State civil services · Karnataka administrative recruitment · Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), Bengaluru

KPSC KAS Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

Karnataka Public Service Commission — Recruitment of Gazetted Probationers (KAS). Practise 35 full-length mock tests on the official pattern, drill every topic, and get the eligibility, syllabus, cut-off, rank and college details you need — all in one place.

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KPSC KAS at a glance

Stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview
Prelims: Two GS papers · 100 Q / 200 marks each
Marking: One-fourth (1/4) negative per wrong answer
Eligibility: Graduate · generally 21–40 years

ModeOffline (pen-and-paper) · Prelims → Mains → Interview

FrequencyHeld for notified vacancies (roughly once every one to two years)

LanguagesEnglish & Kannada

By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamReviewed for pattern accuracy against Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), BengaluruLast updated 17 August 2026

KPSC KAS full-length mock tests

Attempt 35 full-length KPSC KAS mock tests built on the official 52-question pattern. The first mock is free — every test comes with instant results and a step-by-step solution for each question.

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 01

Free

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min19.1K attemptsModerate

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 02

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min23.1K attemptsHard

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 03

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min27.2K attemptsModerate

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 04

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min31.2K attemptsHard

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 05

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min35.3K attemptsEasy

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 06

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min39.3K attemptsHard

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 07

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min43.4K attemptsEasy

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 08

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min47.4K attemptsModerate

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KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 09

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min51.5K attemptsEasy

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Try the first full-length mock free. Get the complete KPSC KAS mock library, every topic test and all available languages for 3 months — a one-time ₹399 / 3 months.

KPSC KAS — full access

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Every full-length mock test
All topic-wise tests, every subject
All available languages
Step-by-step solution for every question
Indicative marks-to-rank & cut-offs

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KPSC KAS topic-wise tests & syllabus

120 topic tests across 4 subjects — a focused set of 15 tests for every topic in the KPSC KAS syllabus, tagged with approximate exam weightage so you practise where the marks are.

120 topic-wise tests · 15 per topic across 4 subjects. Pick a subject, expand a topic, and start drilling.

History, Polity & Economy — Test 01

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min108K attemptsModerate

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 02

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min137K attemptsEasy

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 03

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min165K attemptsHard

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 04

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min193K attemptsModerate

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 05

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min222K attemptsEasy

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 06

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min250K attemptsHard

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 07

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min278K attemptsModerate

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 08

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min307K attemptsEasy

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 09

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min35.0K attemptsHard

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 10

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min63.4K attemptsModerate

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 11

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min91.7K attemptsEasy

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 12

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min120K attemptsHard

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 13

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min148K attemptsModerate

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 14

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min177K attemptsEasy

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History, Polity & Economy — Test 15

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min205K attemptsHard

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KPSC KAS sample questions

A few real KPSC KAS questions with answers and step-by-step solutions, in the exact style of the full mock tests.

General StudiesSample 1

The official languages of India are listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?

A.Seventh Schedule
B.Eighth Schedule
C.Ninth Schedule
D.Tenth Schedule

Solution: The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists the officially recognised languages of India.

Karnataka General KnowledgeSample 2

The Kadamba dynasty, one of the earliest indigenous kingdoms of Karnataka, had its capital at:

A.Banavasi
B.Talakadu
C.Halebidu
D.Badami

Solution: The Kadambas, founded by Mayurasharma in the 4th century CE, ruled from their capital at Banavasi in present-day Uttara Kannada district.

General Science & AptitudeSample 3

Which is the hardest naturally occurring substance?

A.Diamond
B.Quartz
C.Corundum
D.Granite

Solution: Diamond, a form of carbon, is the hardest naturally occurring substance.

KannadaSample 4

'ದೇವ + ಆಲಯ' ಪದಗಳ ಸಂಧಿ ರೂಪ ಯಾವುದು?

A.ದೇವಾಲಯ
B.ದೇವಲಯ
C.ದೇವಆಲಯ
D.ದೇವೆಲಯ

Solution: ಅ + ಆ = ಆ ಆಗುವುದರಿಂದ 'ದೇವಾಲಯ' ಎಂಬ ಸವರ್ಣದೀರ್ಘ ಸಂಧಿಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. (English: deva + aalaya join as 'devaalaya' by savarna deergha sandhi.)

About the KPSC KAS exam

A state-level recruitment exam that selects Gazetted Probationers (Group A and Group B) for the Karnataka Administrative Service, the Karnataka Police Service and a range of allied state services such as Tahsildar and Commercial Tax Officer.

What is the KPSC KAS exam?

