If you’re aiming to crack the JKPSC KAS 2025 exam, understanding the exam pattern is your first step. The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) conducts the KAS exam in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each stage has its own challenges, and knowing what to expect can make your preparation smoother. Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeater, this guide breaks down the latest JKPSC KAS exam pattern, marking scheme, and optional subjects—helping you strategize better. Let’s dive in!
The JKPSC KAS exam follows a three-tier selection process:
1. Preliminary Exam (Objective Type)
This is the screening stage—only qualifying in nature. The marks don’t count toward the final ranking.
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
Paper I
General Studies I
200
2 Hours
Paper II
General Studies II (CSAT)
200
2 Hours
🔹 General Studies I covers History, Polity, Geography, Economy, and Current Affairs. 🔹 General Studies II (CSAT) tests Aptitude, Reasoning, and Comprehension.
💡 Pro Tip: Since Prelims is just a qualifier, focus on speed and accuracy. Many aspirants lose out by ignoring CSAT—don’t make that mistake!
2. Mains Exam (Descriptive Type)
This is where the real battle begins. The Mains exam consists of 6 compulsory papers and 2 optional papers, totaling 1050 marks.
Compulsory Papers
Paper
Subject
Marks
Paper I
Essay
250
Paper II
General Studies I
250
Paper III
General Studies II
250
Paper IV
General Studies III
250
Paper V
General Studies IV
250
Paper VI
English/J&K Official Language
100 (Qualifying)
Optional Subjects (Choose Any 2)
You can pick from 28 subjects, including:
Subject Category
Examples
Literature
English, Urdu, Hindi
Science
Physics, Chemistry, Botany
Arts & Humanities
History, Sociology, Public Administration
🔹 Expert Insight: Dr. Ravi Sharma (KAS Mentor) suggests, “Pick subjects you’re comfortable with, not just high-scoring ones. Consistency matters more than trends.”
3. Personality Test (Interview)
The final stage carries 250 marks, testing your communication, critical thinking, and personality.
🔹 Real-Life Example: A 2023 topper, Ayesha Khan, shared, “I treated the interview like a conversation, not an interrogation. Confidence and clarity mattered more than textbook answers.”
JKPSC KAS Marking Scheme & Cut-Off Trends 📊
Stage
Total Marks
Qualifying Marks (General)
Prelims
400
~45-50% (Varies yearly)
Mains
1050
~50-55%
Interview
250
No fixed cutoff (Merit-based)
🔹 2024 Cut-Off (Expected):
Prelims: ~90-100 marks (General)
Mains: ~550-600 marks
How to Choose the Best Optional Subjects? 🤔
Selecting the right optional can make or break your rank. Here’s a quick comparison:
Factor
High-Scoring Subject
Interest-Based Subject
Pros
Predictable syllabus, ample resources
Easier to retain, better retention
Cons
High competition
Limited coaching material
🔹 Research-Backed Data: A 2022 study found that 70% of top rankers chose subjects they had prior knowledge in, rather than blindly following trends.
Kriti Reddy is a freelance writer specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a background in Psychology and 4+ years of experience, Kriti enjoys creating informative content for students. She loves reading novels.
