📘 KPSC FDA/SDA Syllabus – Exam Pattern
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is the official body responsible for conducting recruitment exams for various posts such as First Division Assistant (FDA), Second Division Assistant (SDA), Group C, and KAS Officer-level positions across the state. Based on department-wise vacancies and government directives, the commission announces notifications and carries out the selection process every year as per requirements.
In this article, we focus on the official syllabus designed for the FDA and SDA posts. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of the subject-wise topics and exam structure as notified by KPSC. This information is essential for all aspirants aiming to understand what to study and how to prepare effectively for the exams.
📋 KPSC FDA/SDA Exam Pattern Overview
The exam consists of three papers, divided into two sections as follows:
📝 Section 1: Compulsory Kannada Language Paper
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Kannada Language (Compulsory) | Descriptive | 150 | 1 hour 30 mins |
Note: It is sufficient if the candidate passes the compulsory Kannada exam once. It is not necessary to pass it every time along with the competitive exam.
📚 Section 2: Competitive Examination
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2 | General English / General Kannada (Choose one) | Objective | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins |
| Paper 3 | General Knowledge | Objective | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins |
Note: The compulsory Kannada language paper is qualifying in nature. Only marks from General Knowledge and General English/General Kannada will be considered for the final merit list.
📝 Section 1: Compulsory Kannada Language Paper
The Compulsory Kannada Language paper is a qualifying section for all candidates appearing in the KPSC FDA/SDA recruitment. This paper evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in basic Kannada and is based on 10th standard level Kannada language skills.
The paper consists of descriptive-type questions, with a total of 150 marks and a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. To pass this paper, candidates must score at least 50 marks. Once passed, this paper does not need to be attempted again in future attempts.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Kannada Language (Compulsory) | Descriptive | 150 | 1 hour 30 mins |
📑 Detailed Syllabus of Compulsory Kannada Paper (Translated)
| Sl. No. | Topic | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay Writing / Composition | 25 |
| 2 | Letter Writing | 25 |
| 3 | Precise Writing | 25 |
| 4 | Comprehension | 25 |
| 5 | Vocabulary | 25 |
| 6 | Translation from English to Kannada | 25 |
| Total | 150 | |
Exemption: Candidates who have studied Kannada as a first or second language in Class 10 or higher, or who have passed previous KPSC compulsory Kannada exams, are exempted from writing this paper again.
📘 Section 2: General English or General Kannada (Choose One)
This section is designed to test the candidate’s language proficiency in either General English or General Kannada. It includes grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and sentence correction topics based on a degree-level standard. Candidates can choose one subject while applying.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2 | General English / General Kannada (Choose one) | Objective | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins |
Exam Format: The General English or General Kannada paper consists of 100 questions for 100 marks, with no negative marking. The duration of the exam is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Syllabus: This is a degree-level competitive exam. It includes grammar-based questions, vocabulary (synonyms and antonyms), identification of spelling mistakes, comprehension, and error detection in sentences. The paper is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to understand and use the language accurately.
📘 Section 3: Competitive Exam – General Knowledge
The General Knowledge paper is an important part of the competitive examination. It tests a candidate’s understanding of current events, history, constitution, geography, and basic science relevant to daily life. This section plays a key role in determining the final merit list.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 3 | General Knowledge | Objective | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins |
Exam Format: The General Knowledge competitive exam consists of a total of 100 questions, each carrying 1 mark, making it a total of 100 marks. There is no negative marking. The exam duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Syllabus: This is a degree-level examination and includes the following topics: Indian Constitution, Indian History and Culture, Indian and Economic Geography, Current Affairs, General Science, and topics from daily life that a well-informed person is expected to know.
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🧠 Frequently Asked Questions – KPSC FDA/SDA Syllabus 2025
📌 What is the exam pattern for KPSC FDA and SDA posts in 2025?
KPSC FDA and SDA exams usually have three papers:
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Paper 1 – Compulsory Kannada (Descriptive)
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Paper 2 – General English or General Kannada (Objective)
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Paper 3 – General Knowledge (Objective)
Each paper carries 100 marks and is conducted for 90 minutes.
📌 Is the FDA and SDA syllabus the same for 2025?
Yes, the syllabus is almost identical. The level of questions may vary slightly, but both include:
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Grammar (Kannada/English)
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Vocabulary
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Synonyms & Antonyms
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General Knowledge topics
📌 Can I choose English instead of Kannada in Paper 2?
Yes. In Paper 2, you can choose either General English or General Kannada, based on your comfort and language strength.
📌 What topics are covered in the General Knowledge paper?
Paper 3 includes:
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Indian Constitution
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History & Culture of India and Karnataka
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Economy & Geography
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Science & Environment
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Current Affairs (State + National)
📌 How should I prepare for the Kannada descriptive paper?
Focus on:
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Kannada grammar and usage
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Essay writing, letter writing
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Precise understanding of official communication formats
Practicing old question papers is highly recommended.
📌 Is there any negative marking in the KPSC FDA/SDA exam?
As per current notifications, there is no negative marking, but it’s always good to verify this in the final recruitment notice.
📌 Where can I download the official syllabus PDF?
You can get it from the KPSC official website or directly download from our article — we’ve added the latest 2025 syllabus PDF for both FDA and SDA posts.
