JKPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The JKPSC conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), commonly referred to as the JKAS exam. Its syllabus closely mirrors that of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which is why many UPSC aspirants also fare well in this exam. The selection process unfolds in three stages:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
This stage has two objective-type (MCQ) papers, each carrying 200 marks, set in English. The second paper (CSAT) is only qualifying in nature, requiring a minimum score of 33%. Passing this stage is a prerequisite for appearing in the Mains.
Stage 2 – Main Examination
The Mains consists of eight descriptive (essay-type) papers. Of these, seven papers contribute to the final merit, while the English paper is purely qualifying, requiring at least 25% (75 out of 300 marks). The remaining papers and their marks are as follows:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | GS I – Culture, History & Geography | 250 |
| Paper III | GS II – Polity, Governance & IR | 250 |
| Paper IV | GS III – Economy, Environment & Technology | 250 |
| Paper V | GS IV – Ethics & Aptitude | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Paper 2 | 250 |
| Written Total | 1750 |
Stage 3 – Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who clear the written stage are called for an interview carrying 250 marks (no minimum required). The number of interviewees is capped at three times the available vacancies. The final merit is based on combined written and interview scores, making the grand total 2000 marks.
Eligibility
Candidates must be domiciles of the Union Territory of J&K and hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian or equivalent foreign university.
Age Limits
- General/Open Merit: up to 32 years
- Reserved categories & in-service candidates: up to 34 years
- Physically challenged candidates: up to 35 years
Number of Attempts
General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts. Candidates from RBA, OBC, and ALC/IB categories get 9 attempts, while SC/ST candidates face no attempt limit. Physically challenged candidates from the general category are also entitled to 9 attempts. Notably, simply appearing in even one paper of the Preliminary Exam counts as one attempt.
JKAS Preliminary Examination – Syllabus
Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)
This paper covers the following topics:
- Current events of national and international significance
- Indian history and the freedom movement
- Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world
- Indian polity and governance, including the Constitution, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and rights-related issues
- Economic and social development, covering areas like poverty, sustainability, demographics, and social sector programs
- Environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change (no subject specialization required)
- General Science
Note: Questions specific to Jammu & Kashmir may also appear in this paper.
Paper II – CSAT (200 Marks) | Qualifying (Minimum 33%)
This paper tests the following aptitude areas:
- Reading comprehension
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
Appearing in both papers is compulsory. Absence from either paper will result in disqualification.
Trend Analysis – General Studies Paper I (2018–2023)
| Subject | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2018 |
| Ancient Indian History | 6 | 7 | 3 | 6 |
| Medieval Indian History | 10 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Modern Indian History | 6 | 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Indian Polity | 19 | 17 | 11 | 11 |
| World Geography | 16 | 13 | 9 | 11 |
| Indian Geography | 6 | 4 | 7 | 10 |
| Environment & Ecology | 8 | 7 | 17 | 4 |
| Indian Economy | 10 | 17 | 17 | 16 |
| Science & Technology | 16 | 17 | 12 | 7 |
| Jammu & Kashmir Special | – | – | 2 | 5 |
| Current Affairs | 3 | 9 | 9 | 17 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Trend Analysis – General Studies Paper II / CSAT (2018–2023)
| Subject | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2018* |
| Comprehension | 40 | 50 | 45 | 8 |
| Interpersonal & Communication Skills | – | – | 15 | – |
| Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability | 32 | 28 | 28 | 40 |
| Decision Making & Problem Solving | – | – | 2 | 1 |
| General Mental Ability | 7 | 5 | 5 | 18 |
| Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation | 7 | 5 | 5 | 18 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 100 | 80 |
JKAS Main Examination – Syllabus
Qualifying Paper – English (300 Marks | Minimum 25% / 75 Marks)
This paper assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend serious prose and express ideas clearly. It covers reading comprehension, précis writing, vocabulary and usage, and short essay writing. It is set at matriculation level and is qualifying in nature – marks do not count toward the final ranking.
Paper I – Essay (250 Marks)
Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics. They are expected to stay focused on the subject, organize their thoughts logically, and write concisely. Credit is awarded for clarity and precision of expression.
