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The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) is the state-level body responsible for recruiting candidates to various government posts in Kerala. Before applying for any Kerala PSC examination, it is mandatory to verify your eligibility as per the official criteria set by the commission.
Kerala PSC conducts examinations broadly at three levels: 10th Level (SSLC), 12th Level (Plus Two / HSE), and Degree Level. Each level has specific age limits, educational qualifications, and other requirements. Explore Kerala PSC Eligibility Criteria 2026 such as Basic Qualifications, Age Limit & Other Rules below!
KERALA PSC ONLINE COACHING DEMO
Kerala PSC Exam 2026 Overview & Key Highlights
The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC), established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, is one of the most reputed state-level recruitment agencies in India. Every year, KPSC releases hundreds of notifications for government posts across departments — from clerical and administrative roles to technical and medical positions.
- 10th Level Exam for candidates who have passed SSLC / 10th Standard from a recognized board. Covers clerical and support roles
- 12th Level Exam for candidates with Higher Secondary (Plus Two / HSE) qualification. Includes roles like Village Officer, Excise Officer.
- Degree Level Exam for Bachelor’s degree holders. Covers Sub Inspector of Police, Excise Inspector, Divisional Accountant, and more.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) |
| Exam Level | State Level (Kerala) |
| Official Website | www.keralapsc.gov.in |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based) |
| Language of Exam | Malayalam / English / Kannada / Tamil |
| Exam Levels | 10th Level, 12th Level, Degree Level |
| Number of Attempts | No limit (as long as eligibility criteria are met) |
| Application Mode | Online via One Time Registration (OTR) |
Kerala PSC Eligibility 2026 Criteria – Nationality & Domicile Requirements
1: Which Year First Assembly Election was held in Kerala?
Regardless of the exam level, every candidate must satisfy the following nationality and domicile conditions to be eligible for Kerala PSC examinations:
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- The candidate must be a resident / domicile of Kerala.
- Proof of Kerala residence must be submitted during the document verification stage.
- Candidates belonging to communities native to Kerala are also eligible as per specific notifications.
- Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came before January 1, 1962, may be eligible for certain posts — verify notification-wise.
Candidates must produce a valid domicile / nativity certificate from the Tahsildar or Revenue authority at the time of document verification. Make sure to keep this document ready.
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Join Now!Kerala PSC 10th Level Eligibility Criteria 2026
The Kerala PSC 10th Level Exam is designed for candidates who have completed their Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or equivalent 10th standard examination. This is the entry-level exam covering a wide range of support and clerical posts across various government departments.
Educational Qualification — Kerala PSC 10th Level Exam
Minimum Qualification Required
- Pass in SSLC (10th Standard) or equivalent from a recognized Board/University.
- Some posts at 10th level may require additional qualifications such as ITI, typewriting certificate, etc.
- For certain posts like Last Grade Servant (LGS), even 7th standard pass may suffice.
Age Limit — Kerala PSC 10th Exam
| Post Name | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Last Grade Servant (LGS) | 18 years | 36 years |
| Typist | 18 years | 36 years |
| Stenographer | 18 years | 36 years |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | 18 years | 39 years |
| Office Attendant | 18 years | 36 years |
| Secretariat Office Attendant | 18 years | 36 years |
| Sales Assistant | 18 years | 36 years |
| Computer Assistant Grade-II | 18 years | 32 years |
| Fire & Rescue Officer | 18 years | 26 years |
| Overseer Grade 3 / Work Superintendent Grade 2 | 18 years | 36 years |
Kerala PSC 10th Level 2026 Common Posts
The Kerala PSC 10th Level Preliminary Exam covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Simple Mathematics, Mental Ability, and Basic English/Malayalam. Focus on Kerala-specific topics, which carry significant weightage.
| Kerala PSC 10th Level Posts |
| Village Field Assistant |
| Junior Assistant |
| Police Constable |
| Peon/Attender |
| Last Grade Servant |
| Lower Division Clerk |
| Lower Division Typist |
| Assistant Prison Officer |
| Women Assistant Prison Officer |
| Laboratory Attender |
| Typist Grade 2 |
| Stenographer |
| Binder |
Kerala PSC 12th Level Eligibility Criteria 2026
The Kerala PSC 12th Level Exam is for candidates who have completed their Higher Secondary Education (Plus Two) or equivalent (Class 12). This level offers a wide variety of posts including Village Officers, Excise Officers, Extension Officers, and more.
