Dreaming of a prestigious career in Jammu & Kashmir’s civil services? The JKPSC KAS (Kashmir Administrative Service) exam is your gateway to roles like Deputy Commissioner, Police Service, or Accounts Officer. But cracking it isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart strategy. In 2025, over 90 vacancies are up for grabs, and the competition is fierce. This guide breaks down the 3-stage selection process (Prelims, Mains, Interview), shares insider tips, and reveals common pitfalls. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights of JKPSC KAS 2025 📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) |
| Total Vacancies | 90 (30 each for Administrative, Police, and Accounts Services) |
| Stages | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Prelims Date | 23rd February 2025 (2 sessions) |
| Mains Date | Tentatively 14th July 2025 |
| Age Limit | 21–32 years (up to 35 for reserved categories) |
| Application Fee | ₹1,200 (General), ₹700 (Reserved) |
| Official Website | jkpsc.nic.in |
Stage 1: Prelims – The First Hurdle 🎯
The Preliminary Exam is a screening test with two objective papers (400 marks total). Only 33% in Paper II (Aptitude) is needed to qualify for Mains .
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Paper | Topics | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS Paper I | History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, Current Affairs | 200 | 2 hours |
| GS Paper II | Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Decision-Making | 200 | 2 hours |
Pro Tip: Focus on J&K-specific topics like its history, geography, and recent policies. Many toppers swear by solving past papers .
Stage 2: Mains – The Real Battle ✍️
The Mains Exam is descriptive and tests in-depth knowledge. It has 8 papers (2,050 marks), including an English essay and optional subjects .
Mains Syllabus Breakdown
| Paper | Key Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | Essay, Précis, Vocabulary | 300 |
| GS I | Heritage, History, World Geography | 250 |
| GS II | Constitution, Governance, Social Justice | 250 |
| GS III | Economy, Agriculture, Security | 250 |
| GS IV | Ethics, Integrity, Case Studies | 250 |
| Optional Papers | Choose from 20+ subjects (e.g., Law, Public Admin) | 250 each |
Expert Insight:
“Mains is about structured answers. Use diagrams, subheadings, and real-life examples to stand out.” — Dr. A. Khan, JKPSC Mentor .
Stage 3: Interview – The Final Test 🗣️
The Personality Test (150 marks) evaluates your confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills. Questions range from current affairs to hypothetical scenarios .
Interview Evaluation Criteria
| Parameter | What They Assess |
|---|---|
| Mental Alertness | Quick thinking under pressure |
| Logical Clarity | Structured responses |
| Leadership | Handling ethical dilemmas |
| Knowledge | Depth in your optional subject |
Real-Life Example:
Riya, a 2024 qualifier, shared: “I was asked about J&K’s tourism revival. I cited stats and suggested eco-tourism—it impressed the panel!” .
Physical Requirements for Police Service 🏋️
If you’re aiming for J&K Police Service, meet these standards:
| Gender | Height | Chest (Min) | Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 165 cm | 84 cm | 5 cm |
| Female | 150 cm | 79 cm | 5 cm |
| (Leh/Kargil) | (5 cm less) | (79 cm for all) | (Same) |
Note: Medical Officers and Engineers have different age limits (up to 40–43 years) .
Preparation Tips from Toppers 🏆
- Prelims:
- Master NCERTs (Classes 6–12) for GS basics.
- Practice 50+ mock tests to speed up accuracy .
- Mains:
- Write 2 essays weekly (e.g., on J&K’s development).
- Revise optional subjects daily .
- Interview:
- Follow The Hindu and Greater Kashmir for local issues.
- Join mock interview sessions .
LSI Keywords: JKPSC syllabus, KAS exam strategy, J&K administrative services, JKPSC physical standards.
Siddharth Patel is a career counselor and content creator focusing on recruitment notifications. He holds a degree in Management and has 7+ years of experience. Siddharth enjoys playing badminton and reading self-help books.
