitution

  • Nature of the Indian Constitution
  • Fundamental Rights
  • Distribution of Powers (Legislative)
  • Unicameral and Bicameral legislatures
  • Important Amendments
  • Welfare machinery in India
  • Union and State services

Public Administration and Management – International Relations

  • Public and Private Administration
  • Organization structure
  • Organizational behaviour and concepts of management
  • Informal and formal organization
  • Management techniques and tools
  • Administrative Reforms
  • UN and Specialised agencies
Paper-6 General Studies III

Role/ impact of Science & Technology in Indian Development, Information Technology in Public Domain

  • Basics of Science and Tech
  • Space Tech & Science
  • Energy Resources
  • Disasters, Pollution, and Pests
  • Related Perception
  • Knowledge society
  • Rural Upliftment and Science & Tech

Advancement and Modern Trends in Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Agricultural Science, Hygiene and Health.

  • Sericulture and Horticulture
  • Biotechnology initiatives
  • Animal Husbandry (dairy, fishery and veterinary sciences)
  • Development policies (Agriculture), programs and trade
  • Hygiene & Health

Challenges and Issues in Development on Environment & Ecology

  • Environment Conservation
  • Natural Resources
  • Biodiversity & Ecosystem
  • Solid Waste Management & Environmental Pollution
  • Role of Information Tech in Environment and Human Health
  • State-community-civil society interface
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

  • Impartiality, Integrity, objectivity, and non-partisanship

Aptitude

  • Aptitude and foundational values for civil service
  • Emotional intelligence and contribution of social thinkers (Case studies of the above issues)

Note: The two Optional Papers has been removed from the KPSC Syllabus.

KPSC KAS Exam Pattern 2024

The paper will conducted in offline mode, and it is objective in nature. For every correct answer candidates will get two marks, 0.25 marks will be deducted for wrong answers, and both papers will be 200 marks each.

KPSC KAS Prelims Exam Pattern

To understand the KPSC KAS Exam Pattern for the prelims exam, consider the following points:

  • The exam consists of 2 papers.
  • It is conducted in offline mode.
  • Papers 1 and 2 are in multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
  • Correct answers will get 2 marks each, with a negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong answers.
  • Both papers are of 200 marks each.
Paper 1 No. Of Questions Total Marks Duration
General Studies 40 80
2 hours
Humanities 60 120
Paper 2 No. Of Questions Total Marks Duration
General Studies 40 80
2 hours
Science and Technology, Environment, and Ecology 30 60
General Mental Ability 30 60

KPSC Mains Exam Pattern

The KAS Mains exam comprises 7 papers includes descriptive-type questions, including essays. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, and candidates can obtain a maximum of 1550 marks.

Paper Duration Marks
English 2 hours 150 (35% Qualifying Criteria)
Kannada 2 hours 150 (35% Qualifying Criteria)
Paper 1 – Essay 3 hours 250
Paper 2 – General Studies 1 3 hours 250
Paper 3 – General Studies 2 3 hours 250
Paper 4 – General Studies 3 3 hours 250
Paper 5 – General Studies 4 3 hours 250

Qualifying Papers: The qualifying papers are Kannada and English, each has 150 marks. Each paper lasts for 2 hours and requires candidates to score at least 35% to qualify.

Syllabus for Both Qualifying Papers:

  • Comprehension – 25 marks
  • Precis – 25 marks
  • Usage – 25 marks
  • Vocabulary – 25 marks
  • Short Essay – 25 marks
  • Communication Skills – 25 marks

Both qualifying papers assess the candidate’s ability to read, understand, and express themselves in the given language.

KPSC Interview

The final step in the KPSC recruitment process is the personal interview. Candidates who pass both the preliminary and mains exams are eligible to appear for this interview. The interview helps the selection committee to judge the candidate’s confidence, knowledge, and decision-making abilities.

KPSC KAS Syllabus 2024 Recommended Books

Here is a list of recommended books to help you prepare for the Karnataka PSC exam:

General Knowledge & Current Affairs:

  • Study IQ Courses
  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Newspapers and online news portals for current affairs

General English:

  • Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
  • Neetu Singh

Quantitative Aptitude & Mathematics:

  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
  • Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
  • Pinnacle

Reasoning & Mental Ability:

  • A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
  • Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
  • Pinnacle

Social Science & History of India:

  • India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
  • NCERT
  • History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra

Geography:

  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
  • Godfather by Neon
  • NCERT VI to XII

Indian Constitution & Political Science:

  • Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
  • NCERT textbooks

Science:

  • NCERT From VI to XII
  • Lucent’s General Science

Make sure to use practice questions, previous year papers, and online resources to boost your preparation. Always refer to the latest syllabus updates.

 

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FAQs

How to check KPSC KAS syllabus 2024?

Candidates must check the KPSC KAS exam syllabus on the official website.

When does the commission announce the KPSC KAS syllabus?

The KPSC K’taka Admin. Service Exam syllabus is announced along with the official recruitment notification.

How can I cover the whole KPSC KAS syllabus?

Many books are marked in the article that may help candidates cover the KPSC KAS syllabus in the best way possible.

Is there any negative marking in the KPSC KAS exam?

Yes, a negative marking of 0.25 is deducted for any wrong answer attempted in KPSC KAS in the Prelims. However there is no negative marking in Mains