KAS
Prepare yourselves, graduates, as the second KAS notification is scheduled to be released on November 1st.
WHAT IS KAS?
The Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) is a specialized administrative service exclusive to the state of Kerala, modelled after the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Those who qualify for KAS will hold positions in the second-highest gazetted rank, just below the IAS officers. Historically, individuals from various government departments would gradually ascend to the role of Deputy Secretary. However, KAS opens pathways to higher positions, including Secretary and Additional Secretary roles. Initially, entrants begin as Junior Time Scale Officers, with opportunities for advancement to more senior positions. After eight years of service, they become eligible to compete for an IAS officer position within the state's quota, based on vacancies, seniority, and other criteria. This approach is seen by some as a more accessible route to achieving an IAS position within the Kerala cadre. The establishment of KAS by the Government of Kerala aims to infuse vitality and efficiency into crucial governmental roles, offering a promising entry point for aspiring individuals to start their careers in high-ranking positions with competitive salaries.
🛤 Route to KAS:
Aspiring candidates can embark on their journey to the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) through the rigorous three-tier KAS examination administered by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC). Mark your calendars, as the notification for the second KAS examination is set to be released on November 1.
📚 Examination Structure:
The KAS selection process comprises three distinct phases: the preliminary examination, the main examination, and the interview.
1.Preliminary Examination:
- The preliminary exam serves as a screening test, allowing only those who qualify to proceed to the main examination.
- It consists of two parts and is worth a total of 200 marks.
- Part two includes a language section with 50 marks, with 30 marks allocated for Malayalam and 20 marks for English.
2.Main Examination:
- The main exam is descriptive in nature, consisting of three sections, each worth 100 marks.
3.Interview:
- Candidates who excel in the main examination will be invited for an interview, which carries a weightage of 50 marks.
The final selection hinges on the cumulative marks obtained in the main examination and the interview. It is important to note that there are reserved seats for all eligible categories, including those with disabilities, in the appointment process.
📚 Examination Streams:
The KAS examinations are conducted across three distinct categories:
1.Direct Recruitment:
- This category is open to candidates applying directly for the KAS examination.
2.Full Member in Service:
- This category is designated for individuals already serving in the first gazetted post within various state government departments.
3.First Gazetted Post:
- Reserved for individuals currently occupying the initial gazetted post within the state government.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to apply for the KAS examination, candidates must meet specific criteria:
-Educational Qualification: Applicants should hold a degree from a recognized university.
- Age Limits:
- For the Direct Recruitment category, the maximum age limit is 32 years.
- In the Full Member in Service category, which includes permanent members who have completed their probation in state government departments, the maximum age limit is 40 years.
- The third stream, encompassing those in the first gazetted post of the state government, has a maximum age limit of 50 years.
-Age Relaxation: There are provisions for age relaxation for candidates falling under reserved categories in all three streams.
▶Salary Structure:
The compensation and additional benefits for Kerala Administrative Service (Junior Times Scale) officers are as follows:
- The basic salary is set at Rs 81,800 (fixed).
- Additionally, eligible officers are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and a 10% grade pay.
During the training period, a consolidated amount of Rs 81,800 is allocated as the fixed basic salary.
💠What to Study:
The KAS examination is structured around a comprehensive and precise syllabus. The preliminary examination syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including history, constitution, social justice, administration, geography, economics, planning, cultural heritage of Kerala, science, technology, Malayalam, English, reasoning, and mental ability. Each subject's syllabus delineates the specific topics to focus on for study.
📚 Exam Preparation:
Getting ready for the KAS exam demands a more profound and dedicated approach compared to regular undergraduate-level PSC exams. It's akin to preparing for civil services examinations, necessitating intensive training.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Comprehensive Syllabus Understanding: Begin by thoroughly comprehending the exam syllabus and its structure.
2. Resource Gathering: Find appropriate books or digital resources that cover the topics listed in the syllabus.
3. Structured Study Plan: Create a well-organized timetable that allocates equal time to all subjects. Initially, dedicate about 6-8 hours a day to your studies.
4. Adaptability: As you progress, adjust your study time allocation. Spend less time on topics you grasp well and increase the time for subjects you find challenging.
5. Note-Taking: Make detailed notes as you study. These will serve as valuable reference materials for revision and final preparations.
6. Daily Practice: Regularly practice reasoning, mental ability, and other related subjects to build speed and proficiency.
7. In-Depth Awareness: Dive deep into general knowledge and stay updated on contemporary issues for a comprehensive understanding.
Reading newspapers daily should be approached with the aim of gaining a profound grasp of general knowledge and staying current with contemporary issues. Additionally, consider taking notes to aid your understanding.
Regularly practicing with question papers is highly advantageous. You can utilize UPSC question papers, especially for subjects shared with the KAS examination, to enhance your preparation.
▶Recruitment and Training Details:
Recruitment for the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) encompasses various state government departments, including revenue, civil supplies, chemical taxes, co-operation, culture, labor, education, rural development, land management, tourism, urban affairs, panchayat, registration, finance secretariat, and treasury. Anticipated vacancies for this cycle are estimated to be around 300.
Successful candidates who pass all three stages of the KAS examination are appointed as Junior Time Scale Officers. Subsequently, they undergo a training program lasting from 18 months to two years. Within this period, they spend 15 days at a premier National Management Institute designated by the government and another 15 days at the National Planning or Development Institute. The specific training curriculum for each officer is determined by the Government Management Institute in Thiruvananthapuram.
Before formally entering and settling into their roles, officers must complete a two-year probation period. During this time, they are required to pass four examinations conducted by the Government of Kerala. For those without a high school education certificate in Malayalam, an additional Malayalam Proficiency Test is mandatory.
You've received the essential information, and now it's time to await the official notification. When the applications open, ensure a meticulous submission, and embark on your exam preparation. Consider this as the start of your journey toward an esteemed position.
Wishing you the best of luck in advance!
Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team