KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 319 Gazetted Probationer (Group A & Group B) Posts – Eligibility, Salary, Selection Process & Important Dates
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has officially released the KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026 Notification for the recruitment of 319 Gazetted Probationer (KAS) posts under Group A and Group B services in various departments of the Government of Karnataka. This is one of the most prestigious recruitment drives conducted by KPSC, offering an excellent opportunity for graduates aspiring to build a rewarding career in the Karnataka State Civil Services.
Eligible and interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official KPSC portal from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026. The recruitment process consists of a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview).
If you are preparing for Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS), this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, including vacancy details, educational qualifications, age limit, salary, application fee, selection procedure, important dates, and frequently asked questions.
KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) |
| Post Name | Gazetted Probationers (Group A & Group B) |
| Total Vacancies | 319 |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Year | 2026 |
| Official Recruitment | Karnataka State Government |
KPSC KAS Vacancy 2026 Details
A total of 319 vacancies have been announced under Group A and Group B services.
Group A Posts (117 Vacancies)
The following vacancies are available under Group A services:
- Assistant Commissioners (Junior Scale) – Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms: 39 Posts
- Assistant Commissioners of Commercial Taxes – Commercial Taxes Department: 50 Posts
- Assistant Directors – Treasury Department: 2 Posts
- Executive Officers/Assistant Secretaries – Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR): 15 Posts
- Assistant Directors Grade-I – Social Welfare Department: 11 Posts
Total Group A Vacancies: 117
Group B Posts (202 Vacancies)
The following posts are available under Group B services:
- Tahsildar Grade-II – Revenue Department: 25 Posts
- Commercial Tax Officers – Commercial Taxes Department: 74 Posts
- Assistant Superintendents – Prison Department: 6 Posts
- Assistant Registrars of Cooperative Societies – Cooperation Department: 21 Posts
- Assistant Directors – Agricultural Marketing Department: 12 Posts
- Deputy Superintendents of Excise – Finance Department: 5 Posts
- Employment Officers – Skill Development Department: 3 Posts
- Chief Officers Grade-I – Urban Development Department: 20 Posts
- Assistant Treasury Officers – Finance Department: 12 Posts
- Assistant Directors – Food and Civil Supplies Department: 4 Posts
- Section Officers – Karnataka Government Secretariat: 5 Posts
- Section Officers – Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC): 4 Posts
- Assistant Directors Grade-II – Social Welfare Department: 11 Posts
Total Group B Vacancies: 202
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026 must possess any of the following qualifications from a university established by law in India:
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline.
- Master’s Degree or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Yes. Candidates who have appeared for their final-year degree examination and are awaiting results are eligible to apply for the Preliminary Examination. However, they must produce proof of passing the qualifying examination before the stage specified by KPSC.
Age Limit
Applicants must have completed 21 years of age as of the last date for submission of the online application.
Maximum Age Limit
- General Merit (GM): 40 Years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B: 43 Years
- Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) & Category-I: 45 Years
Age Relaxation
The Government of Karnataka has granted a one-time relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit for all categories. In addition, eligible Ex-servicemen and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) will receive age relaxation as per the prevailing government rules.
Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility carefully before submitting the application.
Salary
Candidates selected as Gazetted Probationers will receive salary according to the pay scales prescribed by the Government of Karnataka for Group A and Group B officers.
Apart from the basic pay, selected candidates will also be entitled to several government allowances and benefits, including:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Medical benefits
- Pension and retirement benefits (as applicable)
- Other allowances under Karnataka Government service rules
The exact salary will vary depending on the department and post allotted.
Application Fee
The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General Merit (GM) | ₹600 |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B | ₹300 |
| Ex-servicemen | ₹50 |
| SC, ST, Category-I & Persons with Disabilities | Exempted |
The application fee must be paid online through the available payment gateways.
How to Apply for KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should follow the steps below to complete the online application process successfully:
Step 1
Visit the official KPSC recruitment portal and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by selecting the “New Registration” option.
Step 2
Log in using your registered User ID and Password.
Step 3
Fill in all the required personal, educational, and reservation details carefully.
Step 4
Upload the required documents:
- Passport-size photograph (JPEG/JPG, maximum 200 KB)
- Signature (JPEG/JPG, maximum 70 KB)
Step 5
Verify all the entered information thoroughly and click on “Apply to Post.”
Step 6
Pay the applicable application fee using any of the following payment methods:
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
Step 7
Submit the application form and download the acknowledgment copy for future reference.
Applicants should keep a printed copy of the submitted application until the recruitment process is completed.
Selection Process
The KPSC Gazetted Probationer recruitment follows a three-stage selection process.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination is the first screening stage. It consists of objective-type questions and is conducted to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
Negative Marking
Yes. There is negative marking in the Preliminary Examination.
For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
Stage 2: Main Examination
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination. This stage evaluates candidates’ in-depth knowledge, analytical ability, writing skills, and subject understanding.
The marks obtained in the Main Examination play a significant role in the final merit list.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates shortlisted from the Main Examination will be invited for a Personality Test conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission.
The interview assesses:
- Communication skills
- Leadership qualities
- Administrative aptitude
- Decision-making ability
- General awareness
- Personality and confidence
The final selection will be based on the combined performance in the Main Examination and Personality Test, subject to applicable rules.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Starts | 01 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination (Tentative) | 15 November 2026 |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date to submit their applications, as heavy website traffic may cause delays.
Why Apply for KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026?
The Karnataka Administrative Service is one of the most respected career options for graduates in Karnataka. Selected officers get the opportunity to work in key administrative positions across various government departments and contribute directly to public governance and development.
Some of the major advantages include:
- Prestigious Gazetted Officer status
- Attractive salary and government allowances
- Excellent career growth opportunities
- Job security
- Pension and retirement benefits as per government rules
- Opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka
Candidates preparing for Karnataka Government competitive examinations should not miss this opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum educational qualification required for KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. Master’s degree holders are also eligible to apply.
2. Is there negative marking in the Preliminary Examination?
Yes. A deduction of 0.25 marks will be made for every incorrect answer.
3. Can final-year degree students apply?
Yes. Candidates who have appeared for their final-year examinations and are awaiting results can apply for the Preliminary Examination, subject to the conditions specified by KPSC.
4. How can I pay the application fee?
Candidates can pay the application fee online through:
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
5. In which language will the Preliminary Examination be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination question paper will be available in Kannada and English.
6. How many vacancies are available under KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026?
A total of 319 Gazetted Probationer vacancies have been announced across various Group A and Group B services.
7. What is the mode of application?
Applications must be submitted online through the KPSC recruitment portal.
8. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is 31 August 2026.
Conclusion
The KPSC KAS Recruitment 2026 presents an outstanding opportunity for graduates seeking a prestigious career in the Karnataka State Government. With 319 Gazetted Probationer vacancies across multiple departments, this recruitment drive offers excellent career prospects, attractive pay, and long-term job security. Candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully, complete the online application within the specified dates, and begin their preparation for the Preliminary and Main examinations at the earliest. Early application and systematic preparation will significantly improve your chances of securing a position in the Karnataka Administrative Services.
Important links
Official website : Click here
Notification PDF : Click here
Application Link : Click here
“I’m Shrinivas, a Kannada blogger, digital marketer, and insurance advisor. I hold an MA degree and have 4+ years of experience in customer support and relationship management. I create simple and practical content on self-improvement, career growth, and government schemes to help people make better life and financial decisions.”