Paper II – General Studies I (250 Marks) Indian Heritage, Culture, History & Geography
- Salient aspects of Indian art, literature, and architecture across all periods
- Modern Indian history from the mid-18th century onward and key events, personalities, and issues
- The freedom struggle and its phases and contributions from across the country
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization of India
- World history from the 18th century and Industrial Revolution, World Wars, colonization, decolonization, and political ideologies like communism, capitalism, and socialism
- Key features of Indian society and its diversity
- Women’s issues, population, poverty, urbanization, and effects of globalization on Indian society
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism
- Physical geography of the world
- Distribution of natural resources globally; factors influencing industrial location
- Major geophysical events like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions; changes in geographical features and their impact
Paper III – General Studies II (250 Marks) Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations
- Indian Constitution and its evolution, features, amendments, and basic structure
- Union-State relations, federalism, devolution of power and finances to local bodies
- Separation of powers and dispute resolution mechanisms
- Comparison of India’s constitutional framework with other countries
- Parliament and state legislatures – structure, functioning, and privileges
- Executive and judiciary and their organization and functioning; role of pressure groups
- Representation of the People’s Act
- Constitutional bodies, statutory and regulatory bodies, and quasi-judicial institutions
- Government policies and their implementation across sectors
- Role of NGOs, SHGs, and other stakeholders in development
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; laws and institutions protecting them
- Governance issues in health, education, and human resources
- Poverty and hunger-related concerns
- Transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizens’ charters, and the role of civil services
- India’s relations with its neighbors; bilateral, regional, and global groupings
- Impact of foreign policies on India; Indian diaspora
- Major international institutions and their mandates
Paper IV – General Studies III (250 Marks) Technology, Economy, Environment, Security & Disaster Management
- Indian economy and planning, resource mobilization, growth, employment, and development
- Inclusive growth and related challenges
- Government budgeting
- Agriculture and cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, transport, marketing, and use of technology
- Farm subsidies, MSP, public distribution system, food security, and animal husbandry economics
- Food processing industry and scope, supply chain, and related requirements
- Land reforms in India
- Liberalization, industrial policy changes, and their economic effects
- Infrastructure and energy, ports, roads, airports, and railways
- Investment models
- Science and technology developments and their everyday applications
- Indian achievements in science and technology; indigenous technology development
- IT, space, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and intellectual property rights
- Environmental conservation, pollution, degradation, and impact assessment
- Disaster management
- Internal security – extremism, cyber threats, money laundering, media’s role, and border security
- Organized crime, terrorism, and security forces and their mandates
Paper V – General Studies IV (250 Marks) Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
This paper tests candidates’ attitudes toward integrity, public service ethics, and problem-solving through case studies. Topics include:
- Ethics and human behavior and its dimensions and role in public and private life; human values shaped by great leaders, family, and educational institutions
- Attitudes and their structure, influence on behavior, and social persuasion
- Foundational civil service values and integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy, and compassion
- Emotional intelligence and its application in governance
- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and around the world
- Ethics in public administration dilemmas, accountability, corporate governance, and ethical guidance
- Probity in governance – transparency, RTI, codes of conduct, work culture, and anti-corruption measures
- Case studies on the above themes
Optional Subjects (Choose Any One)
Candidates may choose from 25 subjects including Agriculture, History, Geography, Economics, Law, Mathematics, Public Administration, Sociology, and others. Alternatively, candidates may opt for literature in one of nine languages: Arabic, Dogri, English, Hindi, Kashmiri, Persian, Punjabi, Sanskrit, or Urdu.
