KPSC KAS · Cutoff
KPSC KAS Cutoff 2026 — expected score & rank bands
What does your score in Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) Prelims actually get you? These bands map a mock/exam percentage to the rank window and outcomes that score range has typically achieved.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns — indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
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Category-wise expected cutoff (indicative)
| Category | Expected Cutoff (Indicative) |
|---|---|
| General | 240-260 marks (60-65%) |
| EWS | 230-250 marks (57.5-62.5%) |
| OBC (Cat-2A/2B) | 210-235 marks (52.5-58.75%) |
| SC (Cat-3A) | 180-210 marks (45-52.5%) |
| ST (Cat-3B) | 170-200 marks (42.5-50%) |
| PwD | 160-190 marks (40-47.5%) |
- Category differential: General cutoffs typically run 25-35 marks higher than OBC (Cat-2A), and 50-70 marks above SC/ST categories. Cat-2B (backward OBC) may see 5-10 marks relaxation from Cat-2A.
- Year-on-year shifts: Cutoffs fluctuate ±10-15 marks based on paper difficulty, vacancy count, and candidate strength. Karnataka's reservation matrix (progressive categories Cat-2A/2B/3A/3B) creates finer gradations than Union pattern.
- Safe zone strategy: Target 65%+ (General), 58%+ (OBC), 50%+ (SC/ST) to account for normalization and competition intensity. Mains seat allocation heavily influences Prelims threshold annually.
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Extraordinary — State topper range
95–100%
- Potential state topper in Prelims (top 10-50 candidates)
- Deputy Commissioner posting — probable if Mains rank maintained in top 20
- Karnataka Administrative Service (Group A) — choice of department and posting
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (KPS) — Bangalore City premium units
- Fast-track career progression — typically reach Additional DC within 8-10 years
- Interview stage highly likely with excellent overall rank prospects
Outstanding — Top 100 contenders
88–95%
- Exceptional performance (approximately top 50-150 candidates statewide)
- Deputy Commissioner (IAS feeder cadre) — if Mains performance matches
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (KPS) — guaranteed with premium postings
- Assistant Commissioner (Group A) — Bangalore Secretariat direct posting likely
- Senior scale positions consideration — accelerated promotion track
- Strong candidate for overall KAS rank list top 50
Exceptional — Top 200 range
80–88%
- Outstanding Prelims score (approximately top 150-300 candidates)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (KPS cadre) — highly likely with choice postings
- Assistant Commissioner with accelerated career track — Bangalore, Mysuru urban circles
- Deputy Commissioner prospects post-Mains — if overall performance maintained
- Assistant Controller of Examinations — Karnataka Examinations Authority
- Nearly guaranteed Mains qualification with excellent rank
High scorers — Prime positions
72–80%
- Top tier Prelims performance (typically top 500-800 candidates)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (preferred districts) — Bangalore City, Mysuru, Mangalore
- Assistant Commissioner (metro postings) — BBMP jurisdiction, Bangalore revenue divisions
- Registrar of Co-operative Societies — Department of Co-operation, pay level 11
- Assistant Director (Minority Welfare) — Bangalore posted, pay level 10
- Strong foundation for Mains top ranks and interview
Competitive — Top cadre prospects
62–72%
- Strong Prelims performance, comfortable Mains entry
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) — Karnataka Police Service (KPS), pay level 11
- Assistant Commissioner (preferred postings) — Bangalore Urban, Mysuru districts
- Commercial Tax Officer (Choice postings) — Bangalore divisions
- Assistant Controller (Legal Metrology) — Group A, pay level 10
- District backward classes welfare officer — Social Welfare Department
General category cut-off zone
50–62%
- Likely to clear Prelims in General category
- Assistant Commissioner (Probationary) — Karnataka Administrative Service, pay level 10
- Commercial Tax Officer — Department of Commercial Taxes, Group A
- Assistant Director (various departments) — Information, Horticulture, Fisheries
- Section Officer (Secretariat) — Karnataka State Secretariat Service
- Mains preparation critical for final selection
Borderline — Reserved categories
35–50%
- May qualify under SC/ST/OBC categories (cut-offs typically 35-45%)
- Karnataka Gazette Group-B posts possible
- Assistant Commissioner positions in reserved quota
- Commercial Tax Officer (reserved categories) — Group B, pay level 10
- Needs significant improvement for Mains clearing
Below cut-off range
0–35%
- Unlikely to qualify for Mains examination
- Score typically below general category cut-off (~40-45%)
- Recommend strengthening fundamentals in Karnataka history, geography, and current affairs
- Focus on NCERT basics and previous year papers
Where would YOUR score land?
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