The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has officially released the Departmental Examination – Session I, 2026 notification, offering a crucial opportunity for in-service government employees to obtain mandatory qualifications for promotion and service confirmation. The notification details the application schedule, eligibility criteria, examination pattern, subject structure, fee structure, exemptions, and anti-malpractice measures. This update is particularly significant for Karnataka State Government employees working across departments, corporations, universities, and statutory bodies.
Application Schedule and Mode of Registration
The online application process will commence on 21 February 2026 and remain open until 23 March 2026. The last date to pay the examination fee is 25 March 2026.
Candidates must apply exclusively through the official KPSC website by logging in via the Seva Sindhu portal, which requires:
- Aadhaar-based authentication
- OTP verification
- Upload of necessary service and qualification documents
Applications submitted through any other mode will be rejected. Candidates are advised to use an active mobile number and email ID throughout the process, as all official communication will be conducted electronically.
Eligibility Criteria for KPSC Departmental Exam 2026
The examination is strictly meant for permanent employees of the Karnataka State Government, including those serving in:
- Government-owned corporations
- Boards and local bodies
- Universities
- Statutory authorities
Applicants must apply only for subjects prescribed for their respective departments under the Karnataka Civil Services Rules.
Special Provision for SAS Candidates
Candidates opting for Subordinate Accounts Service (SAS) papers must fulfill prescribed service requirements and upload relevant service certificates during application.
Examination Pattern and Medium
The KPSC Departmental Examination 2026 may be conducted in either:
- OMR-based Offline Mode, or
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The examination structure includes:
- 99 Objective (Multiple-Choice) Papers
- 19 Descriptive Papers
For descriptive papers, candidates must write the entire answer script in either Kannada or English, except for translation components.
Compulsory Kannada Paper
A Kannada language paper is mandatory for most candidates. However, officers belonging to All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) must opt for a separate Kannada paper specifically prescribed for them.
Examination Centres and Phases
The departmental examinations will be conducted in three phases:
- First Stage: All district headquarters including Bengaluru
- Second Stage: Divisional centres – Bengaluru, Belagavi, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Shivamogga
- Third Stage: Bengaluru only
The final allocation of centres will be determined by the Commission based on administrative requirements.
Fee Structure
The examination fee varies depending on the subject:
- ₹50 for most objective papers
- ₹100 for higher-level or specialized papers
The fee is non-refundable and cannot be adjusted for future sessions under any circumstances.
Exemptions and Special Provisions
Candidates may be eligible for exemptions based on:
- Marks secured in previous attempts within the last two years
- Prescribed academic qualifications
Persons with disabilities, including visually impaired candidates, are permitted to appear with a scribe, as per government norms and guidelines.
Hall Ticket, Results and Revaluation Policy
- Admission tickets must be downloaded online from the official portal.
- Revaluation is not permitted.
- Recounting of marks is allowed only for descriptive papers.
Strict Anti-Malpractice Measures
The Commission has issued a strong warning against:
- Submission of false information
- Impersonation
- Use of unfair means
- Production of fabricated documents
Such violations will attract disciplinary action and criminal proceedings as per applicable rules.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | KPSC Departmental Examination – Session I, 2026 |
| Application Dates | 21 Feb 2026 – 23 Mar 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 25 Mar 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online via Seva Sindhu |
| Exam Mode | OMR / CBT |
| Paper Types | 99 Objective, 19 Descriptive |
| Fee Range | ₹50 – ₹100 per paper |
| Official Website | kpsc.kar.nic.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| When does the KPSC Departmental Exam 2026 application begin? |
| The application process begins on 21 February 2026. |
| What is the last date to apply for Session I 2026? |
| The last date to apply online is 23 March 2026. |
| Who is eligible for the KPSC Departmental Examination? |
| Permanent Karnataka State Government employees and eligible staff of statutory bodies. |
| What is the examination mode? |
| It may be conducted in OMR-based offline mode or Computer-Based Test (CBT). |
| Is the Kannada paper compulsory? |
| Yes, for most candidates. All India Services officers have a separate prescribed Kannada paper. |
| What is the fee for objective papers? |
| Most objective papers cost ₹50, while specialized papers cost ₹100. |
| Is revaluation allowed? |
| No, revaluation is not permitted. Only recounting of descriptive papers is allowed. |
| How must candidates apply? |
| Applications must be submitted online through the Seva Sindhu portal using Aadhaar authentication. |
The KPSC Departmental Examination 2026 – Session I notification provides a structured and transparent pathway for government employees seeking career advancement and promotion eligibility. With clearly defined timelines, digital application procedures, and a comprehensive exam scheme, KPSC has streamlined the process for thousands of aspirants. Eligible candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline through the official website, carefully select prescribed subjects, and strictly adhere to instructions to avoid rejection. For updates and official announcements, visit the KPSC official website and bookmark this page for future reference, for more details CLICK HERE
