Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruits candidates for Group A services through its Gazetted Probationers Examination also called Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) Exam. The current recruitment process is for KPSC KAS 2017-18 Examination. The commission is yet to release the notification for KPSC Gazetted Probationers Exam 2020.
The candidates preparing for the Gazetted Probationers Exam 2017-18 Mains examination or for 2020 preliminary examination; should go through the KAS Syllabus in detail. The syllabus will elaborate on the topics that are needed to be covered keeping in mind the exam pattern.
Brief about KAS Gazetted Probationers Exam
The Gazetted Probationers Examination takes place in three stages:
- Preliminary examination
- Mains examination
- Interview
Some salient facts about the exam are:
- There are two objective type papers in the preliminary stage of the examination.
- Both prelims papers have 100 questions each and attract negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer.
- In the mains stage, there are seven descriptive-type papers. Recently, the commission removed optional papers from the mains stage bringing down the numbers of papers from 9 to 7.
- Mains stage has two qualifying papers each on Kannada and English. 150 marks are allotted to these papers and a candidate has to score at least 35 percent marks in each.
- There are four general studies papers and one essay paper of 250 marks each. Candidates’ marks in these papers are considered for merit ranking.
- Earlier, the interview stage was of 200 marks but with the recent amendment, the KPSC has slashed the interview marks from 200 to 50.
5 Mistakes to Be Avoided for KPSC KAS Examination
The competition in the state service examinations is tough as lakhs of aspirants’ eye to crack it in their first attempt. In 2017-18 Gazetted Probationers Examination; around 1.5 lakh candidates filled the application to appear for prelims. The Preliminary Examination took place on 24th August 2020. Hence, the candidates preparing for KAS 2017-18 and the next recruitment exam, should know what mistakes can be avoided to clear this examination with flying colours.
- Not going through the syllabus – The syllabus of any examination is the preamble that sets the path ahead to prepare. Many times, candidates just read through the syllabus without understanding its demand. However, it is important to go through the topics mentioned in the syllabus in detail before proceeding with the preparation.
- Not focussing on state-specific information – Unlike the All-India Services Examination like UPSC exam; state service examinations focus more on state-specific topics. Hence, the approach in dealing with the KPSC KAS examination should be more on history, geography, economy, polity and environment of Karnataka state.
- Ignoring the importance of qualifying papers in Mains – The Kannada and English language papers are of qualifying nature where a candidate has to score at least 35 percent in each paper. The qualifying nature of the examination makes an assumption that the exams will be easier and candidates tend to focus less on these. However, a candidate must know that if they fail to qualify in these papers; the remaining papers go unchecked and all their efforts get wasted.
- Not revising the notes – The state-level examinations are one of the competitive examinations and hence, a candidate has to refer to multiple resources to prepare. However, amid all the notes-making, it is imperative that he/she often revises his/her notes well ahead of time.
- Not taking mock tests – As important as revision is for the state exam, mock tests are equally important. These tests help aspirants track their progress and amend their strategies on time. Hence, aspirants should not commit this mistake of delaying the test series as it can cost them an attempt in the KAS exam.
Set of Tips to be Followed for KPSC KAS Exam
The aspirants can follow the below-mentioned tips:
- Make a timetable that is realistic and stick to it till the very end.
- Be diligent and persevering with your efforts as they tend to bring results.
- Make notes of each subject in a separate notebook as it is handy to revise.
- Refer to previous year question papers to understand what kind of questions are often asked.
- While taking mock tests, revise the answer keys and reverse learn the topics asked in those tests.
KPSC KAS is an important state examination and hence, it is important that each aspirant adhere to the KAS syllabus and prepare with honesty.
The commission will release a new notification for KAS Gazetted Probationers Exam 2020-21 on its official website and candidates are advised to check it on a daily basis.
