State PSC · Updated Oct 2026
KPSC Gazetted Probationers (KAS) Group A & B (Karnataka): syllabus, topic-wise weightage and study plan
Every topic of the KPSC Gazetted Probationers (KAS) Group A & B (Karnataka) syllabus with its weightage and a first-pass study time, so preparation follows where the marks are.
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Exam pattern at a glance
- Prelims: Papers
- 2
- Prelims: Questions
- 100 per paper (200 total)
- Prelims: Marks
- 200 per paper (400 total)
- Prelims: Marking
- +2 per correct; 0.25 of the question's marks deducted per wrong answer; blanks not penalised
- Prelims: Duration
- 2 hours per paper
- Prelims: Paper1 Current events national international
- 40
- Prelims: Paper1 Humanities
- 60
- Prelims: Paper2 Current events state and govt programmes
- 40
- Prelims: Paper2 General science tech environment
- 30
- Prelims: Paper2 General mental ability sslc
- 30
- Prelims: Qualifying papers
- none; Prelims is screening only
- Prelims: Mains shortlist
- 15 x vacancies
- Prelims: Medium
- Kannada and English
- Prelims: Typical exam month
- varies (2024 cycle: Aug, re-held Dec 2024); 2026 cycle tentatively 15 Nov 2026
- Mains: Papers
- 7 descriptive: Kannada and English (qualifying, 150 each, 2 h) + Essay and GS 1-4 (250 each, 3 h)
- Mains: Merit papers Essay
- 250
- Mains: Merit papers Gs1
- 250
- Mains: Merit papers Gs2
- 250
- Mains: Merit papers Gs3
- 250
- Mains: Merit papers Gs4
- 250
- Mains: Qualifying papers Kannada
- 150
- Mains: Qualifying papers English
- 150
- Mains: Qualifying papers Pass pct
- 35
- Mains: Qualifying papers Standard
- SSLC first-language level
- Mains: Written total
- 1250
- Mains: Interview marks
- 25
- Mains: Grand total
- 1275
- Mains: Duration
- 3 hours per merit paper; 2 hours per qualifying paper
Check the latest notification before the exam. Official syllabus ↗
Chapter-wise weightage and study hours
Weightage is the chapter's share of past-paper questions, normalised within its subject; hours are a first pass without revision.
No reliable weightage exists for this exam's topics yet, so weights follow the official syllabus structure. Treat them as a planning aid.
Section-level question counts are OFFICIAL (2026 notification, para 12, per the Gazetted Probationers rules). Split within sections is our estimate (*). The official notification was read from a mirror (careerpower.in) because kpsc.kar.nic.in did not respond.
Paper marks are OFFICIAL (2026 notification, para 12.6). KPSC does not publish section marks, so marks are split equally across units within each paper (*). Unit headings follow KPSC's GS syllabus as reproduced by Drishti IAS (kpsc.kar.nic.in/Syllabus was unreachable). Optional subjects were abolished by the 2014 amendment rules; Mains is Essay + 4 GS papers. Personality test is 25 marks (cut from 50 by the 2020 amendment).
* Estimated weight: no reliable past-paper figure exists for this chapter, so the number is our estimate from the paper structure.
Prelims: Paper I: Current Events of National and International Importance 55 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National current affairs* | 50% | 20 | 30 |
| 2 | International current affairs* | 50% | 20 | 25 |
| Total | 55 |
Prelims: Paper I: Humanities 180 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | History of India and national movement, with emphasis on Karnataka* | 33% | 20 | 60 |
| 2 | World geography and geography of India, with focus on Karnataka* | 23% | 14 | 40 |
| 3 | Indian polity and political system* | 22% | 13 | 40 |
| 4 | Indian economy: rural development, planning, reforms, poverty, demographics, social sector* | 22% | 13 | 40 |
| Total | 180 |
Prelims: Paper II: Current Events of State Importance and State Government Programmes 50 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karnataka current events* | 50% | 20 | 25 |
| 2 | Karnataka government schemes and programmes* | 50% | 20 | 25 |
| Total | 50 |
Prelims: Paper II: General Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology 75 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everyday science and health* | 40% | 12 | 30 |
| 2 | Contemporary developments in science and technology* | 27% | 8 | 20 |
| 3 | Environment, ecology, biodiversity and climate change* | 33% | 10 | 25 |
| Total | 75 |
Prelims: Paper II: General Mental Ability (SSLC level) 51 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comprehension* | 20% | 6 | 8 |
| 2 | Logical reasoning and analytical ability* High | 27% | 8 | 15 |
| 3 | Decision making and problem solving* | 17% | 5 | 6 |
| 4 | Basic numeracy (numbers, order of magnitude)* | 20% | 6 | 12 |
| 5 | Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency)* | 17% | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 51 |
Mains: Kannada (qualifying) Qualifying · 35 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comprehension* | 17% | 25 | 6 |
| 2 | Precis writing* | 17% | 25 | 6 |
| 3 | Usage and grammar* | 17% | 25 | 8 |
| 4 | Vocabulary* | 17% | 25 | 5 |
| 5 | Letter writing and communication* | 17% | 25 | 5 |
| 6 | Short essay* | 17% | 25 | 5 |
| Total | 35 |
Mains: English (qualifying) Qualifying · 22 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comprehension | 17% | 25 | 4 |
| 2 | Precis writing | 17% | 25 | 4 |
| 3 | Usage | 17% | 25 | 4 |
| 4 | Vocabulary | 17% | 25 | 3 |
| 5 | Communication skills | 17% | 25 | 3 |
| 6 | Short essay | 17% | 25 | 4 |
| Total | 22 |
Mains: Paper 1: Essay 50 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay on a national or international issue | 50% | 125 | 25 |
| 2 | Essay on a state or local issue (Karnataka) | 50% | 125 | 25 |
| Total | 50 |
Mains: Paper 2: General Studies 1 (History and Heritage of India and Karnataka; Society and Politics; Economy and Rural Development) 162 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian cultural heritage* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 12 |
| 2 | Social reform and modern Indian thought* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 10 |
| 3 | Karnataka: Kadambas to Hoysalas* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 12 |
| 4 | Karnataka: Vijayanagara empire and after (1336-1799)* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 12 |
| 5 | Modern Mysore (1799-1947)* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 10 |
