KPSC Gazetted Probationers Recruitment 2026-27 – 319 Posts

KPSC Gazetted Probationers Recruitment 2026-27 – 319 Posts

The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has invited online applications from eligible candidates for the Preliminary Examination for filling up 319 Gazetted Probationer posts of Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ for the year 2026-27, under the Karnataka Recruitment of Gazetted Probationers (Appointment by Competitive Examinations) Rules, 1997. This article covers the vacancy details, eligibility, examination pattern, fee and how to apply.

KPSC Gazetted Probationers Recruitment 2026-27 – Overview

As per the Corrigendum dated 31.08.2026, KPSC has extended the last date for online application submission from 31.08.2026 to 07 September 2026, citing server issues on the Nadakacheri/Seva Sindhu portal for caste, income and age relaxation certificates, as well as internet connectivity difficulties for candidates in rural areas.

Post-wise Vacancy Details – Group ‘A’

Post-wise Vacancy Details – Group ‘B’

Overall Total: 319 posts (297 Direct Cadre + 22 Hyderabad-Karnataka Cadre)

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree from a University established by Law in India, or an equivalent qualification.
• Must be mentally and physically healthy and fit to perform the duties of the post efficiently.
• Candidates dismissed from Central or State Government service, or from any Public Service Commission-conducted recruitment for unfair means, are not eligible.

Age Limit (As on Last Date of Application)

As per Government Order No. SI SU 262 SENENI 2025 dated 29.01.2026, an additional one-time 5-year relaxation has been extended to the upper age limit for all category candidates who considered the income-based reservation rules while applying.

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Application Fee

Fee is payable online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card or UPI. Once paid, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances, including if the candidate is found ineligible or the Commission cancels the recruitment/examination.

Number of Attempts Permitted

Each attempt at the Preliminary Examination is counted, regardless of whether the candidate is absent.

Examination Pattern – Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers, both objective type (multiple choice), each carrying a maximum of 200 marks and of two hours’ duration. Candidates qualifying the Preliminary Examination will be shortlisted for the Main Examination, followed by Personality Test/Interview for final selection to the various services and posts.

Selection Process

1. Preliminary Examination (objective, screening test – marks not counted for final merit).
2. Main Examination (descriptive, for candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination).
3. Personality Test/Interview.
4. Final Selection based on Main Examination and Interview marks.

How to Apply

1. Visit the KPSC Udyoga Souche portal at https://kpsconline.karnataka.gov.in and complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
2. Log in using your registered credentials, click on “Apply to Post”, and select the notified Gazetted Probationers 2026-27 posts.
3. Fill in all required details carefully, since details once submitted generally cannot be modified.
4. Upload a recent color photograph (20 KB to 50 KB) and signature (10 KB to 20 KB) in JPEG/JPG format only.
5. Pay the prescribed fee online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card or UPI.
6. Download and save the submitted application for future reference, on or before 07 September 2026.

About This Recruitment

The KPSC Gazetted Probationers recruitment is one of Karnataka’s most significant and closely watched state civil service exams, functioning as the state-level equivalent of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. With 319 posts spanning Group ‘A’ administrative roles like Assistant Commissioner and Group ‘B’ roles like Tahsildar and Commercial Tax Officer, this recruitment offers a pathway into some of the most influential administrative positions across Karnataka’s Revenue, Commercial Taxes, Co-operation, Urban Development and other key departments.

Why the Deadline Extension Matters for Candidates

The Corrigendum extending the application deadline from 31 August to 7 September 2026 gives candidates a genuinely useful window, since it specifically addresses two real barriers many applicants were facing – technical failures on the Nadakacheri/Seva Sindhu portal that issues caste, income and age relaxation certificates, and poor internet connectivity for candidates in rural parts of the state. Candidates who were unable to complete their application by the original deadline due to these certificate-related delays should use this extended window to finalize their documentation and submit before 7 September 2026.

Understanding the Two-Stage Preliminary and Main Structure

Since the Preliminary Examination for KPSC Gazetted Probationers functions purely as a qualifying screening stage rather than contributing to final merit, candidates should treat it primarily as a hurdle to clear rather than a scoring opportunity, and focus their preparation on securing the qualifying cutoff comfortably rather than maximizing marks. The real competition for final selection happens at the Main Examination and Interview stage, which is where candidates should concentrate their deeper preparation once they clear the Preliminary Examination, expected to be held around 15 November 2026.

Group ‘A’ Versus Group ‘B’ – What the Difference Means for a Career

Of the 319 posts, Group ‘A’ accounts for 117 posts including the highly sought-after Assistant Commissioner (Junior Scale) role in Revenue & Disaster Management, while Group ‘B’ makes up the remaining 202 posts across roles like Tahsildar, Commercial Tax Officer and Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies. Since Group ‘A’ officers typically enter at a higher administrative rank with correspondingly faster promotion prospects to senior district and state-level positions, candidates with a strong overall preparation level often prioritize the Group ‘A’ posts in their preference order, while Group ‘B’ posts still offer a solid, well-respected entry into Karnataka’s state civil service with strong long-term career growth.

Important Links

• Notification PDF
• Official Website
• NaukriPatra App
• WhatsApp Channel
• Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many total posts are advertised in KPSC Gazetted Probationers 2026-27?

319 posts – 297 Direct Cadre and 22 Hyderabad-Karnataka Cadre, across Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services.

2. What is the extended last date to apply?

07 September 2026, as per the Corrigendum dated 31.08.2026.

3. What is the application fee?

Rs. 600/- for General Merit, Rs. 300/- for Category 2A/2B/3A/3B, Rs. 50/- for Ex-Servicemen, and exempted for SC/ST/Category-1/PH candidates.

4. What is the age limit?

21 to 40 years for General Merit, up to 43 years for Category 2A/2B/3A/3B, and up to 45 years for SC/ST/Category-1.

5. What qualification is required?

A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from a recognized University or an equivalent qualification.

6. How should candidates apply?

Online only, through https://kpsconline.karnataka.gov.in, using One Time Registration (OTR).

7. Which post has the most vacancies?

Commercial Tax Officer, with 74 posts, followed by Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes with 50 posts.

8. What is the Preliminary Examination pattern?

Two objective-type papers of 200 marks each (400 total), covering General Studies, Humanities and Aptitude.

9. Is there negative marking?

The notification does not specify negative marking for the Preliminary Examination; candidates should refer to the detailed syllabus on the KPSC website.

10. How many attempts are permitted?

5 for General Merit, 7 for Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B, and unlimited for SC/ST candidates.

11. When is the Preliminary Examination likely to be held?

Tentatively on 15 November 2026, as per the notification.

12. What is the selection process after the Preliminary Examination?

A Main Examination (descriptive) followed by a Personality Test/Interview for final selection.

13. Why was the application deadline extended?

Due to server issues on the Nadakacheri/Seva Sindhu portal for caste and income certificates, and internet connectivity difficulties for rural candidates.

14. Can a candidate apply for more than one post?

The notification requires a single application covering the Gazetted Probationers examination; specific post preferences are typically indicated separately as per KPSC’s process.

15. Who issues this recruitment notification?

The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), Bengaluru.