KPSC KAS 2026 Exam Pattern: Questions, Marks, Duration & Negative Marking
KPSC KAS 2026 exam pattern — number of questions, marks per question, duration, negative marking scheme, section-wise split, and tips to maximise your score within the time limit.
Reviewed by: StudyRoadmap Editorial · Last verified: 2026-04-24
KPSC KAS 2026 exam pattern
The KPSC KAS Preliminary examination consists of two papers: Paper I (General Studies) with 200 questions carrying 200 marks, and Paper II (General Studies with Karnataka-specific topics) also with 200 questions carrying 200 marks. Both papers are objective (MCQ) type, each of 2 hours duration. The Main examination has six papers: Paper I (Kannada language), Paper II (English language), Paper III (General Studies I - Indian History, Geography, etc.), Paper IV (General Studies II - Indian Polity, Governance, etc.), Paper V (General Studies III - Economy, Science, Technology), and Paper VI (General Studies IV - Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude). Each paper is of 250 marks and 2.5 hours duration. The Interview carries 100 marks.
Subjects in this exam
- History: 10 topics
- Geography: 10 topics
- Indian Polity: 10 topics
- Karnataka-Specific: 8 topics