KPSC KAS is the Karnataka Public Service Commission's flagship recruitment exam for Gazetted Probationers, conducted from Bengaluru. Through one common exam it fills gazetted Group A and Group B posts across the state administration, including the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS), the Karnataka Police Service (KPS) and allied services such as Tahsildar, Commercial Tax Officer and Assistant Commissioner. For a graduate in Karnataka, clearing KAS is the surest route to a career as an Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Superintendent of Police or equivalent officer.

The selection has three stages: a Preliminary Examination, a Main Examination and an Interview. The Prelims has two objective General Studies papers that act only as a screening test; the Mains is a descriptive written examination; and the final Personality Test and Interview decides the merit list together with the Mains. Because the Prelims carries one-fourth negative marking and a very wide syllabus, accuracy and broad, well-revised knowledge — especially of Karnataka — decide who moves on to the Mains.

How to clear KPSC KAS

The Prelims rewards breadth over depth: a stable base in Indian history, polity, geography and economy, combined with strong Karnataka-specific general knowledge — the Kadamba, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala and Vijayanagara legacy, the Wodeyars and Tipu Sultan, the Western Ghats and the Kaveri and Tungabhadra rivers, and the state's art, literature and economy — is what clears the screening. General Science and mental-ability questions are high-return because they are predictable, so drill everyday science, reasoning and basic quantitative aptitude until they are quick and reliable.

Because every wrong answer costs one-fourth of a mark, disciplined attempting matters: solve what you know, eliminate to a confident choice, and avoid blind guesses. Karnataka GK is the section that most separates serious candidates, so revise it repeatedly rather than cramming once. Full-length timed mocks build the stamina the two-paper Prelims demands and expose weak areas early, while the Kannada section rewards steady practice of grammar, sandhi, samasa, synonyms, antonyms and idioms written in the Kannada script.

KPSC KAS eligibility & exam pattern

Check whether you meet the KPSC KAS eligibility criteria and understand exactly how the paper is structured and marked before you plan your preparation.

Eligibility criteria

Nationality: Indian citizen (with the usual provisions for certain other categories as specified by KPSC).
Qualification: A bachelor's degree from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification, before the cut-off date in the notification.
Age: Generally 21 to 40 years, with age relaxation for reserved categories and other eligible groups per Karnataka government norms.
Domicile / language: A knowledge of Kannada is expected, and certain posts have domicile-linked reservation under Karnataka rules.
Attempts: Number of attempts is governed by the age limit and the category relaxations in force at the time.
Physical standards: Some services allotted through KAS (such as the Karnataka Police Service) have additional physical and medical standards.

Exam pattern & marking

Subject	Questions	Marks
General StudiesIndian history, polity, geography, economy, current affairs	~55	~110
Karnataka General KnowledgeKarnataka history, art & culture, geography, economy, schemes	~45	~90
General Science & AptitudeEveryday science, reasoning and mental ability	~35	~70
KannadaGrammar, sandhi, samasa, synonyms, idioms (in Kannada script)	~15	~30
Total	NaN	400

The KPSC KAS (Gazetted Probationers) examination has three stages. The Preliminary Examination has two objective papers of General Studies — Paper I and Paper II — each carrying 200 marks with about 100 multiple-choice questions, and acts only as a screening test whose marks are not added to the final merit. Every wrong answer in the Prelims carries a negative penalty of one-fourth (1/4) of the marks for that question. Candidates who clear the Prelims sit the Mains, which is a descriptive written examination, and the final stage is a Personality Test and Interview. Final merit is based on the Mains plus Interview. On ExamguruX, each Prelims-style question is scored +1 for a correct answer with a 0.25 penalty for a wrong answer, mirroring the one-fourth negative marking, and every question carries a worked solution; the Kannada section is presented in the Kannada script.

Duration: Two papers of 2 hours (Prelims).

How to prepare for KPSC KAS

A fresher-friendly KPSC KAS roadmap — understand the paper first, follow a month-by-month plan, build a weekly routine and peak with reviewed full-length mocks.

Beginner-friendly roadmap

Your KPSC KAS plan: first day to exam day

Start with the paper structure, build concepts in layers, then use timed practice and review to turn preparation into a repeatable score.

Coverage4 subjects

Exam clockTwo papers of 2 hours (Prelims)

MarkingThe KPSC KAS (Gazetted Probationers) examination has three stages. The Preliminary Examination has two objective papers of General Studies — Paper I and Paper II — each carrying 200 marks with about 100 multiple-choice questions, and acts only as a screening test whose marks are not added to the final merit. Every wrong answer in the Prelims carries a negative penalty of one-fourth (1/4) of the marks for that question. Candidates who clear the Prelims sit the Mains, which is a descriptive written examination, and the final stage is a Personality Test and Interview. Final merit is based on the Mains plus Interview. On ExamguruX, each Prelims-style question is scored +1 for a correct answer with a 0.25 penalty for a wrong answer, mirroring the one-fourth negative marking, and every question carries a worked solution; the Kannada section is presented in the Kannada script.

