Introduction
KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026. The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has published Notification No. KPSCKA/EXA1/EXMF/9/2026-EXAM-1/1/251710/2026 (dated 31.07.2026) inviting online applications for recruitment to 319 Gazetted Probationer posts (Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’) under the Karnataka Recruitment of Gazetted Probationers Rules, 1997.
This competitive selection drive offers 117 Group ‘A’ posts and 202 Group ‘B’ posts across various state government departments. The online application portal at kpsconline.karnataka.gov.in opens on 01-08-2026 and will close on 31-08-2026.
Table of Contents
Vacancy Details for KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026
The total 319 vacancies are split between the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC – 297 posts) and the Kalyana-Karnataka Local Cadre (HK – 22 posts).
Group ‘A’ Posts (Total: 117 Posts)
Group ‘B’ Posts (Total: 202 Posts)
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree awarded by a University established by law in India, or an equivalent recognized qualification.
- Appearing Candidates: Candidates appearing for their final degree examinations are also eligible to apply for the Preliminary Examination. However, they must submit proof of passing the qualifying degree exam before applying for the Main Examination.
Age Limit & Relaxations (Reckoned as on 31st August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
(Note: As per Govt Order No. DPAR 262 Seneni 2025 dated 29.01.2026, a one-time 5-year age relaxation has been included for all categories):
- General Merit (GM): Maximum 40 Years
- Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: Maximum 43 Years
- SC / ST / Category-1: Maximum 45 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: Period of service + 3 years
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD) / Widows: Relaxation of up to 10 years
Number of Attempts
- General Merit (GM): 05 Attempts
- Categories 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 07 Attempts
- SC / ST Candidates: No limit on attempts (within age limit)
Physical Standards (For Specific Posts)
- DySP (Civil) – Group A: Men: Height 165 cm, Chest 84 cm (5 cm expansion). Women: Height 157 cm, Weight min 46 kg.
- Assistant Superintendent (Prisons) – Group B: Men: Height 168 cm, Chest 86 cm (5 cm expansion). Women: Height 157 cm, Weight min 46 kg.
- Deputy Superintendent of Excise – Group B: Men: Height 163 cm, Chest 81 cm (5 cm expansion). Women: Height 157 cm, Weight min 49 kg.
Application Fee & Payment Mode
- General Merit (GM): ₹600/-
- Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: ₹300/-
- Ex-Servicemen: ₹50/-
- SC / ST / Category-1 / PwD Candidates: Nil (Exempted from Fee)
- Payment Mode: Online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
Selection Process for KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026
The recruitment for KPSC Gazetted Probationers involves three successive stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type – 400 Marks)
- Paper-I (200 Marks / 2 Hours): General Studies (National/International – 40 Qs/80 Marks) & Humanities (60 Qs/120 Marks).
- Paper-II (200 Marks / 2 Hours): State Importance GS (40 Qs/80 Marks), General Science & Tech/Environment (30 Qs/60 Marks), General Mental Ability (30 Qs/60 Marks).
- Negative Marking: Deduction of 0.25 (1/4th) marks for every wrong answer.
- Shortlisting for Mains: Candidates equal to 15 times (1:15) the number of advertised vacancies will be admitted to the Main Exam based on Prelims merit.
- Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive Type – 1250 Marks)
- Qualifying Papers (150 Marks each): Kannada & English (Minimum 35% pass required; marks not counted for merit).
- Compulsory Papers (250 Marks each): Essay (Paper 1), General Studies 1 (Paper 2), General Studies 2 (Paper 3), General Studies 3 (Paper 4), General Studies 4 (Paper 5).
- Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview (25 Marks)
- Candidates shortlisted in a 1:3 ratio based on Mains written scores will be called for the interview.
How to Apply
- Visit the official website of KPSC at https://kpsconline.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on “New Registration” to create your One Time Registration (OTR) profile using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Fill in personal, educational, address, and category/reservation details carefully.
- Upload your recent passport-size photograph (max 200 KB) and signature (max 70 KB) in JPEG/JPG format.
- Log in, click “Apply to Post”, select Gazetted Probationers 2026-27, and review your application details.
- Upload mandatory documents (SSLC/10th marksheet, Degree certificates, Domicile/Category certificates as required).
- Pay the applicable application fee online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
- Download and print the submitted application preview with the generated QR Code for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event / Schedule | Date |
| Official Notification Issue Date | 31st July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 01st August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online & Pay Fee | 31st August 2026 |
| Correction Window Date | Before submission / As per KPSC OTR rules |
| Admit Card Release Date | To Be Notified Soon |
| Preliminary Exam Date (Tentative) | 15th November 2026 |
Important Links
| Link Title / Description | Direct Link / Action Text |
| Download Official Notification (PDF) | Download Notification PDF |
| Apply Online Link (KPSC OTR Portal) | Apply Online Here |
| Official Website Link | Visit KPSC Official Website |