| 6 | Freedom movement and unification of Karnataka (1885-1956)* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 10 |
| 7 | Post-independence Karnataka* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 8 |
| 8 | Social change and social movements* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 8 |
| 9 | Social change and modernisation* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 10 | Government and political system* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 11 | Decentralisation of power (political)* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 12 | Socio-economic system* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 13 | Rural social system and rural development* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 14 | Indian economy* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 10 |
| 15 | International economic relations* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 16 | Development patterns and regional disparities (incl. Karnataka)* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 17 | Planning* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 18 | Decentralisation (economic, Panchayat finances)* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 5 |
| 19 | Rural development* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| 20 | Rural development initiatives* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 5 |
| 21 | Data collection, analysis and interpretation* | 4.8% | 11.9 | 6 |
| Total | 162 |
Mains: Paper 3: General Studies 2 (Geography; Constitution; Public Administration and IR) 123 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | World geography* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 10 |
| 2 | Geography of India* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 14 |
| 3 | Geography of Karnataka* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 12 |
| 4 | Nature of the Constitution* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 8 |
| 5 | Fundamental rights* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 8 |
| 6 | Distribution of legislative powers* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 6 |
| 7 | Legislatures and their oversight* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 6 |
| 8 | Important constitutional amendments* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 5 |
| 9 | Welfare mechanisms and constitutional bodies* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 6 |
| 10 | Services under the Union and the States* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 5 |
| 11 | Public and private administration* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 6 |
| 12 | Organisational structure* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 5 |
| 13 | Organisational behaviour and management concepts* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 6 |
| 14 | Formal and informal organisation; functional management* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 5 |
| 15 | Management tools and techniques* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 5 |
| 16 | Administrative reforms and governance (incl. Karnataka)* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 8 |
| 17 | United Nations, specialised agencies and international organisations* | 5.9% | 14.7 | 8 |
| Total | 123 |
Mains: Paper 4: General Studies 3 (S&T; Agriculture and Health; Environment) 117 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basics of science, technology and ICT* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 8 |
| 2 | Space science and technology* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 3 | Energy resources* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 4 | Disasters, pests and pollution* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 5 | Public perceptions of S&T* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 4 |
| 6 | Knowledge society* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 4 |
| 7 | Rural upliftment and S&T* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 5 |
| 8 | Natural science* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 8 |
| 9 | Agriculture science* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 8 |
| 10 | Horticulture and sericulture* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 11 | Biotechnology* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 12 | Animal husbandry* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 5 |
| 13 | Agriculture policies, programmes and trade (incl. Karnataka)* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 14 | Health and hygiene* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 15 | Environmental segments* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 5 |
| 16 | Natural resources* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 17 | Ecosystem and biodiversity* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 18 | Pollution and solid waste management* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| 19 | IT in environment and human health* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 4 |
| 20 | Community, civil society and disaster management* | 5.0% | 12.5 | 6 |
| Total | 117 |
Mains: Paper 5: General Studies 4 (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) 76 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Avg. questions | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nature and dimensions of ethics* | 10% | 25 | 8 |
| 2 | Ethics in public administration* | 10% | 25 | 8 |
| 3 | Accountability and ethical governance* | 10% | 25 | 6 |
| 4 | Public service, transparency and codes of conduct* | 10% | 25 | 6 |
| 5 | Human values* | 10% | 25 | 6 |
| 6 | Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, compassion* | 10% | 25 | 8 |
| 7 | Aptitude and foundational values for civil service* | 10% | 25 | 6 |
| 8 | Emotional intelligence* | 10% | 25 | 5 |
| 9 | Moral thinkers of India and the world* | 10% | 25 | 8 |
| 10 | Case studies* | 10% | 25 | 15 |
| Total | 76 |
A sample first week
A first week at 6 hours a day, built from the weightage above: each subject gets sessions in proportion to its marks, starting with its heaviest chapters, mixed so no day is one subject only. Your real plan in the app fits your own hours and exam date.