The first 12 weeks

A plan a fresher can actually follow

Have less than three months? Keep the sequence and shorten each phase rather than skipping mock review.

Month 1
Understand the paper and build your base
Read the official pattern first, then make a realistic subject map for 4 subjects. Begin with General Studies, Karnataka General Knowledge, General Science & Aptitude. Focus on concepts before speed.
Take one diagnostic topic test. Its purpose is to find gaps, not to judge your score.
Month 2
Finish the core syllabus through practice
Cover the remaining syllabus, including Kannada, while revising Month 1 every week. Move from untimed questions to short timed sets.
Keep a single error log: concept missed, why it happened and the correct method.
Month 3
Build exam temperament with mocks
Use the real exam time limit (Two papers of 2 hours (Prelims)) in full-length practice. Review every mock longer than it took to attempt it; the review is where improvement happens.
Turn each weak area from your error log into a 30–45 minute repair session.

Your repeatable week

The study loop that makes revision stick

1
Learn
Read one focused concept block and make a short revision sheet.
2
Solve
Immediately answer topic questions; do not wait until you have ‘finished’ the syllabus.
3
Review
Log mistakes by concept, not just by score. Revisit them after 2–3 days.
4
Simulate
Use a timed section or mock to practise decisions under the clock.

Mock-test ladder

Don’t start with a full mock every day

Month 1: topic tests after each completed concept.
Month 2: one timed sectional test each week, plus error-log revision.
Month 3: one or two full mocks weekly under the real Two papers of 2 hours (Prelims) clock.

KPSC KAS-specific priorities

What to focus on as you move through the plan

1
Master Karnataka GK first
Karnataka history, art and culture, geography, economy and schemes carry the most distinctive weight and separate serious candidates. Build the state's dynasties, temples, rivers, literature and Jnanpith heritage into strong, repeatedly revised notes.
2
Keep General Studies broad and current
Indian history, polity, geography and economy form a stable base. Pair durable facts with regular current affairs so both General Studies papers hold no surprises.
3
Bank easy marks in Science & Aptitude
Everyday science, reasoning and basic quantitative aptitude are predictable and high-return. Drill number series, coding, direction sense, averages and percentages until they are fast and automatic.
4
Practise Kannada grammar in its script
Sandhi, samasa, synonyms, antonyms, idioms and spelling reward steady practice. Revise the standard rules and common examples so the Kannada questions become reliable marks.
5
Respect the one-fourth negative marking
Each wrong answer costs one-fourth of a mark. Attempt when you can eliminate to a confident choice, and leave questions you genuinely cannot judge in the Prelims screening.
6
Take full timed mocks
The two-paper Prelims is an endurance test across a wide syllabus. Sit full timed mocks to build stamina and section balance, and review the worked solution for every question you miss.

Final 7 days

Revise your short notes and error log; do not begin major new topics.

Take only the number of mocks you can properly review; protect sleep and routine.

Confirm the official admit-card instructions, reporting time, centre and permitted items.

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KPSC KAS scoring & selection

Use this practice benchmark to understand score ranges, qualifying cut-offs and the selection stages for KPSC KAS. The conducting authority sets official merit and appointments.

KPSC KAS marks vs. rank

Score range	Stage	What it takes
Prelims: clear the screen	Prelims	Cross the category cut-off to qualify for the Mains
Mains: strong writing	Mains	Descriptive answers decide the bulk of final merit
Interview: personality test	Interview	Added to Mains marks for the final merit list
Karnataka GK: no weak spot	Overall	State-specific GK is where merit is often won or lost
Steady mock scores	Readiness	Consistent timed-mock performance predicts selection

Indicative stage requirements

Prelims (screening)Qualifying

Indicative marks: Category-wise cut-off to reach the Mains

Mains (written)Decisive

Indicative marks: Descriptive papers carry most of the final merit

InterviewMerit

Indicative marks: Added to Mains marks for the final list

Reserved categoriesRelaxed

Indicative marks: Lower cut-offs and age relaxation as per norms

Post allotmentMerit-based

Indicative marks: Depends on rank, preference and vacancies

The KPSC KAS pattern shown here — the three-stage Prelims/Mains/Interview process, the two objective General Studies Prelims papers with one-fourth negative marking, and the graduate eligibility — reflects KPSC's recent published pattern. Exact question counts, vacancies, cut-offs, dates and the list of posts change with each recruitment cycle; always confirm current specifics in the official KPSC notification at kpsc.kar.nic.in.

Posts filled through KPSC KAS

KPSC KAS is a single combined exam that fills posts across several state services; the post and cadre you are allotted depend on your final merit, category and service preference. The table below shows the kind of posts the KAS exam recruits for — the exact list of posts and vacancies changes with every notification.