Educational Qualification — 12th Level Exam
Minimum Qualification Required
- Pass in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / Plus Two / Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized Board.
- Some posts may require a specific stream (Science/Commerce/Humanities) — always check the official notification.
- Posts like Village Field Assistant, Junior Health Inspector, and certain Secretariat Assistant roles fall under this level.
- For technical posts, relevant trade certificates (like ITI) may be required in addition to 12th standard.
Age Limit — 12th Level Exam
| Post Name | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Village Field Assistant | 18 years | 36 years |
| Junior Health Inspector Grade II | 18 years | 36 years |
| Secretariat Assistant / Auditor | 18 years | 36 years |
| Clerk Typist (12th Level) | 18 years | 41 years |
| Extension Officer Grade I | 20 years | 40 years |
| Laboratory Assistant | 18 years | 36 years |
| Village Officer | 18 years | 36 years |
| Excise Guard | 18 years | 26 years |
| Women Police Constable | 18 years | 26 years |
| Senior Storekeeper | 20 years | 40 years |
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Join Now!Kerala PSC 12th Level 2026 Common Posts
| Kerala PSC 12th Level Posts |
| Assistant Prison Officer / Female Assistant Prison Officer |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector (Kerala Police) |
| Beat Forest Officer (BFO) |
| Beat Police Officer |
| Civil Excise Officer |
| Computer Assistant Grade-II (Kerala Administrative Tribunal) |
| Confidential Assistant Grade-II |
| Fire & Rescue Driver |
| Fireman & Fire Woman Trainee (Fire and Rescue Services) |
| Inspecting Assistants (Legal Metrology) |
| Office Assistant (KTDC) |
| Police Constable / Civil Police Officer (CPO) |
| Service Armed Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (Armed Police Battalion) |
| Stenographer (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.) |
| Typist Clerk (Travancore Cochin Chemicals Ltd.) |
| Women Civil Excise Officer |
| Women Police Constable (WPC) |
Kerala PSC Degree Level Eligibility Criteria 2026
The Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam is the most competitive of the three tiers, targeting candidates with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. It opens doors to prestigious government roles like Sub Inspector of Police, Excise Inspector, Divisional Accountant, and Section Officer positions.
Educational Qualification — Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam 2026
Minimum Qualification Required
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University.
- For certain posts, a specific discipline may be required (e.g., B.Com for Accountant posts, B.Sc for Science-based roles).
- Candidates in their final year of graduation may also apply in some cases — verify specific notification.
- Professional degrees like B.Tech, BCA, BBA are also accepted for relevant posts.
Age Limit — Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam 2026
| Post Name | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Sub Inspector of Police (Trainee) — Open Market | 20 years | 26 years |
| Excise Inspector (Trainee) | 20 years | 30 years |
| Divisional Accountant | 20 years | 36 years |
| Section Officer (KPSC) | 20 years | 36 years |
| Assistant Director of National Savings | 20 years | 36 years |
| Confidential Assistant Grade II | 18 years | 36 years |
| Data Entry Operator | 18 years | 36 years |
| Armed Police Sub Inspector (Trainee) | 20 years | 30 years |
| Scientific Officer (Biology/Physics/Chemistry) | 20 years | 36 years |
| Fisheries Extension Officer | 18 years | 36 years |
| Medical Social Worker | 21 years | 36 years |
| Statistical Assistant Grade II | 19 years | 36 years |
| Assistant Jailor Grade I | 18 years | 36 years |
| Assistant Professor (Reproductive Medicine) | 25 years | 45 years |
| Administrative Officer — General Category | 18 years | 45 years |
Kerala PSC Degree Level 2026 Common Posts
| Kerala PSC Degree Level Posts |
| SALES ASSISTANT {Handicraft Development Corporation of Kerala} |
| SALES ASSISTANT GR.II -(SOCIETY CATEGORY) {KERALA STATE CO-OPERATIVE COIR MARKETING FEDERATION LTD} |
| SR. SUPRNT./ASST TREASURY OFFICER/SUB TREASURY OFFICER (Kerala Treasury Services) – Direct Recruitment SR for : SCHEDULED CASTE/SCHEDULED TRIBE |
| SPECIAL BRANCH ASSISTANT – S B C I D {Kerala Police Service} – 000169 |
| ARMED POLICE SUB INSPECTOR(TRAINEE) – OPEN MARKET {POLICE (ARMED POLICE BATTALION} |