| Day | Session 1 (2 h) | Session 2 (2 h) | Session 3 (2 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Prelims: Paper I: Current Events of National and International ImportanceInternational current affairs | Prelims: Paper I: HumanitiesHistory of India and national movement, with emphasis on Karnataka | Prelims: Paper II: Current Events of State Importance and State Government ProgrammesKarnataka current events |
| Tue | Prelims: Paper II: General Science and Technology, Environment and EcologyEveryday science and health | Prelims: Paper II: General Mental AbilityLogical reasoning and analytical ability | Mains: Paper 1: EssayEssay on a national or international issue |
| Wed | Mains: Paper 2: General Studies 1Decentralisation (economic, Panchayat finances) | Mains: Paper 3: General Studies 2Important constitutional amendments | Mains: Paper 4: General Studies 3Public perceptions of S&T |
| Thu | Mains: Paper 5: General Studies 4Emotional intelligence | Prelims: Paper I: Current Events of National and International ImportanceInternational current affairs (contd.) | Prelims: Paper I: HumanitiesHistory of India and national movement, with emphasis on Karnataka (contd.) |
| Fri | Prelims: Paper II: Current Events of State Importance and State Government ProgrammesKarnataka current events (contd.) | Mains: Paper 1: EssayEssay on a national or international issue (contd.) | Mains: Paper 2: General Studies 1Decentralisation (economic, Panchayat finances) (contd.) |
| Sat | Mains: Paper 3: General Studies 2Important constitutional amendments (contd.) | Mains: Paper 4: General Studies 3Public perceptions of S&T (contd.) | Mains: Paper 5: General Studies 4Emotional intelligence (contd.) |
| Sun | Revise this week's chapters, take one timed mock or sectional test, and log the score. | ||
How Daily Tayyari plans your day
Pick your exam and date
Choose the exam (and GATE paper or UPSC optional) and your exam date. The full official syllabus loads with every chapter listed above.
Tell it your daily hours
Say how many hours you can study on weekdays and weekends. The plan only ever fills that time.
Get today's tasks
Each morning you see a short list of tasks: new chapters weighted by marks, plus practice and revision, sized to fit your day.
Spaced revision, automatically
Finished chapters come back after 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, and sooner if a chapter felt hard.
Green, yellow, red status
See whether you are on track, slightly behind or behind, and when the syllabus will be finished at your real pace.
Mock test tracking
Log scores from any test series. Chapters that went badly are marked weak and revised sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Which chapters carry the most weight in KPSC?
Going by our compiled weightage, the heaviest chapters are History of India and national movement, with emphasis on Karnataka, World geography and geography of India, with focus on Karnataka, Indian polity and political system, Indian economy: rural development, planning, reforms, poverty, demographics, social sector, Everyday science and health. They are worth starting early, but past papers vary from year to year, so plan to cover the whole syllabus.
Is this KPSC weightage official?
No. Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) publishes the syllabus, not chapter weightage. These numbers come from analyses of previous years' papers, so treat them as a guide to priority, not a promise of what will be asked.
How many hours does the KPSC syllabus take?
Our first-pass estimate adds up to about 1000 hours of study, before revision and mock tests. At 6 hours a day, 6 days a week, that is roughly 6.4 months. Daily Tayyari replaces these defaults with your actual pace after the first week or two.
Is Daily Tayyari free, and does it work in Hindi?
Yes. It is free with no ads and no payment; you sign in with Google only so your plan is saved. You can switch between Hindi and English at any time, and chapter names are shown in both.