Post	Cadre	Department	Cadre / department
Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) — Assistant Commissioner	State (Gazetted)	Revenue / General Administration	Top merit ranks
Karnataka Police Service (KPS) — Dy. Superintendent of Police	State (Gazetted)	Home / Police	Merit & preference based
Tahsildar	State (Gazetted)	Revenue Department	Merit & preference based
Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes	State (Gazetted)	Commercial Taxes	Merit & preference based
Block Development Officer (BDO)	Subordinate	Rural Development & Panchayati Raj	Merit & preference based
Assistant Director of various departments	State	Line Departments	Merit & preference based
Treasury Officer	Subordinate	Finance Department	Merit & preference based
Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies	State	Cooperation Department	Limited vacancies

A representative view of posts and selection routes linked to KPSC KAS. Confirm vacancies, stages and final appointments in the current official notice.

KPSC KAS important dates

The typical KPSC KAS recruitment timeline, from notification to result and document verification. Dates are tentative until the official notice is released.

Notification & apply
Varies by cycle — announced with the vacancy notification
Preliminary Examination
As per the KPSC calendar for the cycle
Prelims result
A few weeks to a couple of months after the exam
Main Examination
Usually a few months after the Prelims result
Interview / Personality Test
After the Mains result
Final result
After the interview and document verification

KPSC KAS — frequently asked questions

Quick, reliable answers to the questions KPSC KAS aspirants ask most.

What is the KPSC KAS selection process?

Three stages: a Preliminary Examination, a Main Examination and an Interview (Personality Test). The Prelims is only a screening test whose marks are not added to the final merit; final merit is decided by the Mains and the Interview together.

What is the KAS Prelims exam pattern?

The Prelims has two objective General Studies papers — Paper I and Paper II — each of 200 marks with about 100 multiple-choice questions. It serves only to shortlist candidates for the Mains.

Is there negative marking in KPSC KAS Prelims?

Yes. Each wrong answer in the Prelims carries a penalty of one-fourth (1/4) of the marks allotted to that question, so guess only when you can eliminate options to a confident choice.

What is the eligibility for KPSC KAS?

You need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university and must generally be between 21 and 40 years old, with age relaxation for reserved categories and other eligible groups per Karnataka government norms.

Which posts are filled through KPSC KAS?

The KAS Gazetted Probationers exam recruits for the Karnataka Administrative Service (Assistant Commissioner), Karnataka Police Service (DySP), Tahsildar, Commercial Tax officers, Block Development Officer and several other state services. The post you get depends on your merit, category and preference.

How should I use these mock tests?

Take full-length timed mocks to build stamina and section balance under the two-paper Prelims clock and one-fourth negative marking, and review the solution for every question. Use the topic tests to strengthen General Studies, Karnataka GK, Science & Aptitude and Kannada until each becomes a reliable source of marks.

Start your KPSC KAS preparation today

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KPSC KAS Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

KPSC KAS at a glance

KPSC KAS full-length mock tests

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 01

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 02

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 03

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 04

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 05

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 06

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 07

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 08

KPSC KAS Prelims Full Mock Test 09

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KPSC KAS topic-wise tests & syllabus

History, Polity & Economy — Test 01

History, Polity & Economy — Test 02

History, Polity & Economy — Test 03

History, Polity & Economy — Test 04

History, Polity & Economy — Test 05

History, Polity & Economy — Test 06

History, Polity & Economy — Test 07

History, Polity & Economy — Test 08

History, Polity & Economy — Test 09

History, Polity & Economy — Test 10

History, Polity & Economy — Test 11

History, Polity & Economy — Test 12

History, Polity & Economy — Test 13

History, Polity & Economy — Test 14

History, Polity & Economy — Test 15

KPSC KAS sample questions

About the KPSC KAS exam

What is the KPSC KAS exam?

How to clear KPSC KAS

KPSC KAS eligibility & exam pattern

Eligibility criteria

Exam pattern & marking

How to prepare for KPSC KAS

Your KPSC KAS plan: first day to exam day

A plan a fresher can actually follow

Understand the paper and build your base

Finish the core syllabus through practice

Build exam temperament with mocks

The study loop that makes revision stick

Don’t start with a full mock every day

What to focus on as you move through the plan

Master Karnataka GK first

Keep General Studies broad and current

Bank easy marks in Science & Aptitude

Practise Kannada grammar in its script

Respect the one-fourth negative marking

Take full timed mocks

Request an online trainer for your KPSC KAS preparation.

KPSC KAS scoring & selection

KPSC KAS marks vs. rank

Indicative stage requirements

Posts filled through KPSC KAS

KPSC KAS important dates

KPSC KAS — frequently asked questions

Start your KPSC KAS preparation today