| ARMED POLICE SUB INSPECTOR(TRAINEE) FROM among graduate head constables, Police Constables, and officers of the corresponding rank in Police or Vigilance Department. (ARMED POLICE BATTALION)} |
| SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE(TRAINEE) (KCP)- OPEN MARKET {Police (Kerala Civil Police)} |
| SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE(TRAINEE)-(KCP)-FROM GRADUATE MIN. STAFF OF POLICE/VIGILANCE {Police (Kerala Civil Police)} |
| SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE(TRAINEE) (KCP)FROM GRADUATE PC/ HC {Police (Kerala Civil Police)} |
| SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE (TRAINEE) {POLICE (KERALA CIVIL POLICE)} |
| ASST JAILOR GR I/ SUPRNT.-SUBJAIL/SUPERVISOR- OPEN PRISON/SUPERVISOR-BORSTAL SCHOOL/ARMOROUR-SICA ETC {Jails} |
| ASST JAILOR GR I/ SUPRNT.-SUBJAIL/SUPERVISOR- OPEN PRISON/SUPERVISOR-BORSTAL SCHOOL/ARMOROUR-SICA ETC {Jails} |
| ASST JAILOR GR I/ SUPRNT.-SUBJAIL/SUPERVISOR- OPEN PRISON/SUPERVISOR-BORSTAL SCHOOL/ARMOROUR-SICA ETC {Jails} |
| EXCISE INSPECTOR (TRAINEE) {Excise} |
| EXCISE INSPECTOR (TRAINEE) {Excise} |
| SALES ASSISTANT {Handicraft Development Corporation of Kerala} |
| ASSISTANT {Kerala Administrative Tribunal} |
| DATA ENTRY OPERATOR {Scheduled Tribe Development Department} |
| TYPIST CLERK GR II {Malabar Cements Limited} |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| SECTION OFFICER {Kerala Public Service Commission} |
| ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SAVINGS {The Kerala National Savings Service} |
| ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SAVINGS {The Kerala National Savings Service} |
| ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SAVINGS {The Kerala National Savings Service} |
| CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT {Kerala Live Stock Development Board Ltd.} |
| JUNIOR RECEPTIONIST {Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd.} |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTANT {Kerala General Service } |
| CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT GRADE II – (GENERAL) PART-I {Apex Societies of Co-operative Sector in Kerala} |
| CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT GRADE II (PART II – FISHERMEN/DEPENDENT OF FISHERMEN {Kerala State Co-Operative Federation for Fisheries Development Limited(MATSYAFED} |
| CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT GRADE II (PART III – SOCIETY) {Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Limited (MALSYAFED)} |
| RECEPTIONIST CUM TELEPHONE OPERATOR {Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.} |
Kerala PSC 2026 Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
Kerala PSC provides age relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved and special categories.
- Age relaxation is applicable only to the upper age limit, not the lower limit.
- Candidates belonging to multiple reserved categories can claim only one relaxation (the highest applicable).
- For SC/ST candidates, 5 years relaxation applies to the Kerala PSC 10th Level Exam upper age limit.
- All age relaxation certificates must be valid and issued by the competent authority.
This relaxation is added to the maximum age limit specified for each post. The relaxations are as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 5 years | Above upper age limit of the post |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 years | Above upper age limit of the post |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | Valid OBC certificate required |
| Widows | 5 years | Death certificate of spouse required |
| Physically Disabled (PwD) | 10 years | Disability certificate from Medical Board |
| Below Poverty Line (BPL) | 3 years | BPL certificate required |
| Other PwBD Candidates | 5 years | As per category-specific rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service period + 5 years | Period of defence service + unemployment period (max 5 years) |
| Candidates from Kerala State Service | Up to 50 years | For certain posts in Society category |
Kerala PSC Selection Process 2026
The selection process for all Kerala PSC levels generally follows a multi-stage approach:
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
Objective type (MCQ) written exam covering General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Kerala-specific topics, Mental Ability, and Language (Malayalam/English). Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes. Negative marking may apply.
