Exam pattern
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Paper I: General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Prelims | Paper II: General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Mains | Kannada (qualifying) | Written | 150 | 2 hours |
| Mains | English (qualifying) | Written | 150 | 2 hours |
| Mains | Paper I: Essay | Written | 250 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Papers II to V: General Studies 1 to 4 | Written | 250 each | 3 hours each |
| Interview | Personality Test | 25 |
Prelims marks only decide who goes on to the Mains, and wrong answers carry a penalty. Kannada and English need 35% each. The ranking adds the five counted Mains papers (1,250 marks) and the Personality Test (25).
Prelims: Paper I
- General Studies of national and international importance (40 questions): current events, Indian polity, economy and science in the news.
- Humanities (60 questions): history of India and Karnataka, geography of India and Karnataka, and the social sciences.
Prelims: Paper II
- General Studies of state importance (40 questions): Karnataka's history, geography, economy, polity and current affairs.
- General science and technology, environment and ecology (30 questions).
- General mental ability (30 questions).
Mains: Essay
- Two essays of 125 marks each: one on a national or international issue and one on a state or local issue.
Mains: General Studies 1
- History and cultural heritage of India, with special reference to Karnataka.
- Social and political perspectives: social justice, social issues and movements.
- Indian economy, planning and rural development, with Karnataka's economy.
Mains: General Studies 2
- Physical features and natural resources of India and Karnataka.
- The Indian Constitution and political system.
- Public administration and management, and international relations.
Mains: General Studies 3
- The role of science and technology in India's development, and information technology in public services.
- Advances in the natural and life sciences, agriculture and health.
- Ecology and environmental challenges.
Mains: General Studies 4
- Ethics, integrity and aptitude, with case studies.