Main Examination Trend Analysis (2018–2023)
GS Paper I
| Topic | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2018 |
| Indian Heritage & Culture | 6 (65) | 8 (100) | 5 (55) | 2 (20) |
| Historical Personalities & Events | 3 (40) | 2 (25) | 1 (15) | – |
| Modern India (Pre-Independence) | 2 (30) | 1 (10) | 1 (15) | 4 (50) |
| Modern India (Post-Independence) | – | – | – | 2 (20) |
| World History | – | – | – | 1 (10) |
| History Total | 135 | 135 | 135 | 135 |
| Physical Geography | 3 (35) | 3 (40) | 3 (30) | – |
| Natural Resources Distribution | 2 (25) | 1 (10) | 1 (15) | 2 (30) |
| Industrial Location Factors | 1 (15) | 1 (15) | 1 (15) | 1 (15) |
| Major Geophysical Events | 1 (10) | 2 (25) | 1 (15) | 2 (30) |
| Geographical Features | – | – | 1 (10) | – |
| Geography Total | 85 | 90 | 85 | 75 |
| Salient Features of Indian Society | – | 1 (10) | 1 (15) | 1 (10) |
| Women’s Issues | – | – | 1 (15) | – |
| Urbanization | 2 (30) | 1 (15) | 1 (10) | – |
| Population | – | – | 1 (15) | – |
| Globalization’s Impact | – | – | – | 2 (20) |
| Communalism/Regionalism/Secularism | – | – | 1 (15) | 2 (30) |
| Social Empowerment | – | – | 1 (10) | 1 (15) |
| Society Total | 30 | 25 | 80 | 75 |
GS Paper II
| Topic | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2018 |
| Important Aspects of Governance | – | 1 (10) | 1 (15) | 1 (10) |
| Civil Services | – | – | 4 (45) | 2 (30) |
| Government Policies | 2 (30) | 1 (10) | 3 (35) | 2 (25) |
| Development Process & Industry | 1 (10) | – | – | – |
| Governance Total | 40 | 20 | 95 | 65 |
| Indian Constitution | – | 2 (20) | 1 (10) | 2 (25) |
| Federal Structure & Local Govt. | 1 (15) | 1 (10) | – | 1 (10) |
| Constitution Total | 15 | 30 | 10 | 35 |
| Legislature & Representation | 1 (10) | – | 2 (25) | 2 (20) |
| Judiciary | 1 (10) | 1 (10) | – | 1 (10) |
| Constitutional/Statutory Bodies | 3 (35) | – | 1 (10) | – |
| Polity Total | 55 | 10 | 35 | 30 |
| Welfare Schemes | 1 (10) | – | – | 1 (15) |
| Poverty & Hunger | – | – | – | 2 (30) |
| Social Justice Total | 10 | – | – | 45 |
| India & Neighbours | 1 (10) | 1 (10) | 2 (25) | 1 (15) |
| Bilateral/Regional/Global Groups | 8 (105) | 13 (180) | 6 (85) | 4 (50) |
| International Institutions | 1 (15) | – | – | 1 (10) |
| International Relations Total | 130 | 190 | 110 | 75 |
GS Paper III
| Topic | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2018 |
| Science & Technology Applications | 4 (50) | 4 (50) | 4 (55) | 2 (25) |
| Indian Achievements in S&T | 3 (35) | – | 1 (10) | – |
| S&T Total | 85 | 50 | 65 | 25 |
| Indian Economy Overview | 3 (40) | 5 (55) | 1 (15) | 3 (35) |
| Inclusive Growth | 3 (40) | – | – | 3 (40) |
| Government Budgeting | – | – | – | 1 (10) |
| Agriculture & Related Issues | 2 (20) | 1 (15) | – | – |
| Subsidies, MSP, PDS, Food Security | 1 (15) | 1 (10) | – | 1 (15) |
| Food Processing & Animal Husbandry | – | – | – | 1 (15) |
| Liberalization & Industrial Policy | 1 (10) | 2 (30) | 1 (10) | 1 (10) |
| Infrastructure | 1 (10) | – | 2 (25) | 1 (10) |
| Investment Models | – | – | 1 (15) | 2 (25) |
| Economy Total | 135 | 110 | 65 | 160 |
| Environment & Ecology | 2 (30) | 5 (60) | 4 (50) | – |
| Disaster Management | – | 1 (15) | 3 (40) | 1 (10) |
| Environment & Disaster Total | 30 | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| Internal Security & Cybersecurity | – | 1 (15) | 3 (30) | 1 (10) |
| Border Security & Organized Crime | – | – | – | 2 (30) |
| Security Forces & Mandates | – | – | – | 1 (15) |
| Security Total | – | 15 | 30 | 55 |
GS Paper IV – Ethics
| Topic | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2018 |
| Ethics & Human Interface | 3 (30) | 5 (50) | 4 (40) | 2 (20) |
| Attitude & Social Influence | 1 (10) | 2 (20) | 3 (30) | 3 (30) |
| Emotional Intelligence | 1 (10) | – | 2 (20) | 2 (20) |
| Moral Thinkers & Philosophers | 3 (30) | 1 (10) | 3 (30) | 1 (10) |
| Civil Service Values & Aptitude | 1 (10) | 1 (10) | – | – |
| Ethics in Public Administration | 1 (10) | 4 (40) | 1 (10) | 4 (40) |
| Probity in Governance | 3 (30) | – | – | 1 (10) |
| Case Studies | 6 (120) | 6 (120) | 6 (120) | 6 (120) |
| Total | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 |