Main Examination (Mains)
Candidates shortlisted from Prelims appear for the Main exam. Conducted online (OMR/CBT). More detailed and subject-specific. Score is considered for merit list.
Personal Interview / Viva Voce
Shortlisted candidates from the Main exam are called for interviews. Conducted by a KPSC panel. Tests communication skills, subject knowledge, and personality.
Physical / Medical Fitness Test
Mandatory for posts like Police Sub Inspector, Excise Inspector, Forest Guard, Fire Officer, etc. Physical standards are prescribed separately for each post.
Document Verification
Original documents including age proof, educational certificates, community certificate, nativity certificate, etc. must be produced for final selection.
Kerala PSC Exam Pattern 2026 – Duration & Details
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (Prelims); 2 hours (Mains for most posts)
- Total Marks: 100 (Prelims); varies for Mains
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — 1 mark each
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answers (for most exams)
- Medium: Malayalam / English / Kannada / Tamil as applicable
How to Apply for Kerala PSC Exam 2026 Online
All Kerala PSC applications are submitted online through the official website www.keralapsc.gov.in. Follow these steps:
- One Time Registration (OTR): Visit keralapsc.gov.in → Click “Login” → Register with your personal details (name, date of birth, address, photo, signature).
- Add Qualifications: Log into your profile → Add educational qualifications one by one, starting from 10th standard onwards.
- Add Language Details: Mention your mother tongue and other known languages on the profile homepage.
- Apply for Notification: Browse current notifications → Select the desired post → Verify eligibility → Click ‘Apply Now’.
- Fill Application Form: Provide present employment details, preferences (PH, Sports, Army quota), and any work experience in the application form.
- Submit & Print: Submit the application before the deadline. Download the confirmation receipt for your records.
Documents Required for Verification
- SSLC Certificate (for age proof)
- Educational Certificates (as per post qualification)
- Nativity / Domicile Certificate issued by Tahsildar
- Community/Caste Certificate (if claiming reservation)
- Recent Passport-size Photographs
- Disability Certificate (for PwD candidates)
- Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
- BPL Certificate (if applicable)
Important Links
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Join Now!Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minimum Educational Qualification for Kerala PSC 10th Level Exams?
Candidates must have passed the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) or equivalent 10th standard examination from a recognized board to appear for the Kerala PSC 10th Level Exam. For some posts like Last Grade Servant, even 7th standard pass may be sufficient as per the specific notification
What is the Age Limit for Kerala PSC Degree Level Exams?
The age limit for Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam varies by post. Generally, the minimum age is 18–21 years and the maximum age ranges from 26 to 45 years depending on the post. For example, Sub Inspector of Police (Trainee) requires candidates to be between 20–26 years, while Divisional Accountant allows up to 36 years.
How much Age Relaxation do SC/ST Candidates get in Kerala PSC Exams 2026?
SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) candidates receive 5 years of relaxation in the upper age limit for Kerala PSC exams. OBC (Other Backward Class, Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years of relaxation. Physically Disabled (PwD) candidates receive the highest relaxation of 10 years.
Can Candidates from Outside Kerala Apply for Kerala PSC Exams 2026?
No. Kerala PSC eligibility requires candidates to be residents/domiciles of Kerala. You must produce a valid Nativity Certificate from the Tahsildar to prove Kerala domicile at the time of document verification. Candidates who are Indian citizens but not domiciled in Kerala are generally not eligible.
Is there a Limit on the Number of Attempts for Kerala PSC Exams?
No. Kerala PSC does not impose a limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can apply and appear for Kerala PSC exams as many times as they wish, as long as they meet all the eligibility criteria (age limit, educational qualification, etc.) specified in the notification.
What is One Time Registration (OTR) for Keraal PSC?
One Time Registration (OTR) is the official profile system on the Kerala PSC website (keralapsc.gov.in) where candidates register once with their personal and educational details. After OTR, candidates can apply to multiple notifications without re-entering their basic information each time. It’s mandatory to complete OTR before applying for any Kerala PSC exam.
